INTRODUCTION: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and phenylketonuria (PKU) are the most common causes of preventable mental retardation. They also have their natural courses drastically changed, depending on early diagnosis or adequate treatment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Screening Program for HC and PKU, through newborn screening test in the area of Campina Grande, between 03.01.00 and 02.28.01. METHODOLOGY: We compared the number of alive newborns with the coverage of CH and PKU in the area of Campina Grande, Brazil, during the study period; incidence of CH and PKU, age during collection, time elapsed between the receipt of the screening results and beginning of treatment. RESULTS: The range covered by the program was 32.2%. No cases of CH and PKU were diagnosed during the study. In the Public Medical Service, the average (±SD) age during collection was 18.2±12.2 days, and during receipt was 56.7±27.4 days. CONCLUSION: The range covered by the program was very low in the studied period. The time elapsed between birth and receipt of the screening results is inadequate. The program should follow the norms established by the Health Ministry.
Congenital hypothyroidism; Neonatal screening; Phenylketonuria; Congenital disease
