SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, SEPT. 27, 2005, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT
Newswise — Clinical Experts from Children's Hospital Boston and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses Lead Media Teleconference to Review Data and Offer Advice on Safeguarding Preemie Health
What: More than 300,000 premature infants are born prior to 36 weeks gestation each year in the United States, approximately one every 60 seconds. Underdeveloped lungs and weak immune systems leave these fragile patients susceptible to respiratory illnesses. During virus season, which begins in late October, these babies are at a higher risk of developing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a disease that may be up to 10 times more deadly than influenza in children under 1 year of age.
"¢ RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory infection and viral death in children under 5 years of age. "¢ RSV is leading cause of hospitalization of children under age 1."¢ Each year approximately 400 children under the age of 1 die from RSV ; in 2003-2004, 32 children under age 2 died from the flu.
Because RSV shares many symptoms with the common cold and influenza, it often goes un- or misdiagnosed, raising the risk of serious health complications. During this national media teleconference, experts from Children's Hospital Boston and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses will discuss:
"¢ Recent studies on the long-term impact of RSV on children's health"¢ Signs/symptoms of and treatment for RSV"¢ How to protect infants from RSV infection and promote long-term lung health
When: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 200511 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT
Speakers:1. Dr. Kenneth McIntoshInfectious Disease Specialist, Children's Hospital BostonProfessor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
2. Dr. Anne Hansen Neonatologist, NICU Medical Director, Children's Hospital BostonAssistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
3. Angela Burd, R.N.C., C.C.N.S.NICU Advanced Practice Nurse, National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) representative
4. Dr. John J. Labella, F.A.A.P. Pediatrician, Children's Community Pediatrics, Cranberry Township, Pa.
5. Maureen Doolan BoyleExecutive Director, Mothers of Supertwins (MOST)
6. A mother of two children: a child who had RSV and a preemie who received RSV-prevention medication
This telephone press briefing is underwritten by MedImmune, Inc.
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