It was founded in 1988 and has since been a pioneer in the implementation of universal prenatal and neonatal screening programs. The Neonatal Screening Program that has been offered by the Center since its establishment, aims at the early detection of two metabolic diseases, namely that of congenital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria. Blood samples are collected from the neonates by all paediatri
cians in Cyprus and are forwarded to the Center’s biochemical laboratory for the appropriate analyses. Most of the samples screened, give negative results. However, for those that screen positive, further tests are necessary as this may be indicative for the condition that they were screened for. In such events, the paediatrician informs the parents to provide the Center with a further sample for the determination of final diagnosis. Early diagnosis and intervention in cases of congenital hypothyroidism or phenylketonuria would interrupt the natural progression of these diseases, which would otherwise lead to physical and mental retardation. The Center also keeps a follow-up of all diagnosed patients so as to adjust their administered therapy accordingly. Further more, a specialist psychologist is appointed to further monitor the psychomotor development of these children as they enter into their preschool years. The Prenatal Screening Program has also been offered to all pregnant women for a number of years now. A biochemical examination is carried out during the first trimester of pregnancy, at the Center’s laboratory. This result is taken in combination with a foetal ultrasound measurement and the mother’s age to provide the necessary information in calculating a risk for Trisomy 21 and other chromosomal defects that may have afflicted the foetus. It is through these screening efforts that the Center has contributed in the prevention of many new cases of mental retardation (an estimate of 260 cases by the end of 2010). The Neonatal Hearing Screening Program was the third program to be launched by the Center. Initially offered in Limassol, it was later implemented by the Center throughout the whole of Cyprus by the spring of 2005. It aims at the early detection and diagnosis of neonatal hearing impairment. The Center’s yearly budget approximates to € 550,000-. This amount is mainly covered by donations offered by private companies, organizations and the public and by funds raised through activities coordinated by the Association of Friends of the Center for Preventive Paediatrics. The Center is only partly funded by a governmental grant.
