A new study published in the Obesity journal found that adolescents and teens experience biliary side effects after weight-loss surgery at a rate similar to adults. Pediatric patients are more likely to manifest symptoms as pancreatic inflammation or acute pancreatitis, whereas adults are more likely to develop gallbladder issues.
Researchers have identified a crucial protein that regulates calcium ions in muscles, revealing its importance in maintaining healthy muscle function. The protein, mitochondrial calcium uptake1 (MICU1), helps balance calcium levels in the mitochondria, and its loss leads to muscle weakness, fatigue, and damage.
Pediatrician Lenore Jarvis is advocating for clinicians and parents to discuss safe gun storage and ask about unlocked firearms to prevent childhood injuries. Unsecured guns are a leading cause of death among children and youth, and families should feel comfortable making informed decisions.
A decision support tool has been shown to reduce unnecessary referrals of low-risk patients with chest pain, potentially saving $4 million annually in healthcare costs. The tool uses evidence-based red flags to help primary care pediatricians accurately assess cardiac conditions.
A $5 million federal grant will support research into urea cycle disorders, which can cause hyperammonemia and seizures. The study aims to investigate long-term organ damage, academic achievement, and neurologic complications in patients with the disorder.
A study in experimental models found that allopregnanolone, a hormone produced by the placenta, is essential for normal fetal brain development. Insufficient production of this hormone can lead to autism-like behaviors and cerebellar abnormalities.
A multi-million dollar study is enrolling pregnant women to track newborns' brain development and behavior after opioid exposure. Researchers will analyze brain images taken at various ages to identify early biomarkers of neurological dysfunction.
Experts discuss the importance of vaccination in preventing serious complications from diseases like measles, influenza, and cystic fibrosis. The panel emphasizes that vaccines are effective in keeping disease rates low when majority of people are vaccinated.
A preliminary study from Children's National Hospital found no significant gluten transfer when tools like the same toaster or knives are used for both gluten-free and gluten-containing foods. Basic kitchen hygiene can further reduce gluten transfer.
A recent study has characterized the diverse array of bacterial species residing in human guts, revealing 157 different types of organisms. The research, led by Hiroki Morizono, aims to improve public health by establishing a baseline for healthy gut microbiomes and exploring health implications for patients.
Lataisia C. Jones, a postdoctoral fellow at Children's National Hospital, has been selected as an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador to serve as a STEM role model for middle school students. She will share her passion for research and science with young people near and far, inspiring them to pursue their own STEM dreams.
The National Institutes of Health has granted $2.23 million in funding to develop statistical and computational methods for genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening. The goal is to improve functional gene identification, analyze non-coding elements, and study genetic interactions, with potential applications in cancer research.
Children's National Hospital's NICU staff underwent evacuation simulation training to improve their skills and knowledge. The training, which included hands-on practice with mannequins and equipment, resulted in significant improvements in evacuation times and staff confidence.
A study found that Zika-exposed infants had normal assessments at birth but 29% scored below average in neurological development, including cognitive performance and motor skills. Early pregnancy exposure increased the risk of developmental, hearing, and eye abnormalities.
A recent study found that 71% of Brazilian infants exposed to the Zika virus in the womb experienced brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations. The study highlights the importance of early neuroimaging for Zika-exposed infants, even those without congenital Zika syndrome.
A new palliative care intervention at Children's National Hospital has shown success in helping families discuss potentially challenging medical decisions before a crisis occurs. The tool, which includes two evidence-based modules and caregiver needs assessments, aims to strike the right balance of relatability and knowledge for families.
Researchers found that infants born via cesarean section had increased heart rate variability and lower relative gamma frequency EEG compared to those born through vaginal delivery. Autonomic tone appears to function well in both groups, but differences were observed after the first day of life.
Research found that extracellular vesicles derived from kids' fat can disrupt cholesterol disposal in various tissues, regardless of weight. The study suggests that fat tissue plays a pivotal role in triggering cardiovascular disease, even before symptoms appear.
A preclinical study examines the role of plastic exposure on heart rhythm disruptions and arrhythmias. Exposure to mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), a metabolite from Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), slows atrioventricular conduction and increases the atrioventricular node effective refractory period.
A cross-sectional study published in Pediatrics found that states with stricter firearms laws had a 35% lower firearm-related death rate among children. The study also showed that universal background checks for firearm purchases were associated with lower mortality rates.
Researchers used exosomes to detect microRNAs targeting carbohydrate metabolism in obese teens. The study found a link between altered adipocyte-derived exosomal microRNAs and progression from obese normoglycemia to hyperglycemia/diabetes.
A 10-week pilot study integrated health coaching and incentives into standard treatment for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, lowering A1c levels by an average of .5%. Health coaches received greater empathy and engagement, while families benefited from personalized feedback and support.
Sadiqa Kendi, a pediatric emergency physician at Children's National Hospital, is tackling the burden of injury in DC communities as a Bloomberg Fellow. She aims to lessen morbidity and mortality among children due to unintentional injuries, with a focus on environmental challenges.
Muscle gradually increases Annexin A2 expression in the absence of dysferlin, driving fatty deposits and promoting adipocyte formation from fibro/adipogenic precursors. Shutting down Annexin A2 or blocking FAP differentiation arrests disease progression.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that only 54.1% of teenagers diagnosed with chlamydia or PID filled their prescribed antimicrobial treatments, highlighting barriers to treatment adherence for this high-risk population.
A study at Children's National Hospital has successfully cryopreserved testicular tissue from 189 males, offering a potential fertility preservation option for younger boys. The research found undifferentiated spermatogonia in the testicular tissues of patients who had not yet received an ablative dose of therapy.
A pilot program using smartphones to detect asthma triggers is launching in Washington D.C., aiming to improve child well-being and create healthier homes. The project, led by Children's National Hospital, will use video conferencing to identify potential housing triggers with families.
A pre-clinical study investigates the use of nicotine-like medications to reduce limb damage caused by inflammation. The research could potentially modulate the immune response to protect limbs after an injury.
Children who receive kidney transplants have impaired quality of life with higher mental health difficulties and disrupted sleep patterns. Parents' reports often differ from children's self-reports, indicating more difficulties in emotional functioning and social domains.
A study characterizes the phenotypic spectrum of individuals with aggrecan gene (ACAN) mutations, revealing common symptoms such as short stature and accelerated bone age. Researchers investigate the efficacy of growth hormone therapy in improving height SDS scores in children with ACAN deficiencies.
A study found that children who developed de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) after kidney transplant had thicker carotid intima-media layers than those without these antibodies. Being African American was also associated with increased CIMT in transplant recipients.
A recent study found that parents of older, healthier newborns with less social support had lower resilience scores and more symptoms of depression and anxiety. The research suggests that parental resiliency is closely linked to the quality of parent-child interactions and long-term child development.
A recent study by Children's National Hospital found that firearm injuries disproportionately impact African American youth in Washington D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8. The majority of these injuries (64%) were accidental, and nearly all patients (94%) were African American.
Research at Children's National Hospital found that early lipid intake significantly increases global brain volume and boosts regional brain activity in micro-preemies. This is particularly important for preterm infants who are vulnerable to growth failure and neurocognitive impairment after birth.
Research at Children's National Hospital found that breastfed preterm infants have higher levels of key metabolites, such as creatine and choline, which support brain growth and development. This study suggests breastfeeding may play a crucial role in neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants.
Research finds that placental hormone allopregnanolone plays a crucial role in fetal brain development, and its disruption can lead to brain injuries associated with ASD. The study suggests that subtle changes in utero may set the stage for neurodevelopmental disorders later in life.
Research at Children's National Hospital found that infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) exhibit lower heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic nervous system stress. This study suggests heart rate variability as a valuable physiological biomarker for detecting brain injury in babies with HIE.
Researchers found that a panel of plasma biomarkers can help identify infants most in need of additional interventions after therapeutic cooling. Cytokines and Tau protein levels changed over time, with peak levels occurring within the first 24 hours and again during rewarmed stages. This study aims to develop a more accurate risk asse...
Researchers use genomics to unravel a 20-year mystery of two rare disorders: Angelman syndrome and P450scc deficiency. By combining genetic tools, they confirm uniparental disomy and shed light on adrenal insufficiency and sex reversal. The study showcases the power of genomic analysis in solving complex genetic cases.
The Children's National Hospital NICU implemented a quality-improvement project that reduced unintended extubations by 60% over 10 years through standardized taping methods, bedside review of events, and reducing chest X-rays. The project saved an estimated $1.5 million per year and improved patient safety.
Researchers have discovered a unique subset of cells in the developing urethra that send important signals defining how the urethra is formed. This discovery aims to standardize the characterization of hypospadias and improve treatment outcomes for affected children.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that adolescents with cognitive impairments and intellectual disabilities have similar weight-loss outcomes after bariatric surgery as those with typical cognitive function. The study's authors recommend a case-by-case approach to determining eligibility for weight-loss surgery.
A researcher at Children's National Hospital has received a $2 million NIH grant to study new approaches to treating kidney disease linked to the APOL1 risk allele. The team plans to use a Drosophila model to identify potential therapeutic targets and test compounds for effective treatment.
Mutations in the NUP160 gene are associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disease that does not respond to steroids. The study identified new genetic mutations and developed a functional study system to analyze human genes.
Researchers discovered a key regulator of IGF-1 bioavailability in children with severe growth disorders. Electronic health records can help identify patients who could benefit from genetic testing to diagnose undiagnosed short stature.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital will examine genetic mutations causing nephrotic syndrome using Drosophila. The goal is to develop targeted treatments for pediatric patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have received a $3 million NIH grant to investigate the mechanisms of APOL1 and HIV nephropathies in children. The study aims to understand how HIV-1 interacts with APOL1 risk variants in renal cells, triggering chronic kidney disease.
Research led by Dr. Karen A. Robbins found that mothers whose infants had suspected food allergies reported breastfeeding them for significantly longer periods, with an average of 45.8 weeks compared to 32 weeks for those without concerns. This suggests a potential link between breastfeeding duration and the development of allergies.
Children who were exclusively breastfed for three months or longer had significantly lower odds of having eczema at age 6. This study found that exclusive breastfeeding may protect children from experiencing extended flare-ups of eczema.
A new paradigm shift in food allergy treatment is on the horizon, allowing children to gradually reintroduce forbidden foods and reducing long-term anxieties. Researchers and clinicians will provide support as families navigate these new treatments and manage psychosocial concerns related to daily life.