Cost analysis of care and blood transfusions in patients with Major Obstetric Haemorrhage in Ireland

Background and ObjectivesObstetric haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to estimate the economic cost of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage (MOH) and the cost of therapeutic blood components used in the management of MOH in Ireland.Materials and MethodsWe performed a nationwide cross-sectional study utilising top-down and bottom-up costing methods on women who experienced MOH during the years 2011-2013. Women with MOH were allocated to Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) based on the approach to MOH management (MOH group). The total number of blood components used for MOH treatment and the corresponding costs were recorded. A control group representative of a MOH-free maternity population was designed with predicted costs. All costs were expressed in Euro (<euro>) using 2022 prices and the incremental cost of MOH to maternity costs was calculated. Cost contributions are expressed as percentages from the estimated total cost.ResultsA total of 447 MOH cases were suitable for sorting into DRGs. The estimated total cost of managing women who experienced MOH is approximately <euro>3.2 million. The incremental cost of MOH is estimated as <euro>1.87 million. The estimated total cost of blood components used in MOH management was <euro>1.08 million and was based on an estimated total of 3997 products transfused. Red blood cell transfusions accounted for the highest contribution (20.22%) to MOH total cost estimates compared to other blood components.ConclusionsThe total cost of caring for women with MOH in Ireland was approximately <euro>3.2 million with blood component transfusions accounting for between one third and one half of the cost.