title: [Newborn screening for galactosemia: a health economics evaluation].
abstract: This study assesses the efficiency of the galactosemia add-on test in neonatal screening performed on regular Guthrie card blood spots. Based on estimated average incidence of galactosemia (1:19,984 newborns) in São Paulo State, Brazil, the study develops a cost-benefit analysis model, using a B/C ratio and a 9.25% annual interest rate in order to decapitalize the results. Sensitivity analysis is also performed, varying (as a function of the interest or discount rate) from 0 and 20% and according to the 95% confidence interval (1:7,494-1:59,953 newborns). The results show that the savings obtained by improved health of galactosemic patients detected early by add-on neonatal screening is superior to the costs (B/C=1.33), characterizing galactosemia add-on testing in neonatal screening as an efficient policy. The lower the prevailing interest rate in the economy, the more efficient the neonatal screening policy.
authors: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. jscamelo@fmrp.usp.br
authors: José Simon
authors: JS
authors: Camelo Junior
authors: Maria Inez Machado
authors: MI
authors: Fernandes
authors: Salim Moysés
authors: SM
authors: Jorge
authors: Lea Maria Zanini
authors: LM
authors: Maciel
authors: Jair Lício Ferreira
authors: JL
authors: Santos
authors: Alceu Salles
authors: AS
authors: Camargo
authors: Cláudia Souza
authors: CS
authors: Passador
authors: Sílvia Helena Henriques
authors: SH
authors: Camelo