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LNS Medical Biology Department working intensively on the expansion of newborn screening in Luxembourg
Currently in Luxembourg, five diseases are screened at day 3 of life. The LNS Medical Biology Department is responsible for analyses done in the context of the newborn screening programme and is highly committed to the extension of neonatal screening in Luxembourg.
Newborn screening for a better quality of life
The five diseases which are systematically screened at birth in Luxembourg are: phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, MCAD deficiency, and mucoviscidosis. The main requirements regarding choice of these diseases, historically based on the Wilson and Jungner criteria, published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1968, are that the disease must represent a significant health problem and that there is an accepted treatment for patients with recognized disease.
Medical Biology Department highly implicated in Plan National Maladies Rares (PNMR) working groups to push for extension of newborn screening
The PNMR consists of different working groups, with one specifically dedicated to addressing the prevention of rare diseases. The involvement of the LNS’ Medical Biology Department in this particular working group is crucial, as it plays a vital role in advocating for government action on various projects, particularly in the area of newborn screening.
In January 2022, the initiation of screening for congenital heart diseases at birth was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Neonatal screening working group and the Health Directorate. This screening method, known as saturometry screening, has been recommended and implemented in various programs worldwide, including Luxembourg. Each of the four maternity wards in the country is equipped with an oxygen saturation measuring device to identify potential heart diseases in newborns. This screening programme is being carried out with the support of the Association Luxembourgeoise d’Aide aux Enfants Cardiaques (ALAEC).
I am particularly proud to be part of a project that aims to reduce negative consequences on the development of babies. There can hardly be a more meaningful job.
France Debaugnies
Medical biologist
staff involved
staff involved
France Debaugnies
Manager of the newborn screening group at LNS
Clément Kebbabi
Medical biologist
Dr Patricia Borde
Head of Medical Biology Department
Sandra Feyder
Laboratory technician
Océane Schlinger
Laboratory technician
Nadia Parage-Santos
Newborn screening group
Christine Blond
Newborn screening group
Claudine Bruck
Newborn screening group
Frank Goetzinger
Newborn screening group
Chantal Quintus
Newborn screening group