[Progress in the early detection of inborn errors of metabolism].

The aim of present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of screening program for early detection of some metabolic errors in newborn population. The examinations included: early diagnostic of some amino acids and carbohydrates disturbances, cystic fibrosis and congenital hypothyreosis. Guthrie test and multidirectional urine screening test were used for the diagnostics of inborn errors in amino acids metabolism. Guthrie test for phenylalanine proved its high effectiveness and taking into account the relatively high frequency of phenylketonuria in our population this screening has been introduced as obligatory. The evaluation of pilot screening for tyrosinemia, homocystinuria and histidinemia in spite of no objections as to the tests themselves proved low frequency of these disorders in our country, sofar these tests have been abandoned. Multidirectional urine screening carried out in 6-8 weeks old infants allows for follow up control for some aminoacidopathies, and also for the detection of some transport metabolism and other metabolic errors. There is no doubt that screening tests for galactosemia should be carried out because of severe course of the disease and good results of its treatment. Problem to be discussed is the choice of screening procedure and age at which it should be performed. Cystic fibrosis being one of the most common disease in the group of metabolic disorders needs to be screened, because the detection allows for early introduction of complex palliative treatment. The comparative evaluation of three meconium tests for cystic fibrosis revealed dry paper meconium test to be the most useful and following to organize central screening center. Skin chloride system being fast and easy test is too expensive to be introduced as mass screening. Results of pilot screening study for congenital hypothyreosis point out the necessity for the mass diagnostic of this disorders. Choice of the test however is connected with economical aspects of the screening procedure.