Early-stage cost-utility analysis of novel diagnostic tests for giant cell arteritis: a modelling study in UK secondary care.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To identify the key characteristics required for hypothetical diagnostic tests to be cost-effective for diagnosing giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Design

Combined decision tree and Markov cohort state-transition models were used to evaluate the cost-utility of new diagnostic tests compared with the standard pathways of biopsy and clinical judgement, with and without ultrasound. Input parameters were derived from secondary data and expert opinions. The analysis adopted a lifetime horizon and the UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective, using a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Bivariate deterministic sensitivity analyses identified the maximum test price at varying diagnostic performance levels, and probabilistic sensiti

SUBMITTER: Yang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12625940 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature