A cost-benefit analysis of a population screening programme for neural tube defects.
Population screening for neural tube defects is possible by measuring maternal serum alphafetoprotein levels with appropriate follow-up as required. British Columbia has approximately 39 000 births annually and the incidence of neural tube defects is 1.55 per 1000 births (0.94 per 1000 livebirths). Results from a cost-benefit analysis suggest that the outlined screening programme would be cost-beneficial for British Columbia. Other important factors essential to consider before instituting a population screening programme are discussed.
D001955:British Columbia; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000191:economics*