Prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis: an economic analysis.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-shortening genetically transmitted disease in Denmark with a birth prevalence of 1 in 4700, resulting in 12-15 new cases of cystic fibroses annually. The aim of this study is to disclose the societal resource implications of introducing a population wide prenatal screening programme for cystic fibrosis in Denmark. The present analysis is limited to the monetary consequences of introducing a screening programme, where costs of screening are compared to the potential benefits measured in cost savings involved if births of CF patients are avoided. Screening costs in a Danish setting were estimated at DKK 2 771 262 ( pound sterlings 231 438) per aborted affected fetus in the first screening round, stabilising at DKK 1 864 594 ( pound sterlings 155 383) per aborted affected fetus at subsequent screening rounds. Comparing this figure with the estimated benefits of avoiding a CF case (DKK 2.1-4.4 million; pound sterlings 175 000-366 667) suggests that introducing a screening programme for cystic fibrosis will be net cost saving irrespective of the perspective of the analysis, assumptions on replacement children and method of estimating long-term production gains/losses.
Nielsen
Randi
R
Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Gyrd-Hansen
Dorte
D
D000029:Abortion, Legal / Q000191:economics; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017046:Cost Savings; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics*; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000191:economics; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000191:economics*