Congenital faults in babies

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33046, 13 October 1972, Page 5

Congenital faults in babies

CN.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. Strong criticism of .inaccuracy in Health Department statistics came from the annual meeting of the Paediatric Society in Wellington yesterday, says the “Dominion” health reporter. Dr Patricia Buckfield, in reporting on congenital faults in newborn babies, described Health Department statistics as “totally inaccurate.” She said the blame probably lay with matrons of maternity hospitals who provided statistics on the newborn. The paediatricians decided to take the matter up at their next annual general meeting. Dr R. H. Howie reported

on a national women’s clinical test trial of the drug betamethosane, and found that its use among premature babies led to a reduction of respiratory distress if it was administered under 32 weeks of pregnancy. Dr E. Philipp presented a paper on treatment of drug addiction with methadone among young adolescents. On the basis of American figures, he said New Zealand could reach the stage where it had 1000 drug addicts, with 500 in the Wellington district alone. He said there were strict criteria for using the methadone treatment overseas. Those considered for the treatment must have been addicted to heroin for two years, have been treated once, and have a proven physical addiction.