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

Objective
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.

Design
Cost‐effectiveness analysis.

Setting
Eleven maternity units participating in the PARROT stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomised controlled trial.

Population
Women presenting with suspected pre‐eclampsia between 20+0 and 36+6 weeks’ gestation.

Methods
Monte Carlo simulation utilising resource use data and maternal adverse outcomes.

Main outcome measures
Cost per maternal adverse outcome prevented.

Results
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.

Conclusions
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.