Table 4

Worst case scenario, with all inputs biased against the empiric MIC vs. FLU strategy

Input

Candidemia as % BSI

0.48

CK/CG as % candidemia

0.132

Candidemia attributable mortality

0.2

Candidemia mortality reduction if treated appropriately

0.35

Total duration of treatment with appropriate treatment (days)

14

Time to C&S results (days)

4

Time initial treatment following C&S results (days)

10

Time treatment following switch for C&S results (days)

14

Cost per day FLU ($)

$10

Cost per extra 400 mg loading day 1 in FLU gr

$10

Cost per day MIC ($)

$120

Age

80

Life expectancy

13

Relative risk of death

0.59

Time-trade off utility (QALY adjustment)

0.44

Age-specific annual healthcare costs in 2001 $US*

$20,558

Annual discount rate

0%

Outcome

Incremental lifetime cost per QALY

$72,318

*All costs inflated to 2008 $US using medical component of the consumer price index.

BSI = bloodstream infection; CG = Candida glabrata; CK = Candida krusei; C&S = culture and sensitivity; FLU = fluconazole; MIC = micafungin; QALY = quality-adjusted life year.

Zilberberg et al. Critical Care 2009 13:R94   doi:10.1186/cc7924