Research
Two recent innovations in aerodigestive care
Feeding disorders are extremely common in pediatrics and are a source of significant stress for families. Because many complex feeding disorders lack treatment options, children tend to receive nutrition by feeding tubes as a result. The Aerodigestive Center at Boston Children’s Hospital has been at the forefront of developing novel therapies for feeding disorders. Two ... Read More about Two recent innovations in aerodigestive care
Clinical Care
Clinicians: Four tips for effective virtual visits
Now that we’re eight months into the coronavirus pandemic, most providers have had experience with virtual, or telehealth, visits. These visits have been a necessary, and very convenient way to continue to safely provide patients with care. Like many other hospitals around the country, Boston Children’s had to ramp up telehealth services quickly at the ... Read More about Clinicians: Four tips for effective virtual visits
Our Community
Affordable Care Act eases health care costs for families with children, study finds
On November 10, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on a case challenging the Affordable Care Act. With the ACA’s future in question, a study from Boston Children’s Hospital provides a reminder that the law has substantially reduced health care expenses for many families with children — particularly low- and middle-income families. Key takeaway ... Read More about Affordable Care Act eases health care costs for families with children, study finds
Patient Stories
One in 5 million: Nathan’s rare diagnosis and happy recovery
Nathan Asselin was a happy baby with no apparent health problems when he became ill just before his birthday in April of this year. “He didn’t seem himself the night before, then he woke up with a fever on the day of his birthday,” says his mother, Danielle. “He sat on the floor eating his ... Read More about One in 5 million: Nathan’s rare diagnosis and happy recovery
Health and Parenting
Cyberbullying in the age of COVID-19: How to protect your kids
Now that so many classrooms across the country have moved totally or partially online, kids of all ages are spending a lot more time in the virtual world. And with so many kids on computers and mobile devices, there’s likely to be an increase in cyberbullying says Dr. Peter Raffalli, director of the Bullying and ... Read More about Cyberbullying in the age of COVID-19: How to protect your kids
Health and Parenting
Helping athletes cope with the emotional rollercoaster of COVID-19
“The athletes I work with are over this,” says Kimberly O’Brien, a clinical social worker in the Sports Medicine Division. Last spring, when COVID-19 forced the cancellation of organized sports, coaches and athletes assumed they’d be playing again by autumn. Now it’s clear many athletes’ plans will remain on hold through the fall season, possibly ... Read More about Helping athletes cope with the emotional rollercoaster of COVID-19
Health and Parenting
COVID-19 and sports: Is it safe to play again?
It was hard on athletes when COVID-19 forced sports to shut down last spring, but at least everyone was in the same boat. Six months later, the picture is very different. Depending on where they live, what sport they play, and who they play with, some athletes are back in training. Others have to wait ... Read More about COVID-19 and sports: Is it safe to play again?
Research
A diabetes drug with a potential side benefit: Reduced COVID-19 mortality
In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug sitagliptin to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Now, a multicenter observational study in Italy suggests the drug also cuts mortality in diabetic patients hospitalized with COVID-19 — by as much as half. Paolo Fiorina, MD, PhD, of Boston Children’s Hospital led the study, ... Read More about A diabetes drug with a potential side benefit: Reduced COVID-19 mortality
Research
Pain neurons activate immune cells, opening new treatment possibilities
For a long time, pain and inflammation were thought to be two separate biological responses. But new research by Boston Children’s Hospital and international collaborators suggests that the same sensory neurons that produce pain also trigger inflammation. And they do so by activating cells of the immune system, a relationship never described before. This interaction ... Read More about Pain neurons activate immune cells, opening new treatment possibilities
Research
Platelet profiles could enhance care for bleeding disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer
The trillion-odd platelets in our blood are best known for controlling bleeding, helping clots form when we sustain an injury. But platelets can also go rogue. They contribute to clotting in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, leading to strokes and heart attacks, and can be hijacked by cancers to help them spread. Key takeaways A new ... Read More about Platelet profiles could enhance care for bleeding disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer