Children with hard-to-control asthma have distinct features that distinguish them from those with easy-to-control asthma. These include bronchodilator responsiveness, nasal inflammation, and allergy, which impact response to treatment. Early identification of key assessments may help personalize treatment approaches for these patients.
Research suggests that genetic influences on asthma are more pronounced when exposed to early life environmental factors, such as viral respiratory infections. Children with a specific variant of the PAI-1 gene and a history of severe lower respiratory tract infections have an increased risk of developing asthma.
A survey of 628 US physicians reveals that shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma are widely accepted diagnoses among medical professionals. The study found that 88% of respondents acknowledged the validity of shaken baby syndrome, while 93% affirmed abusive head trauma as a diagnosis.
Research from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago conducted in mice shows the drug hydrocortisone can prevent lung damage and reverse BPD's harmful effects on the heart, providing a promising treatment for premature babies.
A team of scientists has turned off a key protein that fuels the growth of aggressive breast cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. The study reveals a pivotal catalyst in the development of triple-negative breast cancer and paves the way for new therapies.
A study led by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that even seizure-free children with epilepsy can experience learning difficulties and behavioral problems, leading to suboptimal social and educational outcomes in adulthood. Early identification of these issues is crucial to stave off poor outcomes.
A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that many pediatric surgeons perform rare and complex procedures infrequently, risking skill loss and patient outcomes. The research suggests that high-fidelity simulation-based training can improve surgical skills and reduce error risk.
Researchers analyzed records of 71 children with uncomplicated head injuries and found that nearly three-quarters were kept for overnight observation, incurring additional costs. The study suggests that low-risk patients can be safely sent home if they have no evidence of brain injury or neurologic symptoms.
A Phase III clinical trial has shown that combined lumacaftor-ivacaftor therapy improves lung function and lowers pulmonary exacerbation rates in cystic fibrosis patients with the F508del genetic mutation. The treatment is expected to benefit around 15,000 US patients.
Researchers found that Nodal protein promotes melanoma cell growth and survival, leading to improved treatment outcomes with anti-Nodal antibody combinations. The study provides hope for patients with metastatic melanoma, a disease with limited treatment options.
Research finds that metastatic melanoma cells and embryonic stem cells use distinct Type I serine/threonine kinase(s) for Nodal signal transduction, providing new therapeutic targets. The study's findings support a combinatorial approach to targeting Nodal subpopulations within tumors.
A team led by Arun Sharma has developed a system to protect against inflammatory reactions that can hinder tissue growth and function. Using self-assembling peptide amphiphiles, they demonstrated superior bladder function in a urinary bladder augmentation model.
Lurie Children's is receiving funding to study ways to improve communication and care coordination in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The project aims to enable parents to make informed decisions about their child's care, given the high-stakes environment of PICUs.
RG3039 demonstrates benefits in two SMA mouse models, extending survival and improving motor unit function. The drug also positively modifies motor unit pathologies and dysfunction, suggesting potential therapeutic benefit for SMA patients.
A national study finds that 8% of US children under 18 have a food allergy, with peanut, milk, and shellfish being the most common allergens. The study also highlights racial and economic disparities in food allergy diagnosis and treatment.
A study published in Circulation found that heart stem cells from children with congenital heart disease can rebuild damaged hearts in a laboratory setting. The number of heart stem cells decreases with age, but they are highest in neonates and located in the right atrium.
Researchers have developed a medical model for regenerating bladders using stem cells, which could lead to new organ replacement therapies. The study used bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, which have been shown to retain their ability to populate and function in a grafted area.
A recent study found that pediatricians and family physicians have limited knowledge of childhood food allergies, leading to potential misdiagnoses and ineffective treatment. Despite this, most physicians report providing care for children with food allergy and are proficient in identifying common allergens.
Research by Jhumku Kohtz finds Evf2 RNA controls gene expression in brain regions involved in GABAergic interneurons. Altered Evf2 levels may contribute to mental disorders with long-lasting effects through adulthood.
Researchers linked the Disc1 gene to schizophrenia, showing that its disruption affects brain cell migration and development. The study suggests that impaired brain connectivity may contribute to the disease.
A study found that Chicago neighborhoods with high community vitality, economic potential, and social capital have lower asthma rates. The research suggests that factors such as poverty, overcrowding, and exposure to air pollution contribute to higher asthma rates in less stable communities.
Parents of children with food allergies experience high levels of anxiety and daily challenges due to lack of understanding from the general public and physicians. The study aims to increase knowledge among key groups to improve health and lives of children and families affected by food allergies.
A six-year prospective study will investigate whether early treatment with pimecrolimus can reduce or prevent the need for corticosteroids and subsequent development of asthma. Researchers hope that effective topical treatment of eczema in its early stages may help prevent later allergic diseases, such as asthma.