Problems in implementing newborn screening in Costa Rica

Abstract

In Costa Rica, concern for public education early in this century, together with specific public health actions in the early 1970's, have resulted in fairly good control of infectious and nutritional diseases. As a consequence, a disease profile of a developed country has emerged. Prematurity and other birth defects are the current leading causes of infant morbidity and mortality. Resources for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of these problems, including inborn errors of metabolism, are insufficient; in fact, the general and economical development of the Country is well behind the partial improvements in public health. To meet the formidable challenge that this "new pathology" represents, the installment of a nationwide neonatal screening program for inborn errors of metabolism seems imperative, not only as an efficient strategy to counteract the immediate impact of these diseases in terms of mental retardation and/or other dis abilities, but also to serve as a basis for a broader program for the prevention of other genetic or partially genetic diseases.