Treatment could 'cut child disability'

A pioneering treatment, used on children in Bristol, could help prevent the number of young people suffering from brain damage.

The development of the treatment was lead by Professor Andrew Whitelaw and aimed to tackle the effects of brain haemorrhaging in premature babies.

Professor Whitelaw explained: "Premature babies are particularly at risk of bleeding because in the middle of pregnancy, the foetus has many fragile blood vessels in the centre of the brain. These blood vessels shrink by full term and bleeding is rare in babies born at 40 weeks."

The new treatment involves washing the infant's brain in order to remove the toxic fluids that are released during a haemorrhage.

Tests proved relatively successful with 17 per cent fewer children dying or experiencing severe disability in the test group who underwent the treatment.

If further trials prove successful, the treatment could reduce the number of people suffering from conditions such as cerebral palsy.

© Adfero Ltd  

 

Private neurosurgery treatment news : 10 March 2010

 

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