Newborn Screening: The Way Forward

Professor Kannan Vaidyanathan, Professor & Head of Biochemistry, at Believers Church medical Collge Hospital, gave a lecture on Newborn Screening at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Kolkata on Thursday.

Professor Vaidyanathan began his lecture by discussing the importance of newborn screening. He explained that newborn screening is a process by which newborns are tested for a variety of genetic and metabolic disorders that can be detected early and treated before they cause serious health problems.

Professor Vaidyanathan then discussed the different types of newborn screening tests that are available. He explained that the most common type of newborn screening test is the Guthrie test, which tests for phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is a genetic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down phenylalanine, an amino acid that is found in protein. If PKU is not detected and treated early, it can lead to brain damage and other serious health problems.

Professor Vaidyanathan also discussed other types of newborn screening tests, such as the newborn hearing screening test and the newborn metabolic screening test. The newborn hearing screening test tests for hearing loss, which can be a serious problem if it is not detected and treated early. The newborn metabolic screening test tests for a variety of metabolic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.

Professor Vaidyanathan concluded his lecture by discussing the importance of newborn screening in India. He explained that newborn screening is a cost-effective way to prevent serious health problems in newborns. He also stressed the need to increase awareness of newborn screening in India so that more newborns can be screened.

The lecture was well-received by the audience, which included over 100 delegates from across India. The delegates were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about newborn screening and its importance in India.

Professor Vaidyanathan was also honored with a ponnada for his work in the field of newborn screening. The ponnada is a traditional Indian honor that is given to people who have made significant contributions to society.

The lecture was a success and it helped to raise awareness of the importance of newborn screening in India.

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