A 1-year review of anti-Ro/La autoantibody testing in an obstetric population

TL;DR

This study reviewed anti-Ro/La autoantibody testing in pregnant patients, finding it was mostly appropriate and helped reduce unnecessary care for those who tested negative.

Contribution

The study provides a cost-benefit analysis of anti-Ro/La testing in obstetrics and confirms adherence to clinical guidelines.

Findings

Only 2% of patients tested positive for anti-Ro/La autoantibodies.

Testing was clinically indicated in 55% of cases, showing some alignment with guidelines.

Economic benefits were observed by avoiding unnecessary antenatal monitoring for negative cases.

Abstract

To evaluate current anti-Ro and anti-La autoantibody ordering patterns, clinical indications for performing these tests, and potential cost–benefit analysis.

In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent autoantibody testing over 1 year were included. Necessary information was obtained from patient electronic records.

In total 47 patients underwent anti-Ro/La autoantibody testing. Of those tested, 11/47 (2%) had positive results and testing was clinically indicated in 26/47 (55%) patients, indicating minimal cost-benefits. The total rate of the cost prescription was €1644.96. The mean time to process tests was 5 days. In those with positive autoantibodies, two infants were diagnosed with congenital heart block and had pacemakers inserted after delivery.

This study found anti-Ro/La autoantibody tests were appropriately ordered in accordance with clinical guidelines. By identifying patients who were autoantibody negative, economic benefits were gained, in terms of antenatal management including reduced frequency of antenatal visits and fetal heart surveillance.