Enhancing the value of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for the prediction of preeclampsia: Cost analysis from the Belgian healthcare payers' perspective

Objective: To evaluate the economic impact of introducing the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio test into clinical practice in Belgium for the prediction of preeclampsia (PE). Study design: We developed a one-year time-horizon decision tree model to evaluate the short-term costs associated with the introduction of the sFlt-1/PlGF test for guiding the management of women with suspected PE from the Belgian public healthcare payers' perspective. The model estimated the costs associated with the diagnosis and management of PE in pregnant women managed in either a test scenario, in which the sFlt-1/PlGF test is used in addition to current clinical practice, or a no test scenario, in which clinical decisions are based on current practice alone. Test characteristics were derived from PROGNOSIS, a non-interventional study in women presenting with clinical suspicion of PE. Unit costs were obtained from Belgian-specific sources. The main model outcome was the total cost per patient. Results: Introduction of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test is expected to result in a cost saving of euro 712 per patient compared with the no test scenario. These savings are generated mainly due to a reduction in unnecessary hospitalizations. Conclusions: The sFlt-1/PlGF test is projected to result in substantial cost savings for the Belgian public healthcare payers through reduction of unnecessary hospitalization of women with clinical suspicion of PE that ultimately do not develop the condition. The test also has the potential to ensure that women at high risk of developing PE are identified and appropriately managed.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the economic impact of introducing the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test in clinical practice in Belgium for predicting preeclampsia, finding that the test can result in cost savings of approximately 712 euros per patient mainly due to a reduction in unnecessary hospitalizations. This represents a significant cost saving for the Belgian public healthcare payers.