GNDU gets project to screen newborns for genetic disorders

The Department of Human Genetics of Guru Nanak Dev University has bagged a major project worth Rs 3.59 crore from the Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology for “screening of pregnant women and newborns.” GNDU vice-chancellor Prof Karamjit Singh informed that the scientists of the university will work to make this project successful and submit the results to the government so that it can take appropriate steps at the right time for the welfare of society.

Project coordinator Dr Vasudha Sambyal and Principal Investigator Dr Anupam Kau besides Dr Kamlesh Guleria will execute the project at Civil Hospital, Ferozepur, in collaboration with Senior Medical Officer, Ferozepur, Dr Nikhil Gupta and a team of gynaecologists and paediatricians. “The project involves screening of pregnant women for beta thalassemia, sickle cell disease, dual anaemia, hemoglobinopathies, gestational diabetes and T2D. It also includes newborn screening for seven common treatable genetic metabolic disorders: Congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Galactosemia, Biotinidase deficiency, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, Neural Tube defects and Down Syndrome.

“Genetic counselling will be provided to couples with a family history of genetic disorder/recurrent pregnancy loss and training will be provided to paramedical health workers for identification of families and children with a high risk of genetic disorders,” said Prof Sambyal. Also, the team will be responsible for dissemination of knowledge about preventable genetic diseases to the students of schools and colleges of Ferozepur.