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[Beginnings, evolution and current situation of the Newborn Screening Programs in Spain.]
José Luis Marín Soria1, José Manuel González de Aledo Castillo1, Ana Argudo Ramírez1
1Laboratorio Cribado Neonatal. Sección Errores Congénitos del Metabolismo-IBC. Servicio de Bioquímica y Genética molecular. Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. Barcelona. España.
Revista Espanola De Salud Publica
|February 23, 2021
Summary
Newborn Screening Programs in Spain have evolved significantly since 1968, expanding to near-universal coverage by the 1990s. Harmonization efforts are ongoing, with a mandated panel of seven diseases, though regional variations persist.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Newborn Screening Programs (NSP) in Spain originated in 1968, initially part of a national plan covering 30% of newborns.
- Decentralization of the health system in 1982 spurred the expansion and organization of NSP.
- Near-universal coverage for Spanish newborns was achieved by the 1990s.
Observation:
- NSP development was asymmetrical across Spain's autonomous regions.
- Scientific societies (SEQC, AECNE) reported on NSP status in 2005-2006.
- The Interterritorial Council mandated a seven-disease screening panel in 2013.
Findings:
- Spanish Newborn Screening Programs now cover nearly 100% of newborns.
- Current panels range from 8 to 29 diseases per region.
- A significant step towards harmonization was taken in 2013 with a core panel.
Implications:
- Further efforts are required to achieve greater uniformity in NSP across Spain.
- Standardization of screening panels will enhance equitable care for all newborns.
- Continued collaboration is essential for advancing public health initiatives in Spain.
