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Spencer CA. Laboratory Thyroid Tests: A Historical Perspective. Thyroid 2023; 33:407-419. [PMID: 37037032 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Background: This review presents a timeline showing how technical advances made over the last seven decades have impacted the development of laboratory thyroid tests. Summary: Thyroid tests have evolved from time-consuming manual procedures using isotopically labeled iodine as signals (131I and later 125I) performed in nuclear medicine laboratories, to automated nonisotopic tests performed on multianalyte instruments in routine clinical chemistry laboratories. The development of isotopic radioimmunoassay techniques around 1960, followed by the advent of monoclonal antibody technology in the mid-1970s, led to the development of a nonisotopic immunometric assay methodology that forms the backbone of present-day thyroid testing. This review discusses the development of methods for measuring total thyroxine and triiodothyronine, direct and indirect free thyroid hormone measurements and estimates (free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid autoantibodies (thyroperoxidase, thyroglobulin [Tg] and TSH receptor autoantibodies), and Tg protein. Despite progressive improvements made in sensitivity and specificity, current thyroid tests remain limited by between-method differences in the numeric values they report, as well as nonspecific interferences with test reagents and interferences from analyte autoantibodies. Conclusions: Thyroid disease affects ∼10% of the U.S. population and is mostly managed on an outpatient basis, generating 60% of endocrine laboratory tests. In future, it is hoped that interferences will be eliminated, and the standardization/harmonization of tests will facilitate the establishment of universal test reference ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Ann Spencer
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Tuli G, Munarin J, Topalli K, Pavanello E, de Sanctis L. Neonatal Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism in Preterm Infants: Is a Targeted Strategy Required? Thyroid 2023; 33:440-448. [PMID: 36802847 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Background: Premature infants are at higher risk of developing congenital hypothyroidism (CH) but the neonatal screening strategy for this population is still debatable. The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe the results of a screening program for CH in a preterm infant cohort. Materials and Methods: All preterm newborns who underwent neonatal screening in the Italian region of Piedmont in the period January 2019-December 2021, were included in this retrospective cohort study. The first thyrotropin (TSH) measurement was performed at 72 hours, whereas the second at 15 days of life. Infants with TSH >20 mUI/L at first detection and >6 mUI/L at second were recalled for a full evaluation of thyroid function. Results: During the study period, 5930 preterm newborns were screened. Based on birthweight (BW), the mean TSH was 2.08 ± 0.15 for BW <1000 g, 2.01 ± 0.02 for BW 1001-1500 g, 2.28 ± 0.03 for BW 1501-2499 g, and 2.41 ± 0.03 mUI/L in normal-weight newborns (p < 0.005) at the first detection, with a significant difference observed at the second measurement (p < 0.005). Based on gestational age, the mean TSH at first detection was 1.71 ± 0.09 mUI/L for extremely preterm babies and 1.87 ± 0.06, 1.94 ± 0.05, and 2.42 ± 0.02 mUI/L for very preterm, moderately, and late preterm infants (p < 0.005), respectively. Significant between-group differences of TSH measurements were also at the second and third detections (p < 0.005 and p = 0.01). The 99% reference range in this cohort overlapped with the recommended TSH cutoffs for screening recall (8 mUI/L for first detection and 6 mUI/L for second detection). CH incidence was 1:156. Of the 38 patients diagnosed with CH, a eutopic gland was present in 30 (87.9%), with CH transient in 29 (76.8%). Conclusions: We observed no significant difference in the recall rate between preterm and at term infants screened in this study. Our current screening strategy therefore appears effective in avoiding misdiagnosis. CH screening approaches vary among countries. Development and testing of a uniform multinational screening strategy is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerdi Tuli
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Oncology, Department of Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Jessica Munarin
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, Department of Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Kristela Topalli
- Department of Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enza Pavanello
- Department of Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa de Sanctis
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Huynh T, Greaves R, Mawad N, Greed L, Wotton T, Wiley V, Ranieri E, Rankin W, Ungerer J, Price R, Webster D, Heather N. Fifty years of newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism: current status in Australasia and the case for harmonisation. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 60:1551-1561. [PMID: 35998658 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since its implementation 50 years ago in Quebec, Canada, newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism has become one of the most successful public health measures worldwide. Screening programmes across Australia and New Zealand are characterised by significant commonalities in screening algorithms, and a high degree of regional cooperation in harmonisation efforts. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of current performance and practices related to the total testing process for congenital hypothyroidism screening and provide recommendations for harmonisation priorities within our region. METHODS A survey was conducted involving the six newborn screening laboratories which provide complete geographic coverage across Australasia. Approximately 360,000 newborns are screened annually. Survey questions incorporated pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical aspects of the screening programmes and an extensive 5-year (2016-2020) retrospective analysis of individual programme performance data. Responses from individual screening programmes were collated. RESULTS The uptake of newborn screening was over 98% for the six major jurisdictions. All programmes have adopted a single-tier thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) strategy using the Perkin Elmer GSP instrument. Significant similarities exist between programmes for recommended age of collection and recollection protocols for low birthweight newborns. The process for the determination of TSH cutoffs varies between programmes. TSH lower cut-offs for borderline-positive and positive notifications between 12-15 and 12-25 mIU/L blood, respectively. Recall rates vary between 0.08 and 0.20%. The case definition for congenital hypothyroidism generally includes biochemical and radiological parameters in addition to the commencement of thyroxine. All programmes reported collecting biochemical and clinical data on infants with positive screening tests, and positive predictive values vary between 23.6 and 77.3%. Variation in reported incidence (1:1,300-2,000) cannot be entirely explained by cutoff or recall rate (although one programme reporting fewer cases includes only permanent disease). CONCLUSIONS Despite similarities between newborn screening algorithms for congenital hypothyroidism across Australia and New Zealand, differences in reported programme performance provide the basis for further harmonisation. Surveillance of a large population offers the potential for the ongoing development of evidence-based screening guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Huynh
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Mater Pathology, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ronda Greaves
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nazha Mawad
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lawrence Greed
- Western Australia Newborn Screening Programme, PathWest, WA, Australia
| | - Tiffany Wotton
- NSW Newborn Screening Programme, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Veronica Wiley
- NSW Newborn Screening Programme, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Enzo Ranieri
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Wayne Rankin
- Department of Chemical Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jacobus Ungerer
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Ricky Price
- Newborn Screening Unit, Pathology Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Dianne Webster
- National Newborn Metabolic Screening programme, Specialist Chemical Pathology, LabPlus, Auckland, New Zealand
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha Heather
- National Newborn Metabolic Screening programme, Specialist Chemical Pathology, LabPlus, Auckland, New Zealand
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Simonetti S, D'Amato G, Esposito B, Chiarito M, Dentico D, Lorè T, Cardinali R, Russo S, Laforgia N, Faienza MF. Congenital hypothyroidism after newborn screening program reorganization in the Apulia region. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:131. [PMID: 35906638 PMCID: PMC9335966 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01328-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most frequent congenital endocrine disorder. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and etiological classification of CH in Apulia in a three-year period according to the reorganization of the regional screening program in a single central laboratory, as well as to analyze the growth characteristics and the associated risk factors of the CH newborns diagnosed during the study period. Methods Data derived from the reorganization of the newborn screening program for CH in a single central laboratory that collects dried blood spot (DBS) from 27 Maternity Hospitals are analyzed over a three-year period. Birth weight and length, daily dose of L-T4 at specific key points (3, 6, 12 and 18 months, 2, 2.5 and 3 years) were also obtained from medical records of the CH newborns during the study period and calculated as standard deviation score (SDS). Results The screening program diagnosed 90 newborns with confirmed CH (incidence 1:990; recall rate: 3.6%). In detail, 75.6% newborns had an eutopic thyroid, and 24.4% had thyroid dysgenesis; 33 out of the 90 newborns (36.6%) had one or more risk factors. Among these, the multiple pregnancies are the most important because they tripled the risk of CH. At diagnosis, TSH levels were different between patients with dysgenesis and those with an eutopic thyroid (p = 0.005). Treatment was started at a mean of 18.5 ± 12.8 days of life. The mean starting dose of levothyroxine (L-T4) was 11.38 ± 2.46 μg/kg/day. Conclusions The results of these study show an increase of CH cases in newborns with an eutopic thyroid compared to the traditional classification. The centralization of the screening program allows a closer cooperation between laboratory and clinical centers and facilitates the implementation of appropriate diagnostic evaluations and timely initiation of treatment, with positive effects on the management of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Simonetti
- Clinical Pathology and Neonatal Screening, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico-Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Benedetta Esposito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Pediatric Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Chiarito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Pediatric Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | | - Tania Lorè
- Clinical Pathology and Neonatal Screening, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico-Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Cardinali
- Clinical Pathology and Neonatal Screening, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico-Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Russo
- Clinical Pathology and Neonatal Screening, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico-Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Felicia Faienza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Pediatric Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
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XIE T, TAN M, JIANG X, FENG Y, CHEN Q, MEI H, CAI Y, ZOU H, HUANG Y. Clinical features and outcomes of 31 children with congenital hypothyroidism missed by neonatal screening. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 51:314-320. [PMID: 36207837 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2022-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical features and outcomes of children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) missed by neonatal screening. METHODS The clinical and laboratory date of 31 children with CH missed by neonatal screening from February 2015 to February 2022 in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center were retrospectively analyzed. Whole-exome high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed in 17 patients. RESULTS Among the 31 patients, 19 cases (61.3%) were preterm, 12 cases (38.7%) were term neonates. The median value of gestation age was 36 (26-40) weeks, birth weight was 2.35 (0.75-3.70) kg, diagnosed age was 20 d (7 d-4 years), dry blood spot thyrotropin was 4.18 (0.34-8.97) mU/L. Nine cases (29.0%) were same-sex twins and 4 cases (12.9%) had a family history of hypothyroidism. The initial clinical symptoms were growth retardation in 11 cases (35.5%), prolonged jaundice in 7 cases (22.6%), short stature, abdominal distension, fetal edema and goiter in 1 case (3.2%), respectively. Genetic analysis of the 17 children showed that DUOX2 gene mutations were detected in 10 cases (6 cases with biallelic mutations and 4 cases with monoallelic mutations), of whom 3 had a family history of hypothyroidism. A total of 22 patients were reevaluated at the age of 2-3 years, of whom 17 cases (77.3%) were transient CH and 5 cases (22.7%) were permanent CH. Among the 10 cases with DUOX2 gene mutations, 6 cases were transient CH, 1 case was permanent CH, and 3 cases (< 3 years old) were still under treatment with L-thyroxine. CONCLUSIONS False negative results on neonatal screening for CH often occurs in preterm birth, low birth weight, same-sex twins, family history of hypothyroidism, and DUOX2 defects are the common molecular pathogenesis, most of whom are transient CH. Thyroid function should be evaluated in time for children with unexplained slow growth and delayed jaundice regression.
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Rose SR, Blunden CE, Jarrett OO, Kaplan K, Caravantes R, Akinbi HT. Utility of Repeat Testing for Congenital Hypothyroidism in Infants with Very Low Birth Weight. J Pediatr 2022; 242:152-158.e1. [PMID: 34748741 PMCID: PMC8882159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess for possible missed hypothyroidism in infants of very low birth weight (VLBW) whose initial newborn screening (NBS) was within normal reference range. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) obtained at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age or at hospital discharge if earlier (retest TSH) in infants with VLBW in the neonatal intensive care unit to determine the prevalence and factors associated with retest TSH ≥5 mU/L, a concentration requiring close follow-up for hypothyroidism. Utility of alternative cut-offs for NBS TSH also was assessed. RESULTS A total of 398 infants, median gestational age 29 (range 22-36) weeks, birth weight 1138 (470-1498) g, were included in this study. Retest TSH was obtained at 49.5 (12-137) days after birth. Median retest TSH was 3.1 (0.5-27.9) mU/L. Seventy-three (18.3%) of the cohort had retest TSH ≥5 mU/L. Adjusting NBS cut-off to ≥15 or ≥10 mU/L identified <50% of infants with TSH ≥5 mU/L, resulting in 6% false positives and >70% false negatives. Multiple regression modeling indicated that 35% of variance in retest TSH value was explained by NBS TSH concentration, birth weight, and gestational age, all P < .01. CONCLUSIONS Retesting for hypothyroidism at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age in infants with VLBL and normal NBS could identify infants who require ongoing surveillance until thyroid function has been definitively ascertained. Adjusting NBS TSH cutoffs is not a valid option for identifying potential hypothyroidism in infants with VLBW because of lack of sensitivity and unacceptable false-positive and false-negative rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Rose
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Christopher E Blunden
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH; Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI
| | - Olumide O Jarrett
- Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH; University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kyle Kaplan
- James M Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Henry T Akinbi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH.
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Fernández-Calle P, Díaz-Garzón J, Bartlett W, Sandberg S, Braga F, Beatriz B, Carobene A, Coskun A, Gonzalez-Lao E, Marques F, Perich C, Simon M, Aarsand AK. Biological variation estimates of thyroid related measurands - meta-analysis of BIVAC compliant studies. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 60:483-493. [PMID: 34773727 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2021-0904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Testing for thyroid disease constitutes a high proportion of the workloads of clinical laboratories worldwide. The setting of analytical performance specifications (APS) for testing methods and aiding clinical interpretation of test results requires biological variation (BV) data. A critical review of published BV studies of thyroid disease related measurands has therefore been undertaken and meta-analysis applied to deliver robust BV estimates. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted for BV studies of thyroid related analytes. BV data from studies compliant with the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC) were subjected to meta-analysis. Global estimates of within subject variation (CVI) enabled determination of APS (imprecision and bias), indices of individuality, and indicative estimates of reference change values. RESULTS The systematic review identified 17 relevant BV studies. Only one study (EuBIVAS) achieved a BIVAC grade of A. Methodological and statistical issues were the reason for B and C scores. The meta-analysis derived CVI generally delivered lower APS for imprecision than the mean CVA of the studies included in this systematic review. CONCLUSIONS Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of BV of thyroid disease biomarkers have enabled delivery of well characterized estimates of BV for some, but not all measurands. The newly derived APS for imprecision for both free thyroxine and triiodothyronine may be considered challenging. The high degree of individuality identified for thyroid related measurands reinforces the importance of RCVs. Generation of BV data applicable to multiple scenarios may require definition using "big data" instead of the demanding experimental approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Fernández-Calle
- Analytical Quality Commission, Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQCML), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Díaz-Garzón
- Analytical Quality Commission, Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQCML), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - William Bartlett
- Undergraduate Teaching, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Sverre Sandberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Norwegian Organization for Quality Improvement of Laboratory Examinations (NOKLUS), Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Federica Braga
- Research Centre for Metrological Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (CIRME), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Boned Beatriz
- Analytical Quality Commission, Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQCML), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital Royo Villanova, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Anna Carobene
- Servizio Medicina di Laboratorio, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Abdurrahman Coskun
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Atasehir, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elisabet Gonzalez-Lao
- Analytical Quality Commission, Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQCML), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Marques
- Analytical Quality Commission, Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQCML), Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Metropolitan North Clinical Laboratory (LUMN), Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Perich
- Analytical Quality Commission, Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQCML), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Margarida Simon
- Analytical Quality Commission, Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQCML), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital Universitario Badalona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Aasne K Aarsand
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Van Vliet G, Grosse SD. [Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Benefits and costs of a successful public health program]. Med Sci (Paris) 2021; 37:528-534. [PMID: 34003099 PMCID: PMC8387970 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2021053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborn screening is an important public health program and a triumph of preventive medicine. Economic analyses show that the benefits of newborn screening clearly outweigh the costs for certain diseases, but not necessarily for other ones. This is due to the great diversity of the natural history of the diseases detected, to the fact that each of these diseases considered individually is rare, and to differences in the effectiveness of interventions. In addition, the benefit-cost ratio of screening for a particular disorder may differ between countries, specifically between high-income and low- and middle-income countries. The burden of a disorder may also be alleviated by increased clinical awareness and effective clinical services, even in the absence of newborn screening. In this article, we focus on economic analyses of newborn screening for primary congenital hypothyroidism, which has been in place in high-income countries for roughly 40 years, and for classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Screening for the latter is not yet universal, even in high-income countries, although the lack of universal implementation may reflect factors other than economic considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Van Vliet
- Service d'endocrinologie et Centre de recherche, Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine et Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal (Québec) H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Scott D Grosse
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA, 30341, États-Unis
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