Close
Enter your
text here

In Brief

Water Beads: Sensory Fun or Ticket to the Emergency Department?
 Water Beads: Sensory Fun or Ticket to the Emergency Department? 1024 683 Laura Dattner
By: Laura Dattner

Researchers find ED visits more than doubled from 2021 to 2022 and call for federal legislation and regulation to address this child hazard. Researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy and Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have found more than an estimated 8,000 visits to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) associated…

Nationwide Children’s Researchers Awarded Funding to Carry Out Groundbreaking Research on Single Ventricle Heart Disease
 Nationwide Children’s Researchers Awarded Funding to Carry Out Groundbreaking Research on Single Ventricle Heart Disease 150 150 Madison Storm
By: Madison Storm

The American Heart Association (AHA) and Additional Ventures have announced funding for five teams of scientists for research on single ventricle heart disease. Four researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital were included in the grant awards, building off their ongoing work in regenerative medicine and cardiovascular research. These Collaborative Sciences Awards bring together researchers from various…

Evaluating Teaching Methods in Pulmonary Physiology
 Evaluating Teaching Methods in Pulmonary Physiology 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Does the flipped classroom or engaging lecture technique create better learning outcomes? In the Pediatric Pulmonary Physiology fellowship program at Nationwide Children’s, the flipped classroom approach was primarily used to teach pulmonary physiology. This necessary curriculum component can be challenging to teach and learn, particularly due to the complex nature of the subject matter and…

Supporting Tracheostomy Decision-Making for Families and Providers
 Supporting Tracheostomy Decision-Making for Families and Providers 1024 683 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

The Trach Scoring Tool, developed by leaders in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, offers support for physicians and families. The decision of when to do a tracheostomy on an infant is difficult, to say the least, says Leif Nelin, MD, division chief of Neonatology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Every family has different knowledge,…

Study Reveals New Use for GER Tool in Neonates: Swallowing Analysis
 Study Reveals New Use for GER Tool in Neonates: Swallowing Analysis 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
Dr. Jadcherla

Investigators have repurposed a simple test for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease to provide valuable insight into multiple swallowing abnormalities in newborn babies. A tool used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in hospitalized neonates now has another use: characterizing swallowing abilities. The researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who pioneered the objective use of the test,…

Evaluating Caregiver Report of Developmental Delays in Young Children
 Evaluating Caregiver Report of Developmental Delays in Young Children 1024 681 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Caregiver-report measures of cognitive skills correlate with direct assessments by clinicians. Researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital report that a standardized caregiver interview can effectively identify children at risk for cognitive developmental delays. The findings suggest that caregiver-report measures may be useful in assessing young children, particularly when direct clinical assessment is not feasible. For children…

Disrupting Mitochondrial Pyruvate Uptake in Kidney Tubular Cells Bolsters Antioxidant Responses and Protects From Acute Kidney Injury
 Disrupting Mitochondrial Pyruvate Uptake in Kidney Tubular Cells Bolsters Antioxidant Responses and Protects From Acute Kidney Injury 1024 732 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Blocking mitochondrial pyruvate uptake in the kidney was found to upregulate oxidant defense systems, ultimately mitigating the effects of an acute kidney injury (AKI). “The kidney has these reabsorption units, tubular cells, that reabsorb glucose, amino acids and specific ions. These units spend a lot of mitochondrial energy, so they need a lot of ATP…

Uncovering Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pediatric Sleep Research
 Uncovering Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pediatric Sleep Research 1024 683 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory

In a recent study published in the Journal of Biomedical Informatics, Mattina Davenport, PhD, principal investigator in the Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, explores the impact of biases in clinical documentation on pediatric sleep research. The Motivation Behind the Study Pediatric sleep…

Novel Brace for Hip Immobilization After Bladder Exstrophy Repair
 Novel Brace for Hip Immobilization After Bladder Exstrophy Repair 150 150 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

An innovative orthopedic brace allows families to avoid the disadvantages of casts, external fixators and traction devices after bladder exstrophy surgery. After bladder exstrophy repair — a complicated surgery to move a baby’s bladder from outside of the abdomen to the inside — postoperative hip position can cause tension on the incisions, making pelvic immobilization…

Does Coinfection Lead to Longer Ventilation Times?
 Does Coinfection Lead to Longer Ventilation Times? 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

New multicenter study evaluates treatments and diagnoses of respiratory infections in young patients.    Lower respiratory tract infection, or bronchiolitis, is one of the most common reasons for intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mechanical ventilation in children younger than two years old. Despite this, little current research exists regarding the most effective treatment when…

Demystifying Machine Learning With AutoML
 Demystifying Machine Learning With AutoML 1024 683 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

A Nationwide Children’s Hospital team from the Office of Data Sciences recently won the Advanced ML tier in the precisionFDA Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) App-a-thon Challenge: Democratizing and Demystifying Artificial Intelligence (AI). Each year, the FDA hosts challenges centered around data science and bioinformatics. This year, the challenge focuses on AutoML, a low-code ML technique…

Early Detection and Multidisciplinary Care: Successful Management of Duodenal Atresia
 Early Detection and Multidisciplinary Care: Successful Management of Duodenal Atresia 150 150 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

The team in the Fetal Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital shares their comprehensive approach for best possible outcomes.  When a routine ultrasound reveals two enlarged, fluid-filled bubbles in the baby’s abdomen, known as the “double bubble” sign, pregnant patients and their families often feel scared and concerned. These bubbles indicate duodenal atresia, a congenital condition…

Comparing Outcomes Between Direct and ED Admissions for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
 Comparing Outcomes Between Direct and ED Admissions for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia 1024 681 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
sleeping infant

Does the method of admission affect care for patients with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia? Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, with jaundice as its primary symptom, can be scary for parents of newborns. This condition requires a blood test to measure bilirubin levels for diagnosis. Despite its concerning appearance, hyperbilirubinemia is very treatable, and patients are usually at low risk for…

Clinical Differences in Early-Onset and Adolescent-Onset Rumination Syndrome
 Clinical Differences in Early-Onset and Adolescent-Onset Rumination Syndrome 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Study suggests rumination syndrome in young children is less severe initially and improves over time.   Early-onset rumination syndrome is clinically distinct from adolescent-onset rumination syndrome, according to a new report out of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In this largest study of pediatric patients with rumination syndrome to date, researchers found differences in sex distribution, co-occurring…

What Pediatricians Need to Know About Over-the-Counter Oral Contraception
 What Pediatricians Need to Know About Over-the-Counter Oral Contraception 1024 683 Elise Berlan, MD, MPH and Caroline Weingart, MD
By: Elise Berlan, MD, MPH and Caroline Weingart, MD
Teenage girl having stomach ache, young woman health care provider examining her.

The first over-the-counter contraceptive pill – the Opill® – is currently available in retail outlets and online. The FDA approved the sale of Opill® (nongestural 0.075mg), the first over-the-counter birth control pill without age restrictions, in July 2023. Now, nearly a year later, it will be available soon in retail outlets and online. As a…

Understanding How Youths With Autism Make the Move to Adult Health Care
 Understanding How Youths With Autism Make the Move to Adult Health Care 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Study finds overlap in the utilization of pediatric and adult health care is the norm. In a new study, researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University teamed up to better understand how adolescents and young adults with autism navigate the transition from pediatric to adult health care. “We wanted to characterize the…

Refining the Role of Basal Urothelial Cells in Bladder Development
 Refining the Role of Basal Urothelial Cells in Bladder Development 1024 683 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Basal keratin 5 urothelial cells (K5-UCs) were found to be age-restricted progenitors in bladders and their progenitor potential could be rescued by exogenous proliferative cues.   “The identity of the bladder urothelium progenitor is controversial and confounded by slow turnover, and a low mitotic index during homeostasis,” says Ashley R. Jackson, PhD, principal investigator in…

How Does Hodgkin Lymphoma Differ With Age?
 How Does Hodgkin Lymphoma Differ With Age? 150 150 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

A new study reveals age-related differences in pathology and medical management. When Anthony N. Audino, MD, a pediatric oncologist in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT at Nationwide Children’s, first met a preschool-aged patient with Hodgkin lymphoma, he was surprised. “It was startling to see someone so young with this disease because it’s typically diagnosed between…

New Study Demonstrates Potential for a Gene Therapy for Vanishing White Matter Disease
 New Study Demonstrates Potential for a Gene Therapy for Vanishing White Matter Disease 1024 552 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

The research, conducted in mouse models, shows promising safety and efficacy for a currently incurable, life-limiting condition. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have confirmed initial safety and efficacy data for a gene supplementation therapy for Vanishing White Matter (VWM) disease in mouse models. Testing multiple versions of therapy in two separate mouse models representing different…

Surgical Repair of Traumatic Hip Dislocations With Acetabular “Fleck” Signs
 Surgical Repair of Traumatic Hip Dislocations With Acetabular “Fleck” Signs 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD
Kevin Klingele, MD

Surgical hip dislocation with open labral repair produced excellent clinical outcomes in pediatric patients. The acetabular “fleck” sign is a radiographic finding indicative of significant labral injury in young patients with traumatic hip dislocations. In a new study, researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital show that treatment by surgical hip dislocation with open labral repair leads…

Opportunities to Reduce Stress for Parents of Kids With Autism
 Opportunities to Reduce Stress for Parents of Kids With Autism 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

Research suggests parenting self-efficacy and family resources influence parental stress levels, offering potential modifiable targets for clinicians aiming to help families thrive.   A study led by pediatric psychology experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital has confirmed that parenting self-efficacy is associated with parental stress levels in families of children with autism, and that parenting self-efficacy…

A Noncardiomyocyte Signaling Pathway in Early Heart Development
 A Noncardiomyocyte Signaling Pathway in Early Heart Development 1024 670 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Study demonstrates role for endocardial cells in myocardial trabeculation. A new study in Nature Communications from researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides novel insights into a signaling pathway that regulates the developing myocardium during early heart development. The findings have implications for understanding congenital heart disease and myocardial regeneration. This research was led by Deqiang…

Transnasal Endoscopy: Easing Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Treatment Monitoring
 Transnasal Endoscopy: Easing Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Treatment Monitoring 1024 683 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

Finding the most effective treatment for EoE can be a challenging process. Transnasal endoscopy decreases the burden of repeated endoscopies. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are a chronic and complex group of diseases characterized by having abnormal numbers of eosinophils in parts of the GI tract. This results in chronic inflammation and tissue damage that can lead…

Outcomes of Colonic Pull-Through for Patients With Cloacal Exstrophy: Is it Really Helping Kids?
 Outcomes of Colonic Pull-Through for Patients With Cloacal Exstrophy: Is it Really Helping Kids? 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Collaborative study reveals infrequent utilization of the procedure and identifies factors correlated with success. Cloacal exstrophy is a rare grouping of congenital anorectal malformations. Although once nearly uniformly fatal, survival has increased significantly, and with it, the focus on long-term outcomes. In the last 15 years, a reconstructive surgery known as colonic pull-through has been…

Reducing Hospital Stays After Fontan Procedures by More Than 66%
 Reducing Hospital Stays After Fontan Procedures by More Than 66% 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Black and white photo of boy sitting up on hospital bed

A new quality improvement initiative implements new guidelines using an innovative chest tube commonly used in adults.   Before April 2020, the average length of hospital stay for patients undergoing the Fontan procedure at Nationwide Children’s was about 23 days. This prolonged hospitalization stay was longer than many other institutions due to prolonged chest tube…

How Does Thickened Formula Affect Reflux in Infants?
 How Does Thickened Formula Affect Reflux in Infants? 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Infants in the neonatal intensive care unit with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are often fed formula with added rice cereal or other thickeners, despite limited evidence of its efficacy or long-term consequences. Additionally, the consequences of thickened feeds are not well-studied, says Sudarshan Jadcherla, MD, a principal investigator at the Center for Perinatal Research…

Donor-Derived NK Cells Safe and Efficacious in Relapsed and Refractory AML
 Donor-Derived NK Cells Safe and Efficacious in Relapsed and Refractory AML 1024 649 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck
artistic rendering of an NK cell on a faded blue background with other cells faintly visible in the background

Researchers have used their approach for growing large numbers of NK cells to allow repeated dosing for a more effective and less toxic treatment.   Outcomes for patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) have not significantly improved over the last 30 years. For example, a recent study of patients treated with…

Telemedicine’s Past, Present and Future Role in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care
 Telemedicine’s Past, Present and Future Role in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care 1024 683 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory

A recent study sheds light on how telemedicine’s use during the pandemic has reshaped care delivery for children with IBD.   A recent study published in Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition utilized electronic medical record data to compare the volume, duration and nature of office and telemedicine visits for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel…

Trauma and Resilience in Youth With Opioid Use and Eating Disorders
 Trauma and Resilience in Youth With Opioid Use and Eating Disorders 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Teen girl with backpack

Health care providers should expect patients to have hidden traumas and reduced resilience.   When treating adolescents and young adults in the Substance Use Treatment and Recovery program at Nationwide Children’s, medical director Erin R. McKnight, MD, MPH, noticed that while most of her young patients had experienced some trauma in their lives, some patients…

Improving Medication Adherence and Clinical Outcomes After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
 Improving Medication Adherence and Clinical Outcomes After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant 1024 683 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

A clinical trial is evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of a mobile app in improving medication adherence, symptoms and clinical outcomes in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell patients. A research team led by Micah Skeens, PhD, APRN, FAAN, principal investigator in the Center for Biobehavioral Health at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute, assistant professor of pediatrics…

Connecting Well-being to Compassionate Care in Pediatric Residents
 Connecting Well-being to Compassionate Care in Pediatric Residents 1024 683 Madison Storm
By: Madison Storm

A multicenter study identified several well-being factors associated with pediatric residents’ confidence in providing calm, compassionate care to patients. Suzanne Reed, MD, has been interested in medical education since her training as a medical student. Captivated by the academic side of education, Dr. Reed has dedicated much of her research and clinical work to medical…

Supporting Optimal Developmental Outcomes After Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
 Supporting Optimal Developmental Outcomes After Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome 1024 575 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller
Photo of a toddler playing with toys

Children with prenatal opioid exposure have a higher risk for developmental and behavioral concerns. Prenatal opioid exposure is still far too common. Experts estimate that one infant who has been exposed to opioids is born every 15 minutes in the United States.  While standard diagnostic criteria for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) were recently proposed,…

Scalable Delivery of Universal Suicide Prevention in Schools
 Scalable Delivery of Universal Suicide Prevention in Schools 1024 657 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Implementing the Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention and Screening Program   Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 19 years, and data indicate no sign of it decreasing as a major public health issue. While acute care and crisis intervention are critical efforts to reduce adolescent suicide rates, there is…

Infliximab Biosimilars Improve Growth Outcomes in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
 Infliximab Biosimilars Improve Growth Outcomes in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Treatment with either the infliximab originator or a biosimilar improves clinical and growth outcomes. In a new study, researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital report that children with inflammatory bowel disease showed similar growth and clinical outcomes whether they were treated with the infliximab originator or a biosimilar agent. The results add to the growing literature…

New Approach to Understanding Slow Oscillations in the Sleeping Brain
 New Approach to Understanding Slow Oscillations in the Sleeping Brain 150 150 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Investigators have proposed a novel model-based approach that leverages data generated during sleep to mimic global slow oscillations in the sleeping brain with closed-loop (cl) Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS). “We’re really interested in the sleeping brain because as we develop, the brain is changing. During sleep, we process information that we learn during the…

Integrating PCOS Research and Clinical Care for Adolescents
 Integrating PCOS Research and Clinical Care for Adolescents 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Black and white image of teen girl posing outside

Researchers at Nationwide Children’s are participating in building the first-ever national registry of adolescent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patient data through a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research grant. The grant will collect patient data from more than 12 multidisciplinary PCOS clinics, including Nationwide Children’s. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can cause irregular menstrual…

How Are Insulin Pumps Being Utilized for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes?
 How Are Insulin Pumps Being Utilized for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes? 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Diabetic girl with an insulin pump connected to her leg

A multicenter observational study of 22,000 children and adults shows improving quality of life for patients with type 1 diabetes.    Type 1 diabetes diagnoses are increasing among children, particularly those in racial/ethnic minority groups. New technology, specifically insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, may improve quality of life and long-term outcomes. However,…

Spinal Anesthesia – an Alternative for Infants Undergoing Surgery
 Spinal Anesthesia – an Alternative for Infants Undergoing Surgery 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

A new study highlights the safety and efficacy of more than 1,000 surgeries using spinal anesthesia. Nationwide Children’s Infant Spinal Anesthesia Program, headed by Grant J. Heydinger, MD, a pediatric attending anesthesiologist in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, recently published the results of a multiyear study of spinal anesthesia for infants undergoing surgery…

Improving UTI Detection in Neonates: Antimicrobial Peptides and Cotton Balls
 Improving UTI Detection in Neonates: Antimicrobial Peptides and Cotton Balls 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

New research sets the stage for less-invasive urinary tract infection identification in neonates 22-37 weeks gestational age. A team of researchers driving the revolution in urinary tract infection (UTI) identification using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has now expanded their focus from adults and children to newborns – including those born prematurely. Their latest study, published in…

Novel Immunotherapy Approach Enhances Immune Surveillance in Gliomas
 Novel Immunotherapy Approach Enhances Immune Surveillance in Gliomas 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Genetically engineered myeloid cells release interleukin-2, which helps the immune system overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in gliomas.   Gliomas — tumors originating from the neuronal support (glial) cells of the central nervous system — are one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in adolescents and young adults. Approximately two-thirds of gliomas in these…

Modulator Therapy Improves Chronic Sinus Disease in Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis
 Modulator Therapy Improves Chronic Sinus Disease in Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Following 1 year of therapy, patients showed improved sinus CT metrics and clinical outcomes. Over the last decade, the development of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator drugs has revolutionized the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). The most widely used modulator is the triple combination elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI), which is approved for people with CF…

What Pulmonologists Need to Know About Respiratory Insufficiency in Neuromuscular Disease
 What Pulmonologists Need to Know About Respiratory Insufficiency in Neuromuscular Disease 600 400 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

The RIND Study Group has released new consensus criteria to proactively identify hypoventilation in children with neuromuscular diseases. Recently released consensus criteria from an expert panel of pediatric pulmonologists and sleep specialists define and provide diagnosis guidance surrounding respiratory insufficiency in neuromuscular disease (RIND). The results from the 15-member RIND Study Group’s Delphi study, published…

Clinical Trial Shows Promising Results for AAV Gene Therapy for LGMD 2E/R4
 Clinical Trial Shows Promising Results for AAV Gene Therapy for LGMD 2E/R4 1024 783 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

Recently published in Nature Medicine, interim results from a Phase 1/2 trial offer promising results.   Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) 2E/R4 is a rare, progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the β-sarcoglycan (SGCB) gene. These mutations lead to SGCB protein deficiency, ultimately resulting in muscle loss. Progressive, debilitating weakness and wasting begin in the…

Magnetically Controlled Limb Lengthening Devices Safe for Patients With Programmable Implantable Devices, Study Shows
 Magnetically Controlled Limb Lengthening Devices Safe for Patients With Programmable Implantable Devices, Study Shows 1024 575 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory

Recent study evaluated the safety and efficacy of using magnetically controlled intramedullary nails in patients with programmable implantable devices, shedding light on a previously unexplored area of orthopedic surgery. In a pivotal study published in the Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction, led by Christopher A. Iobst, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Nationwide Children’s…

Addressing Gastrointestinal Disorders to Improve Quality of Life for Individuals With Down Syndrome
 Addressing Gastrointestinal Disorders to Improve Quality of Life for Individuals With Down Syndrome 1024 661 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory
A girl with Down syndrome smiling

Down syndrome (DS) affects approximately 1 in 700 children born in the United States, presenting with intellectual disability and distinct physical features. Alongside these challenges, individuals with DS often contend with various medical issues that impact their quality of life (QoL), including gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Recent research published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics,…

Stem Cell Study Opens Door to Understanding Development of Rare Form of Congenital Heart Disease
 Stem Cell Study Opens Door to Understanding Development of Rare Form of Congenital Heart Disease 150 150 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Researchers use induced pluripotent stem cell technology and single-cell genomics to pinpoint abnormal cell development in hypoplastic right heart syndrome. A rare form of hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS), pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS), occurs when the structures on the right side of the heart are malformed. Specifically, in PA-IVS, the pulmonary valve…

Higher Respiratory Severity Scores Associated with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension Risk
 Higher Respiratory Severity Scores Associated with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension Risk 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

The RSS score is noninvasive and may be clinically useful for risk stratification in extremely preterm infants. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s report that elevations in the respiratory severity score were correlated with an increased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants. This study identifies a pragmatic clinical risk score that can be measured…

Adolescents With Concussion May Benefit from More Cognitive Activity as Early as the First Week After Injury
 Adolescents With Concussion May Benefit from More Cognitive Activity as Early as the First Week After Injury 1024 575 Laura Dattner
By: Laura Dattner

A new study shows limiting screen time and returning to school early following a concussion may hasten recovery timelines. In a study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers with the Center for Injury Research and Policy, Division of Sports Medicine, Center for Biobehavioral Health, and Division of Emergency Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital evaluated…

Neurorehabilitation for Children With Batten Disease
 Neurorehabilitation for Children With Batten Disease 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Therapy should be tailored to each child’s needs. Batten disease comprises a rare group of related genetic disorders characterized by progressive neurodegeneration. The disease primarily presents in childhood as seizures, vision loss, and developmental regression. Neurorehabilitation services, including physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech-language pathology therapy (SLP), can delay loss of function and…

Hear Me Read: Novel Technology Approach to Reading Skills for Children with Impaired Hearing
 Hear Me Read: Novel Technology Approach to Reading Skills for Children with Impaired Hearing 1024 683 Madison Storm
By: Madison Storm

For children who are deaf or have impaired hearing, access to sound through tools like hearing aids, cochlear implants and/or intensive speech therapy is critical for developing speech and literacy. “The challenges faced are not the same as those an adult faces,” says Prashant Malhotra, MD, surgeon in the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology and Hearing…