Improving developmental care for infants in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Infants born with congenital heart disease (CHD) are some of the most fragile patients, often requiring surgery or other interventions in the first few months after birth. They also face a higher risk of developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems than children born with a healthy heart. To help mitigate these developmental challenges, a ... Read More about Improving developmental care for infants in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Innovations in transcatheter valve replacement
The Cardiac Catheterization Program at Boston Children’s Hospital has been at the cutting edge of pediatric care for more than 60 years, developing and refining innovative catheterization techniques and procedures. “The program was built on a culture of collaboration, training, and innovation,” says Diego Porras, MD, FAAP, program chief. “We continue to foster new ideas ... Read More about Innovations in transcatheter valve replacement
Four ways to manage the impact of cystic fibrosis on the GI system
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs, used to be considered a childhood disease with a very high mortality rate. But today, thanks to improvements in screenings, diagnosis, and treatments, as well as a deeper understanding of the importance of managing nutritional status, people with cystic fibrosis are living into ... Read More about Four ways to manage the impact of cystic fibrosis on the GI system
Study sounds another warning about proton pump inhibitors
A recent study adds to growing concerns about a class of drugs frequently prescribed to suppress stomach acid in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Previous research has linked the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to an increased risk of various pulmonary and gastrointestinal infections in both adults and children. Patients treated with PPIs ... Read More about Study sounds another warning about proton pump inhibitors
Fetal treatment for vein of Galen malformations
Vein of Galen malformations (VOGMs) are rare, life-threatening vascular malformations that often cause heart failure in neonates. The preferred postnatal treatment for VOGM is transarterial embolization [1]. Although often diagnosed in utero, currently no in utero treatments exist. The Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) at Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital have agreed that ... Read More about Fetal treatment for vein of Galen malformations
Empowering pediatricians to provide mental health care
By late adolescence, up to 20 percent of children will have experienced impairing levels of anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD, the most common and treatable mental health conditions. But child behavioral health specialists are in chronic short supply with long wait lists. Massachusetts, for example, has nearly 300,000 youths with at least one diagnosable psychiatric disorder ... Read More about Empowering pediatricians to provide mental health care
Expanding on a lifetime of heart care: The BACH Program
As more patients born with congenital heart disease (CHD) live well into adulthood and older age, there is an increasing demand for clinicians who understand their complex and unique needs. Since its inception more than 25 years ago, the Boston Adult Congenital Heart (BACH) Program has been a leader in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) ... Read More about Expanding on a lifetime of heart care: The BACH Program
Concerning rates of opioid prescribing to teens and youth
Teens and young adults are notably susceptible to misusing opioids and becoming addicted once exposed. Opioids should be used with great care in this group. Yet a large national study from Boston Children’s Hospital finds that opioid prescriptions to youth aged 13-22 are much like those in older adults. Based on 2005-2015 data from the ... Read More about Concerning rates of opioid prescribing to teens and youth
Stool transplant found safe, effective for ‘C. diff’ in children
Diarrhea caused by Clostridiodes (formerly Clostridium) difficile infections is on the rise among children; one population-based study found a 12.5-fold increase in incidence from 1991 to 2009. For reasons that aren’t clear, C. difficile is more frequently striking children without the usual risk factors, such as hospitalization or antibiotic exposure. One thing that is known ... Read More about Stool transplant found safe, effective for ‘C. diff’ in children
Patricia Hickey receives nursing research award
Patricia Hickey, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, vice president and associate chief nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital, was recently awarded the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Distinguished Research Lecturer Award. Nominated by her peers, this award celebrates Patricia’s breakthroughs in nursing research that have spanned more than 20 years — focusing heavily on understanding the ... Read More about Patricia Hickey receives nursing research award