OBJECTIVES : To perform an economic evaluation of the use of nerve conduction measuring device (NC-sta® DPNCheck) for the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) by means of the measurement of neuromuscular signals compared to monofilament Semmes-Weinstein (MSW) and as gold standard nerve conduction studies (electromyography), from the perspective of the national health system in Mexico.

METHODS : A systematic review was performed, including transversal studies that evaluated the device for measurement of nerve conduction measuring device (NC - sta® DPNCheck) or MSW, considering as a gold standard electromyography. From the studies included on the systematic review we calculated a weighted sensitivity and specificity for nerve conduction measuring device (NC-sta® DPNCheck) (93.14% and 77.83%), and for MSW (59.32% and 80.21%). The sensitivity and specificity of the gold standard was considered to be 100%. With this information a cost effectiveness analysis was performed through a decision tree.

RESULTS : The results showed that the nerve conduction measuring device (NC-sta® DPNCheck) can get a larger number of cases detected in comparison with MSW (233 cases more) with an incremental cost of 2,019.69 USD. On the other hand, the comparison of the MSW vs electromyography showed that the last one can detect 274 more cases detected, but the cost per incremental efficacy is 2,032.77 USD.

CONCLUSIONS : The nerve conduction measuring device (NC-sta® DPNCheck) is the second most effective choice after the electromyography (gold standard), in terms of sensitivity, which in turn is more effective than MSW. None of the calculated ICER exceeds the cost effectivenes threshold. However, the investment is higher for the use of the electromyography vs MSW, than to electromyography compared with nerve conduction measuring device (NC-sta® DPNCheck).