DANVILLE -- A Clearfield County newborn was recently the first patient at Geisinger's Janet Weis Children's Hospital to receive a new treatment that helps babies who are oxygen-starved avoid neurological complications.
Isabelle Ann McMonigal, of Allport, received treatment from the Olympic Cool-Cap in late April. Since then, the swelling inside her brain has decreased dramatically, she is feeding well and she is showing little or no signs of brain damage, according to her father, Christian McMonigal.
"It was a complete turnaround," Mr. McMonigal said. "She's doing very well now, and we're really fortunate that the equipment was there at Geisinger."
The Cool-Cap is the only FDA-approved treatment for babies who experience brain injuries after being deprived of oxygen during birth. Geisinger is one of the only providers in Pennsylvania using it, according to health officials.
When babies are asphyxiated at birth, it causes a condition known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), where brain and spinal cord cells are damaged or killed. This can lead to long-term neurological problems such as mental retardation, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
An estimated two to four out of every 1,000 newborns experience HIE, officials said.
However, the Cool-Cap gives the baby's brain a chance to heal before those permanent problems develop, according to Dr. James Cook, Geisinger's neonatology director.
"The Cool-Cap essentially slows down metabolism in the brain and allows the brain to get rid of toxins," Dr. Cook said "This enables the brain to focus all of its efforts toward repairing itself."
Placed on the baby's head immediately after birth, the water-filled cap drops a baby's head and body temperature to 34 degrees centigrade and maintains cooling for 72 hours; the baby is gradually warmed.
The cap, which also includes cooling and control units and temperature probes, can reduce brain swelling and inflammation.
The FDA reports that the Cool-Cap may help the approximately 5,000 to 9,000 babies who are born in the U.S. each year with moderate to severe HIE. At least 25 percent of those babies suffer neurological problems.
"The Janet Weis Children's Hospital is a premier pediatric care facility," Dr. Cook said. "This new system is yet another tool that we have to help critically ill newborns."
Money raised during last year's Children's Miracle Network's celebration paid for the Cool-Cap.
For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.
Life
Tiny brain gets chance to heal
Device helps avoid complications
- Life
-
-
Creative ways to use Easter leftovers
MOUNT PLEASANT MILLS -- What to do with leftover ham and hardboiled eggs? Here are some recipes from cookbook collector Connie Burge’s collection, as well as her well-loved macaroni and cheese casserole dish.
-
Valley experts differ on ideas for job creation
SUNBURY — When President Barack Obama gives his jobs speech Thursday night before Congress and a nation facing a 9.1 unemployment rate, he should act to lower the minimum wage and taxes, target government investments wisely, spend on long-lasting projects, or cut spending, reduce regulations and trim the size of Washington, Valley experts suggested.
-
Carbs under control
Parents with a child who has Type 1 diabetes sometimes find it difficult to let go of the important responsibility to constantly check insulin levels. Just ask Doreen Giordani, of Sunbury.
-
After the pounds come off
Bariatric surgery offers those who are 100-plus-pounds overweight a viable option for reclaiming their lives, a physician at Geisinger Medical Center noted.
-
Accreditation awarded to hospital
Sunbury Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care and safety in hospitals.
-
16 years old and still growing
The more things change the more they stay the same. That's what Dr. Michael Ryan, director of pediatrics at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, in Danville, said, as he discussed the 16 year anniversary of the facility.
-
Americans turn to technology to control impulses
NEW YORK — Dan Nainan can't trust himself to work at his computer without clicking on distractions, so he uses an Internet-blocking program to shut down his Web access twice a day. "I'm sorry, but try as I might, I could never, ever do this on my own," said the New York City comedian who's struggling to finish a book. "I wish I could, but I just don't have the discipline."
-
Some babyproofing basics for the new year
Babies and toddlers are curious creatures. Something captures their attention — a stuffed animal, a shiny object or a noisy rattle — and they're going after it. Just make sure they aren't chasing a teddy bear on top of a dresser, the blade of a knife or a pill bottle.
-
Texts, Web really do allow Santa to be everywhere
PHILADELPHIA — He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, and he knows how many followers you have on Twitter.
-
In tough economy, Santas are suffering
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Craig McTavish — a.k.a. Santa — has the beard. He has the belly. He even has a few tricks up his sleeve, like pulling up to parties on his Harley-Davidson in full Kris Kringle garb. But there's one thing he doesn't have: work.
- More Life Headlines
-
Creative ways to use Easter leftovers
