Posts for the 'Birth Injuries' Category
Brain chilling cap may reduce risk of cerebral palsy
A new technique used by some hospitals in Great Britain may prove to be an important breakthrough in preventing brain damage which could result from a traumatic birth. A brain chilling cap is used after some deliveries where the birth was delayed or the baby’s brain was deprived of oxygen. The chilling cap reduces brain swelling which could cause cerebral palsy
FDA warns about CellCept birth defect side effects
Yesterday, the FDA announced that a black box warning will be added to CellCept, indicating that the drug could increase the risk of miscarriages and birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. CellCept is commonly given following organ transplants to keep the body from attacking the new organ, but it could also cause serious congenital malformations and pregnancy loss.
>>FDA MEDWATCH: CellCept Birth Defect Warning
Risk of birth defects from drugs is not always conveyed to women
Many drugs on the market today should not be taken by women who are or may become pregnant. The side effect of these medicines on an unborn baby can be devastating, and yet research shows that many women taking these drugs are unaware of the danger.
Repeated use of corticosteroids linked to risk of cerebral palsy
According to a study published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, repeated courses of corticosteriods given to pregnant women at risk for premature labor may increase the chances that the infant will develop cerebral palsy. Use of only one course of the steroid treatment to accelerate lung development and increase the baby’s chances of survival was found to be just as effective and may not carry the same risk.
Antidepressants during pregnancy linked to preterm births
According to a new study published in the current issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, the use of antidepressants during pregnancy is associated with lower fetal age and an increased risk of preterm birth . Researchers found that depression alone, without use of antidepressants, did not adversely impact the pregnancy, which may come as a surprise to many. Read the rest of this entry »
Antibiotic injection Rocephin linked to newborn deaths
The FDA reported today that a new warning will be added to Rocephin for Injection, an antibiotic manufactured by Roche Holding AG. When combined with calcium or calcium-containing products, the antibiotic could cause a fatal reaction in the lungs and kidneys of newborn babies, especially those born premature. Read the rest of this entry »
Paxil birth defect risk evaluated by New England Journal of Medicine
The increased risk of birth defects associated with Paxil and other SSRI antidepressants was evaluated in two new studies published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found an association between antidepressants taken early in the pregnancy and three specific birth defects: abnormal skull development, gastrointestinal abnormality and a defect of the brain. However, the overall risk was small. Read the rest of this entry »
Cerebral Palsy Exercises Improve Strength and Range of Motion
Cerebral Palsy is a disorder of muscle control and movement coordination, commonly associated with seizures, sensory impairments and cognitive limitations. Although there is no cure for the brain injury, by focusing on muscle strength and coordination, cerebral palsy exercises and therapy programs can help improve motor skills and coordination of muscle movement. At the North Oakland Medical Center in Pontiac, Michigan, the Euro-Pēds clinic offers innovative treatment options for children with cerebral palsy.
>>INFORMATION: Cerebral Palsy Resources
Spastic cerebral palsy attorney claims $2.27 million verdict is largest ever in the Pennsylvania county
The family of a child with spastic cerebral palsy has recovered $2.27 million from a verdict in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The attorney who represented the family told a local paper that it may be the largest verdict ever in that county for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
>>INFORMATION: Spastic cerebral palsy lawsuits
Depakote birth defects: epilepsy drug increases risk of mental deficits
The epilepsy drug Depakote has been linked to an increased risk of mental retardation and birth injuries when taken during pregnancy. According to recent reports, the risk of Depakote birth defects could be significantly greater when compared to the risks associated with alternative anticonvulsants. Read the rest of this entry »
