Evolution and expansion of newborn screening programmes in Singapore

Abstract

In Singapore, the newborn screening programme was started in 1965 in order to reduce the high neonatal mortality and neurological morbidity owing to severe hyperbilirubinaemia caused by erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. About 25 years later, the national newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism was established. Subsequently, universal newborn hearing screening and screening for multiple inborn errors of metabolism using tandem mass spectrometry were introduced as national programmes in 2003 and 2006, respectively. All these programmes are widely accepted as standards of care, and practically every newborn is screened despite the absence of any legislation. Two other evidence-based bedside screening tests, namely pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disorders and physical examination of the hips for developmental dysplasia of the hips with selected ultrasonographic screening have been widely performed in hospitals, and they are soon expected to be in the national screening programmes.

Current Status of Newborn Bloodspot Screening Worldwide 2024: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Activities (2020–2023)

“…Universal hearing screening and screening for multiple IEMs were introduced as national programs in 2003 and 2006, respectively, with current NBS coverage at almost 100% without a screening law. A comprehensive review of the history of NBS and other screening activities with newborns was published in 2021 and notes the possibility of Singapore becoming a screening laboratory center for other developing programs in the region (e.g., Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia) [ 635 ]. An editorial discussing the history of NBS for CH also was recently published [ 636 ] along with an article advising on some of the issues related to cord blood screening for CH (e.g., mode of newborn delivery and TSH measurement method) [ 637 ].…”

Globally inconsistent: Countries with top health indices erratic developmental hip dysplasia screening protocols

“…10,11 The recent literature in Singapore provided an interesting look into the controversies present in a well-developed nation (ranked eighth in the global health index), which lacks a DDH screening program despite pediatric orthopedists and neonatologists' recommendations. 10,11,16,36 Our study has limitations and some study design flaws. Despite the rigorous and tiered search strategy, no screening program was identified in five countries, representing possible exclusion bias.…”

“…Several recent publications comment on individual, institutional progress toward a formal screening process; however, that does not appear nationally. 10 , 11 , 36 Reasons for difficulties encompassed the gap between neonatology clinical screening and orthopedic referral, concerns a typical hip at the time of neonatal screen later develops dysplasia, variations in patient population characteristics, and ongoing debates about the timing of a screening ultrasound. 10 , 11 The recent literature in Singapore provided an interesting look into the controversies present in a well-developed nation (ranked eighth in the global health index), which lacks a DDH screening program despite pediatric orthopedists and neonatologists’ recommendations.…”

Instruments for evaluating the parental emotional status and ecological support systems among parents who considered cochlear implantation for their children with hearing loss: A scoping review

“…Based on previous nationwide studies, the prevalence of hearing loss among newborns is significant compared with other disabilities, accounting for 1–3 in every 1,000 newborns [ 1 – 5 ]. According to Mazlan et al [ 3 ], from 2010 to 2019, the prevalence of hearing loss among newborns in Malaysia was comparable to that in the United States [ 5 ] and Singapore [ 2 ]. Data indicated that the median age of deafness diagnosis for children with deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) was approximately 3.8 months.…”