minnesota department of health

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) to be added to newborn screening panel

​Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham has approved the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee’s recommendation to add metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) to the list of conditions for which Minnesota newborns are routinely screened.  

​The Minnesota Newborn Screening Program will be working towards implementation, which includes validating a test method and developing result and follow-up protocols. A start date for screening will be determined and shared as this process unfolds. It will likely be in 2026.  

​MLD is a type of lysosomal disease, which is caused by an enzyme deficiency leading to a buildup of fats called sulfatides. This buildup causes damage to the brain and nervous system. Symptoms of MLD include not reaching developmental milestones, regression of skills and seizures. It can also be fatal.  

​There is no cure for MLD, but early intervention can help manage symptoms and slow the progression. Gene therapy offers a promising approach for treating MLD. The Minnesota Newborn Screening program expects to identify approximately one baby each year with MLD, who will benefit from early interventions and life-changing outcomes because of newborn screening.  

​Minnesota has one of the most comprehensive newborn screening programs in the country. Since 1964, when Minnesota started screening for PKU (phenylketonuria), all Minnesota newborns have had a blood sample sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for newborn screening unless their parents opted out. As scientific knowledge has advanced, Minnesota has expanded its newborn screening panel to help detect more than 60 conditions with beneficial interventions or treatment. Newborn screening can identify children affected with these conditions early and get them connected with the care they need to be as healthy as possible.

​More information can be found on the Newborn Screening Program [ [link removed] ] webpage.​ 

*-MDH-*

*Media inquiries:*
*Amy Barrett*
*MDH Communications *
*651-201-4993*
*[email protected]* <[email protected]>

Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

You can update or cancel your subscription at any time by editing your personal profile [ [link removed] ]. You will need your email address and your password (if you have selected one).

P.S. If you have any questions or problems please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ] for assistance. 

STAY CONNECTED: X logo [ [link removed] ]   MDH on X [ [link removed] ]   icon-facebook [ [link removed] ]   MDH on Facebook [ [link removed] ]   icon-linkedin [ [link removed] ]   MDH on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]   icon-instagram [ [link removed] ] MDH on Instagram [ [link removed] ]  
________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Health · 625 Robert Street North · St. Paul MN 55155 · 651-201-5000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]