Abstract

Summary: The results of this study suggested that long-term treatment with strontium ranelate over 5 years is cost- effective compared to no treatment for postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Introduction: This study aims to estimate the cost- effectiveness of long-term strontium ranelate treatment for postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Methods: A validated Markov microsimulation model with a Belgian healthcare cost perspective was used to assess the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of strontium ranelate compared to no treatment, on a basis of calcium/vit D supplementation if needed. Analyses were performed for women aged 70, 75, and 80 years either with a bone mineral density T-score ≤ -2.5 SD or with prevalent vertebral fractures. The relative risk of fracture during therapy was derived from the Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis Study trial over 5 years of treatment. Parameter uncertainty was evaluated using both univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results: Strontium ranelate was cost-saving at the age of 80 years in both populations. For women with a T-score≤ -2.5 SD, the costs per QALY gained of strontium ranelate were respectively €15,096 and €6,913 at 70 and 75 years of age while these values were €23,426 and €9,698 for women with prevalent vertebral fractures. Sensitivity analyses showed that the results were robust over a wide range of assumptions.

Conclusion: This study suggested that, compared to no treatment, long-term strontium ranelate treatment is cost-effective for postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

DOI 10.1007/s00198-009-0924-z

Received 21 November 2008
Accepted 24 March 2009
Published online 7 April 2009