Newborn Screen

Components of the California Newborn Screen:
–Phenylketonuria (PKU)
–Hemoglobinopathies
–Hypothyroid
–Galactosemia

Arizona (from Arizona Dept of Health Services http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/owch/newbrnscrn.htm)

• Hypothyroidism – Not enough thyroid hormone can lead to mental retardation and growth delay.  Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone.  It occurs in one of every 4,000 babies.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) – This is a condition in which the adrenal glands may not make enough hormones called cortisol and aldosterone. The lack of these hormones can lead to the body not being able to handle stress and sometimes losing large amounts of salt in the urine.  CAH can also result in the body making too much androgen, a male sex hormone.  CAH is treated with medicine.  It occurs in one of every 15,000 babies.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) – A part of food protein cannot be broken down by the body.  A special diet prevents mental retardation.  It occurs in one of every 15,000 babies.
• Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) – A part of food protein cannot be broken down by the body.  A special diet can prevent mental retardation and other serious problems.  It occurs in one of every 200,000 babies.
• Homocystinuria – the body cannot break down a part of food protein.  Vitamin B6 and a special diet may prevent mental retardation and eye problems.  It occurs in one of every 100,000 babies.
• Galactosemia – A sugar found in milk products cannot be broken down by the body.  A special diet low in milk products prevents serious problems.  It occurs in one of every 60,000 babies.
• Biotinidase Deficiency – The vitamin, biotin, cannot be properly recycled in the body.  Giving this vitamin can prevent seizures and mental retardation.  It occurs in one of every 60,000 babies.
• Sickle Cell Anemia – Red blood cells become sickle shaped because of a defect in the cells that carry oxygen in the blood.  The sickle shaped cells can clog blood vessels and cause severe pain.  Certain infections occur more easily and must be controlled with antibiotics.  It occurs in one of every 375 African American babies, but also occurs in other races.