Patient Stories
Spinal fusion surgery during COVID-19
If things had gone according to plan, Jared Cohen would have had spinal fusion surgery during his April vacation. His mom, Sara, planned to homeschool him for the remainder of spring semester and he would have all summer to recover. By fall, he’d be more than ready to return to school. Then COVID-19 happened. In ... Read More about Spinal fusion surgery during COVID-19
Patient Stories
Coming to Boston Children’s during COVID-19: Keith’s story
At just 4 years old, Keith Bennett has spent more time in the hospital than most kids ever will. Diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome, he visits Boston Children’s Hospital several times a week — and has continued to do so throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as Boston Children’s begins to move ... Read More about Coming to Boston Children’s during COVID-19: Keith’s story
Research
New drug pathway linked with tuberous sclerosis
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurological disorder causing non-cancerous tumors, called cortical tubers, to grow throughout the brain and body, as well as other conditions like epilepsy and autism. While medications are used to treat some of the manifestations of the disease, safe and more effective treatments targeting disease at a fundamental level are ... Read More about New drug pathway linked with tuberous sclerosis
Health and Parenting
EEE: A worried parent’s questions, answered
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, the last thing we want to think about is another virus. But now that summer is upon us, so are mosquitoes. And with mosquitoes comes the risk of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but deadly virus. Last fall in Massachusetts, there were 12 confirmed cases of EEE, ... Read More about EEE: A worried parent’s questions, answered
Clinical Care
Caring for pediatric ADHD patients through telehealth
Key takeaways· In the current health crisis, online visits should be used to monitor current patients and make new diagnoses.· Providers should guide families to resources for at-home behavioral modification techniques.· Telehealth office visits are likely to remain after the current crisis subsides. It comes as no surprise to the pediatric neurology community at Boston ... Read More about Caring for pediatric ADHD patients through telehealth
Research
Boston Children’s Hospital leads national study on pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C
Why are children largely spared from COVID-19 — and why do a few become extremely sick? To find out, Boston Children’s Hospital launched a national study in April to perform real-time surveillance at more than 35 U.S. children’s hospitals. In May, when multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) began appearing, that still-mysterious condition was added ... Read More about Boston Children’s Hospital leads national study on pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C
Clinical Care
Racism and children’s health: What providers need to know
It’s easy to feel outdone by racism, especially as the country cycles through stages of tragedy, awareness, and inertia. But with renewed attention to violence against Black people in recent weeks, many health care providers are asking themselves hard questions: Can we create a better world for the next generation?Can the call for racial justice lead ... Read More about Racism and children’s health: What providers need to know
Research
Getting to a COVID-19 vaccine as fast and as safely as possible
The novel coronavirus is not expected to disappear anytime soon. With physical distancing, virus testing, contact tracing, and potentially new therapeutics, we may be able to keep it partially at bay. But many eyes are looking toward a COVID-19 vaccine, and scientists are feeling the urgency. Key takeaways. Work is moving quickly, but to show ... Read More about Getting to a COVID-19 vaccine as fast and as safely as possible
Research
Type III interferon in COVID-19: Protective or harmful?
Our immune system makes interferons and other cytokines to help us fight viruses. But in COVID-19, we’ve learned that they can also contribute to damaging, potentially life-threatening lung inflammation. New work published yesterday in the journal Science helps tease out the good from the bad for one interferon of interest: type III. Key takeaways. At ... Read More about Type III interferon in COVID-19: Protective or harmful?
Health and Parenting
How to prepare your child for an outpatient visit
The COVID-19 outbreak has changed many things, including what it’s like for kids to visit Boston Children’s Hospital. The lobby that normally bustles with patients, families, and clinicians is quieter. Security guards ask families if they have an appointment and make sure they know where they’re headed. Visitors are asked about their health and provided ... Read More about How to prepare your child for an outpatient visit