All articles tagged with #pediatric health
Researchers have developed the first comprehensive reference charts for blood vessel stiffness in healthy young people, which could enable early detection of cardiovascular risk long before symptoms appear, guiding preventive treatment in pediatric and adolescent populations.
A 12-year-old boy with a rare skin disorder, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, has improved his quality of life and ability to play sports after participating in a clinical trial involving stem cell infusions, which showed promising results in healing wounds and reducing inflammation.
A 6-year-old girl developed a rare case of orbital cellulitis caused by a dental infection that spread to her sinuses and eye, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent vision loss and life-threatening complications.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is experiencing an unusual surge this summer, with more cases reported in schools and daycares across several states, although exact data is limited due to reporting practices.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests a potential link between childhood tonsillectomy and an increased risk of stress-related disorders later in life. The research, which analyzed data from Sweden's health database, found that individuals who had their tonsils removed were 43% more likely to develop stress disorders, including a 55% higher risk of PTSD. While the study adjusted for various factors, the exact cause of this correlation remains unclear, with possibilities ranging from increased infection susceptibility to changes in the immune system.
Twelve-year-old Owen Jacobsen, who suffered from frequent seizures due to a brain tumor, has found relief following a successful neurosurgery using Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. The minimally invasive procedure, performed by Dr. Robert Bollo, has left Owen seizure-free since September 2023, allowing him to return to his normal activities and thrive. The hospital is recognized for its excellence in neurology and neurosurgery outcomes.
Cases of walking pneumonia and whooping cough are rising nationally and locally, with experts attributing the increase to diminished immunity from COVID-19 mitigation measures like masking and social distancing. Walking pneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, lacks a specific vaccine but can be treated with antibiotics. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is spreading particularly in Ohio, with Montgomery County reporting significant cases. Vaccination remains the best protection against whooping cough, with DTaP and Tdap vaccines recommended for children and pregnant women.
Two young boys in Texas contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) after visiting water parks, leading to severe symptoms including painful lesions, high fever, and seizures. Pediatricians warn that HFMD cases rise in early summer and fall, and the disease is highly contagious, often spread through contact with infected fluids or water. Parents are advised to be vigilant and ensure children avoid contact with others if diagnosed.
A Johnston County family is fighting to help their 6-year-old daughter, Noelle Franklin, overcome stage 4 bone cancer, with significant support from the community. Noelle, who was previously healthy, was diagnosed after a bump on her leg led to a biopsy. The family is receiving treatment at Duke Health and has been bolstered by a Facebook page and GoFundMe campaign. A benefit event is planned in Clayton to further support their cause.
A new study published in NEJM Evidence suggests that introducing smooth peanut butter to infants as early as 4 months old and continuing until around age 5 can reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy by 71% in adolescence. This approach, based on the principle of oral tolerance induction, has shown lasting protection against peanut allergies, even when peanut consumption is not consistent after age 5. The findings support early peanut introduction under pediatric guidance, especially for children at low risk for allergies.
Theo Huot de Saint-Albin, a 12-year-old boy, has been battling long COVID for four years, experiencing chronic migraines, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), muscle pain, extreme fatigue, and brain fog. He is one of potentially millions of children in the U.S. affected by long COVID, with symptoms lasting for months or years. Despite facing misdiagnoses and challenges, Theo received a diagnosis and is receiving treatment at the Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, where a multidisciplinary team is helping kids manage their symptoms and return to normal life.
A recent study suggests that up to 5.8 million children are experiencing long COVID, with symptoms varying widely and potentially leading to serious health issues such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome and an increased risk of type 1 diabetes. One mother, Amanda Goodhart, shares the heartbreaking struggle of watching her 6-year-old son, Logan, battle long COVID with limited treatment options and ongoing symptoms, including circulatory and gastrointestinal problems. The study underscores the urgent need for more research and effective treatments for pediatric long COVID.
A 16-year-old boy from California, who weighed 385 pounds, experienced a significant health transformation after an 11-month course of the weight loss drug Wegovy, shedding 90 pounds and reducing his risk of several diseases. The use of Wegovy and similar weight-loss drugs in adolescents is on the rise, with concerns about long-term effects and costs, but also potential benefits in preventing disease. However, some medical experts urge caution due to the lack of evidence about how these medications may affect the development of growing children.
A 15-year-old girl in Boston experienced vocal cord paralysis after contracting COVID-19, resulting in difficulty breathing and speaking. Doctors performed a tracheostomy to alleviate her symptoms, allowing her to breathe and speak more easily. Despite speech therapy not improving her condition, the girl was able to have the tube removed just in time for her high school graduation and prom. This is the first reported case of vocal cord paralysis in a child following a COVID-19 infection, highlighting the need for awareness of potential complications in pediatric patients.
Rates of severe obesity in children are increasing, leading to a rise in bariatric surgeries among kids. A research letter published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that metabolic and bariatric surgeries in children aged 10 to 19 increased by nearly 20% between 2020 and 2021. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the use of bariatric surgery in children with severe obesity who meet certain criteria. Experts attribute the rise in surgeries to increased acceptance and endorsement by medical professionals, as well as the desire to address severe obesity earlier in life. Bariatric surgery has been shown to have positive long-term effects on weight reduction and health improvements in adolescents. However, the procedure does come with risks, including infection, bleeding, and nutritional deficiencies. It is important for parents to have open and informed conversations with their children and engage with the bariatric team to ensure the best outcomes for their child's overall health and well-being.