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Birth defects research

  • The processes of development still hold many mysteries.
  • We're working to prevent birth defects and find treatments.
  • Sought: genetic and environmental causes of birth defects.
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Treating heart defects




Faulty heart valves are among the most common heart defects. The heart has four valves that regulate blood flow through the heart's four chambers. The valves normally permit blood to flow forward, but prevent it from going backwards. "Heart valve defects can occur by themselves or occur along with other heart defects. Valve defects can have devastating consequences on the lives of pediatric and adult patients," said Kathryn Jane Grande-Allen, PhD, a grantee at Rice University in Houston, Texas, who is working to improve their treatment.

Serious valve abnormalities cause abnormal blood flow in the heart, sometimes causing the heart to work too hard, eventually resulting in heart damage. Currently available surgical options for valve repair or replacement in children are less than ideal. For example, replacement with a man-made valve requires life-long treatment with blood-thinning drugs, which can cause serious complications. Replacement with valves made from animal or human tissue often break down quickly in children, requiring additional operations.

Dr. Grande-Allen is studying the biological characteristics of normal and abnormal heart valve cells in young children. Very little is known about the specific characteristics of pediatric valve cells. This information is a crucial step toward achieving her goal of regenerating these cells to create replacement valves using a child's own tissue. "The quality of life for children with congenital valve disease would be revolutionized by the development of bioengineered pediatric heart valves," said Dr. Grande-Allen. This could eliminate the need for drug treatment and later re-operations, and allow the child to live a normal life.

Research breakthroughs


Most common questions

Can birth defects be prevented?


What are the most common birth defects?


What environmental factors may cause birth defects?


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