Mouse Study May Offer Better Diagnosis for Preeclampsia

SUNDAY, July 27 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers say they have found a way to prevent preeclampsia in mice that might eventually help pregnant women with this potentially deadly disorder.

In a report published in the July 27 issue of Nature Medicine, the University of Texas-Houston Medical School researchers said they found an important pathway to the development of preeclampsia and managed to block it by injecting the mice with certain human autoantibodies that have been found in women with the condition.

Preeclampsia, which affects about 5 percent of pregnancies, has multiple features, such as dangerously high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and placental abnormalities. Its occurrence may require preterm delivery to prevent severe problems to mother and baby, as delivery is the only cure for the disorder.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in the first month of life. Those that survive have an increased chance of developing lifelong health problems including learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, blindness, hearing loss and asthma.

More information

The Preeclampsia Foundation has more about preeclampsia.

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Source: Discovery Health News
Further info on research: March of Dimes

BOO!

Scary?
Scared!!
A lighter post of our little joker and his joker cousins.

One Year Reflections

It only seemed fitting that, after one year, we share a bit of our reflections on our journey as preemie parents. We'll keep it "brief", since it would be difficult to capture the entirety of our experience here in this virtual space. And we know that most of you are just here for the photos :)

More than one year ago, Tyson made an early entrance into our lives, taking our family on an unexpected journey into the bustling world of an NICU. From the moment we entered the assessment room and received the news of what was to come for baby and mom in the near future, the months that unfolded were not how any typical new parents would have anticipated or imagined. There were tears, anxious prayers, little-to-no sleep, and lots of bewildering information to absorb. There would be an emergency C-section, a tiny baby too small to comprehend, and quiet fears that life that began all too soon would end just the same.

One year ago on July 26th marks the date that Tyson came off life support and graduated to CPAP (although he did have to be reintubated for a brief stint, due to a fear of sepsis; a blood transfusion from daddy sorted him out again). The evening of July 26th also marks the first time mom got to hold her baby, a full month after his birth. There would be small victories, low valleys, and a desire to hold on to the belief that God is good, no matter what the outcome.

Unless you know our story, you wouldn't be any wiser that Tyson was a preemie. Although he's still on the lean and small side of the growth percentiles for his corrected age, he's catching up and has reached all of his developmental milestones so far. His therapists and doctor are happy with his progress, and joke about his already apparent stubborn temperament that probably helped fuel his resiliency and determination to fight for life.

Only we, as his parents, note and treasure the little telltale signs of his early start... like how one nostril is ever so slightly pulled wider, due to the ventilator tubes. Or the small calcified tissue marks on his limbs and torso from the numerous pokes he received for IVs, heel pricks, etc. that his doctor likes to call "NICU souvenirs" and we like to refer to as his "badges of courage". His lopsided head-weight-length growth due to his Asymmetrical IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) will even out with time. And thankfully his preemie "toaster" head from having to deal with gravity too early and constantly being placed on his side has rounded out nicely.

We are amazed at Tyson's strength and constantly awed by his life. He is our little hero. We are deeply aware of how much we have to be thankful for. In our journey, we have encountered or learned of other families with tales so much more difficult than our own. Babies that, at more than one year of age, still cannot hold their heads up, and probably never will. Babies who, now as toddlers, still cannot breath without a tracheostomy tube. Babies who lost their sight or hearing. Babies that can only gain a measly few pounds per year, due to gastrointestinal problems too numerous to count. There are babies with permanent shunts to drain excess brain fluid. Babies diagnosed with varying degrees of Cerebral Palsy. And babies that exhibit and experience extreme, painful physical symptoms, but still have yet to receive any diagnosis as to why they suffer, other than it being a result of their early birth. The list goes on. Our heart goes out to all fellow preemie parents and especially the parents of special needs children--you are truly brave and exemplify unconditional love.

And then there are the babies who never made it. These carefully treasured stories are not always as readily shared. They fought as well as they could, but sometimes, too soon is just that--too soon. Our hearts go out to these parents as well.

Life as a preemie parent can only be understood by those who experience it. But we are thankful for all those who helped us to shoulder it as well. And despite all that transpired, as previously shared, we truly could not have asked or dreamed of a more wonderful or beautiful baby boy.

God is good.

Not simply because He spared us Tyson.

But simply because He is.









We will never forget:

First Birthday Celebrations

We had a week-long celebration for the little guy's first birthday, leading us right into the Canada Day long weekend. We kicked it off with Tyson's baby dedication ceremony at church, followed by birthday lunches and dinners, his one-year doctor's appointment and shots, and a few day trips with mommy and daddy.

Baby Dedication
Tyson joined five of his fellow baby buddies at church for a dedication ceremony, where the respective parents vowed to raise their children according to God's ways. We were very touched to be able to stand before the congregation that have been praying for us and have them once again lift up our son in prayer.







Birthday Celebrations
In case the hat, ribbon, cards, candles, or other paraphernalia didn't tip you off, somebody turned one! Mom used two pounds of butter (yikes!) to bake red velvet cupcakes and a cocoa buttermilk birthday cake, both with real, homemade buttercream frosting. It only seemed fitting, since we could once reference the weight of our baby in terms of butter sticks. Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us and sent Tyson their birthday greetings!









At one point during his dimsum party, the little guy was due for his midday nap. In an attempt to lull him to sleep, we placed him in his stroller. A peek inside revealed the guest of honour pouting and shedding some tears at being temporarily banned up from his own day of fun. He was shortly liberated (where upon he promptly berated his parents for being such perpetual party poopers).

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to...

Birthday Twins
The birthday twins got together to celebrate by sharing a cake and enjoying a dinner of... broccoli :P


What's this?
Hey Maddy, how do you eat this stuff??
Hmmm, not bad... but it'll probably be better when I have teeth :P

After dinner, Dad borrowed Kai-Yea's bike so Tyson could experience his first "bike ride":


Opening Presents
Our plan was to let Tyson open his gifts on the afternoon of his birthday. It seems our little guy had his own agenda, however. A few days prior to the 26th, he actually rolled himself over to the gift pile and swiped a bag.

Caught red-handed (yet still so cute about it):


Of course, Tyson's favourite part of any gift is the wrapping paper!
Tyson really enjoyed his birthday gift from mom and dad... just imagine his excitement when he realizes there's something inside the box:
When's the next party? When Tyson turns one year corrected! :)