Preventive strategies for group B streptococcal and other bacterial infections in early infancy: cost effectiveness and value of information analyses

Preventive strategies for group B streptococcal and other bacterial infections in early infancy: cost effectiveness and value of information analyses

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Article ID: iaor20083927
Country: United Kingdom
Volume: 335
Issue: 7621
Start Page Number: 655
Publication Date: Sep 2007
Journal: British Medical Journal
Authors: , , , , , , ,
Keywords: cost benefit analysis
Abstract:

Objective – To determine the cost effectiveness of strategies for preventing neonatal infection with group B streptococci and other bacteria in the UK and the value of further information from research. Results – Current best practice (to treat only high risk women without prior testing for infection) and universal testing by culture or polymerase chain reaction were not cost effective options. Immediate extension of current best practice to treat all women with preterm and high risk term deliveries without testing (11% treated) would result in substantial net benefits. Currently, addition of culture testing for low risk term women, while treating all preterm and high risk term women, would be the most cost effective option (21% treated). If available in the future, vaccination combined with treating all preterm and high risk term women and no testing for low risk women would probably be marginally more cost effective and would limit antibiotic exposure to 11% of women. The value of information is highest (£67m) if vaccination is included as an option. Conclusions – Extension of current best practice to treat all women with preterm and high risk term deliveries is readily achievable and would be beneficial. The choice between adding culture testing for low risk women or vaccination for all should be informed by further research. Trials to evaluate vaccine efficacy should be prioritised.

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