Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Save your baby from mental retardation By Dr. Elizabeth Bagares-Poyogao
"SAVE your baby from Mental Retardation," has been the campaign of the Newborn Screening Program here in the Philippines. It was started in 1996 by a group of pediatricians and became a law on July 2003 under Republic act no. 9288. Since then many of our parents are aware of the value of this screening program. However, many may be aware but some don't bother to have their baby screened. Let me share some important overviews of what this screening is all about.
Newborn screening is a procedure to know if your baby has a metabolic disorder that can cause mental retardation. Some of these metabolic disorders will lead to death if left untreated. By screening your child, the disorders, if any will be detected even before the signs and symptoms arise. With the help of this screening, early intervention will be given thus resulting to a good outcome. This is done as early as the 2nd day of life and onwards. According to the prevalence, the disorders being screened are the following:
* Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD deficiency) is a disorder in which babies lack the enzyme G6PD. Babies usually manifest anemia, yellowish discoloration of skin especially when they are exposed to certain foods like Soya-rich food, and some drugs like the sulfas.
* Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a disorder that leads to severe salt wasting, dehydration and unusually high levels of male sex hormones. If left untreated, babies eventually die.
* Congenital Hypothyroidism results from deficient or absence of thyroid hormone, which is important for mental and physical development. If left untreated, babies develop severe brain insult and eventually mental retardation.
* Galactosemia is a disorder in which babies are unable to process galactose. Excessive amounts in the body could lead to brain and liver insults.
* Phenylketonuria is a very rare disorder in which the infant cannot properly use an amino acid, phenylalanine. Excess of this amino acid leads to mental retardation.
I have mentioned the 5 disorders that are part of the Newborn Screening Program. It is available in hospitals and birthing homes. The cost is economical. In fact, it has been part of the newborn package to all Phil health members and their dependents. To all mothers, please be aware of the need of this screening program. This is just not to save you from further financial, emotional damage but also to save your baby from mental retardation. Ask your pediatrician about it.
