| Simple blood test devised to predict pre-eclampsia
London, Sept 7: A simple blood test could predict a potentially fatal pregnancy complication up to three months before symptoms occur, researchers report. Women who go on to develop pre-eclampsia have high levels of two key proteins in their blood, the study found. The proteins, which disrupt blood vessel formation, also suggest potential targets for treatment. Pre-eclampsia is little understood and a dangerous complication occurring in up to 5 percent of pregnancies. It is the leading cause of premature delivery worldwide. The condition often strikes without warning, causing the womans blood pressure to spike and predispose her to developing blood clots. Some women go on to suffer convulsions and even death. For this reason, doctors may have to deliver her baby immediately, even if many weeks remain before its due date.
When a Migraine Strikes
For years, Jenny suffered in silence. She was constantly off sick from work with a throbbing, pulsating headache that kept her inactive for days at a time. She would take the usual over-the-counter medications but they seldom worked. Then one day, she was watching TV when a commercial was aired, featuring people who suffered from migraine headaches. As she watched, she realised that the sufferers were experiencing symptoms similar to hers. "Up to that moment, I had no idea that I could be suffering from migraines. I just thought that I needed glasses or needed to sleep," said Jenny. A migraine is a throbbing headache that is often one-sided. Usually, it is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Migraine sufferers also complain of sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, sleep disruption and depression.
Medical News: Sleep Problems, ADHD, Fatty Fish
BOSTON -- In Tuesday's medical news, NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported on a possible explanation for sleep problems, a link between attention problems in children and smoking and another reason to eat fish. Sleeping Problems Allergies may be to blame for poor sleep, researchers said. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine examined almost 600 French women and men and found the worse their allergy symptoms, the worse their sleep. The allergy sufferers had more insomnia, woke up more in middle of night, snored more and felt tired during the day. Allergy sufferers also took longer to fall asleep. Fatty Fish Eating more fatty fish, like salmon and tuna, may help prevent kidney cancer in women, according to new research.
|