Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (policy currently under review)
The UK NSC policy on Congenital adrenal hyperplasia screening in newborns
More Information
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is the name given to a group of enzyme disorders causing impaired production of cortisol (hydrocortisone) from the adrenal glands.
» Read more about congential adrenal hyperplasia on the Contact a Family website
Policy Position
Screening should not be offered
This policy is currently being reviewed as part of the UK NSC's regular review cycle of all policies.
The review process began in Jan 2010 and is estimated to be completed by Mar 2012.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
The Child Health Sub-Group of the NSC reported to the NSC in 2003 that "at the present time it did not recommend that this programme should be included with other newborn biochemical screening", having reviewed two HTA reports on screening for inborn errors of metabolism. The NSC accepted this recommendation, aware of the review of the evidence that the sub-group had undertaken
Health Technology Assessment 1997 Vol 1: No.11. Neonatal screening for inborn errors of metabolism: a systematic review (Seymour et al)
Health Technology Assessment 1997 Vol 1: no. 7. Neonatal screening for inborn errors of metabolism: cost, yield and outcome (Pollit et al)
Child Health Sub-Group Report December 2003
Stakeholders
Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Genetic Alliance UK
Royal College of Midwives
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
