Hope for Hydrops is a group of moms and dads from around the nation that decided to join together in hopes of raising awareness for hydrops fetalis and with the goal to help fund research into treatments for hydrops. Maybe even one day, a cure!
Hydrops fetalis is a serious condition. It occurs when abnormal amounts of fluid build up in two or more body areas of a fetus or newborn. It is a symptom of underlying problems. The severe edema that occurs with hydrops can overwhelm the baby's organ systems. About half of unborn babies with hydrops do not survive. Risks for other complications are also high for babies born with hydrops, with survival often depending on the cause and treatment. Hydrops fetalis is found in about 1 per 2,000 births.
We hope to match the grant funds recently awarded to Katherine King.
City: Houston, TEXAS
Title: Mechanisms of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Suppression in Viral-Associated Hydrops Fetalis
#5-FY15-50
2/1/2015 - 1/31/2017
To determine how viral infections during pregnancy can disrupt blood cell production in the fetus and newborn, sometimes leading to a life-threatening form of anemia and fluid build-up called hydrops fetalis. More than half of babies with hydrops fetalis die before or soon after birth, in spite of advanced medical care. Goal: Develop new ways to prevent and treat hydrops fetalis, which can be caused by common infections, including cytomegalovirus and parvovirus B19 (fifth disease).
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Section of Infectious Diseases
Katherine Yudeh King, MD PhD
Purpose:
Baylor College of Medicine
Total Amount: $150,000
