Wenjiang examines deafness-causing genes in newborns
( chinadaily.com.cn )
Updated: 2014-12-24
Deafness is one of the commonest birth defects. To discover hereditary deafness genes early and avoid drug-induced hearing injuries, Wenjiang launched a free hereditary deafness gene chip inspection for newborns in June 2012.
In the past two years, more than 10,000 newborns were inspected and 396 were found to be carrying the hearing disease causing genes. In particular, 30 babies carried a drug-induced hearing loss gene. The inspection avoided the situation where they use aminoglycosides, which would cause hearing loss, without knowing the potential risks.
Recently, Wenjiang's public health bureau said that four hospitals in the district have started the free hereditary deafness genes inspection, namely Wenjiang Women's and Children's Hospital, Wenjiang People's Hospital, Chengdu No 5 People's Hospital and Wenjiang Shengmu Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.
"The conventional method was to observe babies' responses to hearing screening machines. However, the examination was limited since it cannot detect delayed or drug-induced diseases. So we employ the gene chip inspection, through which we can clearly distinguish problem-causing genes," explained Yu Hao, the person in charge of the gene inspection program.
In 2014, the four hospitals examined nearly 5,400 babies. It takes 40 days for hospitals to finish the inspection process. If the newborn is confirmed to carry the deafness-causing genes, the hospital will come up with medical intervention and solutions.
Li Qionghua, a woman living in Wenjiang, had her child examined at birth. The inspection showed that the newborn carried the drug-induced deafness genes. The hospital consequently gave Li a medical note, saying that the child could not take aminoglycosides such as streptomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin or sisomicin. "I bring this card with me when I take my baby to see a doctor, in case of misuse," said Li.
Director Yu Hao said, "We hope to protect more children from hearing loss. Also, for those whose deafness is unavoidable, we suggest parents implant an electrical cochlea for their children before the age of six to prevent consequent dumbness."
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A nurse collects blood for a newborn to have a hereditary deafness gene chip inspection. [Photo/wjnews.com.cn] |
