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[The triple test scenario for Styria. With data of the Styria Abnormalities Register]
M C Häusler1, A Berghold, H Zierler
1Geburtshilflich-Gynäkologische Universitätsklinik, Karl-Franzens-Universität, Graz, Osterreich.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to clarify by a cost-effectiveness analysis, if a triple-marker screening for trisomy 21 (triple test) should be established in Austria.
Methods:
The published triple-test results of the last years were combined with the data of the Styrian Malformation Register covering the years 1985-1992. The cost-effectiveness analysis was based on total costs of prenatal diagnosis, costs per fetus diagnosed as affected, the number of affected fetuses detected, and the number of procedure-related losses.
Results:
If low costs are given priority, the triple test should be offered to women 35 years of age or older. If a high detection rate is given top priority, the test should be offered to all pregnant women.
Conclusion:
The results suggest that the present policy of maternal age screening in Austria should be replaced by maternal serum screening.