Filtering for the best policy: An economic evaluation of policy options for kidney replacement coverage in the Philippines.

Aim: Kidney failure patients in the Philippines have free choice on their kidney replacement therapy (KRT), with a majority choosing haemodialysis (HD) over peritoneal dialysis (PD) and transplantation despite the inadequate coverage of HD. Although national health insurance coverage is limited, KRT remains to be one of the top benefits pay-outs in the country. The study aims to identify the most cost-effective policy strategy for financing KRT in the Philippines, in the context of a universal healthcare policy.

Extraintestinal Manifestations in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Study Based on the ENEIDA Registry.

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may present extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) that affect the joints, skin, eyes, and hepatobiliary area, among others.

Aims: Our aim was to analyse the prevalence and characteristics of EIMs in patients with IBD and to identify the possible risk factors associated with the development of EIMs in the largest series published to date.

Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study including patients from the Spanish ENEIDA registry promoted by GETECCU.

Pilot Study Comparing the Efficacy, Safety, Convertibility, and Tacrolimus Trough Levels of Twice-Daily Tacrolimus (Prograf) to Once-Daily Tacrolimus (Advagraf) Among Standard-Risk Kidney Transplant Patients at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

Background: Recently, a once-daily formulation of tacrolimus (Advagraf) was released in the Philippines. Studies have shown that these 2 formulations are bioequivalent at a 1:1 conversion. This study aims to determine the efficacy, safety, convertibility, and tacrolimus trough level of once-daily tacrolimus at the end of 6 months post transplant.

Pilot study on the efficacy and safety of generic mycophenolate mofetil (Mycept) compared with Cellcept among incident low-risk primary kidney transplant recipients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy and safety of generic mycophenolate mofetil (Mycept) and determine the bioequivalence with Cellcept. This will provide patients an alternative cost-effective option that may improve compliance and long-term outcome.

Methods: This was a comparative study between 2 nonconcurrent matched groups on Mycept and Cellcept.

Safety and efficacy of generic cyclosporine arpimune in Filipino low-risk primary kidney transplant recipients.

Background: In the Philippines, maintenance of immunosuppression may not always be affordable, leading to acute rejection and graft loss. The availability of the generic cyclosporine Arpimune could be economically beneficial, but its safety and efficacy should be established.

Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 30 renal transplant patients who received Arpimune with mycophenolate/prednisone.

Incentives for organ donation: proposed standards for an internationally acceptable system.

Incentives for organ donation, currently prohibited in most countries, may increase donation and save lives. Discussion of incentives has focused on two areas: (1) whether or not there are ethical principles that justify the current prohibition and (2) whether incentives would do more good than harm. We herein address the second concern and propose for discussion standards and guidelines for an acceptable system of incentives for donation.