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In Brief

Evaluating the Mental Health Impact of a Promising New Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis
 Evaluating the Mental Health Impact of a Promising New Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis 706 470 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Insights from Nationwide Children’s study on how Trikafta affects children with cystic fibrosis. In response to the promising clinical benefits of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (Trikafta) in adults with cystic fibrosis, a team in Nationwide Children’s Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Clinic recently investigated the effects of the drug in pediatric patients. Kimberly Pasley, PsyD, mental health coordinator in the…

Creation of Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines for Studying Rare Pediatric Genitourinary Disorders
 Creation of Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines for Studying Rare Pediatric Genitourinary Disorders 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Nationwide Children’s researchers create first-ever stem cell lines for rare genitourinary conditions. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have revolutionized medical research by providing powerful tools to study disease mechanisms, especially in rare genetic conditions. These versatile cells, derived directly from patients that have the condition, offer unprecedented opportunities to uncover the underlying genetic and cellular…

Understanding Treatment Outcomes in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
 Understanding Treatment Outcomes in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Teen girl with backpack

New study compares minimally adequate behavioral health treatments and clinical outcomes. Pediatric bipolar disorder, which affects approximately 3.9% of youth globally, is the fourth leading cause of years of life lost due to disability and premature death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24. Effective treatment is critical to reduce these risks and…

Why Do Some Children Have Worse Outcomes After Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?
 Why Do Some Children Have Worse Outcomes After Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury? 1024 683 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Children had reduced white matter structural connectivity after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) relative to children with complicated-mild TBI (cmTBI) or orthopedic injury (OI). This reduced connectivity may explain some disparities in behavioral outcomes. Children and adolescents who experience a TBI are at risk for psychological and behavioral morbidities. “We find that kids…

Understanding Relationships Among Responsive Parenting, Internalizing in Children and Emotionality
 Understanding Relationships Among Responsive Parenting, Internalizing in Children and Emotionality 1024 576 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

A new study offers insights in the complex interplay among negative emotionality, internalizing problems and parental responsivity in very young children. Positive responsive parenting can benefit children aged 3 to 5 years with internalizing problems, especially those with average to high levels of negative emotionality, according to recent research led by Amanda Thompson, PhD, a…

Postpartum Depression Linked to Increased Use of Acute Infant Care
 Postpartum Depression Linked to Increased Use of Acute Infant Care 1024 569 Alaina Doklovic
By: Alaina Doklovic

Study results highlight the importance of primary care in infant and maternal support. In a recent study published in Academic Pediatrics, researchers found a link between postpartum depression in mothers and the infants’ use of acute care, which includes emergency department or urgent care visits. Postpartum depression (PPD) is often unrecognized and undertreated. Frequently mistaken…

Direct Breastfeeding of Mother’s Own Milk Benefits Preterm Infants
 Direct Breastfeeding of Mother’s Own Milk Benefits Preterm Infants 1024 575 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Despite benefits, new study finds low rates of breastfeeding among preterm infants discharged from the NICU. Mother’s own milk (MOM) and direct breastfeeding (DBF) are associated with numerous health and development advantages, especially for preterm infants. However, the rates of MOM feeding and DBF among infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are low,…

Bridging the Gap: Aligning Aspirations with Workforce Reality in Pediatric Endocrinology
 Bridging the Gap: Aligning Aspirations with Workforce Reality in Pediatric Endocrinology 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Recent survey reveals a mismatch in career expectations and realities, calling for enhanced mentorship and policy reform. Pediatric endocrinology, like many pediatric subspecialities, is struggling to sustain an adequate workforce. When Leena Nahata, MD, served on the Research Affairs Committee of the Pediatric Endocrine Society in 2024, a topic of interest for the upcoming annual…

Transforming Medical Training: Perspectives on Competency-Based Education
 Transforming Medical Training: Perspectives on Competency-Based Education 1024 557 Madison Storm
By: Madison Storm

The alternative approach would move away from traditional time-based education to a more flexible, competency-focused approach. Imagine a world where medical education is tailored to each student’s pace and learning style, ensuring every graduate is fully competent in real-world clinical settings. A recent perspective piece, published in Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care,…

Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Frontier in Infection Prevention
 Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Frontier in Infection Prevention 1024 602 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Research offers promising solutions for urinary tract infection treatment and antibiotic resistance. Urinary tract infections affect millions of people and can contribute to significant morbidity. Research into innate immunity mechanisms has shown great promise for improving urinary tract infection prevention and treatment strategies, especially in populations at high risk, such as patients with insulin resistance.…

Genomics Testing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Reducing Variability, Improving Utility
 Genomics Testing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Reducing Variability, Improving Utility 1024 575 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

Genomics testing of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has the potential to improve care, but process improvement efforts require consideration of major differences in hospital resources. Babies with genetic conditions make up a significant number of the infants in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), but knowing which babies are sick…

After Concussion: Monitor Sleep and Limit Daytime Naps for Faster Recovery
 After Concussion: Monitor Sleep and Limit Daytime Naps for Faster Recovery 1024 540 Laura Dattner
By: Laura Dattner

A new study reinforces the importance of sleep for concussion recovery and supports recommendations for quality nighttime sleep with limited naps. Researchers have found that when it comes to concussion recovery, sleep matters. In a study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that limiting daytime sleep and getting…

Eat, Sleep, Console: Reducing NICU Admissions of Infants With Prenatal Opioid Exposure
 Eat, Sleep, Console: Reducing NICU Admissions of Infants With Prenatal Opioid Exposure 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Focusing on non-pharmacological care, emphasizing mother-baby bonding, and natural infant behaviors may keep infants out of the NICU, but other barriers may limit implementation. Infants exposed to opioids in utero may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, which can vary in severity depending on many factors, such as length of exposure and type of opioid. In…

Updated Small Baby Care Guidelines Reflect 20 Years of Work Toward Improved Outcomes
 Updated Small Baby Care Guidelines Reflect 20 Years of Work Toward Improved Outcomes 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

Thorough management guidelines for babies born before 27 weeks’ gestation join the program’s long list of accomplishments in improving survival and standardizing care for this vulnerable population. As the Small Baby Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is also releasing its latest set of care guidelines for their tiny patients. Divided…

Breaking New Ground in Cancer Immunotherapy
 Breaking New Ground in Cancer Immunotherapy 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Nationwide Children’s researchers develop a scalable, targeted approach to overcoming cancer’s toughest challenges. Despite significant advances in treatments, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Traditional therapies, while improving patient outcomes, still have limitations — such as the need for frequent dosing, complex and costly manufacturing and severe side effects. These challenges…

Why Aren’t Pediatric Kidney Stone Patients Returning for Follow-up After Surgery?
 Why Aren’t Pediatric Kidney Stone Patients Returning for Follow-up After Surgery? 1024 732 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Kidney stones in children are on the rise, and many of these children miss critical post-op follow-ups. What prevents them from returning, and how can we help? Since 2000, kidney stone cases in the U.S. pediatric population have risen by 6–10% annually, leading to a corresponding increase in surgical interventions. Alarmingly, nearly half of pediatric…

CD38-CAR NK Cell Therapy Has Antitumor Potential for Treating CD38-Expressing Hematologic Malignancies
 CD38-CAR NK Cell Therapy Has Antitumor Potential for Treating CD38-Expressing Hematologic Malignancies 1024 649 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Investigators from Nationwide Children’s Hospital created fratricide-resistant and metabolically-enhanced chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) and T cells that have cytotoxic effects on many hematologic tumors. “One of the problems that we usually have with blood cancers is making effective therapies using immune cells, because the immune cells then recognize themselves as a threat…

Linaclotide: A New Option For Chronic Pediatric Constipation
 Linaclotide: A New Option For Chronic Pediatric Constipation 1024 668 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Phase 3 Trial at Nationwide Children’s Supports Safety and Efficacy in Children Aged 6–17. Constipation, a common issue for children, can be a source of prolonged struggle and distress for young patients and their families. Despite many treatments being available, some children continue to battle with this condition for years. There is a lack of…

What Pediatric Endocrinologists Need to Know About Diabetes in the Age of GLP-1s
 What Pediatric Endocrinologists Need to Know About Diabetes in the Age of GLP-1s 1024 683 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic (semaglutide) offer new opportunities for managing pediatric diabetes and obesity. These medications target insulin resistance and related comorbidities, but their use raises questions about safety, access and ethical considerations. In the following interview, Leena Mamilly, MD, and Rohan K. Henry, MD, pediatric endocrinology experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, explore…

Real-Time Arrhythmia Detection in Adults With Fontan Palliation
 Real-Time Arrhythmia Detection in Adults With Fontan Palliation 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Evaluating the Utility and Accuracy of Patient-Driven Wearable EKG Monitoring Devices Patient-driven diagnostic wearables, such as personal EKG devices, are popular among adults interested in heart health. However, little is known about the accuracy of these devices for adults with congenital heart disease. “Research supports smartphone-based heart monitors for detecting normal rhythms and atrial fibrillation…

How Accurate is Pediatric Bipolar Disorder Testing?
 How Accurate is Pediatric Bipolar Disorder Testing? 1024 683 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Symptom-based bipolar disorder tests accurately diagnose pediatric bipolar disorder, with parent-reported tests being among the most accurate. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of bipolar disorder index tests, parent-reported tests are more accurate than self- or teacher-reported tests. The analysis, led by Cristian Alcaíno, a doctoral candidate at…

Improving Pediatric Clinical Trials by Incorporating Parent Input
 Improving Pediatric Clinical Trials by Incorporating Parent Input 1024 681 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

A Parent Council in an ongoing pediatric stroke rehabilitation trial provides important insights into how parent involvement can inform and enrich the research process. While the need for diverse and inclusive clinical trial populations has been acknowledged for the last few decades, the value of input into trial design from the patient (and in pediatrics,…

Treatment for Substance Use Disorder in the Synthetic Opioid Era
 Treatment for Substance Use Disorder in the Synthetic Opioid Era 1024 683 Alaina Doklovic
By: Alaina Doklovic

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is the recommended first line treatment for adolescents with opioid use disorder (OUD), the chronic use of opioids and/or synthetic opioids that causes clinically significant distress or impairment. Buprenorphine is the most accessible medication for MOUD. Studies show long-term use of buprenorphine decreases opioid use, reduces overdose risk and…

Introducing the Fourth Wave of the Drug Epidemic
 Introducing the Fourth Wave of the Drug Epidemic 1024 575 Alaina Doklovic
By: Alaina Doklovic

Drug overdoses and poisoning are the third leading cause of pediatric death. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of fentanyl-related overdoses, with 15-19 year olds being the most affected. In the Ohio illicit drug supply, as shared by the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC), the emerging drugs, known as…

Harm Reduction: Meeting Patients With Substance Use Disorders Where They Are
 Harm Reduction: Meeting Patients With Substance Use Disorders Where They Are 1024 768 Alaina Doklovic
By: Alaina Doklovic

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, fewer than 10% of adolescents with a substance use disorder receive care. Of those 10%, many are not ready to engage in treatment. They are often brought in by a parent or guardian. Harm reduction is an opportunity to engage all adolescents, whether they are…

Largest Pediatric ECMO Repository in the United States Celebrates 10 Years of Research
 Largest Pediatric ECMO Repository in the United States Celebrates 10 Years of Research 1024 537 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

The ECMO Repository at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is the first and larges of its kind in children’s hospitals in the United States. In December 2014, The Heart Center and Center for Cardiovascular Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital launched an initiative to prospectively collect biologic samples from pediatric patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) – a…

Bridging the Fertility Awareness Gap in Adolescents With PCOS
 Bridging the Fertility Awareness Gap in Adolescents With PCOS 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Assessing knowledge, concerns and quality of life to inform early clinical counseling While polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common in adolescent females, little is known about how the potential for long-term complications like infertility affect young patients’ well-being. Research with adult PCOS patients has found links between fertility challenges and diminished psychosocial well-being. However, there…

A Novel EEG Evaluation Method for Children With Infantile Spasms
 A Novel EEG Evaluation Method for Children With Infantile Spasms 1024 677 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Clinician-researchers have developed a rapid training program to learn the BASED score, a novel EEG evaluation method. The easily accessible training program allows clinicians to reliably determine the response to treatment. Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome is a severe form of early childhood epilepsy. Onset typically occurs in infants 4 to 8 months old and is…

The Nurse Perception of Infant Condition (NPIC) Scale: A Tool for NICU Nurses to Evaluate Neonatal Well-being
 The Nurse Perception of Infant Condition (NPIC) Scale: A Tool for NICU Nurses to Evaluate Neonatal Well-being 1024 683 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD
Baby in NICU

Investigators from Nationwide Children’s Hospital developed a tool for nurses to use when assessing a neonate’s wellbeing, called the Nurse Perception of Infant Condition (NPIC) Scale. “For neonates, it was hard to find a scale that was relevant and would allow us to measure anything for research,” says Christine A. Fortney, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN,…

Establishing Meaningful Clinical Outcome Measures for Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Cystic Fibrosis
 Establishing Meaningful Clinical Outcome Measures for Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Cystic Fibrosis 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Understanding the minimal clinically important differences of PROMs is crucial in interpreting results in clinical trials. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are a set of standardized questions that directly assess the patient’s perspective of their symptoms and quality of life to better understand their experience with a disease or treatment. PROMs support patient-centered care and are…

Black Youth Experience Disparities in Care for First-Episode Psychosis in Ohio
 Black Youth Experience Disparities in Care for First-Episode Psychosis in Ohio 1024 683 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Black youth enrolled in Medicaid were more likely to experience a first-episode psychosis (FEP) event and be diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder but less likely to receive key early intervention services than White youth.   “It’s been known for a long time, especially in the United States, that Black individuals specifically face racial disparities when…

Childhood-Onset Rumination Syndrome: Insights from 15 Years of Research
 Childhood-Onset Rumination Syndrome: Insights from 15 Years of Research 1024 680 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Close up color photo of little boy holding hands on his belly

Education is needed to improve diagnostic timelines and treatment outcomes for pediatric patients. Childhood-onset rumination syndrome presents significant diagnostic challenges, even for gastroenterologists. Physicians often misdiagnose the symptoms as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Initial treatments frequently fail, leading to delays in accurate diagnosis. Patients can experience symptoms for 2 to 3 years before receiving an accurate…

Exploring Pediatric Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage: Causes and Outcomes
 Exploring Pediatric Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage: Causes and Outcomes 1024 575 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory
Illustration of lungs on blue silhouette of upper chest on black background

In a groundbreaking study published in Pediatric Pulmonology, Sarah P. Cohen, MD, MS, and Katelyn Krivchenia, MD — both from Nationwide Children’s Hospital — along with their team investigate diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) in children, a rare but life-threatening condition involving bleeding into the lungs. The study unveils the complex interplay of causes and outcomes associated…

Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment: What You Need to Know
 Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment: What You Need to Know 1024 575 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
Color image of young boy asleep in bed

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition in children, is definitively diagnosed with sleep studies and can be treated through various modalities, depending on disease severity. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by snoring, gas exchange abnormalities and disrupted sleep, with near-complete airway blockage. Affecting approximately 1% to 4% of preschool children, with…

How Does Cannabis Use During Pregnancy Affect Children?
 How Does Cannabis Use During Pregnancy Affect Children? 1024 683 Katelyn Scott
By: Katelyn Scott

A recent study shows that prenatal exposure to cannabis is associated with poorer thinking skills and behaviors.  In a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers found prenatal cannabis exposure was associated in early childhood with poorer thinking skills and behaviors such as impulse control, paying attention and planning ability, and more aggressive behavior, all of…

Advancing Care for Infants with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: New Insights into Maternal and Community Health Factors
 Advancing Care for Infants with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: New Insights into Maternal and Community Health Factors 1024 537 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Nationwide Children’s Heart Center explores the impact of maternal and social determinants of health on congenital heart disease. While maternal-fetal environment factors are known to impact outcomes in babies who receive the traditional Norwood surgery to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), there is little research on how the maternal-fetal environment affects outcomes after the…

Subclinical Herpes Simplex Virus in Neonates: What to Do?
 Subclinical Herpes Simplex Virus in Neonates: What to Do? 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

Neonates can test positive for HSV without having visible lesions or other classic symptoms, leaving clinical uncertainty regarding appropriate antiviral treatment and testing protocols. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have shared data on a sample of 17 neonates who tested positive for herpes simplex virus (HSV) at mucosal sites, without any mucosal lesions, positive blood…

What Is Insulin’s Role in Diabetes-Related Urinary Tract Infections?
 What Is Insulin’s Role in Diabetes-Related Urinary Tract Infections? 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Two studies reveal how impaired insulin receptors compromise immunity in people with diabetes. While excess glucose in the urine is often thought to be the main factor behind urinary tract infections in people with diabetes, two recent studies led by Laura L. Schwartz, PhD, principal investigator in the Kidney and Urinary Tract Center at Nationwide…

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy for Cerebral Palsy: Significant Gains in Mobility and Reduction in Spasticity Treatments
 Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy for Cerebral Palsy: Significant Gains in Mobility and Reduction in Spasticity Treatments 928 1024 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory

Recent research shows that selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) significantly boosts motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly those who are ambulatory. The study highlights motor improvements and a reduced need for spasticity treatments, emphasizing SDR’s potential to enhance outcomes and quality of life for children with CP. Key Findings: Improvements in Motor Function…

Identifying Ancestry-Based Predictors of Survival in Black Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
 Identifying Ancestry-Based Predictors of Survival in Black Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia 1024 768 Alaina Doklovic
By: Alaina Doklovic

Researchers use multiomic profiling to understand ancestry-specific aspects of cancer onset and outcomes. In a recent study, published in ­­­Nature Genetics, researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC – James) compared genomic profiles of patients diagnosed with AML having self-reported and genomically-confirmed African ancestry and to patients diagnosed…

Researchers Identify Potential Prenatal Biomarkers of Congenital Heart Diseases
 Researchers Identify Potential Prenatal Biomarkers of Congenital Heart Diseases 1024 637 Katelyn Scott
By: Katelyn Scott
Heart with HLHS compared to typically developed heart

In a research letter published in Circulation Research, researchers at Nationwide Children’s describe a potential biomarker that would identify the presence of SVHD in a fetus based on a maternal blood test. Single ventricle heart diseases (SVHDs), the most severe type of congenital heart disease require immediate treatment after birth. A growing number of fetal…

Oncolytic Viroimmunotherapy Improved by Enhanced Cytokine Transgene Expression
 Oncolytic Viroimmunotherapy Improved by Enhanced Cytokine Transgene Expression 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Researchers were able to suppress in vivo tumor growth with an oncolytic virus by enhancing the production of the cytokine interleukin-12 in the tumors. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare, aggressive sarcomas that exhibit resistance to non-surgical treatment and have high rates of metastasis and relapse. The prognosis for MPNSTs is poor, with…

Pediatric Bladder Dysfunction: What to Do When Nothing Is Working
 Pediatric Bladder Dysfunction: What to Do When Nothing Is Working 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Experts review the options, helping providers and families choose the right third-line treatment for their child. Pediatric non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction, or disordered voiding, can harm patients’ self-esteem and cause stress on the family dynamic and routine. The standard pediatric treatment involves behavioral modifications such as diet, bladder training, timed voiding and pelvic floor exercises. When…

Differentiating True Measles Cases From Vaccine Shedding
 Differentiating True Measles Cases From Vaccine Shedding 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Shedding of measles vaccine RNA can occur for up to four weeks post vaccination. Detection of measles vaccine RNA following vaccination is not uncommon and may occur up to four weeks post-vaccination, according to a new study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “The frequency at which detection after MMR occurs in this patient population really highlights,…

Proteinuria Reduction in Nephrotic Syndrome Without Suppressing the Immune System
 Proteinuria Reduction in Nephrotic Syndrome Without Suppressing the Immune System 375 280 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Study suggests a distinct, non-immunosuppressive mechanism of action for drugs that ameliorate proteinuria in an NS model. Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease in children and adults. NS is characterized by dysregulation of the kidneys’ glomerular filtering units, resulting in massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. Glucocorticoids are the primary treatment…

Optimizing Outpatient Epilepsy Care With Digital Seizure Action Plans
 Optimizing Outpatient Epilepsy Care With Digital Seizure Action Plans 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Customized seizure action plans enhance care and family use. Many schools and caregivers require families of children with epilepsy to provide a written seizure action plan (SAP) signed by their primary care provider. The Epilepsy Foundation provides a printable PDF form to fill out, print and sign. However, the form is limited in providing space…

Weighing the Risk of Blood Clots With Reward of Less Pain
 Weighing the Risk of Blood Clots With Reward of Less Pain 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

For people with sickle cell disease who menstruate, hormonal contraception can be effective against SCD-related pain, but it also raises the risk of thrombosis.   As people with sickle cell disease (SCD) transition into their reproductive years, health care providers are increasingly focused on optimizing their overall health, including the safe management of contraception. For…

What Primary Care Providers Need to Know About Precocious Puberty
 What Primary Care Providers Need to Know About Precocious Puberty 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

PCPs are the first line of defense in recognizing and referring possible cases of precocious puberty to endocrinologists for formal diagnosis and treatment. Precocious puberty — signs of the onset of puberty before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys — affects less than 1% of children in the United States, and…

Shedding Light on Immune Responses in Children With Acute Asthma Exacerbations
 Shedding Light on Immune Responses in Children With Acute Asthma Exacerbations 969 533 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
Illustration of NK Cells, T Cells, other immune cells floating across white background

The innate immune system is upregulated in children hospitalized with acute asthma exacerbations, signaling a need for therapies that target innate immune pathways to help control acute asthma flare-ups more effectively.  Asthma affects more than 6 million children in the United States, yet little is known about the immune responses that occur with acute asthma…

Treating Obesity With GLP-1s — Finding the Way Forward
 Treating Obesity With GLP-1s — Finding the Way Forward 150 150 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

Using lessons learned from medicating mental and behavioral health conditions, Stephen Cook, MD, offers suggestions about how medications approved for adolescents with obesity should become part of care.   For most of the time in Western medicine, people have treated obesity like a choice — not a disease. Like other conditions now understood to be…