| Improvement seen in fetal survival following preeclampsia
Fetal survival following a preeclamptic pregnancy has improved substantially over the last 35 years in Norway, likely due to a reduction in stillbirths and improvements in clinical management, according to a study in the September 20 issue of JAMA. Preeclampsia (a potentially dangerous condition that may develop in late pregnancy with symptoms that include high blood pressure, fluid retention, excessive weight gain, and the presence of protein in the urine) is a well-known cause of perinatal (occurring during the period around birth) death. Despite improvements in clinical management, preeclampsia often culminates in the delivery of a very preterm infant following medical intervention. Even mild preterm delivery substantially increases the risk of neonatal death. Preeclampsia can progress rapidly, putting both mother and child at severe risk if no action is taken.
Sheriff halts 250,000 baby costs lawsuit
A YOUNG Perth mother who was trying to sue NHS Tayside for 250,000 for the cost of bringing up her child has had her case dismissed. Stacey Ann Dow (21), Glengarry Road, raised the civil action at Perth Sheriff Court after she claimed doctors at Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) failed to carry out a termination properly four years ago. Only one of a pair of twins was aborted. Miss Dow, then 16, said she was unaware she was still pregnant until 27 weeks later, when the only solution was to have the child. Her daughter Jayde was born at PRI in August 2001. If successful, the claim would have proved a landmark case with major consequences. NHS Tayside defended the actions, saying Miss Dow was told of the risks of failure before the procedure.
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.
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