Prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis: an economic analysis
Randi Nielsen1, Dorte Gyrd-Hansen
1Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Insights
Introducing prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) in Denmark is cost-effective. The study found that avoiding CF births through screening leads to significant net cost savings for society.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Public Health Policy
- Health Economics
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a prevalent life-limiting genetic disorder in Denmark.
- Approximately 12-15 new CF cases are diagnosed annually.
- Societal cost implications of CF necessitate evaluation of screening programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the economic impact of a nationwide prenatal screening program for cystic fibrosis in Denmark.
- To compare the costs of screening with the financial benefits of preventing CF births.
Main Methods:
- Economic analysis focusing on monetary consequences.
- Estimation of screening costs per avoided CF birth.
- Comparison of screening expenditures against projected cost savings from averted cases.
Main Results:
- Initial screening costs estimated at DKK 2.77 million per avoided CF birth, stabilizing to DKK 1.86 million in subsequent rounds.
- Estimated benefits of avoiding one CF case range from DKK 2.1 to 4.4 million.
- The program is projected to be net cost-saving.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a population-wide prenatal screening program for cystic fibrosis in Denmark is economically favorable.
- The cost savings from preventing CF cases outweigh the program's expenses.
- The findings support the introduction of CF prenatal screening regardless of analytical perspective.
Abstract:
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.
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