Newborn Sickle Cell Screening

Costing model for neonatal screening and diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies

“…Tsevat et al 3 calculated costs per life gained solely as a result of prophylactic penicillin, but did not consider other benefits such as those of education about splenic sequestration 521 22 or the effectiveness of early diagnosis and expectant clinical management, irrespective of penicillin prophylaxis 23. A complete assessment of benefits would consider outcomes such as the avoidance of misdiagnosis of clinical manifestations; opportunity for prophylaxis against infections; prompt treatment of manifestations; screening of siblings; genetic counselling of parents23 24; an informed population; informed carriers; reassurance,2 and parental education about acute splenic sequestration 16.…”

“…21 22 or the effectiveness of early diagnosis and expectant clinical management, irrespective of penicillin prophylaxis 23. A complete assessment of benefits would consider outcomes such as the avoidance of misdiagnosis of clinical manifestations; opportunity for prophylaxis against infections; prompt treatment of manifestations; screening of siblings; genetic counselling of parents23 24; an informed population; informed carriers; reassurance,2 and parental education about acute splenic sequestration 16. It is clear that there is further work to be done in quantifying the benefits of neonatal screening for haemoglobinopathies.…”