Category: blood disorder
Just after she was born, Cameron was diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia (FA), an inherited genetic disorder that attacks cells in bone marrow, eventually leading to bone marrow failure. The prognosis she was given by her doctors caused her family great concern, as most children with this condition do not live into adulthood. At 9 years …
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A patient from London who was HIV positive and diagnosed with cancer, agreed to have a stem cell transplant in hopes of curing his cancer. After treatment, not only was the patient cancer-free, but he is now living his life HIV-free. DNA contains gene CCR5, which almost everyone carries. The CCR5 gene in the stem …
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Sickle cell anemia is a form of anemia in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen throughout your body. General symptoms include fatigue and joint pain with periods of intense pain that can last either hours or weeks. Revee Agyepong, a 17-year-old from Edmonton, Canada, suffered from sickle cell anemia with …
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Anyone thinking about pregnancy, should also be thinking about prenatal care. This care is important for the mother’s health and the health of the child. Whenever possible, it should begin prior to pregnancy. A visit with your health care provider prior to pregnancy to review your immunizations, start a prenatal vitamin with folic acid (which can …
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1) What is cord blood? Umbilical cord blood is the blood collected from the umbilical cord immediately following the birth of a child. This blood provided nourishment for the baby during pregnancy, but once the baby is delivered, umbilical cord blood is no longer necessary. Learn More 2) What are stem cells? Until recently, it was …
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Spring is a time to celebrate the miracle of life and reflect on not just how mothers have impacted our lives, but how motherhood has impacted them. During the course of nine months of pregnancy, moms-to-be undergo common physical and emotional changes that lead to childbirth, from weight gain to mood swings. However, Healthline.com’s infographic …
Continue ReadingExpecting parents might not be aware that stem cells derived from their babies’ umbilical cord blood are a vital resource for their families. Advances in medical science have made it possible to harness the body’s own cells for treatment. Families only have one opportunity to collect and store their babies’ cord blood stem cells, and that’s …
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If you’ve abstained from alcohol during a pregnancy, you know there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. We checked with Dr. Iffath Hoskins, MD, a high-risk OB-GYN at NYU Langone Medical Center, about whether its necessary to abstain from alcohol completely during pregnancy. “How much is okay and what is the tipping point of what’s …
Continue ReadingStarting a family is a life-changing milestone. One way to have the best possible pregnancy, birthing process and parenthood experience is to plan for it ahead of time. It is important for both partners to communicate with each other about how they feel and whether or not they are ready to have a baby. …
Continue ReadingBy Roisin O’Connor, After contacting their doctor, women who develop chickenpox in pregnancy should be referred to a foetal medicine specialist Pregnant women who have not had chicken pox should be advised to avoid people who have the virus and be referred to a specialist if they develop the rash, the Royal College of Obstetricians …
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