Below is a news digest on a study published in the January issue of
Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP) or Pediatrics electronic pages, the Internet extension
of Pediatrics.
January 7, 2002 12:01 a.m. (ET) CHICAGO - Universal newborn screening for
congenital hearing loss is feasible in the context of mandated state
programs involving large numbers of hospitals, according to a study in the
January issue of Pediatrics electronic pages. The study of more than
148,000 infants born at 60 Colorado hospitals demonstrates that those with
hearing loss can reliably be identified in the first few months of life.
Prompt identification provides families with the opportunity for improved
outcomes through early amplification using hearing aids and early language
intervention. Hearing loss is shown to affect one in every 650 newborns, a
frequency far more common than newborn metabolic diseases detectable by
blood testing. The study highlights the accuracy of newborn screening
tests performed before hospital discharge, and the importance of timely
follow-up testing for every infant who fails the initial screening.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This study was published in the peer-reviewed, scientific
journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, but does not necessarily
reflect the policies or opinions of the Academy. The American Academy of
Pediatrics is an organization of 55,000 primary care pediatricians,
pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists
dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children,
adolescents and young adults. |
