The current treatment protocol for Rh-negative pregnancies is the RhoGam injection. Researchers in Quebec recently published a study comparing four possible treatments for Rh-negative pregnancies in an attempt to find the most cost-effective means of treatment with good clinical outcome. The study was published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada.
A group of Rh-negative women were simulated using a computer program. The group was divided into four treatment protocols – anti-D immunoglobulin, fetal genotyping, determination of father’s Rh status and fetal genotyping/father’s Rh status.
Results: Researchers found the current treatment protocol to be the most cost- and clinically effective option. It was noted that if the cost of fetal genotyping were to be reduced to less than $140 per test, it could be considered cost- and clinically-effective.
Source: Duplantie J, Martinez Gonzales O, Bois A, Nshimyumukiza L, Gekas J, Bujold E, Morin V, Vallée M, Giguère Y, Gagné C, Rousseau F, Reinharz D. Cost-effectiveness of the management of rh-negative pregnant women. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2013 Aug;35(8):730-40.