Archive for research
Predicting pediatric seizures with a wristband: Study shows what’s possible
The ability to track seizures has a number of potential benefits: It could allow physicians to better determine optimal dosing and timing of medication, as well as enable timely interventions to help prevent impending seizures. Traditionally, electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocorticography have been used to evaluate and forecast seizures. However, more compact, portable approaches — such ... Read More about Predicting pediatric seizures with a wristband: Study shows what’s possible
Pharmacogenomics: Nearly 30 percent of children could benefit, study finds
Medications aren’t one-size-fits-all. Genetic differences can affect how patients metabolize drugs, and can sometimes make a beneficial drug ineffective or even toxic. In one infamous case, a 2-year-old boy in Canada died from a codeine dose he received after surgery. A genetic difference caused him to metabolize codeine so quickly that toxic levels of morphine ... Read More about Pharmacogenomics: Nearly 30 percent of children could benefit, study finds
Tagged: drug safety, genetics and genomics, research
Arthritis drug reduces rates of acute graft-vs-host disease after bone marrow transplant
The immune-suppressing drug abatacept, currently used for rheumatoid arthritis, could make bone marrow transplant safer, report researchers at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. The phase 2 randomized, multi-center clinical trial, the largest to date, appears in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Abatacept (brand name ORENCIA) reduced rates of severe, acute graft-versus-host disease ... Read More about Arthritis drug reduces rates of acute graft-vs-host disease after bone marrow transplant
Tagged: blood disorder, cancer, immunology, leukemia, research, stem cell transplant
The new COVID-19 virus variant: What you need to know
You’ve probably seen news reports about B.1.1.7, a newly discovered version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Now found in several countries, including the U.S., B.1.1.7 is quickly spreading around the world. Although B.1.1.7 seems to be more contagious, it doesn’t appear to lead to more serious illness. What else do we know about ... Read More about The new COVID-19 virus variant: What you need to know
Tagged: coronavirus, disease surveillance, research
Made-to-order therapies get a boost with new FDA guidelines
Ed. note: Mila passed away in February, 2021, at age 10. The Mila’s Miracle Foundation continues to work to pave a pathway for personalized treatments. Science-based treatments for rare genetic diseases have burgeoned in the past decade. That includes diseases so rare they affect just a handful of patients — or in some cases, just ... Read More about Made-to-order therapies get a boost with new FDA guidelines
Hip reconstruction in complex patients: Predicting complications
Neuromuscular hip dysplasia and progressive spastic hip displacement are among the most common orthopedic concerns in non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP), leading to pain, decreased function, and impaired quality of life. While hip reconstruction surgery can improve quality of life in these children, it can be associated with acute post-operative pain, medical complications, and ... Read More about Hip reconstruction in complex patients: Predicting complications
Tagged: cerebral palsy, hip reconstruction, orthopedics, research
COVID-19 vaccines: Do you know myth from fact?
Two COVID-19 vaccines — from Pfizer/BioNTtech and Moderna — have received emergency use authorization in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many more are in various stages of development around the world. Several of these are in the final stage of clinical trials and could be submitted for formal authorization ... Read More about COVID-19 vaccines: Do you know myth from fact?
Tagged: coronavirus, research, vaccines
Low-carb diets for diabetes: Rediscovering centuries-old wisdom
This year represents the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. While insulin medications have literally been life-savers for many kids and adults with diabetes, diets that help keep blood sugar levels steady are often overlooked for controlling diabetes. These diets, often ... Read More about Low-carb diets for diabetes: Rediscovering centuries-old wisdom
Tagged: diabetes, endocrinology, research
2020, the year COVID-19 tuned us into science: Part 3
Since the arrival of a new, unknown, dangerous virus in January, we entered the realm of COVID-19 science. Part 1 and Part 2 of this series recapped what we learned about how the virus spreads, how to test for it and treat it, and how COVID-19 plays out in children. This month, vaccines began to be ... Read More about 2020, the year COVID-19 tuned us into science: Part 3
Tagged: coronavirus, immunology, research, vaccines
2020, the year COVID-19 tuned us into science: Part 2
Thanks — or no thanks — to COVID-19, 2020 has been a year in which science became a household topic of discussion. Our last post recounted what we collectively learned in the spring: what COVID-19 is, who is at risk, how to test for it. As the year unfolded, there were new lessons to be learned. ... Read More about 2020, the year COVID-19 tuned us into science: Part 2
Tagged: coronavirus, drug development, mis-c, research