Analytical approach:
The analysis was based on an eight-week study, of all caesarean births, at a District General Hospital in Bolton, UK. An extended analysis was conducted for low-risk caesarean deliveries. The authors did not report the study perspective.
Effectiveness data:
The effectiveness data were from a clinical service evaluation of a change in health policy, from oxytocin to carbetocin, for the prevention of haemorrhage after delivery. Data were collected on 110 women, who underwent caesarean section and received carbetocin, and 55 matched women, who underwent caesarean section and received oxytocin, in the eight weeks before the introduction of carbetocin. The two groups were matched for age, parity, body mass index, gestation, and co-existent medical problems. A number of clinical outcomes were considered, including the frequency of haemorrhage, blood loss, and transfusion requirements.
Monetary benefit and utility valuations:
Not relevant.
Measure of benefit:
A number of measures of benefit were considered, including the frequency of haemorrhage, blood loss, and transfusion requirements.
Cost data:
The costs included staff time (from delivery to leaving the theatre, the time in recovery, and the time in the delivery suite), analgesic and antiemetic medications, and consumables (syringes, needles, etc), from the delivery of the baby until transfer to the postnatal ward.
Analysis of uncertainty:
There was no analysis of uncertainty.