HEALTH-UAE:
Comprehensive newborn screening programme launched in Abu Dhabi
Att.Editors: The following item is from the Emirates News Agency (WAM)
ABU DHABI,Mar. 10
(WAM) - The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, one of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced the launch of the newborn screening programme, targeting genetic, endocrinologic, metabolic and hematologic diseases.
The programme ensures that every baby born in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has access to the comprehensive Newborn Screening Programme for early screening and detection of inherited and hormonal disorders within the first days of life, with the aim to improve health outcomes through early treatment, management and proper counselling.
Engineer Zaid Al Siksek, CEO of HAAD said: "we are committed to providing excellent health care through continuous improvement of the quality of health services delivered to the public. The introduction of the Newborn Screening Programme can save infants’ lives or prevent serious side effects if medical intervention is started early." The Abu Dhabi Comprehensive Newborn Screening Programme encompasses: Parent Education, Comprehensive Newborn Physical Exam, Screening Tests, Follow-up, Diagnosis, Counselling, Management, Treatment and Evaluation.
Newborn screening has been adopted by most countries around the world, though the lists of screened diseases vary widely, anywhere from 1 to more than 100 disorders. Under the programme adopted for Abu Dhabi, all newborn babies will be tested against Phynylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia, Galactosemia, Biotinidase, Cystic Fibrosis, Hearing Loss, and Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency. These disorders were selected on the basis of assessment of public health needs, potential benefits and cost-effectiveness of early detection and management of newborns diagnosed with these conditions.
The Newborn Screening Programme is performed by taking a blood sample by pricking the baby's heel. The blood is collected on a special filter paper and sent to the laboratory. The newborn screening sample should be taken between one day (after 24 hours) and two days after a baby is born. If the initial newborn screening sample is taken before 24 hours of age, the hospital where the baby was born should arrange a repeat test within two days. Babies with suspicious tests are recalled for confirmation and subsequent referral to adequate care.
Parents may choose to decline newborn screening for their baby. If parents consider declining newborn screening, they are advised to discuss their decision with their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers will usually document this decision in the baby's medical record and parents will be asked to sign a form indicating that they have declined this testing for their baby. (WAM)
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