[Cost-benefit analysis of the early detection program for metabolic diseases in the Autonomous Basque Community]

The efficiency of an early screening and treatment Programme for two Metabolic disorders, phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism running since November 1982 in the Basque Country, is analysed. The cost-benefit analysis technique is used. The social costs of screening and treatment are compared with the social benefits for the prevention of mental handicap (1984-1985). Benefit-cost ratios and the net present value shows the social efficiency of the programme except when high discount rates have been used for discounting future costs and benefits. That conclusion is consistent with the results of other cost-benefit studies. In terms of cost-effectiveness the cost per child with mental handicap prevented was estimated on 3,300.000 ptas. That could be seen as the lowest social value for the prevention of a child with mental handicap.