Newborn screening for haematological disorders

This paper provides an overview of neonatal screening for haematological conditions, with an emphasis on sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. We describe the clinical importance of haemoglobinopathies, recent developments in provision of care for such patients in England and update on clinical care for haemoglobinopathies and recent epidemiological data from the newborn screening programme. This shows that the birth prevalence remains stable whilst the population at risk is moving out from central London to surrounding areas. The paper also provides useful links to a range of reports and resources which are of use to paediatricians, who are increasingly involved in the management of these conditions.