The Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) announced a breakthrough in the future treatment of vascular malformations in the brains of newborn babies, aiming for quicker detection of these potentially deadly conditions.
Some babies are affected by cerebral blood vessel abnormalities before and after birth, which can lead to severe consequences and, in some cases, be fatal. The most common of these is the Galen vein malformation, accounting for 30 to 50% of cases.
These malformations can cause heart failure, seizures, bleeding, or delayed neurological development. Treating these brain abnormalities is often a race against time, with the baby’s life at risk.
H.U.B., affiliated with the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), is supplementing existing treatments with a new medical model for more rapid and efficient detection of brain abnormalities. "This model opens a new door to improve newborn treatment," explained Professor Boris Lubicz.
The medical model not only simplifies the detection process but also paves the way for treating blood vessels in newborns. Next, the model will be translated into pre-clinical tests for medicinal treatment.
This approach aims to manage brain blood vessel anomalies, safeguarding affected newborns from life-threatening dangers. Lubicz is confident that significant strides toward effective treatment will be made in the coming years.
However, further breakthroughs depend on solid funding. Over the past five years, €350,000 has been invested in the project, with an estimated €4 to €6 million still required. "Additional funds are essential for taking further concrete steps in the years ahead," said Lubicz.
