lucky29
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 Posted: 07/16/07 - 08:07 Post subject: A Call for Newborn Screening on 29 Disorders |
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March of Dimes, Health Charity Foundation, released their annual newborn screening report card in which they listed 29 serious conditions babies should be tested for within first 48 hours after birth.
Some of the disorders all US states test for are phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism, galactosemia, sickle cell anemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) hearing loss, etc
Many of these diseases are both treatable and curable if found within 48 hours after birth but the problem is that the babies are not always tested.
These conditions are quite rare, but can get severe. For example, phenylketonuria (PKU) is an enzyme deficiency that if does not get treated allows build up of toxins that can be either fatal or lead to mental retardation. The good thing is that it can be spotted and treated.
The test involves taking a blood sample by pricking the baby's heel. In states and hospitals where this test isn't mandatory, it will cost between $100 and $150 if the insurance doesn't already cover for it.
March of Dimes representatives say that expecting parents should make agreements with their doctors and even ask them about the testing if the doctors don’t suggest themselves.
The Foundation reported that 41 states screen for 21 or more of the diseases and only 13 test for all 29 conditions. However, 500,000 newborns are still not getting tested each year. |
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