Salima Azahaf

Ms. Salima Azahaf

KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
orcid
PhD researcher

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 February 2025 in eClinicalMedicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SASalima Azahaf
Salima Azahaf
KBKaat Beunen
Kaat Beunen
NWNancy Van Wilder
Nancy Van Wilder
DBDominique Ballaux
Dominique Ballaux
GVGerd Vanhaverbeke
Gerd Vanhaverbeke
Katrien BenhalimaKatrien Benhalima
Katrien Benhalima
A multicentre, randomised controlled trial (the CRISTAL trial), demonstrated the safety and efficacy of MiniMed™ 780G advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) therapy during pregnancy, showing improved glycaemic control overnight, less hypoglycaemia, and improved treatment satisfaction compared to standard insulin therapy (SoC, mainly open-loop insulin pump therapy). This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of AHCL, which has a higher initial cost, compared to SoC in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A decision tree model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of AHCL compared to SoC in pregnant women with T1D, covering pregnancy to birth and postpartum hospital discharge (a time horizon of 28 weeks). Total costs per strategy (in 2024 euros, €) were calculated from a healthcare payer perspective. The base-case analysis derived prevalence of pregnancy complications and hospitalisations directly related to diabetes management from the CRISTAL trial. Uncertainty was analysed by exploring multiple scenarios and sensitivity analyses. In the base-case analysis, the cost of using AHCL during pregnancy was estimated at €13,988.75 (95% CI: €12,240 to €16,062) compared to €14,221.33 (95% CI: €12,380 to €16,420) for SoC, indicating cost-savings of €232.57 per individual, alongside the demonstrated clinical benefits of AHCL. The primary cost driver was the AHCL device cost. This cost was offset by savings from shorter and less frequent hospital admissions (mainly due to severe hypoglycaemia and dysregulated diabetes) in the AHCL group compared to SoC. In our probabilistic sensitivity analysis, AHCL was dominant in 73% of the simulated cost-effectiveness pairs. AHCL might be cost-saving compared to SoC for pregnant women with T1D. However, more robust data are needed to assess the potential impact of AHCL therapy on pregnancy and long-term health outcomes. Diabetes Liga Research Fund and Medtronic.

7 November 2025 in Applied Health Economics and Health Policy
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
SASalima Azahaf
Salima Azahaf
EDErinn D’HUlster
Erinn D’HUlster
MGMargo Van Genechten
Margo Van Genechten
TDThaddee Ding
Thaddee Ding
TWTibo Wynant
Tibo Wynant
JVJan Y. Verbakel
Jan Y. Verbakel