Dozens of new diseases have already been identified in time in the first year of implementation of the expanded neonatal screening, according to data presented at the 10th Pan -Hellenic Neonatal Congress organized by the Hellenic Neonatological Society.

More than 200 are newborns who have been diagnosed with diseases such as congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, lactoseemia and other rare metabolic diseases.

The pilot application of the expanded preventive neonatal screening for 33 diseases began in July 2024 and is held free of charge for all newborns in the country. The program, implemented by the Child Health Institute, allows for early diagnosis of rare but serious diseases and the immediate onset of therapeutic intervention, enhancing the health and quality of life prospects of newborn.

“The presentation and evaluation of the program was one of the central points of the conference, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that does not stop at diagnosis. Continuous monitoring of children up to adulthood, psychological support of families and cross -sectoral collaboration are key elements of this new, human and targeted practice, “says Professor of Neonatology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and President of the Hellenic Neonatal Society (EMA)

The conference highlighted the new trends in the care of high -risk newborns, transfusion safety, and the growing role of ultrasound in neonatal intensive care units – which was characterized by international rapporteurs as the “new stethoscope of the neonatologist”.

Of particular importance was given to the concept of family -centered care, with practices that encourage the continuous presence of parents in MENN, the strengthening of the bond with the infant and their involvement in decision -making. At the same time, through the “Step of Young Doctors” section, the Conference has given the new generation of scientists, stressing the need to actively participate in continued scientific progress.