Newborn bloodspot screening programmes in the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an extended literature review comparing the two countries.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The introduction of the newborn bloodspot screening programme (NBSP) has proven to be cost-effective, where early treatment can reduce the cost associated with the late intervention, aside from its crucial rule in saving neonates lives and offering them a higher life quality. NBSP vary in different parts on the worlds, and standardisation of screening programmes is under consideration worldwide. The NBSP differs greatly between the United Kingdom (UK) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where the first screens for nine, and the latter for 16 conditions. Thereby, the current research is being held to investigate the possible benefits of standardising NBSP between the two countries. Aims: To carry out an extended literature review about the standardisation of NBSP, and critically compare the process of the NBSP in the UK and KSA. Methods: A literature search using different strategies, with disregard to a designated date search. Results: Standardisation of the NBSP is not recommended at this stage, mainly due to two different reasons, the first is the difference in the prevalence of newborn diseases as a result of the high rate of consanguineous marriages in the KSA, accounting for 51% of all marriages in the country. The second reason is the distinct funding provided by the KSA government whilst the UK screening programmes are highly regulated through the UK NSC, which might lead to restrictions in expanding the newborn bloodspot screening panel. Conclusion: There is no conclusive necessity in standardising NBSP between the UK and KSA. Furthermore, a higher level of clarity from the Ministry of Health in the KSA is required, together with an emphasis on thriving scientific publications. Similarly, although the UK screening programme is highly competent, there is a need for higher flexibility in order to implement new conditions which have already proven to be cost-effective.