Cost-effectiveness analysis of carbetocin versus oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage following vaginal birth in the United Kingdom

Aims: To assess the cost-effectiveness of carbetocin versus oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) following vaginal birth from the perspective of the UK National Health Service (NHS). Materials and methods: A decision tree model was designed to analyze the cost per PPH event avoided associated with utilizing carbetocin versus oxytocin for prophylactic treatment of PPH in women following vaginal birth from a UK perspective. It modelled the potential for women to require an additional uterotonic after prophylaxis, and to still experience a PPH event and receive associated treatment. Inpatient recovery and follow-up periods post-PPH were also included in the model. Costs associated with drug acquisition and administration, PPH management (i.e. additional staffing and possible operating theater and high dependency unit utilization), inpatient hospitalization, and follow-up visits were all considered. Adverse event management costs were not included. Resource utilization varied depending on the severity of the PPH event (as defined by the amount of blood lost). PPH events avoided were estimated. In an exploratory analysis, quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated as well. Results: In the deterministic base case, costs were £55 lower and PPH events were 0.0342 lower per woman with carbetocin use compared to oxytocin use. Across the cohort of 100 women the reduction in PPH events led to the largest cost savings (£4,233 saved) out of all cost categories, with total cost savings of £5,495. Carbetocin utilization amongst the entire cohort led to 3.42 avoided PPH events compared to oxytocin utilization, comprised of 3.03 fewer mild/moderate PPH events and 0.39 fewer severe PPH events. Carbetocin utilization led to 0.0001 additional QALYs per woman. Conclusion: Carbetocin utilization leads to lower prophylactic treatment costs and less PPH events versus oxytocin when utilized for the prevention of PPH following vaginal birth in the UK.