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)
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Recent studies prove the ancient practice of nasal irrigation is effective at fighting the common cold - 2Astronaut on ISS captures spectacular orbital video of zodiacal light, auroras and the Pleiades
- 3PA accuses Israel of 'human trafficking' after planeload of Gazans arrives in South Africa
- 4Nvidia Share Price Could Be Hit Hard By Iran War
- 5‘Ukrainian housewives’ and Skyranger delays – German defense poster child Rheinmetall is in hot water
- Step by step instructions to Integrate Lab Precious stones into Special Adornments Pieces
- The 15 Most Rousing TED Chats on Self-awareness
- Which Diet Prompts the Incomparable Wellbeing Results?
- Health insurance premiums rose nearly 3x the rate of worker earnings over the past 25 years
- Native artists in Texas and Mexico shared their vision of the universe for 4,000 years, ancient murals suggest
- 'Fertiliser costs mean I'm better off not planting'
- The most effective method to Pick the Best Wellbeing Highlights for Seniors in SUVs
- ‘Dying of thirst’: Inside Gaza’s al-Mawasi water crisis
- Independence from the rat race: How to Save and Contribute Shrewdly
