Latest news with #metachromaticleukodystrophy
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New test approved for newborns in Minnesota
Minnesota newborns will soon be screened for a disease that can lead to delays in developmental milestones, regression of skills, seizures and in some cases death. The Minnesota Commissioner of Health, Dr. Brooke Cunningham, has approved the state's Newborn Screening Advisory Committee's recommendation to add metachromatic leukodystrophy, known as MLD, to the list of conditions for which newborns in Minnesota are routinely screened, according to a press release from the state Department of Health. The committee will now work toward implementing the screening. The work will include validating a testing method and developing result and follow-up protocols. It is likely the screening will begin in 2026. 'MLD is a type of lysosomal disease, which is caused by an enzyme deficiency leading to a buildup of fats called sulfatides. This buildup causes damage to the brain and nervous system,' the health department press release said. While there is no cure for the disease, early intervention can help manage symptoms and slow the progression. The screening program expects to identify one baby a year that has the disease and will benefit from early intervention. For more information, visit the state's Newborn Screening Program webpage. These researchers are trying to diagnose CTE during life. They're recruiting former football players First at-home test kit for cervical cancer approved by the FDA, company says FDA will allow three new color additives made from minerals, algae and flower petals Despite historic indictment, doctors will keep mailing abortion pills across state lines When they don't recognize you anymore
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Minnesota newborns to be screened for Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD)
The Brief The Minnesota Department of Health announced babies born in the state will be routinely screened for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). Officials said screenings for the disease will likely start in 2026. MLD symptoms include patients not reaching developmental milestones, experiencing regression of skills, seizures and sometimes death. MINNESOTA (FOX 9) - Babies born in Minnesota will start to be routinely screened for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), the state's health department announced. Officials say MLD will likely be added to the list of conditions Minnesota newborns are routinely screened for in 2026, based on the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee's recommendation. READ MORE: MN documentary chronicles groundbreaking treatment for rare genetic disease Big picture view MLD is a kind of lysosomal disease that is caused by an enzyme deficiency leading to a buildup of fats known as sulfatides. Health officials say the buildup causes brain and nervous system damage, which can lead to those diagnosed with MLD not reaching developmental milestones, experiencing regression of skills, seizures and sometimes death. There is no cure, but early intervention can slow progression of the disease and help manage symptoms. The Minnesota Department of Health said gene therapy "offers a promising approach" to treatment. Such a case was the subject of the documentary "Sequencing Hope", which followed an Alabama family's journey to M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital in Minnesota for their daughter's treatment. Local perspective The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) said the start date for MLD screening in Minnesota will likely be in 2026, with an exact date being determined and shared when the process unfolds. State officials add that Minnesota "has one of the most comprehensive newborn screening programs in the country" and point to screening for phenylketonuria (PKU) screening that started in 1964. Since then, all babies born in the state have had a blood sample sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for newborn screening unless parents opted out. Minnesota has since expanded its newborn screening panel to detect more than 60 conditions, allowing affected children to get the care they need as quickly as possible, according to the MDH. More information on the state's newborn screening program can be found here. The Source This story used information from a Minnesota Department of Health news release and past FOX 9 reporting.
