The cost-effectiveness of universal late-pregnancy screening for macrosomia in nulliparous women: a decision-analysis

Wastlund, David, Moraitis, Alexandros, Thornton, Jim, Sanders, Julia, White, Ian, Brocklehurst, Peter, Smith, Gordon C.S and Wilson, Edward ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8369-1577 (2019) The cost-effectiveness of universal late-pregnancy screening for macrosomia in nulliparous women: a decision-analysis. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 126 (10). pp. 1243-1250. ISSN 1470-0328

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Abstract

Objective: To identify the most cost-effective policy for detection and management of fetal macrosomia in late-stage pregnancy. Design: Health economic simulation model. Setting: All English NHS antenatal services. Population: Nulliparous women in the third trimester treated withing the English NHS. Methods: A health economic simulation model was used to compare long-term maternal-fetal health and cost outcomes for two detection strategies (universal ultrasound scanning at approximately 36 weeks gestational age versus selective ultrasound scanning), combined with three management strategies (planned caesarean section versus induction of labour versus expectant management) of suspected fetal macrosomia. Probabilities, costs and health outcomes were taken from literature. Main Outcome Measures: Expected costs to the NHS and Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained from each strategy, calculation of net benefit and hence identification of most cost-effective strategy. Results: Compared to selective ultrasound, universal ultrasound increased QALYs by 0.0038 (95% CI: 0.0012, 0.0076), but also costs by £123.5 (95% CI: 99.6, 149.9). Overall, the health gains were too small to justify the cost increase. The most cost-effective policy was selective ultrasound coupled with induction of labour where macrosomia was suspected. Conclusions: The most cost-effective policy for detection and management of fetal macrosomia is selective ultrasound scanning coupled with induction of labour for all suspected cases of macrosomia. Universal ultrasound scanning for macrosomia in late-stage pregnancy is not cost-effective.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2019 The Authors. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	adult,cost-benefit analysis,decision support techniques,england,female,diagnosis,health services research,humans,parity,patient selection,pregnancy,pregnancy trimester, third,economics,economics
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Economics Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023)
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	14 May 2019 11:30
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2022 22:32
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/70984
DOI:	10.1111/1471-0528.15809

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