CMEDIA: The Manitoba government is marking World Sickle Cell Day by expanding newborn screening to include inherited blood disorder or sickle cell disease most commonly found in people of African, Middle Eastern, Asian and by Caribbean descent, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced Wednesday.
“We want every child to get every opportunity to have a happy, healthy life…detection and care for rare disorders like sickle cell disease…adding it to our universal newborn screening program…to improve outcomes for their little ones. Early screening is important…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…thank the Sickle Circle of Manitoba for working with our government to advance this important area of healthcare in our province,” Asagwara has said.
The expanded screening launched June 1s, the minister noted.
Being a blood disorder, Sickle cell disease prevents red blood cells from carrying enough oxygen to the rest of the body causing red blood cells to change shape and block blood vessels entirely. The disease is inherited when both parents carry the sickle cell gene.
“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 living with sickle cell 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.
For more information on the Manitoba Newborn Screening Program facilitating every newborn In Manitoba to be checked for uncommon or rare diseases can be found at: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/services/diagnostic/cpl/newborn-screening/.
