Genetic screening for rare diseases in newborns

Shortening the Path to Rare Disease Diagnosis by Using Newborn Genetic Screening and Digital Technologies (SCREEN4CARE): Genetic Newborn Screening for Rare Diseases Within the Screen4Care Project

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital Freiburg · NCT06549218

This study is testing if genetic screening can help find and treat rare diseases in newborns early on, giving families better options for care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20000 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 2 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Freiburg Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Dijon and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06549218 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance the diagnosis and early intervention for rare diseases in newborns through genetic screening. Families expecting a baby will be offered a TREAT-panel approach for currently treatable rare diseases, and whole genome sequencing will be available for infants who show symptoms of a genetic condition within the first two years. The study will also evaluate the impact of genetic screening on participating families through standardized follow-up questionnaires.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are newborns born in participating hospitals whose parents provide informed consent for genetic screening.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have informed consent from their parents or guardians will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases in newborns, improving health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in genetic screening for early diagnosis of rare diseases, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* TREAT-panel:

  * newborns
  * Infants born in one of the participating hospitals and birth centres
  * Informed consent signed by both parents/legal guardian to participate in genetic newborn screening (TREAT-panel)
* Whole genome sequencing:

  * Participation in the TREAT-panel study
  * Symptoms suggestive of a genetic disease within the first 2 years of life
  * Informed consent signed by both parents/legal guardian to participate in genetic newborn screening (TREAT-panel) and the whole genome sequencing

Exclusion Criteria:

* Missing informed consent of parents/legal guardian

Where this trial is running

Dijon and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Newborn Screening
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.