Authors' objectives: The purpose of this report is to investigate whether PFO closure is an effective and cost-effective alternative to medical treatment.

Authors' results and conclusions: We identified 18 potentially relevant studies, of which 13 were systematic reviews. 11 of these 13 compared PFO closure with medical treatment, but did not distinguish between type of drug in the comparator. Two studies report separate efficacy estimates for comparison with platelet inhibitors and anticoagulation, one of which had a higher number of participants and a recent literature search. The chosen systematic overview indicates that PFO closure in patients under the age of 60 with stroke reduces the risk of new stroke compared to platelet inhibition (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04-0.27, moderate quality of documentation). Compared with anticoagulation treatment, the effect of PFO closure on stroke is more uncertain (OR: 0.44. 95% CI: 0.08-3.83, low quality of documentation). However, PFO closure is likely to result in fewer serious bleedings than anticoagulant treatment. PFO in persons with a previous stroke is calculated to provide an absolute shortfall of 14.8 years in good health (quality adjusted life years, QALYs) compared to the normal population. PFO closure leads to a large gain in the form of QALYs and cost savings over a lifetime perspective. As an alternative to treatment with platelet inhibitors, PFO closure has been estimated to give a 98% probability of being cost-effective alternative. Compared to anticoagulation, the health benefits and cost savings are less, but still large compared to other technologies. Compared to anticoagulation, PFO has an estimated probability of 80% to be a cost-effective alternative. The uncertainty in cost-effectiveness is less than the uncertainty in single outcomes of clinical efficacy, as both the effect of fewer ischemic strokes; fewer large bleeds and the effect of minor sequelae are here captured in a single, pooled estimate. Budget effect per year of PFO closure is likely to be approximately NOK 34 million. The estimate does not include any investment in increased capacity. PFO closure introduces patient and operator for ionizing radiation compared to medical treatment. The dose levels are comparable to other common cardiac procedures and will be eligible for PFO closure. A national introduction of PFO closure as a method will lead to the need for training as well as increased capacity for diagnostics and treatment. Conclusion: Compared to platelet inhibitors, PFO closure is clinically effective in preventing new strokes in patients under the age of 60 with cryptogenic stroke and PFO. Compared to anticoagulation, the effect on the prevention of new stroke is uncertain, however, PFO closure will probably lead to fewer cases of major bleedings. PFO closure is very likely a cost-effective alternative to drug treatment. The radiation effects are comparable to other cardiac procedures. The national introduction of PFO closure will implicate organisational consequences in the form of increased need for training, increased capacity for diagnostics and treatment. Organisational consequences should be considered to be investigated further by the Regional Health Authorities before implementation.

Authors' methods: The commission of this report contained a new systematic overview of the efficacy and safety of PFO closure compared to treatment with platelet inhibitors and anticoagulation. In line with our methods, we conducted a systematic search for other systematic reviews published in 2018. We chose the systematic overview with relevant comparator and which had the most participants and most recent literature search. We developed a health economic model in dialogue with clinical experts. The model is a Markov model with a lifetime perspective. Included in the model is the effect of measures on the outcomes of ischemic stroke and large bleeding. The model also includes a number of sequelae states defined based on the modified ranking scales (mRS). Input data for the model is based on published literature. Health effects and costs are discounted by 4%. The absolute shortfall for patients with PFO and a previous ischemic stroke receiving the current treatment is calculated as specified in the guidelines of the Norwegian Medicines Agency. The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority have carried out assessment of radiation effects of introduction. Possible organisational consequences are outlined based on assumptions and input from clinical experts. Cardiologists and neurologists in the clinical expert group have added their own paragraphs to the chapter on organisational consequences.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2019

URL for published report: https://www.fhi.no/en/publ/2019/Patent-foramen-ovale-closure-antiplatelet-therapy-or-anticoagulation-therapy-alone-for-management-of-cryptogenic-stroke/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Full HTA

Country: Norway

Organisation Name: Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Contact Address: P.O. Box 222 Skoyen, N-0123, Oslo