Environment Plays Role In Complex Heart Defect Apr 4, 2009
3, 2009) A congenital heart disease that often leads to death in newborns is significantly more common during the summer, leading researchers to believe that the environment, and not just genes that affect the heart, may play a role in causing "mini-epidemics" of this disease ... Pirooz Eghtesady, MD, PhD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Cincinnati Children's, led a study of nearly 1,500 newborns from 38 children's hospitals in the United States who had left-sided congenital heart diseases ... 9,... (Science Daily)
Physicians Mending Broken Hearts Apr 3, 2009
(May 3, 2008) More and more children with congenital heart disease are receiving implantable cardioverter-defibrillators to maintain proper heart rhythm. ICDs were first introduced for adults in the 1980s, but. (Science Daily)
Abnormal EKG can predict death in stroke patients Mar 20, 2009
" The QTc interval is a measure of the electrical activity of the heart. An EKG records the waves of activity and its pattern, which is labeled with letters Q and T. Doctors look for the appropriate intervals between each letter, showing that the heart's electrical signals are steadily passing through the ventricles. A prolonged QTc interval means it takes too long for the electrical signal to pass. Prolonged QTc intervals can be the result of a rare genetic disorder, medications, electrolyte... (EurekAlert!)
CDC: 'Young invincibles' have big health issues Feb 19, 2009
Dr. S. Todd Callahan, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University, has seen teenage patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, congenital heart disease and cystic fibrosis age out of their family's insurance. "They're navigating the changes in health insurance," Callahan said. (CNN)
Engineer Develops Method To Combat Congenital Heart Disease In Children Feb 19, 2009
18, 2009) Congenital heart defects account for five times more deaths annually than all childhood cancers combined. Alison Marsden, an assistant mechanical and aerospace engineering professor at the University of California, has developed a unique set of computer modeling tools that are expected to enhance pediatric surgeons ability to perform critical heart surgery on children. (Science Daily)
Around the Valley Feb 17, 2009
Proceeds will benefit Camp Taylor, a summer camp for kids and families that suffer from congenital heart disease. Tickets cost $65. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Boys Have Greater Psychological Well-being Than Girls, Due To Better Physical Self-concept, Study Finds Feb 13, 2009
30, 2007) Cases of congenital heart disease (CHD), in both adolescents and adults, have been on the rise for many years. An article in a recent issue of congenital heart disease proposes that these numbers. (Science Daily)
Kids with Heart Defects May Face Future Problems Feb 7, 2009
Up to 12 of every 1,000 babies has congenital heart disease, and more than one third of these cases involves life-threatening heart malformations, Landolt and his team note in their report in BMC Pediatrics. More and more children are surviving and living longer after surgery to repair these defects, they add, and coping with the surgery can be a challenge to both parents and children. (MEDLINEplus)
Birth Control Pill Effective In Timing IVF Treatments, Study Shows Mar 26, 2008
3, 2008) The prevalence of congenital heart disease among in vitro fertilization pregnancies was similar to that of the general population, but there is an increasing risk of CHD among twins resulting from. (Jul. (Science Daily)
Yesterday's blue babies are today's happy moms Mar 15, 2008
Doctors have become so proficient at detecting and treating heart defects in children that the number of adults with congenital heart disease has soared by 85 per cent in a generation, an advance that has been heralded as one of the great success stories of 20th-century medicine ... The special pregnancy program at Mount Sinai Hospital delivers about 55 babies a year from mothers with congenital heart disease, up from about 10 a year in 1987 ... But sometimes women with congenital heart disease... (Globe and Mail)
Encinitas girl lived full life despite heart disease Mar 9, 2008
Jeff and Anita Miller of Encinitas lost their daughter, Arianna, 13, to congenital heart disease Feb. 20 ... Arianna died Feb. 20 after a lifelong battle with congenital heart disease. (North County Times)
PUTTING KIDS IN DOUBLE JEOPARDY Mar 2, 2008
Patrick Dempsey, Marcia Cross and Dennis Quaid all welcomed twins recently, and (New York Post -- Opinions)
Sen. Warner Hospitalized With Heart Condition Feb 27, 2008
It can be caused by high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, previous heart surgery, chronic lung disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease or pulmonary embolism, according to WebMD.com. Warner, a moderate Republican, has said he will not seek a sixth term this fall. (Fox News)
Adalin Williams Feb 26, 2008
In the same month five year-old Williams received a heart transplant for a congenital heart disease, the state recognized congenital heart disease awareness week which began in Kansas after the crusade to bring awareness to the disease that affects millions of families each year by Wellington mother Rebekah Williams. In the same week, a City of Wellington employee stepped forward with a donation to bring in additional money for the Adalin Williams Family Fund. (Wellington Daily News, KS)
Docs have Medi-Cal misgivings Feb 16, 2008
There are about 175,000 California children with catastrophic or chronic conditions such as congenital heart disease, cancer and diabetes who require special services. But the doctors who treat these patients also serve other children who might also have to wait for treatment if the pool of doctors declines. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Cutting edge scanner for heart patients Feb 13, 2008
The scanner is particularly valuable for a range of conditions, such as congenital heart disease, does not use X-rays and has no known side effects. Its part of a new 20m cardiac development at the hospital that will be used by patients in the North-West and North Wales. (Rochdale Online)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 3:14:40 PM (IST) Mangalore: Complex ... Feb 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 3:14:40 PM (IST) Mangalore: Complex Cardiac Surgery Done at A J Hospital for Congenital Heart Disease. Mangalore: Complex Cardiac Surgery Done at A J Hospital for Congenital Heart Disease ... Mangalore: Complex Cardiac Surgery Done at A J Hospital for Congenital Heart Disease. (Daijiworld.com)
St. Louis Children's Hospital passes campaign goal, raises $130M Feb 2, 2008
The campaign also enabled St. Louis Children's Hospital to launch the Children's Discovery Institute, a research collaboration with that focuses on four areas: congenital heart disease, cancer, lung and respiratory disorders and musculoskeletal diseases. Since its founding in mid-2006, the Children's Discovery Institute has provided more than $7 million to fund research projects of scientists from a variety of disciplines including pediatrics, biology, chemistry physics, computer science,... (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Mother's marathon raises awareness of syndrome Jan 30, 2008
Professor West says the hereditary disease affects one in 5,000 people and is about as common as congenital heart disease. But he says even some health professionals do not know much about the condition. (ABC Online)
Genetics pioneer honored Jan 18, 2008
Also bearing his name is McKusick-Kaufman syndrome, a developmental disorder that includes congenital heart disease, a buildup of fluid in the female reproductive tract and extra fingers and toes. McKusick's methods of analyzing genetic disorders of the Amish became a model for studying inherited conditions in isolated communities elsewhere. (SunSpot.net)
American Heart Month Lunch Seminar Jan 17, 2008
"Today, millions of Americans live with some form of cardiovascular disease, including congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, and high blood pressure. Individuals can reduce their chance of developing these and other types of heart disease by exercising regularly, maintaining healthy eating habits and weight, avoiding tobacco use, and monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure levels," says Bush. The seminar is free, but reservations are required. (Eufaula Tribune, AL)
Westboro church protests at funeral Jan 15, 2008
purpleragtop wrote on Jan 10, 2008 7:41 AM:" We Patriot Guard Riders take our "job" VERY seriously. I've buried a child myself and it's an experience no one should EVER have to go thru. Had WBC been at my daughter's (only 6 years old, died of congenital heart disease) funeral, I would have gone completely crazy, instead of only mostly crazy. Our military, firemen emen ROCK! God bless them all! ". purpleragtop wrote on Jan 10, 2008 7:37 AM:" To Help: Thank you for your kind words. You are welcome... (Carroll County Times)
New guidelines boost folic acid recommendation Dec 17, 2007
Boosting intake, even among women who are not planning to get pregnant, could sharply reduce the rate of devastating birth defects such as spina bifida, congenital heart disease and childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma. "A lot of this heartache can be very easily prevented," said Vyta Senikas, associate executive vice-president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. (Globe and Mail)
Women urged to take more folic acid Dec 17, 2007
The new recommendations, which come from experts with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Motherisk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, are based on recent findings that show increased folic acid consumption can drastically reduce neural tube defects and other problems such as congenital heart disease, oral facial clefts, limb defects and some pediatric cancers. Font. (Canada.com)
Hunting the Taliban, finding sick children by the score Dec 11, 2007
He had the growth and circulatory problems associated with severe congenital heart disease. Graham listened to his heart. (International Herald Tribune)
Buellton family gives thanks for life Nov 23, 2007
Born with tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart disease, Alec spent his first year of life in intensive care, requiring extensive medical support. He's had two open-heart surgeries. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Child’s death surrounded with controversy Nov 21, 2007
"Sudden death syndrome. Congenital Heart Disease. There was no obvious history of trauma and none could be witnessed except for the bruising on the right knee," Ahler said. Results from the initial autopsy of Jessica were forwarded to the Department of Child Services (DCS). (Rensselaer Republican, IN)
Brains Of Term Infants With Heart Disease Resemble Those Of Preemies Nov 13, 2007
12, 2007) The brains of full-term infants with congenital heart disease appear more similar to those of premature newborns than to the brains of normal term infants, a study conducted by researchers at UCSF has found. The study suggests that the mental and physical impairments in children with congenital heart disease may also have their origins in utero in addition to injuries resulting from surgery ... As many as half of all infants born with congenital heart disease who survive heart surgery... (Science Daily)
Students to get health cards Nov 8, 2007
School-children will also be routinely screened for health complications like congenital heart disease and diabetes. Risk factors like high blood pressure, hypertension and obesity among children, the primary causes behind cardio-vascular diseases (CVD), will also be identified for parents to better manage and avert impending diseases. (Times of India)
Abnormal Brain Development in Newborns with Congenital Heart Disease Nov 8, 2007
Background Congenital heart disease in newborns is associated with global impairment in development. We characterized brain metabolism and microstructure, as measures of brain maturation, in newborns with congenital heart disease before they underwent heart surgery ... Methods We studied 41 term newborns with congenital heart disease 29 who had transposition of the great arteries and 12 who had single-ventricle physiology with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Congenital Heart Disease and Brain Injury Nov 8, 2007
During the past 25 years, remarkable progress has been made in the surgical treatment and survival of infants with congenital heart disease. 1 Recent data have shown that in-hospital death rates for neonates were less than 10% for the treatment of transposition of the great arteries with the arterial-switch procedure and less than 20% for the treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome with aortic arch reconstruction using the Norwood procedure. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Blood-incompatible Infant Heart Transplants Safe, Study Suggests Nov 7, 2007
Infants with congenital heart disease (defects existing since birth) represent the predominant group requiring transplantation. In the study, 71 percent of the incompatible recipients had some form of structural heart disease compared to 66 percent in the compatible group. (Science Daily)
Folic Acid Fortification Cuts Babies' Heart Risks Nov 6, 2007
SUNDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Canadian public health measures that spurred folic acid intake among women may have helped cut the rate of congenital heart disease in newborns, researchers report ... In this study, a team at McGill University in Montreal identified more than 2,200 babies with severe congenital heart disease born in Quebec from 1990 to 2001 ... "Public health measures to increase folic acid intake were followed by a decrease in number of severe congenital heart disease births,... (MEDLINEplus)
Tattoos, Piercing Risky for Heart Patients Nov 3, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children and teenagers with congenital heart disease should be strongly discouraged from getting a tattoo or piercing their ears or other body part, because it could lead to a potentially deadly infection of the heart, doctors from the UK warn in a report published this month ... To investigate, Dr. Suhair O. Shebani from Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, and colleagues conducted a survey of 600 patients attending pediatric cardiology clinics and 69 pediatric... (MEDLINEplus)
County Lines for November 2, 2007 Nov 2, 2007
The ride functions as a fundraiser for charities such as the Make a Wish Foundation, and several summer camps for children with congenital heart disease. Riders will travel one of three routes, the longest being 63 miles. (Santa Maria Times)
Heart Wires May Pose More Risk for the Young Oct 19, 2007
Preliminary data from physicians at 32 institutions who specialize in treating pediatric patients and adults with congenital heart disease showed a fracture rate of 6. 7% among 569 patients with Sprint Fidelis leads over 30 months. (Wall Street Journal)
The Science of Life Oct 10, 2007
The research also offers the best hope yet of unlocking the molecular secrets of illnesses ranging from congenital heart disease to Alzheimer's. Or as inventor Venter puts it, we are going from reading our genetic code to writing it, which gives us the hypothetical ability to do things never contemplated before. (India Times, India)
ZNet & Parenti: Contrary Notions Oct 9, 2007
Since she suffered from a congenital heart disease, there was some question as to whether either of us would survive the blessed event. In those days, during a dangerous birth, a doctor might crush the babys head in order to remove it from the womb and avoid fatal injury to the mother, a procedure the Catholic Church strenuously opposed. (Zmag.org)
Medimmune announces phase 2 safety data for anti-RSV antibody and national RSV surveillance results Oct 5, 2007
Children born prematurely as well as those with chronic lung disease (CLD) or congenital heart disease (CHD) are at highest risk for severe disease and hospitalization due to RSV. The virus may also cause severe illness in other high-risk groups such as the elderly, those with underlying respiratory or cardiac disease, and those with compromised immune systems (e. g., bone marrow transplant patients). (EurekAlert!)
Expert talks about treating childhood illnesses Oct 2, 2007
This set of cardiac conditions, known as Congenital Heart Disease, only occurs in about one in 100 infants. "The majority of hospitals don't have the medicine that is needed. Myrtue recognized that even though the chances of having a baby with this problem were relatively low, that they needed to get the medicine. They are one of the first rural hospitals in the area to get it. We went out and trained them on how to use the medication, called Prostaglandin E," said Truemper. (Harlan Tribune, IA)
EARLY: First PAH functional class II specific population study emphasizes need to diagnose and treat PAH early Sep 28, 2007
Professor Nazzareno Gali; from the University of Bologna, Italy, commented: "PAH is a rare but serious disease that progresses rapidly if left untreated. The results of the EARLY study confirm for the first time that early diagnosis and treatment of PAH have an impact on a relevant end-point such as clinical worsening, even for those patients who present with mild symptoms." Jean-Paul Clozel, M.D. and Chief Executive Officer of Actelion, added: "The results of the EARLY study reinforce our... (Canada Newswire)
Councilman continues recovery, gets out of bed Sep 28, 2007
The procedure usually is done to monitor for complications after a heart attack or for people who have suffered heart failure, shock, leaky heart valves, congenital heart disease, burns or kidney disease. Until Doug Mackay is moved into a private room, he can not accept flowers or gifts. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Doctors on EverestMedical researchers who took their tests to the top of the world Sep 22, 2007
The findings now being analysed will be used to improve intensive care treatment for patients suffering from a range of life-threatening conditions including blue babies, congenital heart disease, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis etc. Base Camp. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Packard surgeons to separate conjoined twins Sep 21, 2007
In addition, one of the girls suffers from significant congenital heart disease that will require post-operative cardiac care. Packard Hospital, built in 1991, has been asked to do three other conjoined twin separations but this is the first case the hospital has decided to accept. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
University scholars receive distinguished, named professorships Sep 21, 2007
Archer studies mechanisms of oxygen sensing and develops experimental therapies for human diseases, including pulmonary hypertension, a fatal illness of young adults, and persistent ductus arteriosus, a common form of congenital heart disease. Archer came to Chicago in April this year from the University of Alberta, where he founded the Vascular Biology Research Group and was the chair of heart and stroke cardiovascular research. (Univeristy of Chicago Chronicle, IL)
A Step Toward Tissue-engineered Heart Structures For Children Sep 21, 2007
These valves, which provide one-way blood flow from the heart's right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, are often malformed in congenital heart disease, putting an extra burden on the heart ... Sales and surgical research fellow Bret Mettler, MD, have already used tiny tissue-engineered patches in sheep to rebuild a portion of the pulmonary artery -- an area that often needs augmentation in patients with congenital heart disease. (Science Daily)
Smithsonian experts put a name to a face in pre-Civil War era forensic case Sep 21, 2007
The scientists determined the boy had congenital heart disease, a ventricular septum defect (hole) that contributed to his death. An obituary notice published in the Daily National Intelligencer newspaper (Washington, D.C.) Jan. 28, 1852, confirms White died Jan. 24, 1852, after a short illness. (EurekAlert!)
Pill could cut 30000 blood clot deaths Sep 17, 2007
Patients aged 60 and over, with a history of congenital heart disease and a family or personal history of blood clots, are considered to be in the at-risk group. Patients undergoing surgery are particularly likely to develop blood clots, with one-third of patients who are readmitted suffering deep vein thrombosis. (The Herald)
Heart to heart Sep 12, 2007
When the valves, which provide one-way blood flow from the heart s right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, are malformed in congenital heart disease, it puts extra burden on the heart. A synthetic valve is a good fix, but only for awhile, Sales said. (Boston Herald)
Love relay helps heart disease girl back to school Sep 5, 2007
After a year-long suspension of schooling, 12-year-old Zhen Yushan suffering from congenital heart disease has recovered and returned to school on Monday thanks to the help of the Red Cross of Haikou and continued assistance and donations from people. (Xinhua/Peng Tong). (Xinhuanet, China)
* FIFA wants health assessments for all top-level athletes Sep 1, 2007
"Most are dying from undiagnosed, undiscovered congenital heart disease," Dvorak said. Dvorak said that recent deaths of soccer players occurred in completely different parts of the world. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Hypertension Often Overlooked in Kids Aug 25, 2007
It has been noted that The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommend screening children for hypertension from age 3, and for even younger children having risk factors such as low birth weight, congenital heart disease and longer than usual stays in the hospital, postpartum. Copyright, respective author or news agency. (Earthtimes.org)
High Blood Pressure Affects Kids Too Aug 22, 2007
The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend screening children for hypertension starting at age 3, and even younger for children with risk factors such as low birth weight, congenital heart disease and longer than usual postpartum hospital stays. Breast-feeding in infancy has been found to lower a child's overall hypertension risk, along with changing the child's diet and reducing his or her weight. (Time.com)
Orange softball ace strikes out leukemia Aug 13, 2007
His oldest daughter, Stephanie, was born with congenital heart disease and has undergone several heart operations. "Forget about my little league connection. Can I understand what the family went through? Without a question," Ruotolo said. (New Haven Register, CT)
Death rate for U.S. children falls Aug 5, 2007
Cardiologist Webb credits "tremendous advances in surgery for congenital heart disease," plus advances in case management and medications for both congenital heart disease _ the most common form among kids _ and cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease. Pneumonia and influenza; deaths down from 2. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
New Model For Autism Suggests Women Carry The Disorder And Explains Age As A Risk Factor Jul 27, 2007
This has implications for other disorders such as morbid obesity, schizophrenia, and congenital heart disease. The full citation of the paper published in the July 31, 2007 print edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is: "A unified theory for sporadic and inherited autism," by Xiaoyue Zhao, Anthony Leotta, Vlad Kustanovich, Clara Lajonchere, Daniel H. Geschwind, Kiely Law, Paul Law, Shanping Qiu, Catherine Lord, Jonathan Sebat, Kenny Ye and Michael Wigler. (Science Daily)
Chinese doctors separate conjoined twins: Xinhua Jul 23, 2007
They were born with congenital heart disease and together weighed only 4. 3 kg.. (Scientific American)
Chinese doctors separate conjoined twins Jul 23, 2007
The twins born on March 15 with congenital heart disease are scheduled for separation surgery at the hospital. Story Tools. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
Can Heart Tissue Be Regenerated? Mature Heart Cells, Given The Right Environment, Can Replicate Jul 19, 2007
Kuhn, a pediatric cardiologist, envisions using a sustained-delivery periostin patch not only to treat adults with heart attack, but also to encourage cardiomyocyte proliferation in children with congenital heart disease. "Many patients with severe congenital heart disease eventually hit a place where the heart isn't pumping adequately," Kuhn says. (Science Daily)
Very young babies vulnerable to sudden death while seated Jul 19, 2007
Pregnancy risky for women born with heart defectsNEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women with congenital heart disease who become pregnant face a heightened risk that their infant may be premature or not survive long, according to a report from the Netherlands. --Reuters. (SpiritIndia)
PCH, Mayo join forces for heart patients Jul 17, 2007
As children with congenital heart disease mature, Phoenix Children's Hospital has found a way to continue to treat its longtime patients. In a unique partnership with and , PCH is sending its adult patients to Mayo for further treatment. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Team races against the clock Jul 9, 2007
"This has the potential to have a major impact on children with congenital heart disease.". But with 20 months left, the Pittsburgh team is running out of money and trailing its competitors in animal testing. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Work to start on Children's Hospital in Peoria Jul 6, 2007
Children who were born prematurely or have congenital heart disease, respiratory problems, significant gastrointestinal issues and other life-threatening illnesses are transferred to Childrens Hospital from throughout Central Illinois, including from BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. In 2006, about 1,645 children from McLean County received care at Childrens Hospital, Kramer said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Studies Find No Link Between SSRIs and Congenital Heart Disease Jun 29, 2007
No Link Found Between SSRIs and Congenital Heart Disease - CME Teaching Brief - MedPage Today ... No Link Found Between SSRIs and Congenital Heart Disease. (MedPage Today)
Questions over drugs to prevent heart complications during surgery Jun 25, 2007
The use of drugs to prevent heart complications during surgery is called into question in this weeks BMJ.. Globally, about 100 million adults have non-cardiac surgery (ie. (SpiritIndia)
