The screening tests that follow require blood or urine samples. A majority of states screen for galactosemia and hemoglobin disorders. Less than half of the states screen for maple syrup urine disease, homocystinuria, and biotinidase deficiency. If not treated early, PKU leads to brain damage, nerve damage, and mental retardation. A baby can develop normally when a special low-protein diet is started in the first weeks of life.
Congenital hypothyroidism is caused when a baby is born without enough thyroid hormone.
This condition can lead to poor growth and mental retardation. Normal growth and development can result from giving the baby extra thyroid hormone as soon as possible after birth. Galactosemia is caused when a baby cannot digest galactose, a sugar found in milk. The disorder leads to cataracts, liver damage, mental retardation, and death. A special formula is given to prevent these symptoms.