Cost-effectiveness analysis in diagnosis of coronary artery disease: choice of laboratory markers.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnostic parameters in a clinical laboratory setting.

Design And Methods: The effectiveness of apolipoproteins, lipoproteins and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) supplementary to Framingham scoring data within a CAD risk assessment procedure was established in 221 CAD patients and 289 controls. The total costs of diagnostic procedures were calculated and incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was applied.

Results: A diagnostic strategy employing Framingham calculation followed by apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) had the lowest cost per additional successfully diagnosed patient than the same strategy followed by hs-CRP in the low (2.63 vs. 24.47 euros) and intermediate-risk groups (2.96 vs. 122.85 euros). In the high-risk group the diagnostic strategy employing apoA-I saved 9.14 euros in comparison to the strategy employing hs-CRP.

Conclusion: Cost-effectiveness analysis of different diagnostic markers results in improved identification of at-risk patients at a lower health cost for society.