Low-Weight Babies Get More Birthmarks
Infantile Hemangiomas Show Up In First Few Weeks
POSTED: Monday, October 20, 2008
  emedicine.com Researchers find that low birth weight is the top risk factor in hemangioma, a type of birth mark that can leave scars. |
Babies born at a low weight are more likely to get infantile hemangiomas, a common birthmark, according to a new study."Hemangiomas are benign tumors composed of blood vessels. Our institution has seen a dramatic increase in the number of infants presenting for care with hemangiomas. We believe the results of this study provide an explanation for this emerging pediatric health issue," said Dr. Beth Drolet of the Medical College of Wisconsin, who led the study.Being white, a girl or premature have also been found to be causes of birthmarks, but Drolet found that low weight was the most significant risk factor."For every 1.1 pound decrease in birth weight, the risk of hemangioma increased by nine-fold," she said.There has been a trend toward low-weight babies in the U.S., with 8.2 percent born under 5.5 pounds in 2005, the highest rate since 1968."Based on low birth weight statistics, we estimate that the incidence of infantile hemangiomas has increased by 40 percent in the last 20 years," Drolet said.Hemangiomas are not visible at birth, but show up in the first few weeks. They can cause scarring or other medical issues that require treatment, though the FDA has not approved any treatment for hemangiomas themselves.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A woman is found dead in a car in the parking lot of a southwest Houston apartment complex, KPRC Local 2 reports.
A skier partially fell off a lift chair on New Year's Day and ended up hanging upside down half naked.
The parents of a 6-year-old Virginia boy face charges after the boy tried to drive to school after missing the bus.
The funeral for the 16-year-old son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston is set for Thursday and will likely be small and private, TMZ.com reports.
President George W. Bush welcomes President-elect Barack Obama and three former U.S. presidents to the White House for an extraordinary luncheon.
Jan. 6, 2009: A second woman has come forward with sex abuse claims against a federal judge, KPRC Local 2 reports.
Whether you're working or playing, life can sap your energy. But the right foods can boost you back up.
The comedy classic "Caddyshack" rolled in the green as a major hit in 1980. What are the surviving stars of the movie up to today?
On a dare from the La Marque High School Cheerleaders during KPRC Local 2's Friday Football Frenzy, Lauren Freeman shows off her Bobcats cheerleading pictures from Childress High School.
Check out which celebrities have had babies in the last couple of years.
Hurricane Ike leaves its mark on Galveston and the surrounding communities.
Email Alerts
RSS News Feeds
Mobile
Live Streams
Slideshows
Video
Search
