In this sub-set , it was found that method ological differences contributed to variation in utility values .
Direct methods often yielded higher scores than did indirect methods .
Within direct methods , there were no clear trends in head-to-head studies ( st and ard gamble [ SG ] vs time trade-off ) ; but general population respondents often provided lower scores than did patients with the disease when evaluating the same health states with SG methods .
When comparing indirect methods , the EQ-5D typically yielded higher values than the SF-6D , but also showed more sensitivity to differences in health states .
When selecting CVD utility values for an economic model , consideration of the utility elicitation method is important , as this review demonstrates that methodology of choice impacts utility values in CVD
AIMS Utility values inform estimates of the cost-effectiveness of treatment for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) , but values can vary depending on the method used .
The aim of this systematic literature review ( SLR ) was to explore how methods of elicitation impact utility values for CVD .
Efficacy of peritoneal ultrafiltration in the treatment of refractory congestive heart failure.
BACKGROUND Heart failure ( HF ) is a major health problem in developed countries . HF is a progressive , lethal disorder , even with adequate treatment . There exists a vicious circle in the pathophysiology of HF that perpetuates and magnifies the problem . Concomitant fluid accumulation may worsen the congestive HF , it is responsible for numerous hospitalizations and it is an important cause of mortality . In this situation , any means of fluid removal may aid in the management of these patients . The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of peritoneal dialysis ( PD ) in the treatment of refractory HF in terms of functional status , hospitalization and mortality . We also determined the improvement in health-related quality of life with the use of PD , and examined the economic consequences of its use . METHODS We conducted a single centre , prospect i ve , non-r and omized study involving patients showing symptoms and signs of congestive HF refractory to maximum tolerable drug treatment . All of them were treated with PD .  We analysed physical and biochemical determinations , functional status ( according to the NYHA classification ) and echocardiogram parameters . Also , to determine the efficacy of the technique we compared the perceived state of health ( measured by the EQ5D ) to PD patients respect to those reported with conservative therapies . Finally , we carried out a cost-utility evaluation measured by the incremental cost-utility ratio between these two options . RESULTS Seventeen patients ( 65 % men , 64 + /- 9 years ) were included in the study , and 12 were still undergoing PD treatment at the end of the follow-up period ( 15 + /- 9 months ) . All patients improved their NYHA functional status ( 65 % two classes ; the rest , one ; P < 0.001 ) , with an important improvement in their pulmonary artery systolic pressure ( 44 + /- 12 versus 27 + /- 9 mmHg ; P = 0.007 ) , but no changes in left ventricular ejection fraction . Hospitalization rates underwent a dramatic reduction ( from 62 + /- 16 to 11 + /- 5 days/patient/year ; P = 0.003 ) before and after PD treatment . PD treatment raised life expectancy of 82 % after 12 months of treatment , and 70 % and 56 % after 18 and 24 months , respectively , much better outcomes than those reported about conservative therapies , which only use diverse diuretic regimens . PD was associated with a higher perception state of health than the conservative therapy ( 0.6727 versus 0.4305 ; P < 0.01 ) . Finally , we found that PD is cost-effective compared with the conservative therapy . CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that congestive HF programmes should consider offering PD in hope of seeing better functional status , reduced morbidity and mortality , better quality of life as well as reduced health care costs
In this sub-set , it was found that method ological differences contributed to variation in utility values .
Direct methods often yielded higher scores than did indirect methods .
Within direct methods , there were no clear trends in head-to-head studies ( st and ard gamble [ SG ] vs time trade-off ) ; but general population respondents often provided lower scores than did patients with the disease when evaluating the same health states with SG methods .
When comparing indirect methods , the EQ-5D typically yielded higher values than the SF-6D , but also showed more sensitivity to differences in health states .
When selecting CVD utility values for an economic model , consideration of the utility elicitation method is important , as this review demonstrates that methodology of choice impacts utility values in CVD
AIMS Utility values inform estimates of the cost-effectiveness of treatment for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) , but values can vary depending on the method used .
The aim of this systematic literature review ( SLR ) was to explore how methods of elicitation impact utility values for CVD .