A study published in Pediatric Neurology found that Botox injections significantly reduced headache frequency and disability in children and young adults with chronic migraine. The treatment improved daily functioning and quality of life for these patients.
A Phase I trial evaluated a novel multi-targeted T-cell therapy for children with deadly brain tumors, offering early evidence that the patient's own immune cells can reach and fight tumors while producing fewer severe side effects. The study suggests a safer and more effective approach for pediatric brain cancers.
A new study shows that simple blood and urine tests can reliably identify infants with fevers under 28 days old who are at low risk for bacterial infections, allowing them to avoid invasive procedures. The test combination demonstrated high sensitivity and negative predictive value, with no missed cases of bacterial meningitis.
The collaboration aims to bring new, non-invasive diagnostic medical devices to the commercial market, focusing on pressure-related conditions in children. This technology has the potential to transform pediatric care by providing real-time data analysis and predictive insights.
The Children's National Hospital is offering non-dilutive funding of up to $200,000 for innovative medical countermeasures targeting pediatric populations. The funding supports the development and evaluation of solutions to enhance preparedness and response to health security threats.
The collaboration aims to develop regulatory science tools, including open-source models and datasets, to facilitate the technical evaluation of pediatric and perinatal medical devices. Children's National will contribute its expertise in research and innovation, particularly in data analytics, to support the development of these tools.
A study involving 4,500 participants has provided valuable insights into the long-term quality of life of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Key findings include a high percentage of participants experiencing comorbidities, arrhythmias, and mood disorders, while quality of life is generally good or better for 84%.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that pandemic stress can affect brain development in babies, with reduced volumes in the left amygdala and right hippocampus. The research highlights the need for ongoing assessments of developmental or mental health support for children born during the pandemic.
A new intervention called FACE Rare improved spiritual and emotional well-being of families with life-limiting rare diseases. The study found that the counseling tools were safe, effective and increased feelings of peace among families.
A multi-institute clinical trial demonstrated that intravenous therapies made from virus-specific T-cells can effectively treat immunocompromised pediatric patients. The therapy prompted the immune system to fight off potentially life-threatening viruses, including cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr, with a response rate of over 60%.
The phase 2 study found an average increased growth rate of 1.8 cm per year in children with hypochondroplasia, a significant improvement over the baseline annualized growth velocity. The treatment was well-tolerated, and some patients showed excellent responses to vosoritide.
A research team at Children's National Hospital found that maternal mental illness contributes significantly to the death of new mothers in the US. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address this public health crisis, which is driven by a lack of access to maternity care and inadequate screening for depression postpartum.
A new AI platform matches cardiologists in detecting rheumatic heart disease, demonstrating its potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths worldwide annually. The AI algorithm identified mitral regurgitation in up to 90% of children with RHD, making it a promising tool for early detection and treatment.
The American Heart Association statement proposes next-generation biomarkers for earlier detection of cardiometabolic risk factors in children, which can be influenced by heart-healthy nutrition and lifestyle factors. This could lead to better prevention and intervention strategies for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with better socioeconomic and educational opportunities had lower rates of asthma-related emergency department visits among children under five years old. This suggests that improving social determinants of health in areas with high asthma morbidity may help reduce childhood asthma rates.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to find new biomarkers that reveal how CHD changes an unborn baby's brain chemistry. The study found altered levels of choline and N-Acetyl aspartate-to-choline ratios, potentially representing disrupted brain development.
A community-wide program in Washington, D.C., supports adolescent mothers, caregivers, and community members, addressing barriers to childcare and education. The 'collective impact' model has improved access to essential programs, including housing and food security, for over 550 young parents.
Research from Children's National Hospital found that maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic altered placental structure and function, which may influence fetal health. The study suggests a link between maternal mental health and the development of the placenta.
Researchers have identified specific biomarker patterns in blood samples that are unique to severe COVID-19 infection and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in children. These findings may lead to the development of diagnostic tests to predict severe disease and distinguish MIS-C from other conditions.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that an early return to school after a concussion can lead to better outcomes. The study found that returning to school sooner was linked to lower symptom burdens in youth aged 8-12 and 13-18, potentially due to therapeutic benefits from normal activities.
A study published in Pediatric Research found that Zika-exposed children may exhibit differences in motor skills, readiness for school, and parental distress, suggesting the need for additional support as they age. However, cognitive function scores were not significantly different between groups.
A novel surgical procedure has shown promising results in addressing incontinence in children with Hirschsprung disease who underwent the pull-through operation. Four of six patients have achieved normal bowel function, reporting improved quality of life and increased freedom.
Researchers found that the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, a condition that causes stillbirth and neonatal death. The vaccine not only protects pregnant women but may also be lifesaving for their unborn children.
A study from Children's National Hospital reveals that the circadian clock helps regulate the renewal of NG2-glia cells in the brain after injury. The findings provide new insights into how the body's internal clock promotes healing after traumatic brain injuries, which are currently managed with supportive care and rehabilitation.
A study published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that stress, decreased physical activity, and increased screen time during the pandemic worsened headaches and mental health in children. The study, which analyzed data from 107 pediatric patients, highlights the impact of disruptions to daily life on kids with headache disorders.
Researchers found associations between census-tract measures of social determinants, such as educational attainment and violent crime, with pediatric asthma morbidity rates. These findings suggest opportunities for community-based interventions to reduce pediatric asthma morbidity.
A world-class team led by Dr. Catherine Bollard aims to develop novel immunotherapy treatments for children with solid cancers, aiming to improve survival and diminish lifelong toxicities. The team will receive $25m funding to tackle the challenging issue of solid tumors in children.
A study of over 200 pregnant women found that prolonged stress and depression during the pandemic affected fetal brain development, including reduced white matter and delayed brain gyrification. The findings have major implications for basic science and informing public policy initiatives.
A new study suggests that oxidative stress overactivates a glucose metabolism enzyme in the developing hippocampus, impairing learning and memory. However, inhibiting this enzyme can reverse cognitive deficits, paving the way for treatment of neonatal brain injuries.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that elevated anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnant women can alter key features of the fetal brain, decreasing their offspring's cognitive development at 18 months. This alteration also increased internalizing and dysregulation behaviors.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.
Researchers developed a non-muscle targeted gene therapy that enhances muscle fiber repair and improves muscle function in LGMD 2B patients. The treatment, administered via a single injection, reduces muscle degeneration and restores myofiber size and muscle strength.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have successfully developed a personalized T cell immunotherapy that targets and kills unique proteins in individual tumor cells. This approach, combining genetic sequencing and protein identification, offers a promising treatment option for children with hard-to-treat brain tumors.
A large-scale trial found that penicillin can prevent progression of latent rheumatic heart disease in Ugandan children. The study enrolled 818 children and showed that early detection coupled with prophylactic treatment significantly reduced worsened heart conditions, offering hope for addressing this neglected disease.
A new prospective cohort study of 106 patients at Children’s National Hospital found that the second wave of kids with multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) had more severe illness compared to the first wave. Despite this, both cohorts had similarities in cardiac outcomes and length of stay.
A new study found that cardiopulmonary bypass can significantly impact the development of brain cells in neonates, potentially leading to long-term neurocognitive disabilities. The research used a pre-clinical model to investigate the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on brain growth and development.
Pediatricians and public health officials should present a united front against controversial state masking bans for schools, as these policies contradict evidence-based recommendations. The Delta variant overwhelmed pediatric emergency rooms and hospitals, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies.
A new study found that 31% of children with food allergies experience victimization behaviors, including verbal teasing and criticism, compared to 17% when asked a simple yes/no question. Only 12% of parents reported being aware of the issue.
A study published in SLEEP reveals an association between early lower respiratory tract infections and the development of obstructive sleep apnea in children. Children who had a history of severe RSV bronchiolitis during early infancy were found to have a higher risk of developing OSA.
A study found that gut microbiome profiles in children from the Democratic Republic of Congo reveal high glucosidase and low rhodanese microbes, which could increase susceptibility to konzo. The researchers plan to further investigate sibling pairs to confirm their findings.
A new study suggests that T cell therapy alone or combined with cancer drug nivolumab is safe and persistent in attacking Hodgkin's lymphoma cells. The treatment showed promising results in patients with relapsed or refractory HL, offering a potential option for those who do not respond to checkpoint inhibitors.
A new machine learning technology can rapidly screen for genetic syndromes in children, considering facial variability related to sex, age, racial and ethnic background. This innovation has the potential to reduce health inequality in under-resourced areas worldwide.
Researchers identified a vulnerability in developmental signaling pathways that can drive pediatric low-grade glioma formation. Targeted treatment prevents tumor formation, long before irreversible damage to the optic nerve can cause permanent vision loss.
A new observational study found that Black and Latino children were significantly affected by COVID-linked multi-system inflammatory syndrome, with cardiac complications more common in critically ill patients. The study also identified distinct cytokine signatures and viral sequencing patterns, shedding light on the disease's demograph...
A new study found significant disparities in congenital heart disease diagnosis based on ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status. Mothers from Hispanic or low-income neighborhoods were less likely to have their child's critical heart condition diagnosed before birth.
A new study found that immunocompromised pediatric patients showed significant T-cell activity and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2. The research suggests that vaccination may still be beneficial for this population, particularly those with antibody deficiency disorders. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that adaptive cognitive training program Cogmed Working Memory Training improved visual working memory, verbal short-term memory, and math fluency in children with SCD. Patients who completed at least 10 training sessions showed the most significant benefits.
Researchers developed a personalized tumor cell vaccine strategy targeting Myc oncogenes combined with checkpoint therapy, creating an effective immune response. In the mouse neuroblastoma model, the vaccine showed a 75% cure rate and long-term survival.
A first-of-its-kind study with 144 pregnant women found that low parental socioeconomic status during pregnancy affects the developing fetal brain, altering key regions and cortical features. This can potentially impact neural, social-emotional and cognitive function later in infancy.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that sociodemographic factors related to intent of injury by firearm may help guide policy and inform tailored interventions. The study identified distinct risk profiles for individuals aged 21 and younger with firearm injuries, including unintentional and self-harm cases.