An economic evaluation of single dose systemic methotrexate and laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy

Objective To compare the direct and indirect costs of single dose systemic methotrexate with laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Design A cost minimisation study undertaken alongside a randomised trial.

Setting Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in three hospitals in Auckland, New Zealand.

Participants Sixty-two women with an ectopic pregnancy randomised to treatment with either a single dose of methotrexate (50mg/m²) or laparoscopic surgery.

Main outcome measures Direct and indirect costs based on the results of the randomised trial.

Results Direct costs per case were significantly lower in the methotrexate group (mean $NZ 1470) than in the laparoscopy group (mean $NZ 3083) with a mean difference of $NZ 1613 (95% CI $NZ 1166 - $NZ 2061). These significant differences existed under a wide range of alternative assumptions about unit costs. The difference in direct costs in favour of methotrexate was greatest for women presenting with low pretreatment serum β-hCG concentrations. Mean indirect costs were also significantly lower in the methotrexate group (mean $NZ 1141) than in the laparoscopy group (mean $NZ 1899) with a mean difference of $NZ 758 (95% CI $NZ 277 - $NZ 1240). For women presenting with pretreatment serum β-hCG concentrations of over 1500 IU/L this difference in indirect costs is lost due to the prolonged follow up required and a higher rate of surgical intervention in women receiving methotrexate.

Conclusion This economic evaluation shows that treating suitable women with an ectopic pregnancy using systemic methotrexate therapy results in a significant reduction in direct costs. The indirect costs borne by the woman and her carers are only likely to be reduced in women with pretreatment serum β-hCG concentrations under 1500 IU/L.