Archive for nephrology
Two rising stars in kidney genetics: Nina Mann and Amar Majmundar
A healthy, functional kidney must maintain a delicate balance of water, nutrients, and electrolytes so it can properly filter the blood and produce urine. That often makes caring for patients with kidney disease an exercise in chemistry and mathematics — an aspect of nephrology that attracted two young physician-scientists. Coming from different paths, Nina Mann, ... Read More about Two rising stars in kidney genetics: Nina Mann and Amar Majmundar
New online peritoneal dialysis simulator gives the power of education to patients
For years, patients who need peritoneal dialysis, a form of home-based treatment for kidney disease, have had to educate themselves about the approach. “Many families have never heard of peritoneal dialysis prior to their child’s diagnosis,” shares Dr. Deborah Stein, a nephrologist in the Division of Nephrology at Boston Children’s Hospital. The idea of peritoneal ... Read More about New online peritoneal dialysis simulator gives the power of education to patients
‘The teamwork is outstanding’: A look inside the Colorectal and Pelvic Malformation Center
In honor of Women’s History Month, we sat down with some of the clinicians in Boston Children’s Colorectal and Pelvic Malformation Center (CPMC), one of the only centers of its kind led and staffed primarily by women. Here’s what they had to say about their work, their patients — and their hopes for the future. ... Read More about ‘The teamwork is outstanding’: A look inside the Colorectal and Pelvic Malformation Center
If your baby or toddler needs peritoneal dialysis: Tips for parents
Marybeth Bentson and Theresa Pak have helped a lot of families cope with childhood kidney disease. As long-time nurses in the Division of Nephrology at Boston Children’s Hospital, the two have cared for children at every stage of kidney disease, including children on dialysis. Dialysis filters a child’s blood when their kidneys are unable to ... Read More about If your baby or toddler needs peritoneal dialysis: Tips for parents
Unstoppable: Cairo’s journey for kidney care began even before birth
Like lots of babies, Cairo Carter was born screaming — and his parents were thrilled. “We just wanted him to scream so we knew he could breathe,” explains his mother, Alaila. The family cried tears of joy and relief, but they understood that the moment was just the first step of a long journey. “We ... Read More about Unstoppable: Cairo’s journey for kidney care began even before birth
A new kidney for Kira
Kira Walker knows how to turn a Zoom call into a party. Soon after her mom starts talking, the 8-year-old appears on the screen in a purple dress worthy of Princess Elsa in Frozen. She loves that movie, plus surprise toys, painting her nails, and her “K for Kira” necklace. “All of this is new,” ... Read More about A new kidney for Kira
A legend for Zora: How genomic testing provides answers in the face of grief
So often after a perinatal loss, parents are left with uncertainty about what caused their baby’s death and the haunting question, “what if.” To help grieving families find answers to these questions, Dr. Monica Wojcik and her colleagues in the Division of Newborn Medicine are conducting genomic autopsies to learn if and what genetic factors ... Read More about A legend for Zora: How genomic testing provides answers in the face of grief
After a long journey and a father’s gift, surviving Wilms tumor
Eleanor (Nora) Franks was a happy, healthy toddler who loved playing with her twin brother Evan. But soon after she turned 3, she began having problems with her digestion. Eventually, her local hospital found a large mass in her kidney and diagnosed her with Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer. “She had to go almost ... Read More about After a long journey and a father’s gift, surviving Wilms tumor
Maythum finally finds answers for midaortic syndrome
Maythum Mehdi was just 5 years old when he told his mother, Batul, that he was having trouble seeing: When he played on the computer, the screen appeared blurry. Right away, Batul — who was then training to be a cardiology nurse — sought medical attention. “I knew that wasn’t a good sign,” she says. ... Read More about Maythum finally finds answers for midaortic syndrome
Coming to Boston Children’s during COVID-19: Keith’s story
At just 4 years old, Keith Bennett has spent more time in the hospital than most kids ever will. Diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome, he visits Boston Children’s Hospital several times a week — and has continued to do so throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as Boston Children’s begins to move ... Read More about Coming to Boston Children’s during COVID-19: Keith’s story