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 β 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.