Researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) have shown that a low-cost, easy-to-use screening device can detect foetal growth restriction in pregnant women, which, if not diagnosed, can lead to stillbirth, neonatal death or suboptimal childhood growth.
There are 2 million stillbirths a year, globally. UP researchers have developed the UmbiflowTM which can help to alleviate this problem by detecting early on if the growth of the foetus is being restricted by measuring the wave pattern of the umbilical artery which indicates the blood flow between the baby and the placenta.
The UmbiflowTM is a portable, continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound device that was developed in South Africa and costs about one-tenth of a conventional ultrasound device. All healthcare workers, including nurses, can be trained relatively quickly to operate it.
A multidisciplinary study led by two University of Pretoria (UP) researchers has found that Tshwane District hospitals were under immense pressure to provide clinical services in the face of an influx of paediatric patients (under 19 years old) during the early stages of the COVID-19 Omicron wave in November and December 2021.
As much as one third of children born in South Africa are born to HIV positive women, but thanks to South Africa’s successful anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment programme, very few of these infants are born infected with HIV.
As much as one third of children born in South Africa are born to HIV positive women, but thanks to South Africa’s successful anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment programme, very few of these infants are born infected with HIV.
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