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The cost-effectiveness of tranexamic acid for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: A systematic review
Aziz S, Rossiter S, Homer CSE, Wilson AN, Comrie-Thomson L, Scott N, Vogel JP
International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2021
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is responsible for nearly one quarter of maternal deaths. A 2017 multicountry trial found that incorporating tranexamic acid (TXA) into the PPH management package was effective in reducing maternal death due to bleeding. OBJECTIVE To systematically review studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of tranexamic acid for PPH treatment. SEARCH STRATEGY Nine databases were searched using variations of keywords 'tranexamic acid', 'postpartum hemorrhage' and 'cost effectiveness'. SELECTION CRITERIA Eligible studies were any type of economic or effectiveness evaluation studies on tranexamic acid for treating women with PPH. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently screened citations and extracted data on cost effectiveness measures. Quality was assessed using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list. MAIN RESULTS Four studies were included, of which two were abstracts. Three studies concluded that early administration of TXA was cost-saving or cost-effective. One abstract reported TXA was not cost-effective in the USA unless the probability of death due to hemorrhage is higher. CONCLUSION Available evidence (four studies in three countries) suggests that this life-saving intervention may be below willingness to pay thresholds (cost-effective) or cost saving. Further studies conducted in different populations and settings are needed to inform health policy decision-making to reduce PPH-associated morbidity and mortality.
PICO Summary
Population
Women with post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), (4 studies).
Intervention
Systematic review assessing the cost-effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) for PPH treatment.
Comparison
Outcome
Three studies concluded that early administration of TXA was cost-saving or cost-effective. One abstract reported TXA was not cost-effective in the USA unless the probability of death due to haemorrhage was higher.
2.
Uterotonic Drugs for the Prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Pickering K, Gallos ID, Williams H, Price MJ, Merriel A, Lissauer D, Tobias A, Hofmeyr GJ, Coomarasamy A, Roberts TE
PharmacoEconomics - open. 2018
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to estimate the relative cost effectiveness for the full range of uterotonic drugs available for preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). METHODS A model-based economic evaluation was constructed using effectiveness data from a network meta-analysis, and supplemented by the literature. A UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective was adopted for the analysis, which is based on UK costs from published sources. The primary outcome measure is cost per case of PPH avoided (≥ 500 mL blood loss), with secondary outcome measures of cost per case of severe PPH avoided (≥ 1000 mL) and cost per major outcome (surgery) averted also being analysed. RESULTS Carbetocin is shown to be the most effective strategy. Excluding adverse events, 'ergometrine plus oxytocin' was shown to be the least costly strategy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for prevention of PPH with carbetocin compared with prevention with 'ergometrine plus oxytocin' was pound1889 per case of PPH ≥ 500 mL avoided; pound30,013 per case of PPH ≥ 1000 mL avoided; and pound1,172,378 per major outcome averted. Including adverse events in the analysis showed oxytocin to be the least costly strategy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for prevention of PPH with carbetocin compared with prevention with oxytocin was pound928 per case of PPH ≥ 500 mL avoided; pound22,900 per case of PPH ≥ 1000 mL avoided; and pound894,514 per major outcome averted. CONCLUSION The results suggest carbetocin, oxytocin and 'ergometrine plus oxytocin' could all be favourable options for being the most cost-effective strategy for preventing PPH. Carbetocin could be the preferred choice, especially if the price of carbetocin decreased. Mixed findings mean a clear-cut conclusion cannot be made as to which uterotonic is the most cost effective. Future research should focus on collecting more robust evidence on the probability of having adverse events from the uterotonic drugs, and on adapting the model for low- and middle-income countries.
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Carbetocin versus oxytocin for prevention of post-partum haemorrhage at caesarean section in the United Kingdom: an economic impact analysis
van der Nelson HA, Draycott T, Siassakos D, Yau CW, Hatswell AJ
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 2017;210:286-291.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the economic impact of the introduction of carbetocin for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) at caesarean section, compared to oxytocin. STUDY DESIGN The model is a decision tree conducted from a UK National Health Service perspective. 1500 caesarean sections (both elective and emergency) were modelled over a 12 month period. Efficacy data was taken from a published Cochrane meta-analysis, and costs from NHS Reference costs, the British National Formulary and the NHS electronic Medicines Information Tool. A combination of hospital audit data and expert input from an advisory board of clinicians was used to inform resource use estimates. The main outcome measures were the incidence of PPH and total cost over a one year time horizon, as a result of using carbetocin compared to oxytocin for prevention of PPH at caesarean section. RESULTS The use of carbetocin compared to oxytocin for prevention of PPH at caesarean section was associated with a reduction of 30 (88 vs 58) PPH events (>500ml blood loss), and a cost saving of pound27,518. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, carbetocin had a 91.5% probability of producing better outcomes, and a 69.4% chance of being dominant (both cheaper and more effective) compared to oxytocin. CONCLUSION At list price, the introduction of carbetocin appears to provide improved clinical outcomes along with cost savings, though this is subject to uncertainty regarding the underlying data in efficacy, resource use, and cost.
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Pharmacoeconomic study comparing carbetocin with oxytocin for the prevention of hemorrhage following cesarean delivery in Lima, Peru
Caceda SI, Ramos RR, Saborido CM
Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research. 2017;7((1):):49-55
Abstract
Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the main causes of maternal death. Oxytocin has traditionally been used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. AIM: To compare oxytocin with carbetocin, a long-acting analog of oxytocin, for prevention of uterine hemorrhage after cesarean delivery. MATERIALS & METHODS Clinical data were retrieved from the 2012 Cochrane meta-analysis "Carbetocin for preventing postpartum hemorrhage". A decision tree was constructed. The direct costs were those of medications from the Peruvian official price list (DIGEMID). Costs associated with additional oxytocic drugs, blood transfusions, postpartum hemorrhage kits and hysterectomy were obtained from Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins. The perspective of the study was that of the payer. The time horizon for calculating quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was 1 year (2015). RESULTS Patients who received carbetocin required fewer additional uterotonic agents, had fewer hemorrhages and received fewer blood transfusions. Therefore, the costs associated with these interventions were lower. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was S/. 49,918 per QALY gained, which is lower than the threshold we estimated for Peru. CONCLUSION Carbetocin is more cost-effective than oxytocin for prevention of uterine hemorrhage after cesarean delivery.
