Can newborn blood tests on the third day prevent any diseases?
Feb 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, blood sampling from newborns on the third day after birth can help prevent diseases such as congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and thalassemia. Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition caused by insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones, which can affect the growth, development, and intellectual abilities of newborns.
In general, blood sampling from newborns three days after birth can help prevent diseases such as congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and thalassemia. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Congenital Hypothyroidism: This disease is caused by insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones and can affect the growth, development, and intelligence of newborns. Blood testing allows for early detection and timely intervention, such as thyroid hormone supplementation, preventing long-term adverse effects of the disease on the newborn.
2. Phenylketonuria: This condition results from abnormal metabolism of phenylalanine and can lead to developmental delays in intelligence. Screening enables early detection and dietary adjustments to avoid intake of phenylalanine-containing foods, thus controlling the disease.
3. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: This disorder is caused by impaired synthesis of adrenal cortical hormones and can affect the growth and sexual development of newborns. Blood testing allows for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to improve the newborn's health.
4. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: This disease is a hemolytic disorder caused by a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Newborns with this condition are prone to hemolysis when exposed to certain triggers. Screening enables early detection and implementation of preventive measures, such as avoiding medications that may induce hemolysis.
5. Thalassemia: This is an inherited hemolytic anemia, categorized as either mild or severe. Mild cases generally do not require special treatment, while severe cases necessitate regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Blood testing enables early detection of thalassemia and allows for formulation of an appropriate treatment plan based on disease severity.
If these diseases are detected and treated early, the health status of the newborn can be improved, preventing disease progression that could affect other organ functions, especially neurological damage, thereby ensuring the infant's intellectual and physical growth and development.
