The Cost-Effectiveness of Low-Dose Aspirin for Preventing Preterm Birth: A Promising Prospect

Preterm birth poses significant risks to both maternal and neonatal health, with limited preventive strategies available, often requiring substantial resources. In 2020, the ASPIRIN trial demonstrated the efficacy of low-dose aspirin (LDA) in preventing preterm birth among nulliparous, singleton pregnancies. A recent study, thus, sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LDA therapy in low-income and middle-income countries.

The study compared the benefits and costs of LDA treatment versus standard care, utilizing primary data and published findings from the ASPIRIN trial. Adopting a healthcare sector perspective, the analysis considered the costs and effects associated with LDA treatment, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal healthcare utilization.

The study found that-

• LDA treatment prevented 141 preterm births, 74 perinatal deaths, and 31 hospitalizations per 10,000 pregnancies. 
• The reduction in hospitalizations resulted in a cost of $248 per averted preterm birth, $471 per averted perinatal death, and $15.95 per disability-adjusted life year.

These findings highlight the potential of LDA treatment as a cost-effective intervention for reducing preterm birth and perinatal mortality in nulliparous, singleton pregnancies. The low cost per disability-adjusted life year averted strengthens the evidence supporting the prioritization of LDA implementation within publicly funded healthcare systems in low-income and middle-income countries.

By providing an affordable and effective intervention, LDA offers a promising approach to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Prioritizing the implementation of LDA within publicly funded healthcare systems can contribute to substantial reductions in preterm birth rates, fostering healthier pregnancies and brighter futures for mothers and their babies.

Patterson JK, Neuwahl S, Goco N, et al. Cost-effectiveness of low-dose aspirin for the prevention of preterm birth: a prospective study of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research. The Lancet. 2023;11(3): E436-E444. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00548-4