Newborn screening for galactosemia: a health economics evaluation

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 666 - 676
• Main Authors: Camelo Junior, José Simon, Fernandes, Maria Inez Machado, Jorge, Salim Moysés, Maciel, Lea Maria Zanini, Santos, Jair Lício Ferreira, Camargo, Jr, Alceu Salles, Passador, Cláudia Souza, Camelo, Sílvia Helena Henriques
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01.04.2011
• Subjects: Brazil; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Galactosemias - diagnosis; Galactosemias - economics; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Screening - economics; Neonatal Screening - methods; Brazil
• ISSN: 1678-4464
• DOI: 10.1590/S0102-311X2011000400006

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.