Research
COVID vaccination in 5- to 11-year-olds: What does the science say?
The Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages 5 to 11 in October, but many parents have been hesitant to get them vaccinated. A national study in The New England Journal of Medicine provides reassuring data, showing that the vaccine strongly protected this age group against severe COVID-19. Dr. Adrienne Randolph at Boston Children’s ... Read More about COVID vaccination in 5- to 11-year-olds: What does the science say?
Patient Stories
Amanda gets the smile she always wanted — just in time for college
One of the first things you’ll notice about Amanda Altemus is her big smile. She’s a proud Clemson Tiger and excited to talk about how she is in the university’s post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. When she’s not studying, she loves rooting for the Clemson football team, watching YouTube videos, and listening ... Read More about Amanda gets the smile she always wanted — just in time for college
Our Community
At the intersection of research and clinical care: Celebrating our female gastroenterologists
In honor of Women’s History Month and National Doctor’s Day, we’re celebrating just a few of the amazing female gastroenterologists at Boston Children’s Hospital. Elizabeth Hait, MD, MPH Elizabeth Hait, MD, MPH Clinical director, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Co-Medical director, Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Program Why did you want to become a physician? In ... Read More about At the intersection of research and clinical care: Celebrating our female gastroenterologists
Patient Stories
Along the way to heart surgery, Liam found a name for his new teddy bear
After a complicated delivery in April 2021, Chelsea Allis had recovered and was finally able to bond with her infant son, Liam. But life became unsettled again only two months later, when a doctor performing a routine checkup on Liam detected a possible heart condition. Then, only a day before seeing a cardiologist to learn ... Read More about Along the way to heart surgery, Liam found a name for his new teddy bear
Research
Building a bladder-specific Botox
Botulinum toxins are bacterial neurotoxins that also have a range of therapeutic uses. In urology, injections of these potent substances can relax the bladder muscle, helping treat conditions such as overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder. Of the seven types of botulinum toxin, two have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): botulinum ... Read More about Building a bladder-specific Botox
Patient Stories
Bringing Brazilian flair to blended diets: Josue’s g-tube journey
Josue Oliveira loves mealtime. In his large family — he’s the youngest of five kids — that means gathering around the table to enjoy traditional Brazilian dishes full of rice, beans, vegetables, and chicken. For this 4-year-old, though, dinner is a little different. Instead of picking up a fork or spoon, he gets his meals ... Read More about Bringing Brazilian flair to blended diets: Josue’s g-tube journey
Research
Targeting treatments for vascular anomalies, courtesy of cancer genetics
Vascular anomalies — overgrowths or malformations of the capillaries, veins, arteries, and/or lymphatic vessels — often confound physicians, especially in acute settings. They encompass a diverse group of conditions, all of them rare, and can affect multiple body systems. Many physicians have never encountered vascular anomalies and may be unaware of the risks they sometimes ... Read More about Targeting treatments for vascular anomalies, courtesy of cancer genetics
Patient Stories
Answers for Isaac: A family’s journey to treat vascular anomalies
Early on, Jinah and her husband knew their son Isaac was battling something complex, but they couldn’t figure out what it was, even after seeing numerous specialists. Their search for answers spanned the globe and eventually brought them to the Vascular Anomalies Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. It was in Boston that they not only ... Read More about Answers for Isaac: A family’s journey to treat vascular anomalies
Research
A new symptom of COVID-19 in young children: Croup
During the Omicron surge, pediatricians and emergency departments (EDs) began noticing something new: a surge in croup among infants and young children. Marked by a distinctive “barking” cough and sometimes noisy, high-pitched intakes of breath, croup can happen when colds and other viral infections cause the voice box, windpipe, and bronchial tubes to become inflamed ... Read More about A new symptom of COVID-19 in young children: Croup
Patient Stories
Logan shows off ‘big personality’ while overcoming cleft lip and palate
Three-year-old Logan Hatfield doesn’t simply ask to watch “The Lion King.” He lets out a loud roar and follows with a soft “king.” It’s one of the many cherished memories he has created for his parents, Jenna and Brad, and his two older siblings. It’s also a welcomed contrast to the months before and after ... Read More about Logan shows off ‘big personality’ while overcoming cleft lip and palate