Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Differences in continuous variables were presented as absolute differences with their corresponding 95% CI´s. Dichotomous data were compared with chi-square statistics. Alike cure rate differences in proportions were presented including 95% CI´s. For cost-calculations, arithmetic means of both study groups were compared. The uncertainty surrounding the cost-calculations was evaluated by means of standard bootstrap techniques. 27 Ultimately, the balance between costs and effects was compared for both strategies and incremental costs per therapy failure averted at 28 days were calculated. The uncertainty surrounding the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was again evaluated by means of bootstrapping.