Schneider Children's: Four-Month-Old Infant Suffers Severe Injury After Parents Refuse Routine Newborn Screening

 

This free test involves collecting four drops of blood from the newborn's heel and sending them to a lab to check for a variety of treatable conditions. Early detection can prevent serious health complications.

After conducting diagnostic tests, the medical team discovered the devastating consequences of skipping the screening: the infant is now suffering from severe multi-systemic damage. It became clear that the child was born with congenital hypothyroidism - a condition that can be treated with simple medication if detected early.

Prof. Gilat Livni, Director of  Pediatric A Department and a specialist in infectious diseases who treated the infant, explained:

"This is a well-known condition that, if left untreated, can have serious consequences in children. As time passes from birth, the window of opportunity to prevent damage closes rapidly. Even though, in most cases, the screening comes back normal, there's absolutely no reason to take such a risk. If a disorder is found, treatment can begin immediately and prevent lasting harm."

The infant remains hospitalized at Schneider Children's, where he receives care. While there has been some improvement, Prof. Livni warns that there is significant concern about permanent damage.

"As physicians, cases like this are heartbreaking because we know that much of the harm could have been prevented - or at least significantly reduced -if the parents had followed routine medical guidance. It's a simple test, but it can change the course of a child's entire life."