[Newborn screening for galactosemia: a health economics evaluation]

Cad Saude Publica. 2011 Apr;27(4):666-76. doi: 10.1590/s0102-311x2011000400006.
[Article in Portuguese]

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.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Galactosemias / diagnosis*
  • Galactosemias / economics*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neonatal Screening / economics*
  • Neonatal Screening / methods