Prevalence of Changes Detected From the Heel Prick Test in a Municipality in Southern Santa Catarina
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To estimate the prevalence of abnormalities detected by the heel prick test in a municipality in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil, from August 2023 to February 2024.Method: , 237 children and their mothers were analyzed, along with the test results, in the neonatal screening unit of the Municipal Health Foundation of the municipality.Results: Of the 237 newborns analyzed, 21 presented abnormalities in the heel prick test.Sickle cell trait was the main abnormality detected, and prematurity and/or low birth weight were the main determinants for the need for retesting.There were no significant differences between the test results and high--risk pregnancy or mode of delivery.Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of the heel prick test in the early detection of neonatal pathologies, with hemoglobinopathies being the most prevalent.Despite limitations, the results show satisfactory adherence to the collection period and prenatal consultations, indicating improvements in maternal and child care.
Authors: Alícia Brighenti Bendo, Manuela Pozza Ellwanger, Maurício Prätzel Ellwanger, Bruna Camargo, Gabriel Pellegrin Nicoleit, Maria Eduarda Caetano da Rosa, Guilherme Luiz Marcondes, João Vitor Marosin de Oliveira, Debora Reinert, Alex Douglas de Jesus Silva, Matheus Henrique Cassias de Lima, Chaiana Esmeraldino Mendes Marcon
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Biochemistry
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4413430947