Placental growth factor testing for suspected pre-eclampsia: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Abstract

To calculate the cost-effectiveness of implementing PlGF testing alongside a clinical management algorithm in maternity services in the UK, compared with current standard care. Cost-effectiveness analysis. Eleven maternity units participating in the PARROT stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial. Women presenting with suspected pre-eclampsia between 20⁺⁰ and 36⁺⁶  weeks' gestation. Monte Carlo simulation utilising resource use data and maternal adverse outcomes. Cost per maternal adverse outcome prevented. Clinical care with PlGF testing costs less than current standard practice and resulted in fewer maternal adverse outcomes. There is a total cost-saving of UK£149 per patient tested, when including the cost of the test. This represents a potential cost-saving of UK£2,891,196 each year across the NHS in England. Clinical care with PlGF testing is associated with the potential for cost-savings per participant tested when compared with current practice via a reduction in outpatient attendances, and improves maternal outcomes. This economic analysis supports a role for implementation of PlGF testing in antenatal services for the assessment of women with suspected pre-eclampsia. Placental growth factor testing for suspected pre-eclampsia is cost-saving and improves maternal outcomes.