Krabbe Disease Can Be Diagnosed In Minnesota Newborns

Minnesota’s Newborn Screening Program is now able to screen for a rare, genetic condition. It’s called Krabbe disease.  The Minnesota Department of Health says it’s a rare, genetic condition in which a newborn can’t fully break down certain fats.  These fats will build up in the body and can lead to damage to the nerves that affect one’s ability to eat, walk and speak.  In the most severe form of Krabbe disease, a baby could die within the first two years of life.  There isn’t a cure for Krabbe disease, but a stem cell transplant can treat the disease….if it’s diagnosed before the newborn is 30 days old.  The only center in the region that can perform stem cell transplants in newborns in M Health Fairview in the Twin Cities.

TAG: There’s more information about newborn screening through this link:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/newbornscreening/index.html