UNH Media Relations Apr 20, 2008
New England Genetics Collaborative at UNH Awards $100,000 in Contracts for Small Projects The New England Genetics and Newborn Screening Collaborative (NEGC), housed at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability, has awarded a total of $100,000 in contracts as part of its Innovative Small Projects program. (04-03-08). (The New Hampshire, NH)
March for Babies names honorary chairs Apr 11, 2008
Funds raised by March for Babies in Siouxland support prenatal care programs at the Crittenton Center, "Keep Me Safe" program through the Siouxland District Health Department, neonatal intensive care unit parent packs, comprehensive newborn screening tests and numerous other projects for healthy babies. "I'm proud to be part of a national movement to ensure that every baby has a healthy start in life," said Mike Freeman, Alorica site manager. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Mills to donate all winnings this weekend Apr 11, 2008
With our personal situation, we kind of decided not a lot of people know about the disease and not a lot know how little states tests for it, or do any newborn screenings ... Mills is goal isn t just spreading awareness about Krabbe leukodystrophy, but to put more pressure on state s to provide universal newborn screening, not just for Krabbe, but all diseases ... We ll have information booklets and we ll free-will donation bracelets for universal newborn screening. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Autism and vaccines: What's the link? Mar 22, 2008
If that was as easy, inexpensive, and high-yield as the routine newborn screening that is done in the hospital, it would already be part of the screening panel. But it isn t. Mitochondrial diseases, as well as immunosuppressive diseases, are rare and extremely difficult to diagnosis, which is why children suspected of these diagnoses eventually end up being evaluated by specialists. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Task Force Confirms Newborn Screening Advice Mar 15, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008. NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - All newborns should continue to be screened for abnormally low thyroid gland activity and inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, an independent panel of US health experts has reaffirmed. (MEDLINEplus)
Anacoco 4-H members help prevent birth defects Mar 15, 2008
Screening for the 29 core newborn screening conditions is universally required by rule or law and fully implemented in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming. Please assist 4-H club members in making this fundraiser a success. (Leesville Daily Leader, LA)
Pediatrix sells screening lab Mar 4, 2008
-based PerkinElmer will take over Pediatrix's metabolic screening laboratory and its StepOne newborn screening product. Pediatrix said it will continue to operate its separate, internally developed newborn hearing screen program, which is a hospital-based service that screens for possible hearing loss, usually prior to a newborn's discharge. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Genetic Screening Program Linked to Drop in CF Newborns Feb 29, 2008
Personalize Your Medical News. PUTTING BREAKING MEDICAL NEWS INTO PRACTICE Friday, February 29, 2008. (MedPage Today)
UT Southwestern researchers investigate predictors for sickle-cell-anemia complications Feb 29, 2008
The researchers reviewed the cases of 412 children who are part of the Dallas Newborn Cohort, the worlds largest group of patients with sickle cell disease who were initially diagnosed by newborn screening. All patients reviewed were born after Jan. 1, 1990, a date chosen because patient data was available electronically. (EurekAlert!)
Newborn Screening Suggests Decline in Cystic Fibrosis Feb 28, 2008
D., deputy director, New England Newborn Screening Program, Jamaica Plain, and associate professor of pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; David Orenstein, M.D., director, Antonio J. and Janet Palumbo Cystic Fibrosis Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; Feb. 28, 2008, New England Journal of Medicine) ... "The most severe genotype has dropped out dramatically. The new mix has some severe genotype, but overall, it's a milder group of kids, though not everyone... (Health-Finder)
Data show a decline in cystic fibrosis since introduction of ... Feb 28, 2008
A brief report in the February 28, 2008, New England Journal of Medicine, led by researchers at the New England Newborn Screening Program (NENSP) of the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), indicates a declining incidence of a genetic disease, providing what may be the first demonstration of a link between two independent population-based screening programs. The state of Massachusetts has offered universal newborn screening to detect cystic fibrosis (CF) since 1999 ... Newborn... (EurekAlert (press release))
Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis Feb 28, 2008
NEJM -- Newborn Screening Showing Decreasing Incidence of Cystic Fibrosis ... Newborn Screening Showing Decreasing Incidence of Cystic Fibrosis. (New England Journal of Medicine)
March for Babies kick off Feb 21, 2008
The March of Dimes also helps babies born healthy to ensure they have access to newborn screening and preventive healthcare. To sign up as an individual, start a corporate or family and friends team for the March for Babies or to donate to March of Dimes, call (800) 525-9255 or visit marchforbabies. (Conroe Courier, TX)
Local Families Chosen for Ambassador Role for 2008 March for Babies Feb 13, 2008
Babies born healthy need champions, too, to be sure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies. (PR Newswire)
Fatal Copper Disorder Can Now Be Detected At Birth Feb 9, 2008
"The laboratory techniques the researchers used to detect Menkes disease eventually may provide the basis for a newborn screening test to identify children with Menkes at birth, so they have the greatest chance to benefit from treatment.". The study was a collaboration between researchers in the NICHD, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the NIH Clinical Center. (Science Daily)
More on Medium-Chain Acyl-Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Deficiencyin a Neonate Feb 7, 2008
25 issue)1 report a severe neonatal presentation of medium-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency and suggest that newborn screening results should be communicated by 72 hours of age. In practice, it is unlikely that newborn screening, however timely, could prevent such events. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Congenital Hypothyroidism Feb 5, 2008
Because of this, it is imperative that the disorder is identified through a newborn screening test. Diagnosing Congenital Hypothyroidism. (Suite101.com)
March of Dimes Offers New Resources for Pregnancy and Baby Health Jan 16, 2008
Some examples of information now available to moms from the March of Dimes include: -- Answers to questions by email: Trained health information specialists in the March of Dimes Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education Center answer questions in both English and Spanish via email on pregnancy health and nutrition, newborn screening, complications and risks, and many other topics ... -- Newborn screening: The March of Dimes Web site is one of the only places that moms can find up-to-date... (PR Newswire)
Researchers move 2 steps closer to understanding genetic underpinnings of autism Jan 11, 2008
The clinic mission encompasses four aims: 1) Make high-quality medical care for special children accessible, affordable, and culturally effective; 2) Develop comprehensive methods of newborn screening and follow-up care for genetic disorders prevalent among the Plain people; 3) Develop practical clinical applications for modern molecular genetic technologies; and 4) Elucidate disease mechanisms for the purpose of improving patient treatment and outcome. Clinical work at the CSC is funded by... (EurekAlert!)
Did she miss a chance to boost her chances? Dec 31, 2007
Renee is a poster child for Canada's patchwork-quilt approach to newborn screening ... The number of cases of GA II referred to the university has tripled to as many as 10 a month during the past decade as jurisdictions in the United States and elsewhere expand their newborn screening, Prof ... The best doctor, the best nurse, the best mom, the best dad doesn't have a fighting chance if there are no signs or symptoms, said John Adams, a parent advocate for expanded newborn screening and a... (Globe and Mail)
Health department asks judge to dismiss newborn screening lawsuit Dec 29, 2007
But health officials say the newborn screening program is one of the state's most cost-effective public health programs ... Newborn screening in Nebraska: www. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Pediatrix to sell newborn screening business Dec 22, 2007
-based PerkinElmer will take over Pediatrix's (NYSE: PDX ) metabolic screening laboratory and its StepOne newborn screening product. Pediatrix's screening laboratory provides neonatal screening and consultative services to hospitals, medical groups, plus the states of Maryland, Mississippi, Louisiana, Nebraska and Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
AG fines delivery company for misclassifying drivers Dec 20, 2007
PerkinElmer said it will acquire Pediatrix's metabolic screening laboratory and its StepOne newborn screening product, which is capable of analyzing more than 50 inherited disorders in newborns. PerkinElmer recently completed the $300 million acquisition of Cambridge-based ViaCell Inc. (Chris Reidy). (Boston Globe)
Sickle cell anaemia Dec 7, 2007
Newborn screening for sickle cell is offered to all babies born in England and is integrated into the 'bloodspot programme' - the tests that all children receive at birth. Is there any treatment. (BBC News -- Health)
Benefit to help family pay for daughter’s cochlear implants Nov 25, 2007
What was initially thought to be fluid in her ear and nothing to worry about during newborn screening tests turned out to be much more serious. We were devastated, and from then on it has just been a quest for knowledge about what the different options for her will be and determination that she get the best care possible, Joseph said. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Deputies seize baby boy from parents so state can test blood Oct 20, 2007
Health officials say the newborn screening is one of the state's most cost-effective public health programs. Last year, out of 26,819 babies tested, 537 tested positive for one of the dozens of diseases, and 43 of those results were confirmed, according to the state's Newborn Screening Program. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Their lifeblood: Lab on a chip Oct 9, 2007
Grants from the are helping the company research areas such as infectious disease detection, DNA sequencing and newborn screening. Company co-founders Vamsee Pamula and Michael Pollack developed the technology in the late 1990s during their graduate studies at Duke. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Screening for Metabolic Disorder Cost Effective Sep 28, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Newborn screening for a rare metabolic disorder appears to be cost-effective, according to the findings of studies conducted in the Netherlands and in Australia ... Still, the cost-effectiveness of newborn screening for MCADD, which involves special tests, is unclear, Dr. Christian S. van der Hilst, from University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands, and colleagues note in the Journal of Pediatrics ... Newborn screening for MCADD cost $6. (MEDLINEplus)
Hearing testHow screening has avoided unnecessary child suffering Sep 14, 2007
The NHS Newborn Screening Programme is currently celebrating its two millionth screened child in England and more than 3,400 babies have now been identified as having permanent hearing impairment or deafness. Joe's mum Suzanne said she wished the screening, which is also available in the rest of the UK, had been available for her son. (BBC News -- Health)
They will be walking again for Tysen Sep 12, 2007
Tysen was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis after his newborn screening test. CF is a life-threatening genetic disease affecting about 30,000 people in the U.S., according to the CF Foundation, and results from a defective gene, which causes the body to produce a faulty protein that leads to abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and can result in fatal lung infections. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Finally: Health Lab open Sep 1, 2007
Blank said the new lab also holds the offices for the Newborn Screening Program. he main thing is that this lab is updated and modern, Blank said. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Cystic fibrosis added to state's newborn screening list Sep 1, 2007
The decision to add cystic fibrosis to the state's screening list was based on recommendations by the Hawai'i Newborn Screening Cystic Fibrosis Task Force and agreement from the larger Hawai'i Newborn Screening Advisory Committee, according to a news release issued today by the state Department of Health ... This testing panel exceeds the March of Dimes and American College of Medical Genetics national newborn screening recommendations for a minimal panel ... With newborn screening, the... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Charleston clinic accredited as cystic fibrosis care center Jul 30, 2007
In fact, newborn screening for CF is beginning as of this summer, so we will probably begin to see some patients who are diagnosed even before they begin to show symptoms which is a good thing because we can get them into care early on. . (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Most US Newborns Now Screened for Genetic Disease Jul 12, 2007
The March of Dimes' Newborn Screening Report Card, released Tuesday, notes that 13 states -- Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia and Wyoming -- plus the District of Columbia currently mandate all 29 newborn screenings ... Progress is being made in upgrading mandatory programs in states such as Montana, because "the 21st Century is the century of the Human Genome Project and the technology is there to be able... (Forbes)
New findings about longevity and screening for genetic disorders Jul 12, 2007
"While this important expansion of newborn screening is very good news, the lives of 500,000 newborns who still aren't tested hang in the balance,'' said Dr. Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Babies must be screened to receive immediate treatment necessary to survive and lead healthy lives. " Howse noted that the federal government, despite years of pleas from parents and medical groups, has yet to set a national guideline for newborn screening, "which has made it difficult to... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Nearly 90 Percent of Babies Receive Recommended Newborn Screening Tests Jul 11, 2007
Half a Million Babies Not Screened for Serious Genetic Disorders WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., July 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 90 percent of babies born in the United States -- more than double the percentage in 2005 -- live in states that require screening for at least 21 life-threatening disorders, according to the March of Dimes Newborn Screening Report Card ... "While this expansion of newborn screening is good news for families, the lives of 500,000 newborns still hang in the balance," said... (PR Newswire)
Newborn testing expands to more states, disorders Jul 11, 2007
The March of Dimes' goal is universal newborn screening for all 29 conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics ... edu, the website for the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center, which surveyed each state under a contract with the March of Dimes. (USA Today -- News)
Parents Support Genetic Testing, DNA Biobanks, Study Finds Jun 29, 2007
Each year through state newborn screening programs, about 4 million newborns in the United States undergo testing for several genetic diseases including sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, and phenylketonuria (PKU). Using just a few drops of blood, genetic testing may indicate whether a child is at risk for developing a disease later in life. (Science Daily)
UI Hygienic Lab expands newborn screenings Jun 11, 2007
Stanton Berberich, the Hygienic Lab's program manager of newborn screening, said the facility in Ankeny where testing occurs already conducts close to 130,000 screenings per year for babies born in Iowa, North Dakota, and Louisiana ... In 2005, the Ankeny laboratory began conducting 80,000 additional newborn screenings per year after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the New Orleans Public Health Laboratory. (Daily Iowan, IA)
State expands newborn screening program Jun 6, 2007
The state is expanding its newborn screening program to also check for cystic fibrosis, health officials said Tuesday. The state's newborn screening program tests all babies born in Missouri for more than 20 rare, but serious, health conditions. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Study tests oral insulin to prevent type 1 diabetes Jun 2, 2007
Lastly, the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young, or TEDDY, study aims to discover the genes and environmental exposures that may cause type 1 diabetes through a newborn screening program. Babies found to be at a high risk of developing the disease may enroll in TEDDY II and will be tracked over time to examine environmental risk factors. (EurekAlert!)
Once-fatal Metabolic Disorders Treatable, Says Researcher Jun 1, 2007
Only a fraction of the many possible mutations are picked up by expanded newborn screening, and precious days are lost while test results are processed ... "Newborn screening is good at detecting some urea cycle disorders, but we can't diagnose all of them this way," said Enns. (Science Daily)
March of Dimes marches on May 6, 2007
The event was projected to raise about $47,000 to help fund genetic research, health care for uninsured pregnant women and educational programs about preconception, prenatal care and newborn screening, said LaRonda Scott, the community director for the South Carolina Midlands division of the March of Dimes. Statistics show that one in six babies born in South Carolina is premature. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Doctor promotes blood tests for babies Apr 27, 2007
Dr. Michele Caggana, director of the state's newborn screening program, holds a tray of blood samples at Biggs Laboratory in Albany ... Early identification is crucial, said Dr. Michele Caggana, director of the state's newborn screening program ... Newborn screening in New York began in 1965. (Albany Times Union)
Shareholder sues Stratagene Apr 19, 2007
The kit is intended for carrier testing in adults, newborn screening and confirmatory tests in newborns and children. The nanochip system is an automated platform used for genetic sequencing. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Ambassadors of hope Apr 16, 2007
Up until January of 2006, the state only offered four newborn screening tests of metabolic diseases, Duvall said. Now, all of the newborns are screened for 32 tests. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
New therapies improve lives of those with cystic fibrosis Mar 20, 2007
A: There's a task force in place, a cooperative effort between the Indiana University CF Center and the State Department of Health, and we plan to have newborn screening for cystic fibrosis come on board starting this fall. Have a topic for Ask the Doctor. (Indianapolis Star)
Association of Public Health Laboratories Applauds Introduction of Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act Feb 16, 2007
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) commends Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) for their introduction of legislation to provide increased parent and health care provider education, improve follow-up care and enable states to improve their newborn screening programs. The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007 represents a significant commitment to improving the health of children by assuring that testing will... (PR Newswire)
Another chance for Lorenzo's oil Feb 6, 2007
Because the complex tests used in the study were impractical to use on a mass scale, Moser knew he needed a simple blood test that could be incorporated into the national newborn screening program, which uses splotches of blood collected from the heels of all newborn babies to test for other disorders ... The first was to prove that the test could detect ALD in actual samples from the newborn screening program ... "He gave us all a mandate to continue with the work, particularly the newborn... (The Standard-Times, MA)
Many applaud genetic-privacy measure Feb 6, 2007
One example is the Newborn Screening Program, which screens a blood sample for birth defects in babies. If the federal legislation is approved, insurance companies and employers won't be able to require genetic testing, and they would be limited in their collection and use of genetic information. (Daily Iowan, IA)
Risk For Stroke, Death Not Higher For Sickle Cell Children With Early Complications Jan 31, 2007
Researchers reviewed cases of 264 children who are part of the Dallas Newborn Cohort, a unique patient pool started in 1983 when newborn screening for sickle cell disease was launched by the state. Researchers have been able to follow children with the disease to track how sickle cell patients fare. (Science Daily)
A new step for newborn screening Jan 30, 2007
For the Mingiones, the loss of Anthony James in 2004 has led them on a crusade to educate anyone who will listen about the relatively rare but treatable genetic disorder often dubbed "bubble boy disease." Their story, they hope, will also drive home the dire need for the additional newborn screening that could give other babies a fighting chance. With the powerful support of the Manhattan-based Jeffrey Modell Foundation, the state of Wisconsin is now taking the first cautious steps toward such a... (Newsday -- Health)
Parents: Newborn blood tests against God's will Jan 28, 2007
Its taken them and another set of parents to the Nebraska Supreme Court and the Legislature in a drive to make the newborn screening law more flexible ... One in every 837 babies born last year tested positive for one of the 34 diseases the state tests for, said Julie Miller, manager of Nebraskas Newborn Screening Program. (MSNBC -- Health)
'Bubble boy' illness targeted Jan 26, 2007
Wisconsin is nationally recognized for its thorough and expansive newborn screening program. The state tests for 48 disorders, including hearing problems, while the federal government recommends a screening panel for only 29. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
READ MORE > Jan 25, 2007
The mandatory newborn screening test, in which a few drops of blood are drawn from a baby's heel, screens for dozens of rare, congenital diseases, some of which can cause severe mental retardation or death if left undetected ... Julie Miller, manager of Nebraska's Newborn Screening Program, argues that 1 in every 837 babies born last year tested positive for one of the 34 diseases the state tests for. (Sioux City Journal)
Cystic fibrosis screening added to tests done on Alaska babies Jan 24, 2007
For more information about newborn screening tests in Alaska, visit. Daily News reporter Ann Potempa can be reached at 257-4581 or. (Anchorage Daily News)
A newborn test for bubble boy’ disease? Jan 23, 2007
These people look like the Gerber baby until they get sick, says Dr. Rebecca Buckley, a SCID specialist at Duke University and longtime advocate for newborn screening. I am more concerned than ever that a lot of these babies never make it to the pediatrician, much less an immunologist. (Montana Standard, MT)
Jeffrey Modell Foundation, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Launch Pilot Newborn Screening Program to Detect and Treat 'Bubble Boy Disease' Jan 17, 2007
Jeffrey Modell Foundation, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Launch Pilot Newborn Screening Program to Detect and Treat 'Bubble Boy Disease ... Jeffrey Modell Foundation, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Launch Pilot Newborn Screening Program to Detect and Treat 'Bubble Boy Disease ... MILWAUKEE, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Health researchers in Wisconsin today announced a first of its kind newborn screening study... (PR Newswire)
Screening May Improve Cystic Fibrosis Outcomes Jan 17, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are identified through newborn screening have improved growth, better overall health, and require fewer long-term therapies than those who are identified later in life when symptoms appear, new research suggests ... Dr. Erika J. Sims, from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK, and colleagues compared outcomes for 990 CF patients, between 1 and 10 years of age, who were identified through newborn screening, or were... (MEDLINEplus)
