Research
Trial for severe asthma targets a mutation common in children of color
Children and adults of color have higher rates of asthma than white people, as well as more hospitalizations and deaths. There are many reasons for this disparity, including more exposure to allergens and pollutants and differences in asthma care. One difference, however, is genetic. A mutation that causes severe, hard-to-treat asthma, in the gene ILR4, ... Read More about Trial for severe asthma targets a mutation common in children of color
Our Community
Standing up to microaggressions: A hospital-wide training
How can a large, teaching hospital address racial bias in the midst of a pandemic? This question came to a head last summer as the country reacted to the death of George Floyd. As a champion for children’s health, and as part of its Declaration on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, Boston Children’s Hospital committed to ... Read More about Standing up to microaggressions: A hospital-wide training
Patient Stories
Sending kids to school with celiac disease: One mom shares her story
As a neonatologist, it’s my job to understand and treat babies who need critical care. But as a mom whose two children live with celiac disease, it’s my job to find people who understand their specific medical needs and will advocate for them as much as possible. That’s why I’m so grateful for the Celiac ... Read More about Sending kids to school with celiac disease: One mom shares her story
Health and Parenting
Is the Delta variant worse for kids? Answers to your questions
As kids across the country return to in-person school, the COVID-19 pandemic looks a bit different from last year. Children and teens ages 12 and older are now eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, and as a result, some states have relaxed certain public health restrictions, such as mask mandates. Enter the Delta variant. Believed to ... Read More about Is the Delta variant worse for kids? Answers to your questions
Health and Parenting
Helping your child cope with separation anxiety
When your baby can’t seem to fall asleep in their crib after weeks of trying, or daycare drop-off always sparks a toddler tantrum, your child may be experiencing separation anxiety. “Separation anxiety is very common,” says Angelica Espinosa-Louissaint, MD, a pediatrician and co-founder of Commonwealth Pediatrics in Boston Children’s Primary Care Alliance. “It often starts ... Read More about Helping your child cope with separation anxiety
Clinical Care
Bringing the Ozaki procedure to the world to repair children’s aortic valves
Children with aortic stenosis or regurgitation often need surgery to reconstruct or replace the aortic valve. However, existing bioprosthetics can fail over time, and mechanical leaflets and valves require lifelong anticoagulant therapy. Christopher Baird, MD, director of the Congenital Heart Valve Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, saw a promising alternative emerge in adult cardiac surgery: aortic ... Read More about Bringing the Ozaki procedure to the world to repair children’s aortic valves
Patient Stories
Back to school in 2021: Three families share their stories
It’s been a long year-and-a-half for students since schools first shut down due to COVID-19. Thrust into a situation none were prepared for, students, parents, and teachers have struggled emotionally and academically. After a long period of untraditional schooling, what can parents and students expect, and how can they gear up for the coming school ... Read More about Back to school in 2021: Three families share their stories
Patient Stories
A kiss from their sister: A family’s journey with cleft lip care
Kelly and Ben’s experience with cleft lip care at Boston Children’s Hospital spans multiple years and multiple children. Two of their daughters, Molly and Annie — five years apart in age — were born with an incomplete unilateral cleft lip. The couple won’t shy from admitting that receiving the diagnosis doesn’t get easier. “It’s a ... Read More about A kiss from their sister: A family’s journey with cleft lip care
Health and Parenting
Taming reentry anxiety: How to prepare kids for a back-to-school like no other
After more than a year and a half of remote, hybrid, and home-schooling, it’s time to gear up for a return to full-time, in-person school. But for many kids, this “return to normal” comes with a unique set of concerns. Here, Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, a psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, answers questions ... Read More about Taming reentry anxiety: How to prepare kids for a back-to-school like no other
Health and Parenting
Growth and Nutrition Program works with schools to support kids with feeding challenges
Returning to school doesn’t just mean stocking up on pencils, paper, and new clothes. For some children, going back to school also involves special nutritional needs. Kids with feeding difficulties — as well as those who rely on a feeding tube for nourishment — require care that doesn’t end when the school day begins. The ... Read More about Growth and Nutrition Program works with schools to support kids with feeding challenges