Researchers believe they have found the cause of pre-eclampsia, a relatively common complication of pregnancy, especially in first-time mothers.
They have identified a receptor in the placenta that soaks up antigenic growth factor, a substance that helps maintain healthy blood vessels in the mother's brain, lungs and kidneys. A lack of the substance causes high blood pressure, raised intracranial pressure and protein in the mother's urine: all signs of pre-eclampsia.
Medical school
A national school has been established at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Based in St Raphael's Ward, the national centre for paediatric neurosurgery and the cochlear implant programme, it lets young patients continue regular education and helps them cope with special needs due to their illnesses. Wherever possible the school helps pupils maintain close links with their regular teachers, and webcams enable them to keep in touch with school friends.
Raynaud's conference
The Irish Raynaud's and Scleroderma Society is holding its annual awareness conference at Jurys Tara Hotel, in Booterstown, Co Dublin, on Saturday. Topics include the latest ways to manage scleroderma, non-invasive assessment of Raynaud's disease, an overview of entitlements and an update on treatment drugs. You can get more details from 01-2350900.
Home deliveries
The community-midwife-led Domino home birth programme should be developed around the country, according to an evaluation of the National Maternity Hospital's pilot scheme. Four years since it began, the scheme has many satisfied mothers - and the cost of a Domino birth tends to be only half that of a hospital birth.
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie