When babies are born, they get checked out for a few things to make sure they are on track for normal development and growth. If they aren’t, modern medicine has some treatments to get newborns back on track.

Babies will now be tested for Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase Deficiency, or GAMT Deficiency, as part of the state-required newborn screening panel. GAMT Deficiency can cause serious problems with the brain and muscles. Michigan is the third state in the nation that does the screening.

The condition is inherited, so there is really no prevention. It stems from an inadequate supply of creatine, and the body is unable to use and store energy properly. Impairments can be lifelong and severe, but can be mitigated with dietary and medical treatment.

To learn more about GAMT deficiency, visit babysfirsttest.org and creatineinfo.org.

To learn more about newborn screening in Michigan, contact the MDHHS Newborn Screening Program at 866-673-9939, via email at newbornscreening@michigan.gov or visit Michigan.gov/newbornscreening.