Patient Stories
Sonny’s story: How an online Apert syndrome community set one family on a path to Boston
Sonny Daniel has had a busy summer. Between traveling, camp, and time with family and friends, this 4-year-old has constantly been on the go — something his parents, Kellie and Josh, are incredibly grateful for. Their gratitude stems a lot from seeing how far Sonny’s come in his journey with Apert syndrome, a genetic disorder that ... Read More about Sonny’s story: How an online Apert syndrome community set one family on a path to Boston
Research
Powerful new antibody neutralizes all known coronavirus variants
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, newer variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have been evolving ways to evade the antibodies we make in response to vaccines or prior infections. As a result, we’ve seen breakthrough cases, antibody treatments that once worked have also become less effective over time. Scientists have been searching for an antibody ... Read More about Powerful new antibody neutralizes all known coronavirus variants
Research
Lingering health problems in children and youth after COVID-19 and MIS-C
More than one in four children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) had persisting health problems two to four months later, finds a study led by Boston Children’s Hospital, one of the largest of its kind to date. Just published in the journal Pediatrics, the study tracked 358 patients ... Read More about Lingering health problems in children and youth after COVID-19 and MIS-C
Our Community
Making a difference in children’s lives: A guide to the 2022 election season
Voting is your right and your way to make a difference in children’s lives. When you cast your vote, you’re letting elected officials know where you stand on issues such as access to health care, behavioral health, and child nutrition programs. In this spirit of civic engagement, Boston Children’s Hospital encourages all eligible citizens to make their voices ... Read More about Making a difference in children’s lives: A guide to the 2022 election season
Research
Weight loss: When scientific paradigms collide
David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD, co-directs the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. Because conventional thinking usually rests on years (sometimes centuries) of research, scientists are naturally skeptical of radical new ideas. But occasionally, problems with normal science arise, such as a persistent failure to solve important puzzles and anomalies that can’t be ... Read More about Weight loss: When scientific paradigms collide
Research
Making ready-made CAR T cells for cancer immunotherapy
In CAR T-cell immunotherapy, T cells from a patient’s own blood are engineered to carry so-called chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) that enable the T cells to attack and kill tumor cells. While CAR-T therapy is a powerful approach for certain leukemias and lymphomas, it’s not available for many patients who need it. It can be ... Read More about Making ready-made CAR T cells for cancer immunotherapy
Health and Parenting
Out of balance: How hormones can affect your child’s period
If your tween or teen is experiencing irregular periods, they aren’t alone. In the first two years after getting a period, you should expect fluctuation in cycle length and the number of days their period lasts. However, there are period symptoms that go beyond what makes a “normal” irregular period. If your child’s period hasn’t ... Read More about Out of balance: How hormones can affect your child’s period
Research
A new lens on cardiac surgery could help prevent arrhythmia
Sometimes, a change in perspective can lead to a medical breakthrough. A type of microscopy typically used to detect cancer and other diseases has been adapted to reveal the location of unseen conduction tissue around the heart. The Boston Children’s clinician behind this innovation now aims to prove the safety and effectiveness of fiber-optic confocal ... Read More about A new lens on cardiac surgery could help prevent arrhythmia
Research
A new vaccine formulation could finally protect babies against RSV
Though often mild, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can cause babies to be hospitalized with bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Globally, it is the leading cause of death in children under 5. Several vaccines against RSV are being tested in adults. But there has been no progress on an RSV vaccine for children since 1966 — the ... Read More about A new vaccine formulation could finally protect babies against RSV
Health and Parenting
Kids and gum disease: Top six things parents should know
Every kid needs a healthy smile — and strong teeth are just part of the equation. While a cavity affects only the tooth, gum disease can inflame the gums and damage the bones and surrounding tissues of the mouth. Although you might associate gum disease with older people, it can be a problem for children ... Read More about Kids and gum disease: Top six things parents should know