Cost-effectiveness of single-dose methotrexate compared with laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treatment with intramuscular (IM) methotrexate compared with fallopian tube-sparing laparoscopy for small unruptured ectopic pregnancy.

A decision-analytic model accounting for varying resolution rates, complication rates, and cost estimates was built to compare the use of methotrexate with laparoscopy. Meta-analysis results of studies identified by a MEDLINE search for IM methotrexate resolution rates and tube-sparing laparoscopy resolution rates were used in model estimation. A similar process was used to generate model complication rates. Data on associated resource use were derived from established clinical guidelines. Estimates of 1998 costs incurred by provider organizations were calculated using data from a large managed care organization.

The average methotrexate resolution rate among the studies included was 87% (range 75-90%). The average laparoscopy resolution rate was 91% (range 72-100%). Complication rates for methotrexate ranged from 0% to 22%, with an average of 10% for minor complications, and from 0% to 11% for serious complications, with an average of 7%. Complication rates for laparoscopy ranged from 0% to 8% for intraoperative complications, with an average of 2%, and from 0% to 15% for postoperative complications, with an average of 9%. Baseline model estimates indicated an average cost saving of more than $3000 per resolved ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate treatment compared with laparoscopy. Results of extensive sensitivity analyses supported the finding of a cost saving with methotrexate treatment.

Single-dose methotrexate is a cost-saving, nonsurgical, fallopian tube-sparing treatment for ectopic pregnancy.