Newborn screening in southeastern Europe

Mol Genet Metab. 2014 Sep-Oct;113(1-2):42-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.07.020. Epub 2014 Aug 1.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the current state of newborn screening (NBS) in the region of southeastern Europe, as an example of a developing region, focusing also on future plans. Responses were obtained from 11 countries. Phenylketonuria screening was not introduced in four of 11 countries, while congenital hypothyroidism screening was not introduced in three of them; extended NBS programs were non-existent. The primary challenges were identified. Implementation of NBS to developing countries worldwide should be considered as a priority.

Keywords: Newborn screening; Southeastern Europe; Survey.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Congenital Hypothyroidism / diagnosis
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism / epidemiology
  • Europe
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / diagnosis*
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mass Screening / economics
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Neonatal Screening* / economics
  • Neonatal Screening* / methods
  • Phenylketonurias / diagnosis
  • Phenylketonurias / epidemiology