Economic evaluation of FENO measurement in diagnosis and 1-year management of asthma in Germany

SummaryObjectiveFractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a marker for airway inflammation in asthma. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of FENO measurement at a reimbursement price of €34 using NIOX MINO®, a portable non-invasive FENO monitor, in asthma diagnosis and management.MethodsTwo decision trees were constructed to capture the different alternatives and consequences in asthma diagnosis and management, comparing FENO measurement against standard diagnostics and treatment guidelines. The impact of asthma management with FENO measurement on resource use and health outcomes was evaluated over a 1-year timeframe. A German payer perspective was chosen. Effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life-years.ResultsAsthma diagnosis based on FENO measurement results in a cost of €38 per patient compared with €26 for standard diagnostics. In mild to severe patients, asthma management with FENO measurement instead of standard guidelines results in cost-savings of €30 per patient and year. In a more severe population, management with FENO measurement would save costs of €160 per patient.ConclusionAsthma diagnosis based on FENO measurement alone (exemplified with NIOX MINO) costs €12 more per patient than standard diagnostic methods, while offering improved accuracy. The use of FENO measurement in treatment decisions is less costly than asthma management based on standard guidelines and provides similar health benefits.