done to avoid mental retardation or early death. Daño also disclosed that newborn screening should be done from 48-72 hours after birth but it can also be done after 24 hours from delivery. During newborn screening, few drops of blood will be taken from the baby’s foot and will be placed on a special paper called “filter card” to be sent to the Newborn Screening Center (NSC). Results will be known after 7-14
working days. Newborn screening assesses conditions like Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) which could lead to mental retardation if not screened and treated in the early stage of the babies, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) which could lead to death if not treated, Galactosemia (GAL) which could lead to cataract or even death, Phenylketonuria (PKU) which could lead to severe mental retardation and G6PD
Deficiency which could lead to severe anemia kernicterus. The MHO under the supervision of Dr. Adnilre Verzon, is now intensifying its campaign on newborn screening to increase public awareness on its importance hoping that the parents would heed the call to submit their infants for newborn screening to protect their babies from mental retardation and/or early deaths of babies due to some congenital disorders. (JPA)
Monday, October 17, 2011
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