Research
A clinical trial aims to reduce complications in life-saving lung and heart treatment
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be lifesaving for critically ill children with severe lung and heart failure who are not responsive to conventional treatments. This approach takes over the work of those vital organs, enabling patients to rest and recover. It transfers blood from the body into a pump-and-oxygenator machine, where blood is oxygenated and carbon ... Read More about A clinical trial aims to reduce complications in life-saving lung and heart treatment
Patient Stories
Wanting to give back, four heart patients now work as heart pros
They belong to a unique group. As children, they needed surgery to repair congenital heart conditions. Rather than being afraid, they instead were curious about the science behind their treatment. What they learned motivated them to discover more and ultimately pursue careers in medicine. Now healthy adults and working for the Benderson Family Heart Center at Boston ... Read More about Wanting to give back, four heart patients now work as heart pros
Health and Parenting
It takes a village: The frontlines of the behavioral health crisis
As challenging as navigating the pandemic has been for adults, it has been at least as stressful for children and teens. Yet even before COVID-19 transformed the way we live, kids were coping with mental and behavioral health challenges. In the past decade, children’s trips to emergency departments for mental health disorders rose by some ... Read More about It takes a village: The frontlines of the behavioral health crisis
Clinical Care
Letters from the heart: “Life will be better”
Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have much to think about as they undergo tests, try medications, and face possible surgery. These adults know what that’s like. To celebrate National Heart Month, here are their words of encouragement. Frank Collins, 63 I loved basketball as a kid, but when I played I would get tired ... Read More about Letters from the heart: “Life will be better”
Our Community
Letters to our younger selves: Joy Gueverra and Heslandia Tavares
Black History Month celebrates the achievements of African Americans in U. S. history. Established in February 1926, the event recognizes those who have inspired positive change through advocacy, community building, and professional success. In honor of Black History Month and this year’s theme of Black health and wellness, we are featuring a few of the ... Read More about Letters to our younger selves: Joy Gueverra and Heslandia Tavares
Research
Sickle cell disease, gene therapy, and blood cancers: Mysteries remain
Gene therapy trials for sickle cell disease have been showing great promise, even offering hope of a cure. But in early 2021, the trials ground to a halt after reports of blood malignancies in two people in a trial sponsored by bluebird bio. Investigations later concluded that the gene therapy delivery vectors were likely not ... Read More about Sickle cell disease, gene therapy, and blood cancers: Mysteries remain
Clinical Care
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs): When athletes run on empty
The strength, skill, and speed of Olympic athletes help the rest of us understand human potential in a new light. But athletic glory can come at a high price. The quest to be the best can drive some athletes into punishing training routines, denying themselves of food and other basic needs. Whether training for the ... Read More about Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs): When athletes run on empty
Patient Stories
Understanding ARFID: Finding specialized care for Thomas
On a late summer day last year, Thomas Donovan took the elevator to the eleventh floor of Boston Children’s Hospital. Although he liked the fresh air and view of the city, they weren’t his main motivations for visiting the rooftop garden. Instead, Thomas was there to capture a wild Pokémon. And he wasn’t just playing ... Read More about Understanding ARFID: Finding specialized care for Thomas
Our Community
Letters to our younger selves: Ron Wilkinson
Black History Month celebrates the achievements of African Americans in U. S. history. Established in February 1926, the event recognizes those who have inspired positive change through advocacy, community building, and professional success. In honor of Black History Month and this year’s theme of Black health and wellness, we are featuring a few of the ... Read More about Letters to our younger selves: Ron Wilkinson
Research
Joining the fight against COVID: Women scientists at Boston Children’s are leading the way
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, many women scientists around Boston Children’s pivoted to studying the new coronavirus and its effects. Today on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, they offer their wisdom and advice on going into science, why they chose to do research on COVID-19, and the challenges they’ve ... Read More about Joining the fight against COVID: Women scientists at Boston Children’s are leading the way