Migraine prevention in children and teens: Weak support for medication
Several medications successfully treat an active migraine. But a review of the medical literature from Boston Children’s Hospital finds only weak evidence that drug treatment prevents migraine in children and adolescents. Only two medications — topiramate and propranolol — showed any difference in preventing migraine in this age group compared with a placebo. Joe Kossowsky ... Read More about Migraine prevention in children and teens: Weak support for medication
Going into science: Women scientists at Boston Children’s offer advice to girls
In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), we invited women scientists at all stages of their careers at Boston Children’s Hospital to share their scientific agendas. Here is some of what they had to say. The scientists also offered their advice for girls interested in entering the field. ... Read More about Going into science: Women scientists at Boston Children’s offer advice to girls
Studying tools to improve the quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis
Thanks to advances in treatments in recent years, people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer than ever before. Along with this increasing longevity comes some ongoing challenges for patients — from adhering to their treatment plans to managing symptoms to optimize their quality of life. The Cystic Fibrosis Center, through the Division of Pulmonary ... Read More about Studying tools to improve the quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis
Looking for clues to improve the life of a transplanted organ
The Transplant Research Program (TxRP) at Boston Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric transplantation research program in the U.S committed to better understanding the molecular basis for organ rejection after transplantation in children. Within the last year, members of the TxRP have initiated a new initiative to extend the longevity of transplanted organs and to ... Read More about Looking for clues to improve the life of a transplanted organ
Could leukemia be stopped before it starts?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a blood cancer affecting both adults and children, requires more than one genetic “hit” to develop. As we age, many of us acquire a mutation that enables certain of our blood cells to multiply faster than others, forming their own distinct population. This first hit, known as “clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate ... Read More about Could leukemia be stopped before it starts?
Eva rides out the side effects of aggressive Wilms tumor treatment
Eva Quiroz loves horses. The 10 year old takes riding lessons, and this activity puts a smile on her face. Anyone watching her contentedly guiding a horse around the ring would just assume she has always been a healthy child, says her mom Carla. They would see no hint of what Eva has been through ... Read More about Eva rides out the side effects of aggressive Wilms tumor treatment
New research sheds light on risk of gluten exposure in the kitchen and classroom
Parents and teachers typically go to great lengths in the kitchen and in the classroom to ensure children with Celiac disease avoid gluten contact. But up until recently, little data has existed to quantify the risk that exists in a variety of scenarios. Now, new research suggests that while vigilance is key, people may be ... Read More about New research sheds light on risk of gluten exposure in the kitchen and classroom
Diving deep: Understanding skeletal conditions with fish models
From fragile ice fish deep in the Antarctic Ocean to flying fish gliding above the Caribbean sea, fish have evolved a fascinating variety of skeletal traits. These traits not only help them adapt to their environments, they are also providing genetic insights into rare human skeletal disorders. Fish are not as genetically different from us ... Read More about Diving deep: Understanding skeletal conditions with fish models
Good early results with gene therapy for rare immune deficiency
Brenden Whittaker, a college student in Ohio, has been caught off guard by his good health. Since he was young, a rare immune deficiency known as chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) had left him vulnerable to life-threatening infections. He was used to going in and out of the hospital, and then hooking up to an IV ... Read More about Good early results with gene therapy for rare immune deficiency
Evidence-based guideline reduces G-tube placement in young patients
Gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) are commonly used to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach in patients who cannot eat by mouth, require supplemental nutrients, or have swallowing difficulties, including oropharyngeal dysphagia with aspiration. While the placement of G-tubes is on the rise nationally, data suggests that children with G-tubes have two to three times the number ... Read More about Evidence-based guideline reduces G-tube placement in young patients