Newborn Screening for Six Primary Conditions in a Clinical Setting in Morocco

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Public Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Newborn screening (NBS) is crucial for early detection of congenital disorders.
• Morocco faces challenges in NBS implementation due to infrastructure limitations and high consanguinity rates.
• Early detection prevents disability and mortality from metabolic, endocrine, hematologic, immune, and cardiac conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of integrating NBS into routine diagnostic laboratory analysis in Morocco.
• To identify the prevalence of six severe congenital conditions in Moroccan newborns.
• To highlight the need for a national NBS program.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 5511 newborn blood samples from Casablanca, Morocco.
• Samples collected via heel-prick within 3-6 days of birth.
• Analysis using quantitative immunofluorescence and isoelectric focusing for congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, G6PD deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and hemoglobinopathies.

Main Results:

• 72 out of 5511 newborns (1.3%) had one of the screened conditions.
• Hemoglobinopathies were most prevalent (47 cases, 0.9%), including HbC, HbS, and Hb Bart's carriers.
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency affected 16 newborns (0.32%).

Conclusions:

• NBS programs are effective in preventing morbidity and mortality, improving neonates' quality of life.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating NBS into Moroccan diagnostic labs.
• Urgent integration of NBS into routine practice is needed to improve newborn health in Morocco.