Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

PA Images. PA
HIQA

HSE advised to screen newborns for rare, life threatening condition by HIQA

HIQA has found that screening for the condition could reduce mortality rates

A REPORT HAS recommended screening newborns in Ireland for a rare life-threatening inherited condition in order to allow earlier access to treatment, that could save lives. 

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) said that the HSE should start testing for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) as part of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme, which is also known as the ‘heel prick’ test. 

Adding the screening for all types of SCID would cost €3.66 million over five years. 

The heel prick test is carried out within the first 72 to 120 hours of life and it currently screens for nine conditions. 

What HIQA is advising is that a check for SCID should be added to this screening process. 

SCID is a condition that results in a child having low levels of T-Cells. This then causes the child to have a low immune system, and that makes them vulnerable to infection. 

The condition can be identified through screening, family history, or the development of severe or recurrent infections. 

Early detection of SCID, HIQA has found, can lead to better outcomes for children, with reduced mortality rates and avoidance of harms. 

Screening for SCID would not only help children with the condition to access early treatment, it would also identify children who have very low levels of T-cells for other reasons. 

Dr Máirín Ryan, the Deputy CEO of HIQA, said: ”Newborn screening for all SCID types through the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme will help find infants before they present clinically with infections, allowing for earlier access to potentially curative treatment. In this way, the benefits of screening can be considerable for children with SCID and their families.”

You can read the full Health Technology Assessment published by HIQA here. 

Your Voice
Readers Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel