An economic evaluation of atenolol vs. captopril in patients with Type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 54)

Abstract

Aims: To compare the net cost of a tight blood pressure control policy with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) or β blocker (atenolol) in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Design: A cost-effectiveness analysis based on outcomes and resources used in a randomized controlled trial and assumptions regarding the use of these therapies in a general practice setting. Setting: Twenty United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Hospital-based clinics in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Subjects: Hypertensive patients (n = 758) with Type 2 diabetes (mean age 56 years, mean blood pressure 159/94 mmHg), 400 of whom were allocated to the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor capt..