Cost-effectiveness analysis for triple markers serum screening for Down's syndrome in Thai setting.

BACKGROUND: Down’s syndrome is an important congenital chromosomal disorder that can be seen around the world. The antenatal screening for this disorder is an important processing in present obstetrics. OBJECTIVE: Due to the concept of first do no harm, the use of noninvasive test is recommended. The triple marker screening test has been introduced for a few years and acceptable for its effi cacy. RESULT: However, an important concern is on its costeffectiveness. Here, the author analyze and present the cost-effectiveness of the triple markers serum screening for Down’s syndrome in Thai setting. CONCLUSION: According to this work, the cost per effectiveness of triple markers serum screening is slightly lower than standard amniocentesis test.

Genetic marker in juvenile diabetic retinopathy.

Thirty five patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were investigated for development of retinal microangiopathy by fluorescein angiography. HLA typing (A,B.C antigens) was done as a genetic marker. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of HLA antigens between patients without retinopathy (Gr.I) and with retinopathy (Gr.II) Frequency of various HLA antigens did not differ significantly in the mild and severe retinopathy groups or in comparison with controls. HLA B8 was significantly over represented in the patients of IDDM as a single group (GrI + II) when compared with controls (26% vs 8%). HLA profile was not a predictor of either the development or the severity of retinopathy in IDDM.