At 48 hours of birth, they will make the baby heel test in motherhood, before discharge. It consists of a small puncture in the fast and superficial heel that must be repeated between four and seven days of life in the same maternity center, the health center or in the particular pediatrician.
The result of the tests will be sent by mail to the parents, except when it is positive, that they are called by phone to indicate as soon as possible the steps to follow.
It serves to detect congenital metabolic endocrine diseases that are rare, but if they exist, they must be treated urgently, otherwise they can cause serious consequences. Heel test It reveals whether the baby has congenital hypothyroidism, adrenal hyperplasia or hyperphenylalaninemia. The names are a bit complicated, but there goes the explanation.
Congenital hypothyroidism consists of insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones, which occurs in one in every 2,000 babies. If it is not treated properly and early it can lead to a significant mental and physical delay. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is caused by a disorder of the adrenal glands. It can cause severe dehydration and endanger the life of the newborn. It affects one in 13,800.
Hyperphenylalaninemia is due to the inability, partial or total, of the organism to transform one of the constituents of food, phenylalanine, whose excessive increase in blood can lead to mental retardation and severe neurological problems. Its incidence covers one in 11,200 live births.
"The appropriate medical intervention, in a timely manner, prevents brain damage, reduces morbidity and mortality associated with such diseases," warns Dr. Elena Dulín, head of the Neonatal Screening Laboratory at Gregorio Marañón Hospital.
