Archive for Jessica Cerretani
Finally heard: How finding a doctor who listened helped change Carter’s life
In some ways, Carter Sousa is like any other 13-year-old: He’s obsessed with videos, loves animals, and enjoys hanging out with his friends. But for much of his childhood, Carter and his parents found themselves struggling with a frustrating and embarrassing problem that seemed to have no clear solution. Soon after he was born, Carter ... Read More about Finally heard: How finding a doctor who listened helped change Carter’s life
Hip reconstruction in complex patients: Predicting complications
Neuromuscular hip dysplasia and progressive spastic hip displacement are among the most common orthopedic concerns in non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP), leading to pain, decreased function, and impaired quality of life. While hip reconstruction surgery can improve quality of life in these children, it can be associated with acute post-operative pain, medical complications, and ... Read More about Hip reconstruction in complex patients: Predicting complications
Harnessing the power of machine learning to improve urology care
Urodynamics — a group of tests that evaluate how well the body collects, and then releases, urine — can be crucial for diagnosing urologic problems, particularly in children with spinal cord defects and other neurologic conditions. While urodynamics can provide clinicians with a rich set of data, the interpretation of these tests remains unstandardized. That ... Read More about Harnessing the power of machine learning to improve urology care
Treating chronic pain virtually: A telehealth success story
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced shutdowns in March 2020, many clinicians found themselves faced with a whole new challenge: conducting much of patient care from their computers. Although telehealth was already a part of some physicians’ practices, others have had to learn how to adapt existing clinical skills to virtual platforms. But there have been ... Read More about Treating chronic pain virtually: A telehealth success story
Devina’s story: Minimally invasive Foker process repairs esophageal atresia
Selina De Leon doesn’t have a background in medicine — but she does have experience being a mom. When the mother of four learned that her youngest child, Devina, had a rare birth defect, “I said, ‘esophageal what?’” she remembers. The condition, called esophageal atresia (EA), occurs when a baby’s esophagus develops in two separate ... Read More about Devina’s story: Minimally invasive Foker process repairs esophageal atresia
At the forefront of kidney stone removal: Innovative approaches transform patient care
No longer considered just an adult problem, kidney stones increasingly affect children as well. The majority of children who cannot pass stones on their own can be treated with minimally invasive approaches such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, laparoscopic and robotic approaches and, rarely, open surgery. Now, two recent innovations provide additional ... Read More about At the forefront of kidney stone removal: Innovative approaches transform patient care
Still within reach: Virtual visits keep Hadley plugged into stroke care
When it’s time for Hadley Rizza to see her care team in the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, she doesn’t have to leave home. Although Hadley and her parents, Eric and Meredith, live in the Pacific Northwest, appointments with her clinicians are just a click away, thanks to the hospital’s Virtual Visits ... Read More about Still within reach: Virtual visits keep Hadley plugged into stroke care
Fighting for answers: Innovative approach to epilepsy helps Emma thrive
As a nurse, Lynda Coto was used to solving problems — until she was faced with her own daughter’s seemingly inexplicable illness. “I always have answers, and if I don’t, I find them,” she says. “But this time, I just didn’t know.” The questions surrounding Emma’s health began almost as soon as she was born. At ... Read More about Fighting for answers: Innovative approach to epilepsy helps Emma thrive
Making it through the fight: Scarlett’s CDH journey
Like her name suggests, Scarlett Virginia Moulton “has a lot of fire,” says her mother, Olivia. “She always has a smile on her face. We tell her every day how strong she is and she just smiles. It’s almost like she knows she’s made it through the big fight.” That fight began even before Scarlett was ... Read More about Making it through the fight: Scarlett’s CDH journey
Going ‘all in’ for Khori: New hope for congenital enteropathy
Khori LeBlanc is “one of the sassiest and sweetest kids you’ll ever meet,” says her mom, Bryanna Black. Her good mood even carries over to her many hospital visits, where she can be often be found practicing her “karate” moves on the way to an appointment. It’s a resilient attitude that has served her well ... Read More about Going ‘all in’ for Khori: New hope for congenital enteropathy