1. Current status of newborn screening in Southeastern and Central EuropeNika Požun, Daša Perko, Violeta Anastasovska, Tadej Battelino, Ana Drole Torkar, Matej Mlinarič, Žiga Iztok Remec, Barbka Repič-Lampret, Domen Trampuž, Mojca Žerjav-Tanšek, Urh Grošelj, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Newborn screening (NBS) is a well-established public health program that enables early detection and treatment of rare disorders in newborns, preventing severe complications or death. Despite its recognized importance, the scope and implementation of NBS programs vary across Southeastern (SE) and Central Europe. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of NBS in 16 countries of SE and Central Europe and assess progress since the previous survey in 2021. A structured questionnaire was distributed to national experts between April and December 2025, collecting data on program organization, coverage, diseases included, laboratory methods, confirmatory testing, consent practices, and future expansion plans. All countries reported universal screening for congenital hypothyroidism, except Kosovo, where a national NBS is in the process of being established. Expanded NBS using tandem mass spectrometry was available in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovenia. Spinal muscular atrophy screening became universal in Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovenia. Most countries reported plans for further expansion, with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, severe combined immunodeficiency, spinal muscular atrophy, and cystic fibrosis being the most frequently targeted conditions. Although notable infrastructural progress has been achieved, financial constraints, lack of staff, and organizational barriers remain key challenges. The study’s assessment of program effectiveness was further limited by the absence of region-wide systems for capturing end-to-end performance indicators, such as the age of the infant at treatment initiation or missed cases. Regional collaboration and adoption of best practices are therefore vital to ensure equitable access and continuous advancement of NBS programs.
Keywords: newborn screening, NBS, Southeastern Europe, Central Europe, neonatal screening, expanded NBS program
Published in DiRROS: 06.03.2026; Views: 203; Downloads: 123
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2. Does regular quality control improve the quality of surgery in Slovenian breast cancer screening program?Andraž Perhavec, Sara Milićević, Barbara Perić, Janez Žgajnar, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of surgery of Slovenian breast cancer screening program (DORA) using the requested EU standards. Furthermore, we investigated whether regular quality control over the 3-year period improved the quality of surgical management. Patients and methods. Patients who required surgical management within DORA between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2018 were included in the retrospective study. Quality indicators (QIs) were adjusted mainly according to European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA) and European Breast Cancer Network (EBCN) recommendations. Five QIs for therapeutic and two for diagnostic surgeries were selected. Additionally, variability in achieving the requested QIs among surgeons was analysed. Results. Between 2016 and 2018, 14 surgeons performed 1421 breast procedures in 1398 women. There were 1197 therapeutical (for proven breast cancer) and 224 diagnostic surgical interventions respectively. Overall, the minimal standard was met in two QIs for therapeutic and none for diagnostic procedures. A statistically significant improvement in three QIs for therapeutic and in one QI for diagnostic procedures was observed however, indicating that regular quality control improves the quality of surgery. A high variability in achieving the requested QIs was observed among surgeons, which remained high throughout the study period. Conclusions. Adherence to all selected surgical QIs in patients from screening program is difficult to achieve, especially to those specifically defined for screen-detected lesions. Regular quality control may improve results over time. Reducing the number of surgeons dedicated to breast pathology may reduce variability of management inside the institution.
Keywords: breast surgery, mammography, screening program, quality control
Published in DiRROS: 12.07.2024; Views: 1234; Downloads: 403
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