Researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a second gene linked to Alagille syndrome, a genetic developmental disease affecting multiple organs. Mutations in the NOTCH2 gene were found to cause kidney abnormalities in patients and families.
The study found that inhaled nitric oxide reduced the risk of chronic lung disease in premature infants by 7.1 percentage points at 36 weeks. Lung disease was also less severe in treated infants, with shorter hospitalizations and less need for mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy.
A study found that adding medication to behavior therapy significantly improves weight loss and reduces disease risk factors in obese adolescents. The treatment group lost an average of 14 pounds, while the control group gained four pounds, with notable improvements in triglyceride levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
A new study uses high-resolution genomic microarrays to detect small rearrangements in chromosomes that cause rare birth defects. The technology allows for rapid and precise diagnosis, providing a target for future therapies.
Research reveals genetic variants in genes involved in anthracyclines' metabolism increase risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) in childhood cancer survivors. The study suggests personalized treatment plans may be developed using gene classification to reduce toxic side effects.
Dr. Meadows is nationally recognized as an expert in the after-effects of children's cancer, having conducted pioneering research on late effects of childhood cancer. Her studies showed that brain radiation damaged cognitive development and increased risk of later brain cancer.
Abnormal rhythms were found to occur 27% of the time during cardiac arrests in children, with initial shockable rhythms having better outcomes than those developing later. Prompt defibrillator shocks improved survival rates, but subsequent VF had poor outcomes due to underlying heart disease or late diagnosis.
A cell biology study has identified distinct signaling pathways between neurokinin-1 receptors and substance P, which could be used to block HIV entry into macrophages. The findings also highlight the potential of a drug called aprepitant as an HIV treatment.
Researchers found that children with childhood-onset arthritis are at higher risk of fractures, especially after age 45. The study analyzed medical records of 1,959 patients and compared them to a control group of 207,000 patients, revealing a significant association between JIA and increased fracture rates.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a novel lab technique to manipulate human T cells using RNA interference, overcoming previous limitations. The approach successfully silenced genes in 'slippery' immune cells, opening potential avenues for treating HIV and other diseases.
Researchers found that mothers who perceived their neighborhoods as safer had a lower body mass index (BMI) and were less likely to be obese. Socioeconomic factors, such as education level and income, also played a role in neighborhood safety and obesity.
Researchers aim to offer protection to immunocompromised patients without unnecessary vaccination. They will measure T cell and B cell counts to determine which patients benefit from an influenza vaccine, with potential customized treatment recommendations for each group.
Researchers used dual-energy X-ray absorpiometry (DXA) to measure adiposity, finding no significant difference in fat mass between breastfed and non-breastfed children. Early introduction of complementary foods did not lower fat mass either. Breastfeeding still provides numerous benefits for mother and child.
The new rotavirus vaccine RotaTeq has been added to the routine infant immunization schedule in the US, following its approval by the FDA. The vaccine is expected to prevent severe cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis and reduce hospitalizations.
A study by Dr. Rebecca Ichord found that delays in diagnosing stroke in children are common, and improved knowledge of stroke symptoms could lead to better outcomes. Strokes in children may be caused by underlying illnesses like sickle cell disease or whiplash injuries.
A study by researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that genetic predisposition may raise the risk of rare disabling syndrome caused by chromosome rearrangements. Translocations between chromosomes 11 and 22 were found to occur more frequently in healthy individuals than previously thought.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital digital anomalies, such as polydactyly and syndactyly, by up to 78%. The risk is higher for women who smoke more than a pack of cigarettes per day.
Researchers found that group B coxsackieviruses infect cells through an indirect route, utilizing signaling pathways and exploiting more accessible receptors. This understanding may lead to future therapies to block viral infections and contribute to clinical benefits.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Companies reveals that SUVs do not provide superior protection for child occupants in rollover crashes. In fact, children involved in these crashes are three times more likely to be injured than those in non-rollovers.
Researchers found that hospital caregivers need to tailor their resuscitations to a patient's situation, with respiratory failure more common than arrhythmia in adults. The study suggests that CPR may succeed more often than physicians believe, leading to better survival rates and neurological outcomes for children and adults.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a novel technique to attach therapeutic genes to bare metal stents, reducing inflammation and restenosis. The study used animal models and found significantly lower restenosis with the new stents compared to conventional ones.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has received a four-year, $6.7 million grant to study novel HIV therapy targeting neurokinin-1 receptors. The program aims to block the virus from immune cells, improve innate immune function, and reduce symptoms of depression associated with the disease.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that parents of children with cancer often suffer from post-traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and heightened arousal. The studies suggest that these symptoms can be just as severe as those experienced by patients themselves.
Researchers analyzed tumor samples from 915 children with neuroblastoma and identified genetic clues that can guide customized treatment. The study found strong links between loss of genetic material on chromosome bands 1p36 and 11q23, and worse outcomes for patients.
Researchers found that traumatic stress can occur in children and their parents after a crash, even if no child was injured. Clinicians are recommended to screen all children involved in crashes and their parents for acute stress symptoms.
A recent study published in JAMA found that children with neurological and neuromuscular diseases are at a higher risk of developing respiratory failure from the flu. The study recommends annual influenza vaccination for these children to prevent serious complications.
The Center for Child Injury Prevention Studies (CChIPS) aims to translate research findings into tangible innovations in safety technology and public education programs. CChIPS researchers are working on various projects, including studies on young driver performance, booster seats, LATCH systems, and forward-facing child seats.
Virginia Stallings, M.D., a leading researcher in pediatric nutrition, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine. Her work focuses on nutrition-related growth failure in children with chronic medical conditions, establishing national standards for nutritional care.
A new study using real-time MRI reveals improved tools for evaluating heart disease in fetuses. This advanced imaging technique provides three-dimensional measurements of the fetal heart's volume and function, allowing doctors to plan more effective care before birth.
Studies show that high back booster seats provide a 58% reduction in injury risk to children aged 4-8, while increased rear row occupancy reduces risk by up to 58%. Children riding in passenger cars and light trucks face increased risk of serious injury in side-impact crashes.
A recent study found that children using community health centers in medically underserved areas have a higher prevalence of overweight compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from nearly 2,500 children aged 2-11 and found that overweight children made up 22% of younger kids and 24% of older kids in these centers.
A study found that neighborhood safety concerns did not lead to increased TV time or obesity in preschoolers, challenging the intuitive solution of reducing screen time. The researchers instead recommend increasing outdoor play and making neighborhoods safer for children to improve their well-being.
A new technique using a customized gene chip can rapidly detect genetic changes in neuroblastoma tumors, helping doctors predict treatment outcomes and guide therapy. The approach may also be adapted for other types of cancer with DNA changes important to their prognosis.
A new guide from the Better Hearing Institute provides parents with tools to recognize and address hearing loss in children, which can impact academic performance and development. The guide offers treatment options and resources for parents to overcome stigma associated with hearing aids.
A new classification tool developed by Dr. James Coplan may predict outcomes for children with autism and autistic spectrum disorders more accurately than existing methods. The study found that children in the normal range of intelligence show significant improvement in their ASD symptoms over time.
A study found that 46% of children with type 2 diabetes have a history of neuropsychiatric disease, highlighting the need for screening and scrutiny of medications. The researchers suggest that depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
A new genetic test detects malignant hyperthermia susceptibility in 25-50% of cases, improving patient safety during general anesthesia. The test requires only a blood sample and can substitute other anesthesia drugs to prevent the rare but life-threatening condition.
A recent study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the Medicaid system fails to identify 28% of children in foster care. The study also discovered that nearly 40% of these children never visited a healthcare provider after being placed in foster care, highlighting concerns about unmet medical needs.
Pediatric oncologist Peter C. Adamson emphasizes the need for targeted treatments that spare healthy cells, reducing toxic side effects. The Institute of Medicine report proposes a public-private partnership to develop new pediatric anticancer drugs.
A phase 2 trial of MIBG therapy shows an overall response rate of 35 percent in children with refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma. The treatment selectively targets tumor cells and has a lower risk of toxic effects on blood cells compared to conventional treatments.
Researchers identified chromosome 11q deletion as a significant predictor of high-risk neuroblastoma, with 66% overall survival rate. The deletion removes tumor suppressor gene protective effect, allowing tumor growth.
The vaccine industry has declined from 26 companies in 1967 to just five in 2004 due to low market demand and high production costs. Dr. Paul Offit urges legislators to protect vaccines as a vital instrument of public health and recommends financial incentives for manufacturers and healthcare professionals
A recent study published in Circulation found that rapid weight gain during the first week of life is significantly associated with being overweight two to three decades later. The research, led by Dr. Nicolas Stettler, suggests that this critical period may be crucial in programming lifelong physiology.
Researchers have identified abnormal brain tissue associated with cognitive impairments in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The study found structural abnormalities in the posterior parietal lobe, a critical area for visual-spatial and numerical processing.
A randomized controlled clinical trial found oral rehydration therapy (ORT) to be as effective as intravenous fluid therapy in rehydrating moderately dehydrated children. ORT is quicker, less invasive and allows parents to learn a skill that can be used at home for future illnesses.
A study found that boys were more likely to be referred for growth evaluations than girls, despite girls' greater height deficits. The researchers discovered that 41% of short girls had underlying diseases, compared to 15% of short boys.
A six-year study found that children of overweight mothers exhibit significant weight gain and increased body fat by ages four and six. The research highlights the importance of targeting prevention efforts towards at-risk children from an early age.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia studied 25 newborns born with congenital heart defects and found significantly lower cerebral blood flow, associated with periventricular leukomalacia, a condition linked to cognitive problems. The study suggests that abnormal neurological conditions may play a role even before surgery.
Researchers discovered that three-quarters of premature infants with lung disease experience surfactant dysfunction, which worsens respiratory status. These episodes can benefit from replacement surfactant treatment or strategies to increase the infant's own production of surfactant.
Researchers at Children's Hospital studied the impact of genetic variations on neurological outcomes after heart surgery. They found that children with tetralogy of Fallot were more likely to have worse neurodevelopmental scores if they had a genetic syndrome or variant gene. The study also explored the effectiveness of implantable car...