Showing posts with label Ductus Arteriosus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ductus Arteriosus. Show all posts

Friday, January 16, 2009

Heart test aids newborn babies

"Routine screening of newborn babies for a life-threatening heart problem can save lives, a Swedish study has found. Researchers found checking blood oxygen levels increased detection of a congenital heart defect which affects up to two in a thousand babies. The British Medical Journal online study says just under a third currently leave hospital undiagnosed, leading to added complications and more deaths. UK experts are investigating if screening should be introduced. In affected babies, a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus - which bypasses the baby's non-functioning lungs when in the uterus and normally closes off soon after birth - remains partly open" - BBC