A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience has found that external stimulation can impact the development of white matter in the postnatal brain. Researchers used sensory deprivation to examine the growth and collection of NG2-expressing oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which generate myelin around neurons.
A new study from Children's National Medical Center found that routine echocardiogram screenings can identify three times as many cases of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as clinical examinations. The screenings can detect clinically silent RHD in children, allowing for early intervention and prevention of serious complications.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that nearly all minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged families in urban areas had access to the internet. More than half expressed interest in receiving electronic health information from emergency departments, with email being the preferred method of delivery.
A study published in Journal of Virology identifies apoptosis, the programmed death of a host cell, as the trigger for high-level viral replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This discovery suggests that KSHV can sense and respond to changes in its host cells, granting it an evolutionary advantage.
The first NIH-funded Center of Research Translation will focus on personalized drug development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aiming to find treatments effective for the majority of patients. The center will lay the groundwork for exon-specific drugs and optimize delivery and molecular targeting.
Children's National study finds lovastatin improves verbal and nonverbal memory, visual attention, and efficiency in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. The Phase I study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for treating cognitive deficits in NF1 patients.
A team of researchers at Children's National Medical Center has identified the genetic mutation causing Proteus syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by excessive tissue and bone growth. The study found that a point mutation in the AKT1 gene activates sporadic tissue growth associated with Proteus syndrome.
A recent study by Children's National Hospital has discovered that resiniferatoxin, a promising drug for acute chronic pain, may decrease the body's ability to fight off bacterial infections like sepsis. The research highlights the importance of monitoring potential side effects of this medication.
A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding omalizumab to asthma therapy reduced severe attacks and improved symptoms in urban children. The study's results have significant implications for treatment strategies and school attendance, particularly in inner-city areas.
The Creating Hope Act offers financial incentives to companies developing drugs for pediatric rare diseases. Pediatric specialists often prescribe adult therapeutics off-label due to limited research on child-specific treatments, leading to concerns about efficacy and safety.
The discovery of the interaction between two cellular signaling pathways may lead to therapies that aid brain growth and repair in children and adults. Researchers have found a critical step toward understanding the molecular networks regulating neural stem cells.
A new study led by Dr. Zena Quezado found that propofol has a low occurrence of adverse events and no long-term complications when used to sedate children for imaging studies. However, the risk increases with anesthesia duration and in children with systemic disease or airway abnormalities.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital found that carbon monoxide levels increase during routine general anesthesia in young children. To reduce this risk, anesthesiologists recommend using specific absorbents and avoiding low-flow anesthesia to minimize exposure.
Researchers found airway obstructions in young children have a surprisingly high mortality rate of 3.4%, highlighting the need for better education and regulations to prevent such injuries.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital found that African American children with asthma have significantly lower levels of vitamin D than healthy counterparts. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and increased rates of asthma in this population.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band) surgery improves the health of morbidly obese adolescents. The procedure led to significant weight loss and reduced the risk of developing insulin resistance, a key indicator of obesity-related illnesses.
The lack of preparedness in pediatric emergency departments poses a significant risk, particularly during the onset of novel H1N1 flu. The guidelines recommend equipment, training, medications, and policies to ensure appropriate care for children.
A new study found that over a third of baby photos in women's magazines show babies sleeping in unsafe positions, and two-thirds of sleep environments depicted are also hazardous. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs without soft bedding to reduce SIDS risk.
A study published in Science Express demonstrates the first definitive link between mutations in the DICER1 gene and cancer. Children with pleuropulmonary blastoma carried a mutation in one of their two DICER1 gene copies, which may disrupt normal lung development and communication.
Concussion experts recommend strict monitoring and activity restrictions for children and teens after a concussion. Cognitive rest is crucial, with limits on academic activities and at-home/social activities like texting, video games, and TV watching to facilitate recovery.
The Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health at Children's National Medical Center has been recognized as a national leader in improving immunization compliance rates and preventive care visits. The center achieved a significant increase in targeted immunizations from 75% to 88% among 19-35 month-old patients.
Pediatric experts from Children's National Medical Center presented innovative research on urban health issues, HIV, and childhood obesity. The studies highlighted the importance of universal rapid HIV screening for teens in pediatric EDs and the impact of second-hand tobacco smoke on children.
Researchers at Children's National Medical Center and colleagues in Tokyo have achieved the first successful application of exon-skipping to curb Duchenne muscular dystrophy in dogs. The treatment uses synthetic DNA-like molecules called morpholinos to skip over mutated gene parts, showing promise for humans with this genetic disorder.
Scientists have identified platelets as a contributor to organ failure in patients with sepsis. The study found that granzyme B production in platelets can cause cell death, leading to organ failure. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to better treatments and potentially even prevention of organ failure.
A new pediatric study suggests that involving adolescents in end-of-life medical decisions can improve communication between children, families, and care providers. The study found that early planning and discussions can lead to increased agreement between parents and children on medical decisions, as well as better communication overall.
Researchers at Children's National Medical Center have identified a specific group of precursor cells that develop into the amygdala, a critical brain region for emotional processing. The discovery sheds light on how the amygdala forms during development and could help understand autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
The Obesity Institute at Children's National Medical Center gathered experts to discuss translational, clinical and community research successes in childhood obesity prevention and treatment. Key findings include successful community interventions for inner-city youth, emerging genomic research on high LDLs and type 2 diabetes risk.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have developed a novel anti-tumor vaccine that uses the tumor's own protein to induce an immune system response. The vaccine, known as ISAPs, was shown to block tumor growth in mice by activating immune cells that target specific tumor antigens.
John van den Anker, MD, PhD, director of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology at Children's National Medical Center, has received the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) Distinguished Investigator Award. The award recognizes his sustained and prolific contributions to pediatric clinical pharmacology.
A nationwide clinical trial is underway to investigate the use of unrelated donor marrow and cord blood transplants for severe sickle cell disease. The trial, facilitated by the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network, aims to extend a promising treatment option to more severely affected patients.
A new international study has found that increasing the intensity of chemotherapy can reduce mortality rates for children with severe Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) by up to 20 percent. The study, which involved 193 pre-identified patients, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in prognosis and survival rates.
A new clinical trial results in a proof-of-principle for personalized molecular medicine, with the potential to treat muscular dystrophies and other disorders. The treatment uses an 'exon-skipping' approach to restore dystrophin protein production in muscle tissue.
Researchers identified an essential protein that plays a key role in myelination and remyelination, processes vital for healthy brain development and repair. The discovery has major implications for treating brain damage in newborns and may lead to treatments or interventions to enhance brain health.