Background: In 2001, the Brazilian Ministry of Health added hemoglobinopathies to the National Neonatal Screening Program to be implemented in three steps. In order to meet the proposed goals, it is crucial to establish periodic assessments of this program with the aim of monitoring its implementation. Objective: To assess the scope and the efficiency of the stages of the National Newborn Screening Program in identifying hemoglobin S. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with the results of the heel prick test using the high performance liquid chromatography method for babies born in Mato Grosso do Sul from 2006 to 2010. The following variables were investigated: year, number of live births, total screening, coverage ratio, prevalence, time between the child birth and the blood collection; age at diagnosis; age at the time of the first consultation; and time between the diagnosis and the first appointment. Results: Over the five years of the study, the mean coverage rate was 91.77%.The prevalences of hemoglobin FAS and hemoglobin FS were 1.65% and 0.011%, respectively. Blood samples from 43.48% of children were collected from the second to the seventh day. The age at diagnosis was within the first 28 days in 87.80% of the screened children. The lowest mean indices for the first consultation and the time between the diagnosis and the first appointment (58.8 and 46.4 days, respectively) occurred in 2010. Conclusions: The scope of the National Neonatal Screening Program for hemoglobinopathies is good, with a large number of individuals being tested. Efficiency is a suitable indicator to assess the program steps. Three points are recommended: the training of the individuals involved, studies to assess the assistance provided to the affected child, and genetic counseling to the mothers.

INTRODUÇÃO: As hemoglobinopatias são as alterações genéticas mais comuns no homem, sendo a hemoglobina (Hb) S a mais freqüente entre todas. Sua ocorrência no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul ainda não foi sistematicamente avaliada. OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar a ocorrência de Hb S por genótipos, sexo, idade no momento do diagnóstico, índice de cobertura e prevalência em Mato Grosso do Sul. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo, transversal e descritivo, desenvolvido com os resultados de triagem neonatal para hemoglobinopatias, utilizando a técnica de cromatografia líquida de alta pressão, no Instituto de Pesquisas, Ensino e Diagnósticos da Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (IPED/APAE) de Mato Grosso do Sul em 2000-2005. RESULTADOS: De 190.809 indivíduos triados, 2.624 (1,38%) encontraram-se alterados, correspondendo a 2.385 neonatos e 239 crianças maiores de 28 dias. Não houve diferença entre os sexos, sendo 1.335 do sexo feminino e 1.289 do masculino. Os genótipos alterados encontrados foram traço falciforme (FAS [99,16%]) e doenças falciformes (FS [0,61%] e FSC [0,23%]). CONCLUSÃO: Esse primeiro estudo de triagem realizado no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul mostra que o programa desenvolvido pelo IPED/APAE está se solidificando no estado e avançando em relação ao índice de cobertura da população e ao diagnóstico precoce. Esses indicadores podem embasar ações preventivas (aconselhamento genético e estudos familiares) e assistenciais (tratamento ambulatorial contínuo), que visam à redução da morbimortalidade de indivíduos acometidos por essas afecções no estado.

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobinopathies are the most common genetic disorders in humans and Hb S is the most frequent among them. Its occurrence in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul has not been systematically analyzed yet. OBJECTIVES: To describe the occurrence of hemoglobin S according to genotypes, gender, age at the moment of diagnosis, cover index and prevalence in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective, transversal and descriptive study of the results of neonatal screening for hemoglobinopathies performed with high pressure liquid chromatography technique at Instituto de Pesquisa, Ensino e Diagnósticos da Associação dos Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (IPED/APAE) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (2000-2005). RESULTS: Among 190,809 screened individuals, 2,624 (1.38%) showed alterations, 2,385 were neonates and 239 were children aged 28 days or more. There was no difference in gender (1,335 females and 1,289 males). The altered genotypes were FAS (99.16%), FS (0.61%) and FSC (0.23%). CONCLUSION: This first study of neonatal screening in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul revealed that the state program developed by IPED/APAE has been consolidating and advancing as to cover index and early diagnosis. These indicators may be the basis for preventive (genetic counseling and family studies) and assistance measures (continuous ambulatory treatment), which aim at the reduction of morbimortality in individuals with these hemoglobinopathies in the state.