Search Results

Thalassemia Click on the links below to learn more about this topic. Alpha Thalassemia Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia)© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your

Sepsis in the Newborn What is newborn sepsis? Newborn sepsis is a severe infection in an infant younger than 28 days old. The infection is in your baby’s blood. But it may affect any body system or the whole body. What causes newborn sepsis? Newborn sepsis is most often caused by

Congenital Heart Disease According to the American Heart Association, about 9 of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. have a congenital heart defect. This is a problem that occurs as the baby's heart is developing during pregnancy, before the baby is born. Congenital heart defects

Failure to Thrive (FTT) in Children What is failure to thrive in children? Failure to thrive (FTT) is slow physical development in a baby or child. It’s caused by a baby or child not having enough nutrition. FTT is a clinical observation, not a diagnosis. It is used to describe a

Cystic Fibrosis and the Digestive System How does CF affect the digestive system? Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a protein in their cells that doesn't work right. The protein is called CFTR (the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator). CFTR controls the flow of water

Prematurity What is prematurity? A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. Other terms used for prematurity are preterm and the nicknames "preemie" or "premie". About 1 in every 10 infants are born prematurely. Twins and other multiples

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in Premature Babies What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature babies? Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the general term for long-term breathing problems in premature babies. It is also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)chronic lung

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Newborns What is CMV in newborns? CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a type of herpes virus. It's very common. It affects people of all ages and in all parts of the U.S. In most cases, CMV causes mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. But it can cause serious

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) What is respiratory distress syndrome? Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies. It can also happen in some full-term babies. It causes babies to need extra oxygen and help with breathing. The course of

Hydrops Fetalis What is hydrops fetalis? Hydrops fetalis is severe swelling (edema) in an unborn baby or a newborn baby. It is a life-threatening problem. There are two types: immune and nonimmune. What causes hydrops fetalis? There are two types of hydrops fetalis. The type that