Research
AI could change the way we look at hip preservation
Orthopedic surgeons and biomedical engineers are trained to approach adolescent and young adult hip pain from two different perspectives. Surgeons typically look at conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and hip dysplasia from a clinical point of view. Engineers more often focus on the technology angle. These two perspectives have come together at Boston Children’s ... Read More about AI could change the way we look at hip preservation
Patient Stories
After retinoblastoma, Finn ‘keeps on showing us what he can do’
Six-year-old Finn Carlson “isn’t afraid of anything,” says his mother, Shannon. Whether he’s playing with firetrucks, chasing after his twin, Mack, or riding the tractor on his grandparents’ dairy farm, he’s always up for an adventure. His fearless, free-spirited attitude is even more impressive considering the challenges he’s faced. Born at just 24 weeks, Finn ... Read More about After retinoblastoma, Finn ‘keeps on showing us what he can do’
Research
I-PASS this patient to you: Improved hospital ‘handoffs’ cut adverse events by almost half
About 15 years ago, Boston Children’s Hospital pediatricians Christopher Landrigan, MD, MPH, and Amy Starmer, MD, MPH, observed a weak link in hospital care. Medical residents were rigorously trained to take patient histories with standardized templates and to present cases in a structured format during daily rounds. Yet such structured communication was largely absent at ... Read More about I-PASS this patient to you: Improved hospital ‘handoffs’ cut adverse events by almost half
Research
‘On fire’ with sJIA: When arthritis is much more than joint pain
Georgia is finally living her best life. Her toddler years were challenging: At 15 months old, a series of high fevers landed her at Boston Children’s Hospital for two weeks. After many rounds of tests looking for infection and a bone marrow biopsy to rule out cancer, she was diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis ... Read More about ‘On fire’ with sJIA: When arthritis is much more than joint pain
Health and Parenting
Explaining endometriosis: What parents and teens should know
People with uteruses know that menstruation can bring cramps, general discomfort, mood swings, and other symptoms each month. But, just how much discomfort and pain is normal during your period? For more insights on severe period pain — and endometriosis in particular — we spoke with Dr. Jessica Shim in the Division of Gynecology and ... Read More about Explaining endometriosis: What parents and teens should know
Research
Obesity is increasing people’s risk of cancer. Why?
Obesity is now a global epidemic, and it is increasing people’s risk for cancer. The National Cancer Institute lists more than a dozen cancers that are associated with overweight and obesity. But how obesity increases cancer risk hasn’t been clear. The lab of Marsha A. Moses, PhD, at Boston Children’s Hospital, now draws a direct ... Read More about Obesity is increasing people’s risk of cancer. Why?
Patient Stories
Hirschprung’s disease won’t stop Myles from smiling
Looking at Myles today, you’ll see a picture-perfect 1-year-old full of smiles and giggles. He babbles like any other baby and has a lot of energy that keeps his parents on their toes. You wouldn’t know that the past 12 months have held a series of surprises for his parents — and life-changing treatment for ... Read More about Hirschprung’s disease won’t stop Myles from smiling
Clinical Care
Rethinking the need for ADOS testing to diagnose autism in young children
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, or ADOS testing, was developed in the 1980s as a tool for autism research. Through a series of semi-structured observations, trained evaluators assess children’s communication skills, social interaction, and imaginative use of materials. But over time, the ADOS has come to be considered the gold standard for a clinical diagnosis ... Read More about Rethinking the need for ADOS testing to diagnose autism in young children
Research
Predicting feeding difficulties in children with esophageal atresia: A proactive approach
Children with esophageal atresia are at risk for developing anastomotic strictures, or areas of esophageal narrowing, following surgical repair. Clinicians have long assumed that such strictures can cause dysphagia and feeding difficulties, but it isn’t clear whether the severity of feeding difficulties is related to the severity of a stricture. Now, findings of a recent ... Read More about Predicting feeding difficulties in children with esophageal atresia: A proactive approach
Patient Stories
Getting a diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Macy’s journey
“It’s ok to be afraid,” says 8-year-old Macy with a strong smile. She would know: She recently experienced a health scare that impacted everything she did, leaving her to feel like she would never get better. While celebrating Hanukkah last year, Macy was playing with her twin sister, Isabel, when she started feeling intense pain ... Read More about Getting a diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Macy’s journey