Newborn screening for haemoglobinopathies: the Brussels experience

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies and the need for neonatal screening for haemoglobinopathies in Brussels. METHODS: Between December 1994 and June 1998 23,136 cord blood samples obtained in eight hospital nurseries of Brussels were systematically screened for haemoglobinopathies by isoelectric focusing. RESULTS: 45% of the newborns were from regions at risk for haemoglobinopathies. Sickle cell disease was diagnosed for 11 neonates (0.048%) and beta thalassaemia major for one neonate. Three hundred and fifty neonates (1.5%) were carriers for a haemoglobin variant, and Hb Bart's was found in 672 cases (2.9%). These prevalences are similar to those reported elsewhere in northern Europe. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the value of universal screening for haemoglobinopathies in Brussels.