Patient Stories
Jillian’s story: Finding care, support, then a diagnosis
Eighteen-year-old Jillian Allair is funny, independent, sarcastic, and the charmer of the family. She loves music, especially top 40, and little kids, with a soft spot for those with medical challenges. Jillian knows a thing or two about medical challenges herself — she’s been a patient at Boston Children’s Hospital since she was 8 weeks ... Read More about Jillian’s story: Finding care, support, then a diagnosis
Our Community
Pawprints: Sophie makes the rounds
My name is Sophie, one of the Pawprints therapy dogs here at Boston Children’s Hospital. I’m a 13-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and I love making my rounds at the hospital. I’ve been a therapy dog at Boston Children’s for about four years. I don’t want to brag, but being a therapy dog takes some ... Read More about Pawprints: Sophie makes the rounds
Research
After GWAS studies, how to narrow the search for genes?
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) look at large populations to find genes that contribute to common, multi-gene traits like height or obesity. These comprehensive investigations frequently turn up large numbers of tiny genetic variations that show up more often in people who are tall, obese, etc. But this association doesn’t mean the variant actually helps cause ... Read More about After GWAS studies, how to narrow the search for genes?
Research
Hidden part of flu virus yields hope for better vaccines
The annual effort to create a flu vaccine is like a high-stakes game of Whack-a-mole. Even if public health officials develop a vaccine that offers wide protection, the ever-changing influenza virus pops up again the next year in a new guise, often different enough to thwart the body’s defenses. And while most people recover, influenza ... Read More about Hidden part of flu virus yields hope for better vaccines
Clinical Care
Better evaluation needed for BRUEs
Previously known as apparent life-threatening events, brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs) are episodes marked by choking, paleness, blue spells (cyanosis), and limpness. They tend to occur in previously healthy infants and send worried parents racing to the emergency department (ED). Although gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently implicated in these patients, pediatric gastroenterologists are often ... Read More about Better evaluation needed for BRUEs
Clinical Care
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
Patient Stories
Matt and Brendan: Post-op pals, for life
Eighteen-year-old Matt Freitas and 16-year-old Brendan Cogavin met as roommates at Boston Children’s Hospital, but that’s just a small part of why they’ve stayed in touch for the six years since. “Their relationship goes beyond knowing each other at their worst,” says Melissa, Matt’s mom. “Brendan is cool, smart, and tries hard at everything he ... Read More about Matt and Brendan: Post-op pals, for life
Patient Stories
After four unsuccessful heart surgeries, Nicholas finds hope
When Brenna and Lorenzo Degano arrived in Boston with their son, Nicholas, last April, it was with a feeling of restrained hope. After four unsuccessful heart surgeries in California, they were hesitant to put their son through a fifth surgery not knowing if the outcome would be any different. Nicholas was diagnosed at age 7 ... Read More about After four unsuccessful heart surgeries, Nicholas finds hope
Patient Stories
Alivia’s journey with CDH
Alivia Gannon recently got the kind of information every kid wants to hear: She won’t have to return to the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Program at Boston Children’s Hospital for another five years. For Alivia and her parents, Erin and Richard, the news is particularly welcome: Although the active 12-year-old is now the picture of health, ... Read More about Alivia’s journey with CDH
Patient Stories
Lia the ballerina: Off the couch and onto the stage
No matter what 3-year-old Lia is doing — playing dress-up, singing for her family, or running around with her preschool friends — you can be sure she’ll do it with pizzazz. “She’s a total girly girl,” says her mom, Kaitlyn. “She would wear makeup if I let her!” Watching her jump and twirl, you’d never ... Read More about Lia the ballerina: Off the couch and onto the stage