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In Brief

Shorter Antibiotic Courses Appear Safe for Uncomplicated Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections in the NICU
 Shorter Antibiotic Courses Appear Safe for Uncomplicated Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections in the NICU 1024 602 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Newborn baby with nasal canula oxygen support receiving care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a hospital, resting while monitored by medical staff.

Neonatology and pediatric pharmacy partner to advance antibiotic stewardship. For years, Pablo J. Sánchez, MD, principal investigator in the Center for Perinatal Research in the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, observed that approximately 7 days of antibiotic therapy appeared sufficient for selected neonates with uncomplicated gram-negative bloodstream infections that does not involve…

Norms, Needs and New Frontiers in Pediatric Mental Health
 Norms, Needs and New Frontiers in Pediatric Mental Health 1024 683 Madison Storm
By: Madison Storm
Eric Youngstrom, PhD

 An interview with Eric Youngstrom, PhD, director of the Institute for Mental and Behavioral Health Research at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Institute for Mental and Behavioral Health Research (IMBHR) is driving discovery through improved assessments, effective treatments and digging deep to answer the ‘why’ behind…

Understanding the Rising Suicide Risk Among Black Youth
 Understanding the Rising Suicide Risk Among Black Youth 1024 576 Alaina Doklovic
By: Alaina Doklovic

A new large-scale Medicaid study sheds light on complex factors driving risk and the protective factors that may help save lives. Suicide rates among Black youth (children, adolescents and young adults) have risen sharply in recent years, surpassing those of other racial and ethnic groups. In 2023, it was the third leading cause of death…

Registry Data Provide Insight Into Ultra-Rare Pediatric Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumors
 Registry Data Provide Insight Into Ultra-Rare Pediatric Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumors 1024 473 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

At A Glance Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a rare condition that affects joints, mostly in adults but sometimes in children. New research using an international patient registry shows that children often wait more than a year for the correct diagnosis because symptoms such as pain and swelling can look like sports injuries or…

Filling a Critical Gap in Relapsed Sarcoma Treatment
 Filling a Critical Gap in Relapsed Sarcoma Treatment 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Blood Sample in test tube

A first-in-sarcoma trial at Nationwide Children’s Hospital tests universal-donor NK cells with chemotherapy to address poor survival rates.   The five-year overall survival rate for children and young adults with relapsed bone or soft tissue sarcomas is between 17 and 26%. For Bhuvana A. Setty, MD, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, that reality is not acceptable. …

Selective Steroid Use After Kasai Portoenterostomy Improves Outcomes in Biliary Atresia
 Selective Steroid Use After Kasai Portoenterostomy Improves Outcomes in Biliary Atresia 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Postoperative protocol is associated with improved bile drainage and higher native liver survival without increased short-term risk. A new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition provides evidence that a selective, marker-guided approach to postoperative steroid use improves outcomes for infants with biliary atresia following Kasai portoenterostomy. Led by Jaimie D. Nathan,…

Study Shows Younger Children Experience Persistent Symptoms Following Concussion
 Study Shows Younger Children Experience Persistent Symptoms Following Concussion 1024 540 Abbie Miller and Katelyn Scott
By: Abbie Miller and Katelyn Scott

Nearly 30% of children younger than 6 years who had a concussion during the study had prolonged symptoms, which can affect learning and behavior later in childhood. When people typically think of concussion, the first type of patient that comes to mind is a youth athlete. However, concussion is also common in early childhood, due…

A New Candidate Therapeutic Target and Biomarker for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
 A New Candidate Therapeutic Target and Biomarker for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome 1024 561 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller
artistic representation of a kidney cross section

New data provides evidence for the role of endothelium in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome pathogenesis.

Behavioral Intervention Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Undergoing Epilepsy Evaluation: Increasing Phase 1 Monitoring Rates
 Behavioral Intervention Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Undergoing Epilepsy Evaluation: Increasing Phase 1 Monitoring Rates 1024 683 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

A behavioral intervention program that started as a quality improvement project evolved to a new standard of care — increasing access and compliance with Phase 1 monitoring for children with intractable epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder. A recent study led by Mary Wojnaroski, PhD, a psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, reported a sustained, multi-year increase…

Cardiometabolic Screening Gaps in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease
 Cardiometabolic Screening Gaps in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Retrospective review reveals inconsistent HbA1c screening in eligible patients. Pediatric cardiology has achieved remarkable gains in survival for children with congenital heart disease. However, as more patients reach adolescence and adulthood, they are at risk for experiencing acquired cardiovascular and cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Little is known about how consistently clinicians identify…

Advancing Surgical Care for Pediatric Hip Dysplasia
 Advancing Surgical Care for Pediatric Hip Dysplasia 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

A novel technique demonstrates safety, stability and reduced casting needs. For children with developmental dysplasia of the hip, open reduction surgery reliably restores the hip to the socket. However, recurrent instability, iatrogenic complications, residual dysplasia and prolonged casting can limit favorable outcomes. To improve these results, orthopedic surgeons at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have developed a…

Long-Term Kidney Complications Are Common Among Pediatric and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
 Long-Term Kidney Complications Are Common Among Pediatric and Young Adult Cancer Survivors 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Study reveals the need for improved surveillance and updated survivorship guidelines. As pediatric cancer survival rates continue to climb, focus is shifting to enhancing the long-term health of survivors. While treatments have become more precise, their delayed effects are not yet fully understood. A new study led by Diana Zepeda-Orozco, MD, principal investigator in the…

Expanding the Evidence for Cannabidiol in Focal Epilepsy
 Expanding the Evidence for Cannabidiol in Focal Epilepsy 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Young boy turned sideways in front of a dark background, with dark lighting and an illustration of his brain appearing in front of the side of his head

A multicenter study led by Nationwide Children’s Hospital demonstrates long-term efficacy and safety of Epidiolex® for treatment-resistant seizures. As global use of cannabidiol for seizure management increases, most research has targeted generalized epilepsy. This leaves a major evidence gap for patients with focal seizures and epilepsy. Anup D. Patel, MD, FAAN, FAES, FCNS, neurologist and…

As Suicide Increases in Preteens, Investigators Expand Research into Causes and Prevention
 As Suicide Increases in Preteens, Investigators Expand Research into Causes and Prevention 1024 576 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

By tracking trends in suicide over time, researchers identify critical new directions for suicide prevention work. Last year, a study published in JAMA Network Open by researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and collaborating institutions reported that suicide among preteens (children ages 8-12) had increased 8.2% annually from 2008 to 2022. “This has become a critical…

Rethinking Neonatal HSV Management: A Less Aggressive, Evidence-Informed Approach
 Rethinking Neonatal HSV Management: A Less Aggressive, Evidence-Informed Approach 1024 593 Alaina Doklovic
By: Alaina Doklovic

An alternative approach to neonatal HSV management helps keep mom and baby together during the nursery stay.  Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection (HSV) is a rare but often fatal disease when not treated correctly or in a timely manner. This makes diagnosis and preventive strategies extremely important when expectant mothers have active genital HSV infection when they deliver.   Neonatal HSV is a result of vertical transmission from mother to newborn and most…

Kids With GPA Often Show Lung Signs — But Few See Pulmonologists
 Kids With GPA Often Show Lung Signs — But Few See Pulmonologists 1024 683 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Most patients with pediatric granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) have respiratory manifestations, but fewer than half are evaluated by a pulmonologist within 6 months of diagnosis, finds a study published in Pediatric Pulmonology.   “Pediatric GPA is a very rare autoimmune rheumatologic disorder that can have significant impact on the lungs. But nobody has really described the…

Prematurity Increases Morbidity and Mortality Risk in Preterm Neonates with Down Syndrome in the NICU
 Prematurity Increases Morbidity and Mortality Risk in Preterm Neonates with Down Syndrome in the NICU 1024 624 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

  Premature neonates with Down syndrome who are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit experience higher rates of health complications and an increased mortality risk.   A retrospective study led by Emily Messick, DO, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, reported the increased risk of adverse health outcomes in preterm neonates with Down syndrome in the…

Rethinking Routine Kidney Ultrasounds in Children With Mild Anorectal Malformations
 Rethinking Routine Kidney Ultrasounds in Children With Mild Anorectal Malformations 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck
Molly Fuchs, MD

  Annual scans rarely identify new kidney concerns in symptom-free children. Children born with anorectal malformations (ARMs), a group of congenital conditions affecting the anus and rectum, are routinely screened for kidney abnormalities because of the association between ARM and urinary tract anomalies. The likelihood of urologic complications  increases with the complexity of the malformation.…

Challenges in Medication Titration in Children with Heart Failure
 Challenges in Medication Titration in Children with Heart Failure 1024 537 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Beyond the guidelines: implementing consensus-based care for complex patients. Pediatric heart failure is a complex clinical diagnosis, with a growing body of evidence to suggest there are critical differences between pediatric and adult heart failure. In a recent review published in JHLT Open, Jessie Yester, MD, PhD and Deipanjan Nandi, MD highlight the unique challenges…

Defining Urinary Tract Infection: Why Standardization Matters for Research and Care
 Defining Urinary Tract Infection: Why Standardization Matters for Research and Care 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting an estimated 150 million people annually and costing more than $5 billion in the United States alone. However, despite their prevalence, there is still no universally accepted definition of what constitutes a UTI. This lack of clarity complicates both research and…

What Clinicians Need to Know About RSV Prevention
 What Clinicians Need to Know About RSV Prevention 1024 609 Jason Newland, MD, MEd
By: Jason Newland, MD, MEd

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the nose, throat and lungs, causing mild cold-like symptoms (upper respiratory infection) for most children and adults. However, in high-risk populations, including infants, children with chronic conditions, and older adults, it can be quite severe — ultimately leading to hospitalization or death. For infants, RSV is the primary cause of…

Nationwide Children’s Team Builds Award-Winning AI Tool to Drive Mental Health Research
 Nationwide Children’s Team Builds Award-Winning AI Tool to Drive Mental Health Research 1024 502 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

DREAM project wins the 2025 Gartner Eye on Innovation Mid-Size Enterprise Award in the Americas region. In recognition of its innovative application of technology to address critical health care challenges, the Office of Data Sciences was selected as the winner for the prestigious 2025 Gartner Eye on Innovation Awards, Mid-Size Enterprise, Americas.  This international honor…

Food-Based Tube Feeding: Balancing Parental Demand With Pediatric Nutrition Science
 Food-Based Tube Feeding: Balancing Parental Demand With Pediatric Nutrition Science 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Color image of enteral complete liquid nutritional products of several brands

New research from Nationwide Children’s reveals significant differences in nutrient adequacy across commercial food-based formulas. In the last two decades, enteral nutrition has undergone a significant transformation. Fifteen to 20 years ago, pediatric patients requiring gastrostomy tube feeding had only one option: synthetic, cow milk-based formulas designed to meet caloric and macronutrient needs but containing…

Parents’ Perceptions Highlight Gaps in Supporting Children with Epilepsy in School
 Parents’ Perceptions Highlight Gaps in Supporting Children with Epilepsy in School 1024 579 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Discussions with parents of children with epilepsy revealed concerning gaps in school-based seizure education and care, underscoring the need for better lines of communication between medical teams, school personnel, and the children’s families.   A qualitative study led by Mary Kay Irwin, EdD, and Anup Patel, MD, FAAN, FAES, FCNS, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital reported…

Closing the Treatment Gap: Opioid Use Disorder Medications in Adolescents and Young Adults
 Closing the Treatment Gap: Opioid Use Disorder Medications in Adolescents and Young Adults 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
silhouette girl portrait

Findings from the PROUD trial highlight the need for youth-centered prescription strategies in primary care. Adolescents and young adults are far less likely than older adults to receive evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder (OUD), even though buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone are recommended treatments. Despite their effectiveness, these therapies remain consistently underutilized in youth. To…

Virtual Reality Training Model Aims to Transform Workplace Safety in Health Care
 Virtual Reality Training Model Aims to Transform Workplace Safety in Health Care 1024 683 Madison Storm
By: Madison Storm

A virtual reality (VR) training module developed at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, called DEFUSE, which stands for De-escalate Effectively, Foster Understanding, Safeguard Environments, is setting a new standard for workplace violence prevention in health care settings. Funded by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the project equips health care professionals with critical skills in situational awareness,…

Post-Ictal Rhythmic Thalamic Activity in the Central Media Nucleus May Play a Role in Seizure Termination in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
 Post-Ictal Rhythmic Thalamic Activity in the Central Media Nucleus May Play a Role in Seizure Termination in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy 1024 677 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Investigators from Nationwide Children’s Hospital are the first to describe post-ictal rhythmic thalamic activity (PIRTA) in the central media nucleus (CMN) during focal onset seizure. “When this paper was published, it was a period where understanding the role of the center of the thalamus and seizures was a novel thing,” says senior author Ammar Shaikhouni,…

How Useful Are Large Language Models for Caregivers of Pediatric Cancer Patients?
 How Useful Are Large Language Models for Caregivers of Pediatric Cancer Patients? 1024 502 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

These powerful informational tools for caregivers of pediatric cancer patients vary in areas such as readability and source credibility, highlighting the need to carefully consider their clinical utility. A recent study led by Emre Sezgin, PhD, and Micah Skeens, PhD, APRN, FAAN, CPNP-PC, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital demonstrated that large language models (LLMs) deliver accurate…

How Medical-Legal Partnerships Support Families, Relieve Stress and Improve Health
 How Medical-Legal Partnerships Support Families, Relieve Stress and Improve Health 1024 320 Wendy Margolin
By: Wendy Margolin

With a small team of dedicated attorneys working as part of a medical-legal partnership, Lawyers for Kids is making an outsized impact for families at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. A classic example of a medical-legal partnership case is a child with asthma who frequently visits the emergency room. The parents and doctors know the cause is…

A Digital Bundle to Help Primary Care Clinicians Successfully Promote Cardiovascular Health
 A Digital Bundle to Help Primary Care Clinicians Successfully Promote Cardiovascular Health 150 150 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

A web-based app that integrates into electronic record systems could offer primary care providers an evidence-based way to effectively address cardiovascular risks and behavior change with parents. On average, physicians get a total of 4 hours of education in nutrition and behavior change counseling during medical school. “That’s a horrible baseline,” says Amrik Singh Khalsa,…

New Study Finds Sharp Increase in Nicotine Pouch Ingestions Among Young Children
 New Study Finds Sharp Increase in Nicotine Pouch Ingestions Among Young Children 1024 683 Laura Dattner
By: Laura Dattner
Close-up of nicotine pouches in a plastic container on a dark background, illustrating smokeless tobacco alternatives and nicotine addiction and poisoning risks.

Experts urge stronger regulations, a ban on flavors for all nicotine products and secure at-home storage to help prevent nicotine ingestions. A new study reveals that ingestions of nicotine pouches by young children in the United States have surged in recent years. Researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital…

Primary Care Clinicians’ Comfort Level With Childhood Mental Health Medications
 Primary Care Clinicians’ Comfort Level With Childhood Mental Health Medications 1024 683 Shannon Caldwell
By: Shannon Caldwell
Young pediatrician examining a little African-American girl at hospital. Health care, people concept

A recent survey of primary care clinicians revealed opportunities to improve mental health care for kids. Each year, 20% of children are diagnosed with a mental health condition, and an estimated $247 billion are spent on the treatment and management of childhood mental health concerns. As the demand for pediatric mental health services continues to…

Assessing the Clinical Utility of a Fetal Echocardiogram When a Sibling Has Congenital Heart Disease
 Assessing the Clinical Utility of a Fetal Echocardiogram When a Sibling Has Congenital Heart Disease 1024 695 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
Pregnant woman smiling and holding her belly while awaiting a fetal echocardiogram to check her baby’s heart health during pregnancy.

A fetal echocardiogram when a sibling has congenital heart disease may not be clinically necessary if the fetus has a normal second-trimester level II ultrasound. A retrospective study led by Kacy Taylor, MSAH, RDCS, FASE, concluded that critical congenital heart disease (CHD) was not missed when a level two ultrasound (LII-US) was normal in a…

Mode of Respiratory Support at 36 Weeks Predicts Weaning Timeline for Infants With Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
 Mode of Respiratory Support at 36 Weeks Predicts Weaning Timeline for Infants With Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck
Premature baby receiving respiratory support through a nasal cannula in a neonatal intensive care unit, monitored and cared for by a health care provider.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication of preterm birth, and its incidence is rising due to advances in neonatal care that have improved survival for extremely premature infants. Respiratory support is a cornerstone of management for these patients, yet the expected timeline for weaning in those with moderate-to-severe (grade 2/3) BPD is not…

Real-Life Impact of ETI Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis: Insights From a Large Treatment Center
 Real-Life Impact of ETI Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis: Insights From a Large Treatment Center 706 470 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Greater clinical gains observed in patients with severe lung disease, regardless of genotype. A recent prospective observational study led by Shahid I. Sheikh, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, offers insights into the effectiveness of a new medication for adolescents and adults…

Comparing Two Diagnostic Tools for Upper Gastroenterology Symptoms
 Comparing Two Diagnostic Tools for Upper Gastroenterology Symptoms 1024 680 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Close up color photo of little boy holding hands on his belly

A retrospective analysis of the clinical correlation between gastric emptying scintigraphy and antroduodenal manometry in pediatric patients with upper GI symptoms. Children with persistent nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain often undergo extensive testing to evaluate for underlying etiologies such as pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction, rumination or gastroparesis. Two primary diagnostic tools, gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) and…

Predicting Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates Using Machine Learning Algorithms
 Predicting Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates Using Machine Learning Algorithms 480 320 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

A new model accurately identifies neonates at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) — and the factors physicians should address to prevent it — offering the first AKI prediction tool specific to this vulnerable population. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and irreversible, making preventive measures essential to maintaining health. Multiple risk prediction tools exist…

Studying the Clinical Progression of Congenital Hypopituitarism
 Studying the Clinical Progression of Congenital Hypopituitarism 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Black baby smiling up at his mother

New research reveals the clinical progression and evolution of pituitary hormone deficiencies in the first 3 years of life. In a recent retrospective study published in Clinical Endocrinology, Jennifer M. Ladd, MD, MSc, pediatric physician in the Division of Endocrinology and associate program director of the Endocrinology Fellowship Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and colleagues…

Hip Ultrasound Has Clinical Utility in Detecting Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Among Preterm Infants
 Hip Ultrasound Has Clinical Utility in Detecting Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Among Preterm Infants 1024 575 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD
small baby with nose canula

A positive first hip ultrasound (HUS) is highly predictive of having developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) among preterm infants, according to results of a study published in the American Journal of Perinatology. “In term babies, more is known about the accuracy of ultrasounds for congenital or developmental hip dysplasia. But in preterm babies, there…

Streamlining Autism Diagnosis: How Electronic Health Record Tools Increased Early Identification and Referrals in a Primary Care Network
 Streamlining Autism Diagnosis: How Electronic Health Record Tools Increased Early Identification and Referrals in a Primary Care Network 1024 575 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory
Toddler playing with toys

In their recent publication, Boosting Autism Screening and Referrals with EHR-Integrated Tools at Well-Child Visits, Elizabeth W. Barnhardt, DO, MAEd, developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and her team describe a quality improvement initiative designed to improve the early identification of autism spectrum disorder…

Assessing Sleep Disturbances Across the Lifespan in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
 Assessing Sleep Disturbances Across the Lifespan in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
physicians in white coats looking at a tablet

Pilot study supports the use of sleep questionnaires to identify underrecognized symptoms in children and adults with DM1. Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a genetic, multisystemic neuromuscular disorder that affects skeletal muscle, cardiac function, the endocrine system and the central nervous system. In addition to myotonia (the inability to relax muscles) and progressive muscle…

Improving Fertility Discussions and Decision-Making for Adolescent Males With Cancer
 Improving Fertility Discussions and Decision-Making for Adolescent Males With Cancer 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

 A pilot study shows promise in enhancing shared decision-making and patient satisfaction through family-centered support. Fertility preservation is a critical yet underutilized aspect of cancer care for adolescent males. Despite being a medically low-risk and effective option, only a minority of young patients attempt sperm banking. Barriers exist at both the system and individual/family levels,…

National Study Reveals Gaps in Antidepressant Treatment Quality for Youth
 National Study Reveals Gaps in Antidepressant Treatment Quality for Youth 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Findings highlight critical disparities and opportunities to improve care. A national study led by Cynthia A. Fontanella, PhD, principal investigator in the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research in the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Ohio State University, finds that many young people…

How One Role is Improving Emergency Department Wait Times
 How One Role is Improving Emergency Department Wait Times 150 150 Alaina Doklovic
By: Alaina Doklovic

In any emergency department (ED), many people work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly so patients receive the care they need, when they need it. At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one behind-the-scenes position is making a big impact: the triage coordinator. “The role of triage coordinator and the way it works is unique here…

Understanding Long-Term Outcomes for Children With Anorectal Malformation
 Understanding Long-Term Outcomes for Children With Anorectal Malformation 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

Researchers finally have high-quality data about the trajectory of continence outcomes — and key predictors for quality of life — across childhood for children with anorectal malformations. For many parents of children with an anorectal malformation (ARM), the primary goal is for the child to be “clean and dry” — able to manage bowel movements…

Cystic Fibrosis: Screening, Diagnosis and Therapy
 Cystic Fibrosis: Screening, Diagnosis and Therapy 150 150 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Since the implementation of universal newborn screening for cystic fibrosis in all states by 2010, the expectation has been that every child with cystic fibrosis would be identified early and benefit from life-extending treatments. The reality, however, is more complex. “Because of the complexities of the genetic causes of cystic fibrosis and significant variations in…

ACMG Issues Primer on Regulation of Laboratory-Developed Tests
 ACMG Issues Primer on Regulation of Laboratory-Developed Tests 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

The new statement, co-authored by a Nationwide Children’s laboratory geneticist, outlines how lab-developed tests are regulated and offers patient-centered recommendations for modernizing oversight. Laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) are validated testing protocols developed by certified clinical laboratories for patient care and play an essential role in diagnosing and guiding treatment for many conditions that affect pediatric patients.…

Don’t Oversize Your Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts: Insights for the Translation of New Surgical Technologies
 Don’t Oversize Your Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts: Insights for the Translation of New Surgical Technologies 1024 683 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

Study shows that adoption of a tissue engineered vascular graft technology currently in clinical trials would require a shift in surgical approach. Tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are designed to overcome two important problems associated with synthetic conduits used in surgeries for children with congenital heart disease (CHD): the lack of growth potential and the…

A New Path to Relief: Gastrostomy Tubes Offer Treatment for Children With Autism and Chronic Constipation
 A New Path to Relief: Gastrostomy Tubes Offer Treatment for Children With Autism and Chronic Constipation 1024 680 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Close up color photo of little boy holding hands on his belly

A groundbreaking study reveals how a low-risk intervention dramatically improves quality of life. Children with autism spectrum disorder often struggle with chronic constipation due to behavioral, sensory and dietary challenges. Uncontrolled constipation can cause poor school functioning, eating challenges and sleeping issues. In many cases, due to oral sensory issues, children with autism cannot reliably…

How Does Modification of RNA Influence the Development of Pediatrics Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
 How Does Modification of RNA Influence the Development of Pediatrics Dilated Cardiomyopathy? 1024 783 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

New study shows essential role of RNA methlytransferase-mediated m6A modification in regulating heart development. Traditional research to understand the origins of congenital heart disease have focused on understanding how genetic mutations may cause heart problems. Now, a team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is exploring a new way to understand congenital heart disease (CHD). “How the…