Expert committee opts against screening for risk of kernicterus

An independent expert committee has deemed that screening for the risk of kernicterus in newborn babies would not be a beneficial step.

The UK National Screening Committee has published recommendations following its latest meeting, including the decision to recommend against the introduction of a screening programme for this rare condition.

Kernicterus can damage the brain and spinal cord of newborns in life-threatening ways and is usually found in babies who have high levels of a substance called bilirubin in their blood.

Although tests exist that can measure the level of bilirubin in the blood, current tests do not make it clear whether this means the baby would develop kernicterus. Additionally, treatments are available that can reduce bilirubin levels, but it is not known whether these are effective in preventing kernicterus.

Dr Anne Mackie, director of programmes for the UK National Screening Committee, said: "There is no clear evidence that offering a national screening programme would help find babies at risk of developing kernicterus."

The committee also confirmed that it does not recommend introducing screening programmes for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or toxoplasmosis.

With over 20 years of experience within the medical devices market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge skill and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current medical device roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.