Clinical Care
MIS-C: The tip of an iceberg? Looking at cardiac care for this rare syndrome
In the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak, it seemed that children were far less likely to develop serious problems from the disease than adults. Then in mid-March, hospitals started reporting an unusual inflammatory syndrome in children that seemed to be related to COVID-19, now known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C can ... Read More about MIS-C: The tip of an iceberg? Looking at cardiac care for this rare syndrome
Health and Parenting
To college, or not, this fall?
Whether or not to return to college campus is a question many students and their parents are faced with making in the next few weeks. While some schools have made that decision for families by moving to remote learning only or sending students home, many colleges and universities are leaving the choice up to students ... Read More about To college, or not, this fall?
Patient Stories
A complex repair for Ruby’s heart
When Rebecca and Michael Stewart learned their baby would be born with a congenital heart condition, they reacted as any expectant parents would, with shock and fear. But they quickly moved into action, focused on finding the best care for their daughter before her birth. “At about 22 weeks into my pregnancy, Ruby was diagnosed ... Read More about A complex repair for Ruby’s heart
Research
Gene therapy’s future may be all about the bases
Gene therapy offers the possibility of a cure for many genetic disorders, especially those involving a single gene. The first kind of gene therapy used a virus to carry a corrected copy of the gene into people’s cells. When the early viral vectors used in the 1990s were found to have off-target effects, sometimes even ... Read More about Gene therapy’s future may be all about the bases
Patient Stories
Treatment for anorectal malformation gives Steven freedom and confidence
Steven York has “come a very long way,” says his mother, Beth — both literally and figuratively. In just seven years, he’s traveled from China to a new home in South Carolina, made multiple visits to Boston, and undergone a series of complex but ultimately life-changing surgical procedures. According to his adoption and hospital notes, ... Read More about Treatment for anorectal malformation gives Steven freedom and confidence
Our Community
How Boston Children’s is supporting childcare during COVID-19
If you’re a parent who relies on childcare, you may be struggling with closures during COVID-19. You also may have questions about the reopening and the safety of the childcare classroom. For people who live in communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, the challenges associated with childcare are magnified. That’s why Boston ... Read More about How Boston Children’s is supporting childcare during COVID-19
Patient Stories
Asthma, softball, and COVID-19: Gwen’s story
Gwendolyn Castro has a competitive streak. Whether playing softball or debating topics like universal health care, the 15-year-old wants to be the best at whatever she does. Her mom, Alicia Cacho, doesn’t want Gwen’s asthma to hold her back in any way. Over the years, both have learned that the best way to keep asthma ... Read More about Asthma, softball, and COVID-19: Gwen’s story
Health and Parenting
Rapid rise in COVID-19 in children: Key takeaways from the AAP report on COVID-19 and kids
You may have seen the news this week that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) released a new report about a rise in COVID-19 diagnoses in children. The headlines are scary — but are they accurate? We discussed the report with Boston Children’s infectious disease specialist Dr. Richard Malley to understand the ... Read More about Rapid rise in COVID-19 in children: Key takeaways from the AAP report on COVID-19 and kids
Health and Parenting
Q and A: What you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease
With summer on the way, you and your family will probably be spending more time outdoors. You may be taking walks, playing in your yard or a park, biking, or camping. But before you head outside, it’s important to take precautions to reduce your children’s risk for a common tick borne illness, Lyme disease. Dr. Rebekka ... Read More about Q and A: What you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease
Health and Parenting
Teens and young adults: Is it time for a ‘COVID-19 talk’ with your friends?
You’ve made plans to get together with a few friends to enjoy a physically-distant bonfire at a local beach. You’ve brought your mask, hand sanitizer, and your own big bottle of sparkling water. But when you show up, none of your friends are wearing masks, they keep moving their chairs closer to the fire — ... Read More about Teens and young adults: Is it time for a ‘COVID-19 talk’ with your friends?