Cost-effectiveness of elective induction of labor at 41 weeks

January 01, 0001

Cost-effectiveness of elective induction of labor at 41 weeks

These US authors conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of elective induction of labor at 41 weeks in nulliparous women. A decision analytic model comparing induction of labor at 41 weeks vs expectant management with antenatal testing until 42 weeks in nulliparas was designed. Baseline assumptions were derived from the literature as well as from analysis of the National Birth Cohort dataset and included an intrauterine fetal demise rate of 0.12% in the 41st week and a cesarean rate of 27% in women induced at 41 weeks. One-way and multiway sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the robustness of the findings.

They found: "Compared with expectant management, induction of labor is cost-effective with an incremental cost of $10,945 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Induction of labor at 41 weeks also resulted in a lower rate of adverse obstetric outcomes, including neonatal demise, shoulder dystocia, meconium aspiration syndrome, and severe perineal lacerations."

The authors concluded: "Elective induction of labor at 41 weeks is cost-effective and improves outcomes."

However, it is not cost saving.


For the full abstract, click here.

Am J Obstet Gynecol 204:137e1-e9. © 2011 to Mosby, Inc.
Cost-effectiveness of elective induction of labor at 41 weeks in nulliparous women. Anjali J. Kaimal, Sarah E. Little, Anthony O. Odibo, et al.

Category: W. Pregnancy, Childbirth, Family Planning. Keywords: elective induction, induction of labor, postterm pregnancy, cost- effectiveness analysis, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 8 March 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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