Dec 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday added two rare genetic disorders, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, to the federal newborn screening list to enable early treatment, the Department of Health and Human Services said.
The decision updates the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), which guides state-level newborn screening programs, following a scientific review and public comment process.
Early detection of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) will allow children to receive FDA-approved therapies at the most effective time, helping slow disease progression and preserve quality of life, the HHS said.
DMD, a rare genetic disorder, causes muscle degeneration, while MLD affects the brain and nervous system, which leads to loss of motor and cognitive function and early death.
Most children with DMD or MLD are diagnosed at age four or five, when significant muscle loss or neurological decline has already occurred, the HHS said.
The agency said that screening at birth could reduce years-long diagnostic delays, repeated specialist visits, and the financial and emotional strain often associated with rare diseases.
(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
Book excerpt: "Eat Your Ice Cream" by Ezekiel J. Emanuel, M.D.- 10 Setting up camp Shelters That Offer Both Excellence and Isolation
- Zelensky sees new Russian attack threat from Belarus
- Figure out how to Amplify Your Open Record Reward
- Innovative Versatility: Examples of overcoming adversity from Entrepreneurs
- Old photos misrepresented as aftermath of political party supporters' brawl in Bangladesh
- In blow to Lula, Brazil Congress revives controversial environmental bill
- Pick Your Favored kind of sandwich
- Saturn's moon Titan may not have a buried ocean as long suspected, new study suggests
