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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[Neonatal screening for sickle-cell disease]
1University of the West Indies, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Sickle Cell Unit, Jamaica, West Indies.
Insights
Sickle cell disease is a growing health concern in the Netherlands, affecting 25-40 newborns annually. Early diagnosis and intervention programs, including penicillin prophylaxis, can significantly reduce childhood morbidity from this condition.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Abstract:
Through migration and birth sickle cell disease has become an important health problem in the Netherlands: it is estimated that each year between 25 and 40 children are born with a form of sickle cell disease. A programme designed towards parental education, prevention and early intervention for complications of sickle cell disease (notably penicillin prophylaxis to prevent pneumococcal septicaemia and meningitis) may lead to reduction in morbidity. Early diagnosis is indicated since children with sickle cell disease will benefit most from such a programme in the first few years of life.
