Archive for Jessica Cerretani
Predicting pediatric seizures with a wristband: Study shows what’s possible
The ability to track seizures has a number of potential benefits: It could allow physicians to better determine optimal dosing and timing of medication, as well as enable timely interventions to help prevent impending seizures. Traditionally, electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocorticography have been used to evaluate and forecast seizures. However, more compact, portable approaches — such ... Read More about Predicting pediatric seizures with a wristband: Study shows what’s possible
Facing up to masks: Six reasons to stay the course
It’s now been almost a year since many businesses shuttered, schools closed, and Zoom calls became a way of life for many of us. Among the changes: face masks, designed to help prevent the spread the virus that causes COVID-19. If you’re experiencing so-called mask exhaustion, you’re not alone. One recent survey found that half ... Read More about Facing up to masks: Six reasons to stay the course
Innovative new shunt delivery system holds promise for treatment of fetal urinary tract obstruction
Urinary tract obstruction that occurs in utero can have serious consequences for the fetus. Such obstructions can block the flow of fetal urine, which makes up amniotic fluid. Without adequate levels of amniotic fluid, a fetus may not develop properly, especially in terms of the fetal lungs. Fetal urinary tract obstructions can range from mild ... Read More about Innovative new shunt delivery system holds promise for treatment of fetal urinary tract obstruction
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