The Manitoba government has announced changes to the province’s newborn screening program to include the inherited blood disorder, which is most commonly found in people of African, Middle Eastern, Asian and Caribbean descent.
“We want every child to get every opportunity to have a happy, healthy life. That includes detection and care for rare disorders like sickle cell disease,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “By adding it to our universal newborn screening program, we will help more families detect the disease and take steps to improve outcomes for their little ones. Early screening is important. By testing newborns within the first days of their lives, sickle cell disease can be identified and treated early, reducing the chance of serious health problems later in life. I’d like to thank the Sickle Circle of Manitoba for working with our government to advance this important area of health care in our province.”
Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder. It prevents red blood cells from carrying enough oxygen to the rest of the body and causes red blood cells to change shape and block blood vessels entirely. The disease is inherited when both parents carry the sickle cell gene. The expanded screening launched June 1, the minister noted.
“Early detection of sickle cell disease is key,” said Dr. Paul Van Caeseele, medical director, Cadham Provincial Laboratory. “There are treatments available, but the only cure for sickle cell disease is bone marrow transplant. Younger patients tolerate these transplants better and, when done early enough, patients can avoid organ damage and other serious complications and go on to lead healthy lives.”
Approximately 6,000 Canadians are living with sickle cell disease. The disease can result in complex medical needs for patients if left untreated. Complications can include stroke, pain crises, blindness, organ damage and infection, leading to frequent hospitalizations and life-threatening events.
“The implementation of newborn screening for Sickle Cell Disease brings visibility to a forgotten community,” said Linda Ndukwu, vice-president, Sickle Circle of Manitoba. “Newborn screening will significantly help the sickle cell community by facilitating early diagnosis and interventions to reduce the long-term morbidity and mortality of this disease. For new parents in Manitoba facing the possibility of diagnosis in their newborns, this is monumental. Early detection will result in early treatment options and interventions that will lead to better health outcomes. This will save lives. We applaud the Manitoba government for bringing our community one step closer to achieving standardized care.”
In Manitoba, every newborn can be checked for uncommon or rare diseases through the Manitoba Newborn Screening Program. More information on the program can be found at sharedhealthmb.ca.
