Prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis: an economic analysis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-shortening genetically transmitted disease in Denmark with a birth prevalence of I 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 fibrobis 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 DK K 2 771262 (pound231 438) per aborted affected fetus in the first screening round, stabilising at DKK 1864 594 (pound155 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 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. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.