Page 104 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2024

HEALTHY LIVING
story by
Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
You are pregnant! Congratulations! Now what? Your beautiful baby is on the way, and all you can see are pink and blue gender reveals, baby showers, birthday parties, school, prom, and graduation. The expectation is that everything will go as smoothly as planned and the baby will be healthy and happy through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Well, life cannot always be picture-perfect. But when it does come to baby, some steps can help you prepare to make life as happy and healthy as possible. Begun in the 1960s here in the U.S., newborn screenings (NBS) test newborns quickly and efficiently for many genetic mutations and conditions that can allow for early intervention. Early identification can lead to treatments to improve your child's overall quality of life.
Though the different tests vary by state, a recommended uniform screening panel is usually followed in most areas. The federal government endorses this panel to test for certain conditions in newborns that adequately identify those affected. Early detection will increase proper clinical care with effective treatments for your child.
This testing has done wonders to improve the lives of many children due to early detection of certain diseases. However, it is not all-inclusive. Organizations like The United MSD
Foundation feel that more tests should be included to help communities with rare diseases. In the case of Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD), the present therapies and treatments are still in the research phases. Since approved treatment options are not yet available, MSD is not included in most states' recommended uniform screening panel.
A quick Google search can inform you of which conditions are NBS-inclusive here in Mississippi or another state. If
a rare genetic condition exists in your family and is not included in NBS, it is still beneficial to have your pediatrician screen for it independently.
Like with MSD, the United MSD Foundation is on a mission to have its screening added to NSB for states. For the years 2023-2025, it has partnered with nonprofits in many states. Early detection of all rare diseases, especially MSD, can help families connect with clinical specialists who can treat the progression of the disease by incorporating physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Early discovery can bring support and resources to those affected so that tough life decisions will not have to be navigated alone.
You can find out more about newborn screening at www.cdc.gov/newbornscreening.
104 | April 2024
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