title: [Neonatal screening for hemoglobinopathies in the Brussels region].
abstract: We realised this study in order to determine the frequency of abnormal haemoglobins and to appreciate the need for a neonatal screening for haemoglobinopathies in Brussels. Over a two year-period, 9575 cord blood samples were systematically screened. The study disclosed following results : 40% of newborns were from regions at risk for haemoglobinopathies and abnormal haemoglobins were present in 2.5% of the neonates tested. This frequency is similar to those reported elsewhere in North Europe. The most frequent abnormal haemoglobins were the Hb S, Bart's, C, D and E. Three cases of severe forms of sickle cell anaemia were identified. The frequency of abnormal haemoglobins and Hb S traits combined to the high rate of mixed marriages (16%) justifies the need for a universal screening for haemoglobinopathies in Brussels.
authors.affiliation: C.H.U. Saint-Pierre, Bruxelles.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tshilolo
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gulbis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barlow
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Damis
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Denis-Song
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferster
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Haumont
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Vanderpas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pardou
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schwers
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vokaer
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vertongen
mesh_terms: D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D006453:Hemoglobinopathies / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D012307:Risk Factors