HHS Secretary Adopts New Recommendation on Newborn Screening

Recommended Uniform Screening Panel now to include Critical Congenital Heart Disease

WASHINGTON, DC – September 22, 2011 – Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius adopted the recommendation of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (SACHDNC) that Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) be included on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). RUSP is the national recommendation informing states of the congenital conditions that should be included in each state newborn screening program. The SACHDNC put this recommendation forward last year, after following the robust evidence review process they have pioneered. After receiving additional review from the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Screening in Newborns and Children, Secretary Sebelius determined that intervention for this condition during the newborn period is critical to saving lives.

CCHD is a group of heart-related conditions present from birth that cause nearly 3% of infant mortality during the first year of life. Newborn screening for these serious, though often treatable, conditions will include the addition of pulse oximetry screening during the newborn period. Early detection of CCHD, which affects 7 to 9 out of every 1000 live births, allows for critical intervention preventing brain damage, and infant death. This point-of-care screening joins the previously approved blood spot and hearing components of newborn screening.

For more information see the SACHDNC website. 

 

Published On: 
Monday, September 26, 2011