Cost effectiveness of ambulatory uterine activity monitoring

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 > 26 weeks but < 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 > 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.