title: Cost effectiveness of ambulatory uterine activity monitoring.
abstract: A cost analysis is presented comparing 34 patients who received uterine activity monitoring versus 33 patients who attempted to detect uterine activity by palpation. All patients were at high risk for preterm delivery and were given the same educational information and prenatal care regarding signs and symptoms of preterm labor. The results revealed an increase in newborn days (640) and cost to those patients who were in the self-palpation group ($13,364) compared to monitored parturients (268 days and $8,633). The difference was attributed to neonatal morbidity from an increased number of preterm deliveries greater than 26 weeks but less than 37 weeks (P = 0.04). The increase in NICU days was significant (P = 0.03). No difference in normal newborn costs for infants delivered after greater than 33 weeks could be detected between the two groups, but morbidity was increased among control infants delivering between 34 and 36 weeks. Uterine activity monitoring to prevent preterm birth appears to be medically effective and reduces cost.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Hess
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Gookin
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Wiser
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010173:Palpation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012648:Self Care; D014590:Uterine Contraction