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| SPECIALIST ANSWERS
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Question |
What are the indications of metabolic screening in neonates?
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Answer |
The decision of which sick neonates should have metabolic testing is based on the clinical phenotype and the results of general laboratory analyses, with particular attention to hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and hyperammonemia. Metabolic tests include analyses for amino acids and organic acids and a carnitine profile. Routine newborn screening should be performed on all neonates prior to hospital discharge but no later than the 3rd day of life. Ideally all newborns should be screened for hypohtyroidism and phenylketonuria.
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