A cost‐effectiveness analysis of using umbilical cord blood pH for the diagnosis and management of neonatal asphyxia in term high‐risk pregnancy

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2024-10, Vol.167 (1), p.281-286
• Main Authors: Winiyom, Patipan, Janyoungsak, Pornpimon, Narkwichean, Amarin, Khuancharee, Kitsarawut, Laosooksathit, Wipada
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cost‐effectiveness; high‐risk pregnancy; neonatal asphyxia; term
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15540

Objective The objective was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of using umbilical cord blood pH (UC‐pH) in combination with APGAR score for neonatal asphyxia, in terms of high‐risk pregnancies, compared to using the APGAR score only. Neonatal outcomes and the proportions of patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were evaluated. Methods A cost‐effectiveness ambispective analysis study was carried out, comparing (i) UC‐pH combined with APGAR score and (ii) APGAR score only in 399 term pregnancies with a high risk for neonatal asphyxia. Costs included implementation, medical, and admission costs. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated. The proportions of patients admitted to the NICU were evaluated. Results UC‐pH combined with APGAR score demonstrated a cost‐effective outcome (3990.64 USD vs 5545.11 USD) and an ICER shown as saving 103.66 USD compared to the APGAR score alone. The need for NICU admission was less in the umbilical cord blood collection group (18 vs 33 cases). Conclusion A combination of UC‐pH with APGAR score assessment for neonatal asphyxia in a high‐risk term pregnancy can effectively reduce costs and requirement for NICU admission. Synopsis Combination of cord blood pH with APGAR score for neonatal asphyxia assessment in a high‐risk term pregnancy can reduce costs and requirement for NICU admission.