A 6-year-old boy with intestinal pseudo-obstruction and chronic health issues develops a rare fungal infection Mucor velutinosus in his central line. He is successfully treated with an antifungal drug, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation and good antibiotic stewardship.
Research team identifies X-linked genes with significant differences in methylation patterns between boys and girls, shedding light on gender-based disparities in respiratory disorders. The study's findings hold promise for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers explore the role of diverse bacteria in common urologic diseases affecting children, including urinary tract infections and urge urinary incontinence. Probiotics and dietary modifications show potential to prevent or treat these conditions.
A novel protein derived from a parasite has been identified as a therapeutic molecule to reduce bleeding and pain associated with chemotherapy-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. The protein, IPSE, was found to be equally potent as the current standard of care in suppressing bladder hemorrhaging and pain.
A new medicine that slows balding may also improve blood flow to vital organs by increasing arterial diameter and restoring elastin content. This could help reduce the risk of death, stroke, and other cardiovascular-related illnesses.
A study of 191 children found that those with persistent cow's milk allergies had lower mean weight and height compared to kids with peanut or tree nut allergies. The growth deficits were more pronounced among school-aged kids, with differences remaining prominent in preadolescence.
A new imaging test can detect bone marrow engraftment as early as days after a transplant, giving patients and doctors a more accurate assessment of the treatment's success. This breakthrough could help patients avoid painful biopsies and rapidly respond to potential complications, potentially saving lives.
The use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) among pediatric patients increased between 2005 and 2015, with a corresponding decrease in mortality rates. The median adjusted cost per admission was $158,740, but increasing off-label use of iNO is associated with decreased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs.
A multicenter retrospective cohort study found that comprehensive education prior to discharge significantly lowers readmission rates in children hospitalized for acute asthma. Discharge components such as medication provision, communication with primary medical doctors, and post-discharge activities also show promise in reducing readm...
A $3.4 million grant will help researchers study endocrine-disrupting chemicals in medical devices, with a focus on improving transfusion safety and understanding the impact on cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) values correlate with vital signs and birth weight in critically ill babies. The study suggests that NIRS can provide a more complete picture of babies' health, particularly for those with abnormal brain scans.
A study published in Pediatric Transplantation found that detecting and treating dnDSA early can decrease antibody levels by 76% and prevent graft failure. However, the treatment came at a price: increased hospitalization rates for infection.
Researchers found that RSV and rhinovirus trigger different molecular pathways in the NFkB pathway, a protein cascade involved in inflammation. This discovery suggests that steroids may be effective for rhinovirus but not for RSV, paving the way for targeted treatment approaches.
A recent study found that none of the 89 approved pediatric drug products include dosing information for obese kids. Obesity affects how the body takes up medicine, where it retains it and how quickly it is excreted. More efforts are needed to provide safe dosing guidelines for children with obesity.
Children's National Hospital researchers aim to develop a treatment using human stem cells to address hypoxia, which can severely impair brain development in infants born with CHD. The goal is to reverse or halt injury and promote neurogenesis in affected brains.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have developed T-cells that can resist tumor-induced immune suppression, leading to sustained clinical responses in patients with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma. The study shows promise for treating other types of immune-evading tumors.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique to detect placental perfusion abnormalities in pregnancies with fetal congenital heart disease. Global placental perfusion decreased and regional variation increased as pregnancies progressed, indicating early warning signs of placental dysfunction.
A new study finds that girls with autism often struggle more than boys with performing routine tasks and making small talk, even when standardized tests are normalized for sex. This suggests that girls with autism may be 'camouflaging' their symptoms, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
A new study suggests that pediatricians can improve mental health screenings in children by receiving training and support. The screening rates soared 73 percent during the 15-month study, showing potential for better outcomes.
A study found that preterm infants have significantly lower nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volumes compared to full-term peers. This suggests that the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be confined to the upper airway.
New fMRI applications help researchers map verbal and visual memory in children with epilepsy, demonstrating the potential for non-invasive fMRI to assess and diagnose pediatric epilepsy. A second study showcases the ability of resting-state fMRI to assess language laterality, paving the way for expanded use as a clinical tool.
A new study by Children's National Hospital suggests that severely premature children are more susceptible to human rhinovirus infections and may require earlier and more intensive supportive care. The research found a 'dose effect' of prematurity, with children born more prematurely having a higher risk of wheezing and retractions.
A study found that cerebral blood flow is altered in preterm newborns' brains, with key regions such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex receiving decreased blood supply. This alteration may serve as an early warning sign of disturbed brain maturation.
A long-running study supports standard prescribing practices for glucocorticoid therapy in DMD patients, showing longer preservation of muscle strength and function and decreased risk of death. The study found that long-term use of these drugs delayed loss of mobility milestones and reduced mortality risk.
A new study has identified a promising treatment to reduce brain injury in newborns who have suffered from hypoxia-ischemia, a condition that can cause severe complications. The treatment involves combining standard cooling therapy with a selective Src kinase inhibitor to block a regulatory enzyme of apoptosis.
Researchers found infrared imaging to be more accurate than tactile inspection in detecting defects in lead aprons used to shield patients from radiation exposure. The technology reduces ionizing radiation exposure for inspectors and can identify smaller holes that may be missed through visual inspection.
A new liquid biopsy technique can detect telltale signs of tumors in children's biofluids, enabling earlier diagnosis and monitoring of aggressive pediatric brainstem cancer. The method has shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting H3K27M mutant glioma, a form of cancer with poor prognosis.
A new study finds that continuously recording aEEG data provides more accurate predictions of outcomes for infants undergoing cooling therapy. Infants with persistent abnormal patterns are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring.
A novel tool captures fertility knowledge and attitudes in transgender youth, revealing early signs of common beliefs about fertility. The Transgender Youth Fertility Attitudes Questionnaire seeks to gather data to better support transgender teens, helping clinicians understand how their youth feel about medical gender treatments.
Inflamatory cells retain medication in regenerating muscle cells, improving drug delivery to affected tissue. Researchers discover macrophages as long-term storage reservoirs for prolonged delivery of eteplirsen, opening possibilities for future therapeutics.
A three-year trial will examine a new transplantation approach to cure patients with sickle cell disease using a matched related donor. The goal is to find a well-tolerated and safe cure for children with the disease.
A longitudinal neuroimaging study found that fetal MRI can detect brain damage caused by Zika exposure in utero more effectively than standard ultrasound. The study revealed three pregnancies with abnormal fetal MRIs showing extensive areas of brain damage, which were not detected by ultrasound.
High-risk newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) exhibit reduced functional connectivity between key brain regions even before undergoing corrective open heart surgery. Global network organization remains intact, but small world networks show remarkable ability to withstand early-life brain injury.
The Congenital Zika Virus Program at Children's National evaluated 36 women and their fetuses, revealing that 89% had been bitten by Zika-tainted mosquitoes or exposed via sex with an infected partner. Tragically, four fetuses suffered severe birth defects, leading to two non-viable pregnancies and one infant death.
Researchers tested the KiVa program to reduce bullying and victimization in US schools. Results showed significant reductions in bullying, but implementation was limited by factors such as teacher burnout and lack of resources. Improving teachers' workloads and reducing burnout may lead to better outcomes.
The committee's efforts focus on increasing the number of sites hosting research studies, expanding potential study volunteers, and reducing duplicated efforts. By leveraging public-private partnerships, they aim to develop effective medicines for children with kidney disease.
A study published in Hospital Pediatrics found that many medical residents deviate from guidelines when prescribing antibiotics, highlighting the need for education and training. The research suggests that residents can be effective 'first line of defense' against antibiotic resistance if they follow best practices.
A study found low compliance with CDC recommendations for HIV and syphilis screening in at-risk adolescent patients in US emergency departments. The lack of adherence was attributed to inadequate clinician education, emphasizing the need for enhanced training.
A study at Children's National Hospital found that starting discharge education early, using a classroom setting and attuned communication improve parents' satisfaction with the NICU discharge process. The initiative boosted timely communication by 36% and improved satisfaction scores.
The presentation aims to help pediatricians understand that immigration-related issues can impact children's mental health and overall well-being. Clinicians can support immigrant children by understanding their unique needs, exploring legal options, and bridging from neutral starting points to clinical care.
Researchers identified four key themes in mannequin design, including flexible vocal cords, realistic color change, step-by-step training, and more natural movements. The findings aim to improve clinical competency and optimal clinical outcomes for pediatric residents.
A recent study found that children injured by a parent's partner, especially males, are more likely to suffer severe injuries. The research suggests that pre-emptive education and behavior modification strategies targeting these caregivers could protect more kids.
A study by Children's National Health System researchers found that regions with stronger firearm legislation had lower rates of Emergency Department visits for pediatric firearm-related injuries. The majority of these injuries were accidental, affecting children aged 6-10 most severely.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that nearly half of parents whose children were in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experienced postpartum depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress after discharge. Parents who were the most anxious also reported the highest levels of depression.
Pediatric emergency departments are more likely to use ultrasounds over CT scans to diagnose abdominal pain in children due to reduced radiation exposure. According to the study, general emergency departments still rely heavily on CT scans for this purpose.
Children's National Hospital implemented a quality-improvement initiative that reduces the number of unintended extubations in newborns, leading to significant savings. By limiting daily chest X-rays to twice a week, the hospital was able to reduce unplanned extubations and lower costs by $1.6 million annually.
The project aims to tackle one of the root causes of asthma flare-ups: substandard housing conditions that play host to a range of asthma triggers. IMPACT DC has targeted kids and families disconnected from primary care, increasing school attendance and decreasing Emergency Department visits.
Reactive oxygen species are crucial signals that start muscle repair processes. Proper mitochondrial function is necessary for energy production and repairing injured myofibers. Excess antioxidants can inhibit this signaling process, exacerbating muscle damage.
A multi-center study found significant racial and ethnic differences in antibiotic prescribing for viral acute respiratory tract infections in pediatric Emergency Departments. Non-Latino white children were nearly twice as likely to receive antibiotics, while Latino and black children received lower rates of unnecessary prescriptions.
A clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) for treating osteoid osteoma, a benign but painful bone tumor in children. The procedure eliminates incisions and ionizing radiation exposure, offering a faster treatment option with improved outcomes.