New Condition Added to State’s Newborn Screening Program

February 1, 2024

On January 26, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that it will add Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to the list of conditions for which Minnesota newborns are routinely screened.  

DMD is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. It is extremely rare for females to have it, but they can be carriers. The life expectancy for males with this condition is around 20 years. 

“Being able to detect life-altering conditions, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, through newborn screening means families can be connected to early interventions and treatment that can not only improve a child’s quality of life, but also save lives,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham, MD, PhD. 

Symptoms of DMD can go undetected for years if not identified in the newborn period. On average, DMD is not diagnosed until age 5, at which point skeletal muscle is already severely damaged and treatment options are limited. 

Screening for DMD among newborns allows families and medical specialists to tailor care, such as physical therapy, based on approved treatments available for children at certain ages. Disease-modifying treatments during the newborn period are available for 30% of affected newborns. Treatments are not curative, but symptoms and muscle breakdown are less severe.   

Based on the birth rate in Minnesota, it is estimated that nine newborns with DMD will be detected each year and receive early treatment and intervention. 

The Minnesota Newborn Screening Program has been a national leader in newborn screening since 1964. Along with hospitals, labs and medical professionals across the state, newborns are routinely screened for over 60 rare and serious conditions. Identifying these disorders early leads to treatment, intervention and connection to specialty care which can prevent most health problems caused by the disorder.