1
|
Rivero-Arias O, Png ME, White A, Yang M, Taylor-Phillips S, Hinton L, Boardman F, McNiven A, Fisher J, Thilaganathan B, Oddie S, Slowther AM, Ratushnyak S, Roberts N, Shilton Osborne J, Petrou S. Benefits and harms of antenatal and newborn screening programmes in health economic assessments: the VALENTIA systematic review and qualitative investigation. Health Technol Assess 2024; 28:1-180. [PMID: 38938110 PMCID: PMC11228689 DOI: 10.3310/pytk6591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Health economic assessments are used to determine whether the resources needed to generate net benefit from an antenatal or newborn screening programme, driven by multiple benefits and harms, are justifiable. It is not known what benefits and harms have been adopted by economic evaluations assessing these programmes and whether they omit benefits and harms considered important to relevant stakeholders. Objectives (1) To identify the benefits and harms adopted by health economic assessments in this area, and to assess how they have been measured and valued; (2) to identify attributes or relevance to stakeholders that ought to be considered in future economic assessments; and (3) to make recommendations about the benefits and harms that should be considered by these studies. Design Mixed methods combining systematic review and qualitative work. Systematic review methods We searched the published and grey literature from January 2000 to January 2021 using all major electronic databases. Economic evaluations of an antenatal or newborn screening programme in one or more Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries were considered eligible. Reporting quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. We identified benefits and harms using an integrative descriptive analysis and constructed a thematic framework. Qualitative methods We conducted a meta-ethnography of the existing literature on newborn screening experiences, a secondary analysis of existing individual interviews related to antenatal or newborn screening or living with screened-for conditions, and a thematic analysis of primary data collected with stakeholders about their experiences with screening. Results The literature searches identified 52,244 articles and reports, and 336 unique studies were included. Thematic framework resulted in seven themes: (1) diagnosis of screened for condition, (2) life-years and health status adjustments, (3) treatment, (4) long-term costs, (5) overdiagnosis, (6) pregnancy loss and (7) spillover effects on family members. Diagnosis of screened-for condition (115, 47.5%), life-years and health status adjustments (90, 37.2%) and treatment (88, 36.4%) accounted for most of the benefits and harms evaluating antenatal screening. The same themes accounted for most of the benefits and harms included in studies assessing newborn screening. Long-term costs, overdiagnosis and spillover effects tended to be ignored. The wide-reaching family implications of screening were considered important to stakeholders. We observed good overlap between the thematic framework and the qualitative evidence. Limitations Dual data extraction within the systematic literature review was not feasible due to the large number of studies included. It was difficult to recruit healthcare professionals in the stakeholder's interviews. Conclusions There is no consistency in the selection of benefits and harms used in health economic assessments in this area, suggesting that additional methods guidance is needed. Our proposed thematic framework can be used to guide the development of future health economic assessments evaluating antenatal and newborn screening programmes. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42020165236. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR127489) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 25. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Rivero-Arias
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - May Ee Png
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ashley White
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Miaoqing Yang
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Lisa Hinton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- THIS Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Abigail McNiven
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Sam Oddie
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Children's Research, Bradford, UK
| | | | - Svetlana Ratushnyak
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nia Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenny Shilton Osborne
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Therrell BL, Padilla CD, Borrajo GJC, Khneisser I, Schielen PCJI, Knight-Madden J, Malherbe HL, Kase M. Current Status of Newborn Bloodspot Screening Worldwide 2024: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Activities (2020-2023). Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:38. [PMID: 38920845 PMCID: PMC11203842 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) began in the early 1960s based on the work of Dr. Robert "Bob" Guthrie in Buffalo, NY, USA. His development of a screening test for phenylketonuria on blood absorbed onto a special filter paper and transported to a remote testing laboratory began it all. Expansion of NBS to large numbers of asymptomatic congenital conditions flourishes in many settings while it has not yet been realized in others. The need for NBS as an efficient and effective public health prevention strategy that contributes to lowered morbidity and mortality wherever it is sustained is well known in the medical field but not necessarily by political policy makers. Acknowledging the value of national NBS reports published in 2007, the authors collaborated to create a worldwide NBS update in 2015. In a continuing attempt to review the progress of NBS globally, and to move towards a more harmonized and equitable screening system, we have updated our 2015 report with information available at the beginning of 2024. Reports on sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, missing in 2015, have been included. Tables popular in the previous report have been updated with an eye towards harmonized comparisons. To emphasize areas needing attention globally, we have used regional tables containing similar listings of conditions screened, numbers of screening laboratories, and time at which specimen collection is recommended. Discussions are limited to bloodspot screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradford L. Therrell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Carmencita D. Padilla
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines;
| | - Gustavo J. C. Borrajo
- Detección de Errores Congénitos—Fundación Bioquímica Argentina, La Plata 1908, Argentina;
| | - Issam Khneisser
- Jacques LOISELET Genetic and Genomic Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1104 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Peter C. J. I. Schielen
- Office of the International Society for Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jennifer Knight-Madden
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research—Sickle Cell Unit, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Helen L. Malherbe
- Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa;
- Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, The Station Office, Bryanston, Sandton 2021, South Africa
| | - Marika Kase
- Strategic Initiatives Reproductive Health, Revvity, PL10, 10101 Turku, Finland;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Menezes C, Losa A, Mosca S, de Carvalho Vaz A, Figueiredo CM, Garrido C, Borges T, Borges Correia J. The Clinical Spectrum of Adrenoleukodystrophy at a Portuguese Tertiary Hospital: Case Series and Review of Literature. Cureus 2024; 16:e52496. [PMID: 38370996 PMCID: PMC10874197 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic disease associated with the X chromosome (X-ALD - X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy), predominantly affects males and stems from mutations in the ABCD1 gene, responsible for transporting very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) into peroxisomes. It leads to adrenal insufficiency (AI) and axonal demyelination. In males, the phenotype varies from isolated adrenocortical insufficiency and progressive myelopathy to cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD). The aim of this case series is to characterize patients with different clinical presentations of X-ALD with follow-up at a tertiary Portuguese hospital. All four patients were males, and the median age at the diagnosis was 5 years. Three patients were diagnosed through family screening, with the oldest already displaying hyperpigmentation. Two distinct forms were identified: adolescent CALD (25%) and isolated primary adrenal insufficiency (75%). Analytical studies revealed elevated plasma VLCFA levels in all cases, and genetic analysis demonstrated two different mutations in the ABCD1 gene. This disorder requires early diagnosis for improved prognosis. Screening male children with primary AIfor X-ALD using a VLCFA panel should be considered, particularly after ruling out the most common causes or when learning difficulties are evident. Genetic confirmation of the diagnosis is essential, enabling genetic counseling, family planning, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Menezes
- Pediatrics, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte - Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT
| | - Ana Losa
- Pediatrics, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte - Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT
| | - Sara Mosca
- Pediatrics, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte - Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT
| | - Ana de Carvalho Vaz
- Pediatrics, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte - Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT
| | - Catarina M Figueiredo
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, PRT
| | - Cristina Garrido
- Pediatric Neurology, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte - Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT
| | - Teresa Borges
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte - Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT
| | - Joana Borges Correia
- Pediatrics, Reference Centre for Metabolic Disorders, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte - Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Videbæk C, Melgaard L, Lund AM, Grønborg SW. Newborn screening for adrenoleukodystrophy: International experiences and challenges. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107734. [PMID: 37979237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (XALD) is the most common leukodystrophy. It has an estimated incidence of around 1/17.000, and a variable phenotype. Following the passage of Aidens Law, New York became the first state to implement a newborn screening for XALD in 2013. Since then, 38 American states, Taiwan, and the Netherlands have included XALD in their NBS program, and Japan and Italy have ongoing pilot studies. Screening for XALD allows for early, potentially lifesaving treatment of adrenal insufficiency and cerebral demyelination but is also a complex subject, due to our limited understanding of the natural history and lack of prognostic biomarkers. Screening protocols and algorithms vary between countries and states, and results and experiences gained so far are important for the future implementation of XALD NBS in other countries. In this review, we have examined the algorithms, methodologies, and outcomes used, as well as how common challenges are addressed in countries/states that have experience using NBS for XALD. We identified 14 peer-reviewed reports on NBS for XALD. All studies presented methods for detecting XALD at birth by NBS using a combination of mass spectrometry and ABCD1 gene sequencing. This has allowed for early surveillance of presymptomatic XALD patients, and the possibility for early detection and timely treatment of XALD manifestations. Obstacles to NBS for XALD include how to deal with variants of unknown significance, whether to screen females, and the ethical concerns of an NBS for a disease where we have limited understanding of natural history and phenotype/genotype correlation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Videbæk
- Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Genetics and Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
| | - Lars Melgaard
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Statens Serum Institut, Denmark
| | - Allan M Lund
- Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Genetics and Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Sabine Weller Grønborg
- Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Genetics and Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sevin C, Hatteb S, Clément A, Bignami F, Chillotti L, Bugnard F, Bénard S, Boespflug-Tanguy O. Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD) in France: epidemiology, natural history, and burden of disease - A population-based study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:238. [PMID: 37563635 PMCID: PMC10416383 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02843-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare metabolic and neurodegenerative disorder belonging to the group of leukodystrophies, with an estimated incidence around 1:25 000 newborns worldwide, mostly among men. Childhood Cerebral ALD (CCALD) is the most severe form with a poor prognosis if not properly treated during the first years of life. Currently, only allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is widely available for CCALD treatment. To date, there is a lack of data regarding CCALD epidemiology, natural history, and current management in France. This knowledge is crucial for the development of new therapies such as gene therapies. In this context, the French National Health Data System (SNDS) is a particularly indicated database to collect information meeting these needs. A non-interventional, national, real-life, retrospective study was performed using secondary data from the national ALD registry (LEUKOFRANCE) and SNDS. CCALD patients detected between 2009 and 2018 and successfully matched between LEUKOFRANCE and SNDS were included in this study. Index date was defined as the first CCALD event detected during study period. Subgroups of patients with sufficient follow-up (6 months) and history (1 year) available around index date were analyzed to assess CCALD burden and natural history. RESULTS 52 patients were included into the matched cohort. Median annual incidence of CCALD was estimated at 4 patients. Median age at CCALD diagnosis was 7.0 years. Among patients without allo-HSCT, five-year overall survival was 66.6%, with 93.3% of them presenting at least one CCALD symptom and 62.1% presenting a least one major functional disability (MFD). Among patients with allo-HSCT, five-year overall survival was 94.4%, with only 11.1% of patients presenting CCALD symptoms, and 16.7% of presenting a MFD. Mean annualized costs were almost twice as important among patients without allo-HSCT, with 49,211€, 23,117€, respectively. Costs were almost exclusively represented by hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the most up to date study analyzing CCALD epidemiology, clinical and economic burden in France. The necessity of a precocious management with HSCT highlight the potential benefits of including an expanded screening program among newborns, coupled with family screenings when a mutation is detected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Sevin
- Center of Reference for Leukodystrophies, Bicêtre Hospital - APHP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Samira Hatteb
- Center of Reference for Leukodystrophies, Bicêtre Hospital - APHP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Murphy P, Hinde S, Fulbright H, Padgett L, Richardson G. Methods of assessing value for money of UK-based early childhood public health interventions: a systematic literature review. Br Med Bull 2022; 145:88-109. [PMID: 36542119 PMCID: PMC10075243 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Economic evaluation has an important role to play in the demonstration of value for money of early childhood public health interventions; however, concerns have been raised regarding their consistent application and relevance to commissioners. This systematic review of the literature therefore aims to collate the breadth of the existing economic evaluation evidence of these interventions and to identify the approaches adopted in the assessment of value. SOURCE OF DATA Recently published literature in Medline, EMBASE, EconLit, Health Management Information Consortium, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Health Technology Assessment, NHS EED and Web of Science. AREAS OF AGREEMENT The importance of the early childhood period on future health and well-being as well as the potential to impact health inequalities making for a strong narrative case for expenditure in early childhood public health. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The most appropriate approaches to evaluating value for money of such preventative interventions relevant for UK decision-makers given the evident challenges. GROWING POINTS The presented review considered inconsistencies across methodological approaches used to demonstrate value for money. The results showed a mixed picture in terms of demonstrating value for money. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Future resource allocations decisions regarding early childhood public health interventions may benefit from consistency in the evaluative frameworks and health outcomes captured, as well as consistency in approaches to incorporating non-health costs and outcomes, incorporating equity concerns and the use of appropriate time horizons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Murphy
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sebastian Hinde
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Helen Fulbright
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Louise Padgett
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Gerry Richardson
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chan K, Brower A, Williams MS. Population-based screening of newborns: Findings from the newborn screening expansion study (part two). Front Genet 2022; 13:867354. [PMID: 36118861 PMCID: PMC9476322 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.867354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in genomic technologies to screen, diagnose, and treat newborns will significantly increase the number of conditions in newborn screening (NBS). We previously identified four factors that delay and/or complicate NBS expansion: 1) variability in screening panels persists; 2) the short duration of pilots limits information about interventions and health outcomes; 3) recent recommended uniform screening panel (RUSP) additions are expanding the definition of NBS; and 4) the RUSP nomination and evidence review process has capacity constraints. In this paper, we developed a use case for each factor and suggested how model(s) could be used to evaluate changes and improvements. The literature on models was reviewed from a range of disciplines including system sciences, management, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The results from our analysis highlighted that there is at least one model which could be applied to each of the four factors that has delayed and/or complicate NBS expansion. In conclusion, our paper supports the use of modeling to address the four challenges in the expansion of NBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kee Chan
- American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Kee Chan,
| | - Amy Brower
- American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vidavalur R, Bhutani VK. Economic evaluation of point of care universal newborn screening for glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in United States. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:5745-5753. [PMID: 33627013 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1892067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is frequent inherited enzymopathy that poses potentially preventable risk for extreme hyperbilirubinemia (EHB) which can, rarely, lead to acute bilirubin encephalopathy, childhood kernicterus and death. We aimed to estimate quality adjusted life years (QALY) lost due to G6PD deficiency associated with EHB and economic costs to best estimate value of universal pre-discharge screening. METHODS We did a cost utility analysis for US birth cohort utilizing pre-discharge screening decision tree model to estimate population burden and EHB outcomes, based on literature search and expert opinions. Employing human capital approach, we measured health benefits in terms of QALYs and economic losses. QALYs and costs were discounted at 3%; one-way sensitivity analysis was used for decision variables. RESULTS We determined for USA live births of 3.86 million in 2017, 1464 cases of EHB were estimated to be due to G6PD deficiency (CI 95%; range: 1270-1656) and contributed 2 deaths (CI 95%; range 1.3-3.2) and 14 (CI 95%; range: 9.1-21.5) cases of kernicterus. Over lifetime horizon, the model predicted undiscounted and discounted gains of 165 (102-252) life years; 241 (183-433) QALYs and 16 (9.9-24.5) life years; 89 (67.9-160.5) QALYs, respectively. Assuming 50% effectiveness, benefit cost ratios ranged from 0.19 to 3.42 for diverse operational settings. The cost to prevent a single case of kernicterus was $2.7 to 6.8 million per annum with cost per QALY gained at $35,946 to $89,159. CONCLUSION At incremental cost-effective threshold of $100,000/life year, pre-discharge screening would be expected to prove cost effective in preventing EHB related morbidities and mortality attributed to G6PD deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Vidavalur
- Department of Neonatology, Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Vinod K Bhutani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford Children's Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cacciatore P, Visser LA, Buyukkaramikli N, van der Ploeg CPB, van den Akker-van Marle ME. The Methodological Quality and Challenges in Conducting Economic Evaluations of Newborn Screening: A Scoping Review. Int J Neonatal Screen 2020; 6:ijns6040094. [PMID: 33238605 PMCID: PMC7712813 DOI: 10.3390/ijns6040094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cost-effectiveness (CEA) and cost-utility analyses (CUA) have become popular types of economic evaluations (EE) used for evidence-based decision-making in healthcare resource allocation. Newborn screening programs (NBS) can have significant clinical benefits for society, and cost-effectiveness analysis may help to select the optimal strategy among different screening programs, including the no-screening option, on different conditions. These economic analyses of NBS, however, are hindered by several methodological challenges. This study explored the methodological quality in recent NBS economic evaluations and analyzed the main challenges and strategies adopted by researchers to deal with them. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA methodology to identify CEAs and CUAs of NBS. The methodological quality of the retrieved studies was assessed quantitatively using a specific guideline for the quality assessment of NBS economic evaluations, by calculating a general score for each EE. Challenges in the studies were then explored using thematic analysis as a qualitative synthesis approach. RESULTS Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. The quantitative analysis showed that the methodological quality of NBS economic evaluations was heterogeneous. Lack of clear description of items related to results, discussion, and discounting were the most frequent flaws. Methodological challenges in performing EEs of neonatal screenings include the adoption of a long time horizon, the use of quality-adjusted life years as health outcome measure, and the assessment of costs beyond the screening interventions. CONCLUSIONS The results of this review can support future economic evaluation research, aiding researchers to develop a methodological guidance to perform EEs aimed at producing solid results to inform decisions for resource allocation in neonatal screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Cacciatore
- Sezione di Igiene, Istituto di Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laurenske A. Visser
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.V.); (N.B.)
| | - Nasuh Buyukkaramikli
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (L.A.V.); (N.B.)
| | | | - M. Elske van den Akker-van Marle
- Unit Medical Decision Making, Department of Biomedical Datasciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhu J, Eichler F, Biffi A, Duncan CN, Williams DA, Majzoub JA. The Changing Face of Adrenoleukodystrophy. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:bnaa013. [PMID: 32364223 PMCID: PMC7286618 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare X-linked disorder of peroxisomal oxidation due to mutations in ABCD1. It is a progressive condition with a variable clinical spectrum that includes primary adrenal insufficiency, myelopathy, and cerebral ALD. Adrenal insufficiency affects over 80% of ALD patients. Cerebral ALD affects one-third of boys under the age of 12 and progresses to total disability and death without treatment. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only disease-modifying therapy if completed in the early stages of cerebral ALD, but it does not affect the course of adrenal insufficiency. It has significant associated morbidity and mortality. A recent gene therapy clinical trial for ALD reported short-term MRI and neurological outcomes comparable to historical patients treated with HSCT without the associated adverse side effects. In addition, over a dozen states have started newborn screening (NBS) for ALD, with the number of states expecting to double in 2020. Genetic testing of NBS-positive neonates has identified novel variants of unknown significance, providing further opportunity for genetic characterization but also uncertainty in the monitoring and therapy of subclinical and/or mild adrenal insufficiency or cerebral involvement. As more individuals with ALD are identified at birth, it remains uncertain if availability of matched donors, transplant (and, potentially, gene therapy) centers, and specialists may affect the timely treatment of these individuals. As these promising gene therapy trials and NBS transform the clinical management and outcomes of ALD, there will be an increasing need for the endocrine management of presymptomatic and subclinical adrenal insufficiency. (Endocrine Reviews 41: 1 - 17, 2020).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhu
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Florian Eichler
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Dana-Farber and Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Stem-Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Christine N Duncan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Dana-Farber and Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Williams
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Dana-Farber and Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Stem-Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph A Majzoub
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|