Research
Exploring an unsung part of the brain: the choroid plexus
If you’ve never heard of the choroid plexus, you’re not alone. In fact, few neuroscientists know much about this part of the brain. In the words of the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, the choroid plexus “don’t get no respect.” But that’s beginning to change, thanks in part to Maria Lehtinen, PhD, who has made the ... Read More about Exploring an unsung part of the brain: the choroid plexus
Patient Stories
An education in hemophilia for Colin’s new school
Every morning, one of Colin Bazinsky’s parents puts a needle into his chest to give him an infusion of clotting factor. You wouldn’t guess anything was amiss from the placid look on the 3-year-old’s face as he receives the infusion to treat his hemophilia. His state of calm reflects his parents’ matter-of-fact approach to the ... Read More about An education in hemophilia for Colin’s new school
Health and Parenting
Growing up with short bowel syndrome: Follow-up care matters
Short bowel syndrome, a serious condition in which a child lacks sufficient small intestine to absorb the nutrients the body needs to grow and thrive, was once a devastating diagnosis. Today, advances in care have helped save — and change — the lives of many kids with this disease. In fact, the multidisciplinary approach taken ... Read More about Growing up with short bowel syndrome: Follow-up care matters
Our Community
Staff Spotlight: Meet Paula Cruz
Paula Cruz is a registered nurse in the Colorectal and Pelvic Malformation Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. The center treats children with complex colorectal and pelvic conditions, including anorectal malformations, cloacal deformities, and cloacal exstrophy. In addition to treatments such as surgical procedures and medical management, the center offers a bowel management program for children who are ... Read More about Staff Spotlight: Meet Paula Cruz
Research
Diet, the microbiome, and how insulin resistance causes metabolic syndrome
Up to a third of U.S. adults have metabolic syndrome, a constellation of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Now considered to be epidemic, metabolic syndrome increases people’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, as well as kidney and neurodegenerative disease. Metabolic syndrome is ... Read More about Diet, the microbiome, and how insulin resistance causes metabolic syndrome
Patient Stories
Second opinion gives Charlotte a second chance
After struggling to conceive their second child, Jennifer and Keith Bent were thrilled when Jennifer became pregnant. The results of genetic testing were normal and confirmed they would be welcoming a daughter in April of 2016. Jennifer felt the baby’s first kicks on Nov. 23, 2015. The next day, she was scheduled for an anatomy ... Read More about Second opinion gives Charlotte a second chance
Health and Parenting
Managing your child’s treatment-related nausea
Treatment-related nausea is an unpleasant side effect that can occur before, during, or after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Antiemetic medications are typically used to treat nausea and vomiting, but there are other strategies that can help. Dr. Kristen Uhl, of Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, specializes in pediatric pain ... Read More about Managing your child’s treatment-related nausea
Patient Stories
Saif looks ahead to life after spine surgery
Saif and his mother, Khawha Abbas, both had questions for Dr. Daniel Hedequist. For the past nine months, the family had lived in Boston while Saif underwent treatment for a severe spinal deformity. They were scheduled return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that evening, but first, Saif wanted to know if he would be ... Read More about Saif looks ahead to life after spine surgery
Our Community
Chaplains, or spiritual companions on a journey
I’m a United Methodist minister working on a multi-faith team of board-certified chaplains. Our team includes a rabbi, an imam, an Episcopal priest, a United Church of Christ minister, a Lutheran minister, a Christian chaplain, and three Roman Catholic chaplains. We closely collaborate with nurses and doctors, child life specialists, social workers, music therapists, and other caregivers. None ... Read More about Chaplains, or spiritual companions on a journey
Patient Stories
A sign of Faith in one little girl’s single ventricle journey
Nicole and Charlie Parker were no strangers to adoption when they embarked on the journey to bring their daughter Faith home from Langfang, China — they had previously adopted two of their four children. What they were not familiar with was raising a child with a complex congenital heart condition. Faith was born with a ... Read More about A sign of Faith in one little girl’s single ventricle journey