Key result
Cerebrolysin add-on proves cost-effective for global outcomes in ~80% of moderate traumatic brain injury patients.
Why the study?
Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death and long-term disability, and while Cerebrolysin has shown positive effects among survivors, its cost-effectiveness required evaluation.
Is Cerebrolysin cost-effective compared to placebo for neurorecovery in patients with moderate traumatic brain injury?
Is Cerebrolysin cost-effective compared to placebo for neurorecovery in patients with moderate traumatic brain injury?
Effect estimate: 63,944 RON (12,966 EUR) per QALY
Cerebrolysin is likely a cost-effective add-on treatment for neurorecovery in patients with moderate traumatic brain injury when assuming a 12-month treatment effect.
Should not yet change practice in moderate TBI; leaves open cost-effectiveness pending randomized confirmation.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, with incidence and injury mechanisms varying by age group and region. Impairment of functional status, diagnoses of anxiety and depression are encountered post-TBI. Studies have shown that Cerebrolysin can have positive effects among TBI survivors. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) among patients with moderate TBI, using data from the CAPTAIN II trial. This exercise was carried out on a three-month timeline from the provider's perspective. Two models were incorporated in the CEA: control (placebo group) and treatment (Cerebrolysin group). Our analysis showed that Cerebrolysin had a high probability of being cost-effective, based on Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) (in over 80% of patients with moderate TBI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) Depression and Anxiety scores (for the former two, in over 95% of patients with moderate TBI), when assuming a lasting effect (12 months) of the CAPTAIN trial intervention protocol. A model-based approach is needed to account for potential sources of bias beyond the 90-day observation period of this clinical trial. Furthermore, economic evaluations incorporating patients diagnosed with all TBI severities are needed.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Grad et al. (2025) studied Moderate traumatic brain injury (n=109). Cerebrolysin vs. Placebo was evaluated on Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per QALY (63,944 RON (12,966 EUR) per QALY). Cerebrolysin add-on treatment was cost-effective in over 80% of patients with moderate traumatic brain injury for global outcome and over 95% for anxiety and depression.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: