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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[Neonatal screening - the challenge of an universal and effective coverage]
Judy Botler1, Luiz Antônio Bastos Camacho, Marly Marques da Cruz
1Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21041-210. jbotler@ensp.fiocruz.br
Insights
Newborn screening programs (NSP) aim to detect congenital diseases early. Coverage and timeliness vary globally, with developed regions performing better, highlighting the need for improved educational actions and guidelines in some areas.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Newborn screening programs (NSP) are crucial for early detection of congenital diseases in infants.
- Timely and universal specimen collection is the foundational step for effective NSP intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the coverage and timeliness of specimen collection in newborn screening programs across various countries.
- To identify regional disparities and factors influencing the success of NSP.
Main Methods:
- A review of existing literature from 1998 to 2008 using keywords 'neonatal screening' and 'coverage'.
- Data were grouped by macro-regions, and information on timeliness was extracted from available reports.
- The study design did not meet the rigor of a systematic review.
Main Results:
- Global NSP coverage varied significantly by region: Canada (71% in 2006), Europe (69% in 2004), Latin America (49% in 2005), with Brazil at 80%.
- Developed regions generally exhibited more universal and timely specimen collection.
- Timeliness data were available for only twelve reports, indicating a potential gap in this area.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological transition positively impacts NSP success.
- Government initiatives in Brazil improved NSP access, but late collections necessitate educational interventions.
- Professional organizations should participate in developing specific guidelines for timely specimen collection.
Abstract:
Newborn screening programs (NSP) aim to detect carriers of several congenital diseases among asymptomatic infants in order to warrant effective intervention. Specimen collection is the first step of a process that should be done in an universal and timely manner. A review of coverage and time of collection was done in NSP of several countries. The search was made in various sources, from 1998 to 2008, with "neonatal screening" and "coverage" as key words. The lack of a typical study design did not allow to the rigor required for a systematic review. Data were grouped in macro-regions. Canada had coverage of 71% in 2006 while the European coverage was of 69% in 2004, with data of 38 countries. In Asia and Pacific region, there were data of 19 countries. In Middle East and North Africa, there were data of 4 countries. In Latin America, the coverage was 49% in 2005, with data of 14 countries. In Brazil, coverage was 80%. Twelve reports had information about timeliness. The conclusion is that epidemiological transition has contributed to NSP success. Developed regions had more universal and timelier collection. In Brazil, government initiative increased access to the NSP, but late collections lead to the need of educational actions and participation of professional organizations in developing specific guidelines definition.
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