X-Serve Clinics

07/07/2016

Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Key Points


Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart problem that occurs soon after birth in some babies. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart (the aorta and the pulmonary artery).

• This happens because a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus doesn't close after birth as it should. When the vessel remains open (patent), it can put strain on the heart and increase blood pressure in the lung arteries.
• The cause of PDA isn't known. Genetics may play a role. PDA can occur in children with otherwise normal hearts or in children born with other heart defects.

• The condition also is more common in infants who have genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome) and infants whose mothers had German measles (rubella) during pregnancy. PDA is twice as common in girls as in boys.

• A heart murmur (an extra or unusual sound heard during the heartbeat) may be the only sign that a baby or child has PDA. However, not all heart murmurs are signs of PDA, and most murmurs are harmless. Some infants who have PDA may develop signs of volume overload on the heart and excess blood flow in the lungs.

• In full-term infants, PDA usually is first suspected when the baby's doctor hears a heart murmur during a regular checkup. Premature babies who have PDA may not have the same symptoms as full-term babies. Doctors may suspect a PDA in premature babies who develop breathing problems soon after birth.

• Tests can help confirm a diagnosis of PDA. Two painless tests are used: echocardiography and EKG(electrocardiogram).

• PDA is treated with medicines, catheter-based procedures, and surgery. The goal of treatment is to close the PDA to prevent complications and reverse the effects of increased blood volume. Small PDAs often close without treatment.

• Most children are healthy and live normal lives after treatment for a PDA. If your child was born prematurely, the outlook after PDA treatment depends on how early he or she was born and whether he or she has other illnesses or conditions.

• Children who have PDA are at slightly increased risk for infective endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart, valves, or arteries. Your child's doctor will discuss with you whether your child needs antibiotics before medical procedures to prevent this infection. Most children who have PDA don't require antibiotics.

COPIED FROM:
http://www.pediatricct.surgery.ucsf.edu/conditions--procedures/patent-ductus-arteriosus.aspx

06/06/2016

We support environmental preservation. How about you?

01/03/2016

This month March, is Down's syndrome month.

All of us at X-SERVE CLINICS love you. You are just different and moreso special people!

Scientific research has linked Downs syndrome to congenital heart defects, postulating that 1 out of every 2 Down's syndrome is born with heart defect.

At X-SERVE, we are committed to help...

22/02/2016

"About 1.6million Nigerian children have chronic malnutrition," says the UNICEF country nutritionist in Nigeria

More stunning, is that up to 300,000 of them would die from the complications of malnutrition in 2016 alone!

As a paediatrician, this gives me profound concern! These ain't just numbers, they are people! Children whom the world ought to love and cherish, children whom we (Africans) can practically do anything to have!

Malnutrition which means inadequate nutrition is a disease of hunger and deprivation. Many of us throw unwanted (not spoiled) food into the thrash! Inequitable distribution of resources! Some of us carry bags, phones et cetera worth so much as to feed 100 children for 1 month!

Nigerians have to rise up to this! Shall we wait for Bill Gates foundation.. No! Please do something charitable.

My fellow Nigerian, Get in touch with reputable foundations and donate items. Feed your poor neighborhood whether or not they appreciate it, feed them at the church, streets and homeless camps. In your villages, they abound! This season, give to those who cannot say "thank you". The elites already have more hampers than they can store!

Our children are the future, OUR FUTURE!

20/02/2016

February is heart month

How can YOU help?

yourself.
Have a ,


Introduce


And do not forget those who couldn't do anything for their heart disease.

Thanks for sharing

16/02/2016

The service of caring is what we do.

How can we help you today?

15/02/2016

As the world marks congenital heart disease (CHD) awareness day, we at X-SERVE CLINICS ( The children's heart Centre) are immensely glad to be associated with you and your families.

Whether you have the scar or not, we know you are strong!

A few tips about awareness of CHD:

1. The child may look well but it doesn't mean there's no CHD! A physical exam by an expert will do well for our dear new born

2. Is the baby having an unusually dark color especially around the lips? A pulse oximeter will do

3. Feeding with difficulty- sweaty forehead during feeds with faster breathing....

4. Not gaining weight...

5. Can't play because of easy tiredness. The child could also call your attention with the "I am tired" affirmative. Please don't dismiss this

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Cheers to our strong warriors!

12/02/2016

We at X-SERVE support all children living with congenital heart defects.

26/01/2016

25/01/2016

Do you know or have any baby who breathes fast most times especially after feeding, gets tired easily, and/or not gaining weight adequately?

Babies with heart defects often behave this way...

22/01/2016

That our children may live!

Do you or a close one have a child with congenital heart defect? How was it discovered?

Thanks for sharing?

19/01/2016

Today, most heart malformations can be diagnosed prenatally and at birth.

One of our goals at X-SERVE CLINICS is to enhance early detection of heart defects, so that families are empowered with information regarding care and treatment.

How can we help you?

Contact us today. Call us 07046236098, or send us a message.