Summary
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is three-fold higher among FV Leiden (FVL) carriers receiving
oral contraceptives (OCPs) than in the general population. FVL screening, however,
is not routinely performed before prescribing OCP, and the cost-effectiveness of this
strategy is unknown. A decision tree model was constructed to evaluate FVL screening
and prophylactic anticoagulation (AC) strategies in female relatives of FVL carriers.
In the model, AC was low molecular weight heparin, given warfarin embryopathy risks.
VTE morbidity, mortality, and other clinical parameters were obtained from published
studies. Drug costs were based on average wholesale price, and counseling included
VTE risk with OCP use and FVL status. Outcomes included medical costs, effectiveness
measured as quality-adjusted-life-years (QALY), and the incremental cost-effectiveness
ratio (ICER) over 30 years, with cost and effectiveness discounted at 3%/year. FVL
screening and counselling without prophylactic AC cost less and was more effective
than no screening in this population, but was less effective than screening, counselling,and
prophylaxis during high-risk periods, which gained 0.083 QALY, for an ICER of $147/QALY
gained. Screening with counselling and long-term AC cost $3,536 with minimal QALY
gain and an ICER >$600,000/QALY. Screening, OCP counseling, and prophylactic AC during
high-risk periods was favoured and cost <$20,000/QALY, unless: (a) high-risk prophylaxis
cost >$4,231 (base $932), (b) long-term prophylaxis cost < $1199 (base $6,546), or
(c)VTE relative risk reduction with prophylaxis was <21% (base 90%).In conclusion,
screening, counselling and prophylactic AC during high-risk periods in female relatives
of FVL carriers is an economically favourable strategy.
Keywords
Cost effectiveness analysis - health economics - deep vein thrombosis - thrombophilia
- familial thrombosis - oral contraceptives