OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the budget impact of incorporating the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) biomarker into the current preeclampsia screening strategy in Catalonia. The objective was to compare the costs between the traditional clinical practice and the enhanced screening method involving PlGF.

METHODS: A budget impact analysis was conducted to estimate the incidence of preeclampsia and differentiate costs based on gestational age at birth. The study assumed a one-year time horizon without discounting costs. A univariate sensitivity analysis was performed.

RESULTS: The target population was estimated at 56,344 pregnant women. The inclusion of PlGF in the screening process identified 8,452 high-risk pregnancies, compared to 7,437 identified through standard clinical practice, representing an additional 1,014 cases detected. This enhanced detection led to a reduction in preterm births before 34 weeks (85 with PlGF vs. 101 without) and between 34 and 37 weeks (299 with PlGF vs. 355 without). The total incremental cost for adding PlGF was €1,200,690.64. Despite higher costs associated with increased Aspirin (AAS) treatment (€102,940.49 with PlGF vs. €90,587.63 without), the overall healthcare costs were reduced. The costs for women with preterm births before 34 weeks decreased by €172,170.91, and those between 34 and 37 weeks by €356,765.20. Neonatal costs also decreased significantly, with savings of €209,274.80 for births before 34 weeks and €697,582.67 for those between 34 and 37 weeks. Overall, the inclusion of PlGF resulted in a net budget saving of €222,750.09.

CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of PlGF into the preeclampsia screening strategy in Catalonia would be associated with substantial cost savings primarily due to expected reduced complications and healthcare needs for both mothers and neonates. The analysis suggests that despite the initial costs of PlGF incorporation, the overall budget impact would be positive, highlighting the economic benefit of enhanced preeclampsia screening.