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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Update: newborn screening for endocrinopathies
Kenneth A Pass1, Eurico Carmago Neto
1Wadsworth Center, NYS Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201-2002, USA. kpass@wadsworth.org
Insights
Newborn screening (NBS) for congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia is vital due to their high incidence and treatable nature. This review covers their history, detection methods, genetics, and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia are key targets for newborn screening (NBS).
- These conditions have high incidence and effective treatments, making NBS crucial for preventing long-term health issues.
- NBS programs worldwide, including all US state programs, incorporate these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history of NBS for congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- To discuss the technologies and protocols used for detecting these conditions.
- To explore related aspects including genetics, treatment, and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical data and current practices in NBS.
- Analysis of detection technologies and protocols for congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Synthesis of information on genetics, treatment strategies, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Established history and rationale for including these conditions in NBS panels.
- Overview of various detection technologies and protocols.
- Discussion of genetic factors, therapeutic interventions, and long-term outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia is well-established and essential.
- Technological advancements continue to improve detection accuracy and efficiency.
- Understanding genetics, treatment, and outcomes is critical for optimizing NBS programs.
Abstract:
Congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia are included in many newborn screening (NBS) panels worldwide and in all state-sponsored programs in the United States. Both conditions meet the fundamental prerequisites for NBS: high incidence in the population; biomarkers in the dried blood specimen that are easily detected; and, effective therapies to lessen, if not prevent, the sequelae of late or no treatment. In this review, the history of NBS is discussed for these 2 conditions. The technologies and protocols used in their detection, and related subjects such as genetics, and treatment and outcomes, are also discussed.
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