Document Detail


Elective cesarean section to prevent anal incontinence and brachial plexus injuries associated with macrosomia--a decision analysis.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  15647962     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Our aim was to determine the cost-effectiveness of a policy of elective C-section for macrosomic infants to prevent maternal anal incontinence, urinary incontinence, and newborn brachial plexus injuries. We used a decision analytic model to compare the standard of care with a policy whereby all primigravid patients in the United States would undergo an ultrasound at 39 weeks gestation, followed by an elective C-section for any fetus estimated at > or =4500 g. The following clinical consequences were considered crucial to the analysis: brachial plexus injury to the newborn; maternal anal and urinary incontinence; emergency hysterectomy; hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion; and maternal mortality. Our outcome measures included (1) number of brachial plexus injuries or cases of incontinence averted, (2) incremental monetary cost per 100,000 deliveries, (3) expected quality of life of the mother and her child, and (4) "quality-adjusted life years" (QALY) associated with the two policies. For every 100,000 deliveries, the policy of elective C-section resulted in 16.6 fewer permanent brachial plexus injuries, 185.7 fewer cases of anal incontinence, and cost savings of $3,211,000. Therefore, this policy would prevent one case of anal incontinence for every 539 elective C-sections performed. The expected quality of life associated with the elective C-section policy was also greater (quality of life score 0.923 vs 0.917 on a scale from 0.0 to 1.0 and 53.6 QALY vs 53.2). A policy whereby primigravid patients in the United States have a 39 week ultrasound-estimated fetal weight followed by C-section for any fetuses > or =4500 g appears cost effective. However, the monetary costs in our analysis were sensitive to the probability estimates of urinary incontinence following C-section and vaginal delivery and the cost estimates for urinary incontinence, vaginal delivery, and C-section.
Authors:
Patrick J Culligan; John A Myers; Roger P Goldberg; Linda Blackwell; Stephan F Gohmann; Troy D Abell
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2004-07-29
Journal Detail:
Title:  International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction     Volume:  16     ISSN:  -     ISO Abbreviation:  Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct     Publication Date:    2005 Jan-Feb
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2005-01-13     Completed Date:  2005-05-10     Revised Date:  2011-08-18    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9514583     Medline TA:  Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  19-28; discussion 28     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, 315 East Broadway M-18, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. culligan@mybladderMD.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Birth Weight
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / etiology*,  prevention & control*
Cesarean Section / economics*,  utilization*
Cost Savings
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Decision Trees*
Fecal Incontinence / economics,  etiology*,  prevention & control*
Female
Fetal Macrosomia*
Health Policy
Humans
Pregnancy
Quality of Life
Surgical Procedures, Elective*
Treatment Outcome

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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