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Managing severe gestational hypertension in Italy: a cost description
Carlo Lazzaro1,2,3, Giovanna Esposito4,5, Anna Cantarutti6,7
1Studio di Economia Sanitaria, Milan, Italy.
Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Gestational hypertension (GH) management in Italy primarily involves inpatient hospitalization, which is the main cost driver. Policymakers should consider outpatient programs for early GH identification and follow-up to potentially reduce costs.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Health Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Gestational hypertension (GH) affects approximately 5% of pregnancies globally.
- Severe GH necessitates inpatient management, representing a significant healthcare burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the model-based costs of managing severe gestational hypertension (GH) in Italy.
- To analyze healthcare resource utilization and costs from the Italian National Health Service (INHS) perspective.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological data from the Lombardy region were extrapolated to national estimates for 2024.
- Healthcare resources were identified, quantified, and valued using INHS tariffs for 2025.
- One-way and scenario sensitivity analyses were performed to assess result robustness.
Main Results:
- An estimated 1928 episodes of severe GH requiring hospitalization occurred in Italy in 2024.
- The average cost for managing a severe GH episode was €752.64.
- Inpatient hospitalization (€454.23) constituted the primary cost driver, accounting for 60.04% of total expenses.
Conclusions:
- Inpatient hospitalization is crucial and the main cost driver for severe GH management, consistent with international findings.
- Outpatient programs for early GH detection and monitoring are recommended for INHS policymakers.
- Implementing proactive outpatient strategies may optimize resource allocation and patient outcomes.
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