In California, the newborn screening program also tests newborns for a series of blood disorders, including sickle cell. This screening program has been very successful in identifying infants with these metabolic or congenital disorders. Since the state-operated program began in California during 1980, over 4,300 infants have been identified as having one of the disorders early in their lives. PKU affects the body s ability to handle one of the amino acids that is found in all protein foods. If it is known that the infant has this disorder, the condition can be treated through a special diet and the damage is prevented.
Galactosemia likewise is inherited.
The galactose of an infant s food accumulates in and damages the cells and organs. This damage can lead to jaundice, severe mental retardation, retardation, growth deficiency, and even death. The disorder can easily be treated if it is known that the infant has the condition. Hypothyroidism results from an inadequate supply of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine. If the condition is not known and therefore left untreated, the infant s growth will be stunted, and mental retardation will occur from lack of stimulation of the brain by the hormone thyroxine.