Wayne State University

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Wayne State University

Public Relations

Media Report

April 3, 2012

Dr. Sonia Hassan discusses preterm births and preventative treatments in Traverse City Eagle article

http://record-eagle.com/statenews/x1119205699/State-takes-aim-at-infant-mortality-rates

Infant mortality rates continue to rise across the state, but the state is implementing a plan that could reduce deaths and disparities based on geography, socioeconomic issues and race. The Department of Community Health last fall convened a summit to identify strategies to reduce and prevent infant deaths. Based on recommendations from politicians, health specialists and community leaders, the department developed a plan to reduce the infant mortality rate. A study by the National Institutes of Health and Wayne State University determined performing a cervical ultrasound to identify pregnant women with a short cervix and then using vaginal progesterone treatments reduces premature births. Sonia Hassan, associate dean for maternal, perinatal and child health care at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine, said it's important physicians and health care professionals tell patients about the test to identify whether they are at risk for premature births.

Publications

  • Traverse City Record-Eagle
5700 Cass Avenue, 3100 Academic Administration Building * Detroit, Michigan 48202
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