According to the USPSTF, which disease should newborns be screened for?

Newborn screening is a critical public health practice aimed at early identification and intervention for certain genetic, metabolic, and infectious conditions. Among the conditions recommended by the USPSTF for routine newborn screening, sickle cell disease holds significant importance due to its potential severity and long-term impact on children's health.

Sickle cell disease, which is caused by a genetic mutation affecting hemoglobin, can lead to serious complications such as pain crises, increased risk of infections, and damage to various organs if not diagnosed and managed early. Newborn screening allows for timely interventions, such as penicillin prophylaxis and vaccinations, which can mitigate the risk of severe complications associated with the disease and improve long-term outcomes for affected infants.

In contrast, while cystic fibrosis is also a critical condition for screening, the question specifically identifies sickle cell disease as the focus of the inquiry. Although conditions like hemophilia and multiple sclerosis are significant in their own right, they are not typically included in the routine newborn screening panel recommended by the USPSTF. Hence, the emphasis lies on sickle cell disease as a condition of primary importance for early detection and management in newborns.