The province of Manitoba is ensuring families and their newborns have the best start in life through an expanded universal newborn screening program. This announcement was made by Health Minister Theresa Oswald.
“We want to provide peace of mind to new families and ensure disorders are found early so infants can receive the care and treatment they need immediately,” said Oswald. “We have expanded the newborn screening program so newborns in the province can be tested for cystic fibrosis and more than 40 other serious health conditions.”
Newborns are screened for serious and sometimes life-threatening genetic, hormonal, inherited and metabolic disorders that may not be obvious at birth. Early diagnosis and treatment can optimize outcomes for children found to be affected. Once samples are collected, they are sent to Cadham Provincial Laboratory for analysis.
“Without early diagnosis, children with cystic fibrosis are not diagnosed until symptoms appear and irreversible and potentially life-threatening lung damage may have already occurred,” said Maureen Adamson, chief executive officer, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “Cystic Fibrosis Canada is delighted that Manitoba has joined the fight for early detection, allowing earlier treatment and care for babies born with this devastating disease.”
Expanded newborn screening uses a technology called tandem-mass spectrometry to detect dozens of different conditions with one test. Like many other screening tests, a positive result does not mean that a baby has a metabolic or genetic condition, only that further assessment and possible testing are recommended.
“We cover a broader array of rare metabolic disorders than most other provinces, leading the way with Ontario and Saskatchewan. These disorders were difficult to detect before the use of tandem mass spectrometry,” said Oswald.
The minister noted the universal newborn screening program was introduced last year and initial funding for cystic fibrosis screening was provided by the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“Our mission is to contribute to the improved health of children everywhere,” said Lesia Sianchuk, executive director, Children’s Hospital Foundation. “By having provided the initial funding for cystic fibrosis screening, we are helping to provide Manitoba children with cystic fibrosis a better quality of life. We are grateful to our donors from our Ice Crystal Gala event that helped us raise this seed money.”
The province continues to work with the regional health authorities and other partners to develop additional screening programs for Manitoba children as recommended by medical professionals.
More information about newborn screening in Manitoba is available from health-care providers or at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cpl/baby.html
