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- Svensjö, Sverker, 1968-
(författare)
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening in Sweden
- 2014
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Ingår i: Gefässchirurgie. - : Springer Berlin/Heidelberg. - 0948-7034 .- 1434-3932. ; 19:6, s. 540-544
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A large body of evidence from four international randomised controlled trials (RCT) on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening indicate that ultrasound-based screening in elderly men with a high prevalence (4 %–7 %) reduces AAA-related mortality by 40 % through early AAA detection and increased preventive elective repair and subsequently halves rupture incidence. Coinciding with the planned launch of national AAA screening programs, a dramatic change in AAA epidemiology became evident: a lower AAA prevalence in the targeted population of men and falling mortality rates, most likely related to a drop in rates of smoking, and a paradoxical increase in elective AAA repairs. These changes have called AAA screening in today’s context into question. Sweden was the first country to provide national coverage with an AAA screening program targeting 65-year-old men. The scientifically evaluated screening initiative, started in 2006, reported the lower than expected prevalence (1.7 %) in 65-year-old men early on. Cost-effectiveness seems to be maintained despite the altered epidemiology, as shown in a health-economic study. The current prevalence of AAA among Swedish women is very low, and general population-based screening of women is likely to be futile, although targeted screening among female smokers should be evaluated. Sub-aneurysmal aortas detected at screening are likely to progress to a true AAA within 5 years, indicating a need for continued surveillance in this group. Differences in screening compliance seem to be linked to socio-economic factors. The aim of this topical review is to highlight AAA screening within a Swedish context and point to areas where information is lacking and further research is needed.
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| 2. |
- Svensjö, Sverker, 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in 65-Year-old Men Remains Cost-effective with Contemporary Epidemiology and Management
- 2014
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Ingår i: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1078-5884 .- 1532-2165. ; 47:4, s. 357-365
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesThe epidemiology and management of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) has changed significantly, with lower prevalence, increased longevity of patients, increased use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), and improved outcome. The clinical and health economic effectiveness of one-time screening of 65-year-old men was assessed within this context.MethodsOne-time ultrasound screening of 65-year-old men (invited) versus no screening (control) was analysed in a Markov model. Data on the natural course of AAA (risk of repair and rupture) was based on randomised controlled trials. Screening detected AAA prevalence (1.7%), surgical management (50% EVAR), repair outcome, costs, and long-term survival were based on contemporary population-based data. Incremental cost-efficiency ratios (ICER), absolute and relative risk reduction for death from AAA (ARR, RRR), numbers needed to screen (NNS), and life-years gained were calculated. Annual discounting was 3.5%.ResultsIn base case at 13-years follow-up the ICER was €14,706 per incremental quality-adjusted life-year (QALY); ARR was 15.1 per 10,000 invited, NNS was 530, and QALYs gained were 56.5 per 10,000 invited. RRR was 42% (from 0.36% in control to 0.21% in invited). In a lifetime analysis the ICER of screening decreased to €7,570/QALY. The parameters with highest impact on the cost-efficiency of screening in the sensitivity analysis were the prevalence of AAA (threshold value <0.5%) and degree of incidental detection in the control cohort.ConclusionsIn the face of recent changes in the management and epidemiology of AAA, screening men for AAA remains cost-effective and delivers significant clinical impact.
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