The cost‐effectiveness of tranexamic acid for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is responsible for nearly one quarter of maternal deaths. A 2017 multicountry trial found that incorporating tranexamic acid (TXA) into the PPH management package was effective in reducing maternal death due to bleeding. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review studies assessing the cost‐effectiveness of tranexamic acid for PPH treatment. SEARCH STRATEGY: Nine databases were searched using variations of keywords ‘tranexamic acid’, ‘postpartum hemorrhage’ and ‘cost effectiveness’. SELECTION CRITERIA: Eligible studies were any type of economic or effectiveness evaluation studies on tranexamic acid for treating women with PPH. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently screened citations and extracted data on cost effectiveness measures. Quality was assessed using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list. MAIN RESULTS: Four studies were included, of which two were abstracts. Three studies concluded that early administration of TXA was cost‐saving or cost‐effective. One abstract reported TXA was not cost‐effective in the USA unless the probability of death due to hemorrhage is higher. CONCLUSION: Available evidence (four studies in three countries) suggests that this life‐saving intervention may be below willingness to pay thresholds (cost‐effective) or cost saving. Further studies conducted in different populations and settings are needed to inform health policy decision‐making to reduce PPH‐associated morbidity and mortality.