Health and Parenting
Beyond COVID-19: Why kids need other vaccines, too
As you consider immunizing your child, it’s natural to have questions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. But the detection of polio in New York illustrates how diseases that were once thought to have been eradicated can reemerge when vaccination efforts lag. While COVID-19 vaccines have understandably drawn attention during recent years, it’s important to remember ... Read More about Beyond COVID-19: Why kids need other vaccines, too
Patient Stories
Adjusting to sitosterolemia took time, but Justin is now on a healthy path
After Justin Zhao was diagnosed with the rare metabolic disorder sitosterolemia five years ago, the toughest part of treatment was watching his three siblings eat chocolate when he couldn’t. Sitosterolemia is a genetic disease that causes the fatty substances, or lipids, from plant-based foods such as nuts and vegetable oils to build up in the arteries, increasing ... Read More about Adjusting to sitosterolemia took time, but Justin is now on a healthy path
Research
Preventing ‘chemo brain’ with antioxidants targeting the spinal fluid
Up to three-quarters of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy suffer from “chemo brain” — a side effect that makes it harder to remember things, maintain attention, and learn new information. When it strikes children, whose brains are still developing, effects are sometimes long lasting, affecting their schoolwork and self-esteem. “One of the most distressing potential side ... Read More about Preventing ‘chemo brain’ with antioxidants targeting the spinal fluid
Patient Stories
Matthew, the ‘wee marvel’: One of the first ALD gene therapy recipients
When the Elliott brothers are asked how many siblings they have, they always say, “four.” It’s a way of honoring the memory of their eldest brother, Marc, who died in 2010 from adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). ALD is a degenerative condition that destroys the protective sheath surrounding the brain’s neurons. Gradually, as the disease progresses, symptoms grow ... Read More about Matthew, the ‘wee marvel’: One of the first ALD gene therapy recipients
Research
Children with psychotic symptoms may merit genetic testing, finds study
A 6-year-old boy began seeing ghosts, aliens in trees, and colored footprints. More disturbingly, he heard voices coming from the walls and the school intercom telling him to hurt himself and others. Joseph Gonzalez-Heydrich, MD, a psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital, put him on antipsychotic medications at age 9. The frightening hallucinations stopped. While children ... Read More about Children with psychotic symptoms may merit genetic testing, finds study
Health and Parenting
Many childhood injuries are preventable if you know the risks
As the seasons change, Dr. Lois Lee can predict that certain types of injuries will appear in the Emergency Department at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Some things happen every year,” she says. In the cold months, for instance, children come in with head and neck injuries and broken bones, from winter sport accidents. In warmer weather, ... Read More about Many childhood injuries are preventable if you know the risks
Research
A new view of heart health: Mutations accumulate in the heart starting in childhood
Why do so many people get heart disease when they get older? We know that factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol contribute to heart disease risk, but they don’t explain all cases. A first-of-its-kind study from Boston Children’s Hospital offers a new lens on heart health. It shows that the cells of our ... Read More about A new view of heart health: Mutations accumulate in the heart starting in childhood
Clinical Care
Sports medicine for single-sport athletes
As youth sports have become more structured and focused on results, sports medicine specialists have seen a growing number of sports injuries in younger patients. Is early sports specialization to blame? “Specializing in a single sport is not necessarily a cause for concern,” says Andrea Stracciolini, MD, director of Medical Sports Medicine at Boston Children’s ... Read More about Sports medicine for single-sport athletes
Patient Stories
‘To do what’s best for Marley’: One family’s experience with a vein of Galen malformation
Last summer, Savannah and Brian were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. Savannah was scheduled to deliver their daughter Marley in late September, and they couldn’t wait to hold her, feed her, dress her up, and relish in the new-baby joy. But the Georgia couple soon learned that parenthood tends to throw plans ... Read More about ‘To do what’s best for Marley’: One family’s experience with a vein of Galen malformation
Health and Parenting
What to know about Enterovirus D68
A virus called the Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one to look out for — not just seasonally, but year-round — as it can cause serious health risks to children. EV-D68 is just one strain of Enteroviruses, which cause colds, fever, headaches, vomiting, and rashes among other symptoms. Most Enterovirus infections are very common and spread ... Read More about What to know about Enterovirus D68