DNA Testing Offers Insight Into Newborn Health, Survival

Decoding a baby's DNA gives parents the ability to look into the future of their child's health, allowing them to make decisions about care and treatment for those who are sick.

Researchers detailed their findings and future research plans Wednesday at the sixth annual Pediatric Genomic Medicine Conference at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

Children's Mercy was the recipient of one of the grants. Its researchers will examine whether incorporating rapid genomic sequencing results into the care of sick newborns - who are often taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - improves their diagnosis or their clinical care. Many newborns taken to the NICU have a high rate of disability and death, and researchers report that their parents​ ​may have the most to gain from knowing their genetic diagnosis. Genetic disorders and congenital anomalies are the leading cause of infant mortality.

Read more via U.S. News and World Report