Eastern Biotech organize seminar on Management of IEM & Comprehensive Newborn Screening

DUBAI, UAE, October 19, 2010 (Press-News.org) Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences organized a seminar to increase awareness of the Comprehensive Newborn Screening Program. This is a screening test for the early detection of inherited and metabolic disorders which if detected in time can save a life or prevent irreversible disability.
Dr. P.K.Rajiv, Consultant Neonatologist, NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai, UAE said, "Every newborn needs to be screened, especially if they are sick or belong to a high risk group that includes, unexplained deaths of siblings, miscarriages & aborted fetuses, exhibit symptoms of IEMs, babies conceived by IVF or babies in NICU/PICU".
Newborn screening program is implemented by most countries around the world, though the lists of screened diseases vary widely from 1 to more than 50 disorders. Eastern Biotech offers most comprehensive program in the region. This includes Fatty acids, Amino acids, Acylcarnitine, organic acids, Biotinidase, Cystic Fibrosis, G6PD, Galactosemia, Conginital Hyperthoirydism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Hemoglobinopathies. These disorders show no obvious signs, but have the potential to cause irreversible damage within a few days of birth. If detected at an early stage, conditions can be treated with immediate management and baby's life can be saved.
"If screening comes positive for Galatosemia for a child, he needs to be seen either by the pediatrician or in the local emergency room on the same day. In case the hospital does not respond to the calls, parents should call the local police because this is an emergency", stated by Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Heath Science, Tawam Hospital, UAE University, Al Ain.
The Screening is conducted with blood spots taken on a special filter paper by pricking the baby's heel. The best time to collect sample from the baby is after 24 hours of birth. The time can vary depending on the number of times the baby was fed after the birth, ideally at least 6 feeding would be needed before taking the sample, mentioned by Dr. Monika Kaushal, Consultant Neonatologist, Zulekha Hospital, Dubai.
More than 150 Neonatologist, Pediatricians, Gynecolgoist and Nurses from various private and Govt hospitals participated in CME event at Kempinski Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road. Not only screening and diagnosis but also management of metabolic disorders was discussed by eminent speakers. Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences organized the seminar in support with Abbott Laboratories and Sebamed.


"This Seminar helped us understand why comprehensive Newborn Screening is important for every baby" said Dr. Tauseef Ahmed (Pediatrician) from NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai.
The Chairman & Managing Director of Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences emphasized in his closing speech that his company is proud to offer the most comprehensive and state of the art Newborn Screening Program in the region as the company was built on a vision to provide predictive and preventive healthcare services rather than the regular diagnostics.
About Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences:
Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences is a UAE based Biotechnology Company under the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, DUBIOTECH, Dubai. The company has a vision to prevent morbidity and mortality among individuals and families with or at risk of genetic, congenital, and/or familial disorders.
For more information, please visit Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences website or contact:
Pankaj Sohaney, Director: Marketing & Business Development (Tel. +00971 4 3692061)

Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences based at DuBiotech, Dubai, is the first company in the Middle East to offer comprehensive genetic testing services. We have carefully examined the biotechnological horizon to identify the genetic tests most relevant to this region and offer them directly to the people of the Middle East.