Can Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease Really Lower Death Rates?
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Synopsis
The remarkable success of the Newborn Screening Programme for sickle cell disease in India has led to a dramatic reduction in mortality rates. With early diagnosis and intervention, the programme has established a new standard of care that can save lives and alleviate suffering for countless families.
Key Takeaways
- The Newborn Screening Programme significantly reduces sickle cell disease mortality rates.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management of SCD.
- Comprehensive care includes preventive measures like vaccinations and hydroxyurea therapy.
- The programme has identified numerous cases of SCD, underscoring its importance.
- Awareness and screening should be expanded to all newborns in high-prevalence areas.
New Delhi, June 24 (NationPress) The Newborn Screening Programme for sickle cell disease (SCD), launched from 2019 to 2024, has successfully reduced the mortality rate from a staggering 20 to 30 percent to below 5 percent, according to Dr. Manisha Madkaikar, Director of ICMR-Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur.
In an interview with IANS, Dr. Madkaikar highlighted that this programme has demonstrated that early diagnosis can dramatically improve outcomes for this chronic, single-gene disorder.
SCD is a serious genetic condition that leads to chronic anaemia, painful episodes, organ damage, and significantly diminishes life expectancy.
This genetic blood disorder impacts patients throughout their lives, causing a range of severe health issues.
“The newborn screening programme is vital for sickle cell disease because early diagnosis allows for the initiation of comprehensive care, including penicillin prophylaxis, vitamins, appropriate vaccinations, and hydroxyurea therapy,” Dr. Madkaikar emphasized.
“Our findings indicate that early comprehensive care has dramatically decreased mortality, which previously stood at around 20 to 30 percent, now reduced to less than 5 percent,” she stated.
A study conducted by the ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in Mumbai tested approximately 63,536 newborns over five years.
Among those tested, 57 percent were from tribal parents, while 43 percent were non-tribals.
This forthcoming study identified 546 cases of sickle cell disease.
The research was carried out across seven centers in regions of India with high prevalence, including Udaipur (Rajasthan), Bharuch (Gujarat), Palghar, Chandrapur, and Ghadchiroli (Maharashtra), Mandla and Dhindori (Madhya Pradesh), Nabrangpur and Kandhamal (Odisha), and the Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu).
Gujarat reported the highest number of SCD cases (134), followed by Maharashtra (127) and Odisha (126). Other notable locations include Madhya Pradesh (97), Rajasthan (41), and Tamil Nadu (21). The study identified 22 cases of mortality due to SCD (4.15 percent).
“The study conclusively shows that early intervention is crucial. It also facilitates cascade screening; identifying one infant with sickle cell disease allows for family counseling, testing family members, and aids in the diagnosis of existing patients, preventing further cases of the disease. Thus, newborn screening is essential for all newborns in areas where sickle cell is prevalent,” Dr. Madkaikar stated.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the transformative impact of the Newborn Screening Programme for sickle cell disease. This initiative not only highlights the importance of early detection but also showcases India's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in vulnerable populations. With such promising results, it is crucial for similar programs to be adopted nationwide.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that causes the body to produce abnormal hemoglobin, leading to distorted red blood cells, chronic anaemia, and severe pain.
How does newborn screening help with sickle cell disease?
Newborn screening allows for early diagnosis of sickle cell disease, enabling timely treatment and comprehensive care that can significantly reduce mortality rates.
What are the benefits of early intervention for sickle cell disease?
Early intervention can prevent severe health complications, improve quality of life, and reduce mortality associated with sickle cell disease through timely medical care.
What were the findings of the ICMR study on newborn screening?
The study found that the newborn screening programme decreased mortality rates for sickle cell disease from 20-30% to below 5%, with 546 cases identified over five years.
Where was the newborn screening study conducted?
The study was conducted across seven high-prevalence areas in India, including regions in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
