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Newborn screening in the Philippines
1Department of Pediatrics, UP College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila.
Insights
Newborn screening in the Philippines began in 1996, initially for five metabolic disorders. Expanded to include glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, the program now aims for nationwide implementation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Newborn screening was introduced in the Philippines in 1996 by the Newborn Screening Study Group.
- The program aimed to determine the incidence of six metabolic conditions and advocate for national adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, galactosemia, phenylketonuria, homocystinuria, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
- To provide recommendations for the nationwide implementation of newborn screening.
Main Methods:
- The program evolved through three phases, starting with five disorders and later adding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency screening.
- Screening protocols were refined, including reducing the required sample collection age and discontinuing homocystinuria screening due to cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Data from 201 hospitals reported 48 cases of congenital hypothyroidism, 21 of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 2 of galactosemia, 4 of hyperphenylalanemia, and 1,495 of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
- The Department of Health acknowledged the findings, supporting nationwide implementation.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrated the feasibility and importance of newborn screening in the Philippines.
- Efforts are underway to expand the program nationwide based on the collected data and demonstrated impact.
Abstract:
The Newborn Screening Study Group first introduced newborn screening in the Philippines in 1996. This group of pediatricians and obstetricians from 24 hospitals in the metropolitan Manila area developed a newborn screening program: (1) to establish the incidence of six metabolic conditions--congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, galactosemia, phenylketonuria, homocystinuria and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and (2) to make recommendations for the adoption of newborn screening nationwide. Newborn screening developed in three phases: (1) routine screening for 5 disorders excluding G6PD deficiency in the 24 member hospitals in Metro Manila, (2) addition of screening for G6PD deficiency to the 5-disorder screening panel, and (3) program evaluation with subsequent reduction in the time of sample collection to 24 hrs of age or older (from the initial requirement of 48 hrs. or older) and discontinuation of screening for homocystinuria as a cost cutting measure (due to non-detection of cases). Data from 201 participating hospitals reported in September 2001 confirmed 48 cases of congenital hypothyroidism, 21 cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 2 cases of galactosemia, 4 cases of hyperphenylalanemia and 1,495 cases of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The Department of Health has recognized the significance of the initial data and efforts are now being undertaken to ensure the nationwide implementation of newborn screening.
