Newborn screening for life threatening disorders expanded in US

Newborn screening for life threatening disorders expanded in US

US expand newborn screening for life-threatening disorders. New March of Dimes report finds state-by-state gaps nearly eliminated. – Regardless of where they are born in the United States, nearly all newborns now receive mandated screening for many life-threatening disorders, a remarkable public health advance of the last four years, according to a new report issued today by the March of Dimes.

Dietary DHA benefits preterm infant girls

Intake of certain fatty acid appears to improve neurodevelopment for preterm girls, but not boys – Preterm infant girls who received a high amount of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; an omega-3 fatty acid) had higher measures of neurodevelopment than preterm girls who received a standard amount of DHA, but this effect was not seen among preterm boys, according to a study in the January 14 issue of JAMA.

Premature babies have altered sensory responses in later life

In a British study, 43 eleven-year-old children born at less than 14 weeks (premature) were found less sensitive to temperature — cool, cold, warm and hot. – Premature infants who need intensive care or surgery are less sensitive to thermal (hot and cold) sensations later in life, according to research conducted at UCL (University College London).

4000 new midwives for the NHS

The UK government says it will recruit 4000 extra midwives in England by 2012 to relieve pressure on overstretched maternity services in NHS. – UK Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced a package of measures to recruit an extra 4,000 midwives to the NHS over the next three years. During a visit to Royal Victoria Infirmary Maternity Unit in Newcastle, the Health Secretary will outline plans to give former midwives a ‘golden hello’ worth up to ?3,000 to help them return to work after a break in service.

Integrated health strategies can save children’s lives, says UNICEF

The State of the World?s Children 2008: Child Survival – The report provides information on a strategic framework developed by UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank ? at the invitation of the African Union ? to help African countries and others reduce the toll of maternal and child deaths.
– Strategies that can help reduce the number of children who die before their fifth birthday were highlighted today, at the launch of UNICEF’s flagship report – The State of the World’s Children 2008: Child Survival ? in Geneva.

Health Newstrack