NHS has just released this. Excellent update.21 Nov 2024 14:00
NHS has just released this:
Genetic test developed by Manchester researchers to prevent newborn babies going deaf, to be trialled across the UK
Thursday Nov 21st 2024
A ground-breaking genetic test that could prevent critically ill newborn babies going deaf if treated with gentamicin, a commonly used antibiotic, is being trialled across 14 NHS neonatal (specialist newborn) units across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Developed by researchers at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and The University of Manchester, in collaboration with Manchester-based firm genedrive Plc, the rapid bedside test could save the NHS £5 million every year by reducing the need for interventions, such as cochlear implants.
The innovative test was first piloted at Saint Mary’s Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital, in 2020 as part of the Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing (PALOH) study. Following its success, the test was implemented into routine clinical practice at Saint Mary’s Hospital in 2022 and extended to all three maternity units at MFT, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital, and North Manchester General Hospital, in 2023.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) conditionally recommended the genedrive test for use in the NHS last year. It has since been implemented into routine clinical practice at all eight Greater Manchester neonatal units, with funding from Health Innovation Manchester (HInM). So far, the test has prevented the hearing loss of 11 babies at MFT and across Greater Manchester, with 4,000 babies tested to October 2024.
As part of its recommendation, NICE identified areas requiring more information to determine whether the test should be recommended for use at all neonatal sites across the NHS. This includes how the test impacts the time it takes for a baby to be given antibiotics, how the results affect antibiotic prescribing decisions, and the technical performance and accuracy of the test.
Now, having successfully received £1.4m funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Office for Life Sciences, researchers at MFT will lead PALOH-UK, a new two-year study across 14 neonatal units, from large intensive care units to small special care baby units.
https://research.cmft.nhs.uk/news-events/genetic-test-developed-by-manchester-researchers-to-prevent-newborn-babies-going-deaf-to-be-trialled-across-the-uk
Good luck, Brighty