الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health activity, in terms of secondary prevention, aimed at the early identification of infants affected by certain conditions-genetic, metabolic, infectious-that threaten their life and long-term health, for which a timely intervention can lead to a significant reduction of morbidity, mortality and associated disabilities. • Neonatal screening emerged in the 1960s in the USA and Europe in the context of mental retardation, contributing decisively to its development the discovery of phenylketonuria (PKU). • Current criteria on neonatal screening is based on the following principles: a) Severe morbidity/mortality if the disease is not diagnosed in the neonatal period. b) A timely medical intervention can lead to a significant reduction of morbidity, mortality and associated disabilities. c) Prevalence of the disease is relatively high). d) There is an analytical test fulfilling criteria of sensitivity, specificity and low cost. |