ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a lifesaver for kids with severe breathing problems. It's like a temporary lung, giving their own lungs a break to heal. Doctors are always learning more about how to use it best. New tech and better ways to manage ECMO are changing how doctors treat kids. They're picking the right patients and using better methods. T...
Kids often face a tough time with constipation. It's a common issue that can lead to something more serious called fecal impaction. This is when hardened stool gets stuck in the intestines. Doctors often use laxatives to help clear things out. But how they give these laxatives can make a big difference. There are two main ways to give laxatives to kids: through the ...
The medical world is always looking for ways to help kids fight serious diseases. One such battle is against a condition called Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH). This is a mouthful, so let's break it down. EBV is a common virus that many people have. HLH is a rare but dangerous immune system disorder. When these two team up, ...
Hyper IgE Syndrome, also called Job's syndrome, is a rare condition. It messes with the immune system. Kids with this syndrome get sick often and have high levels of a certain antibody. This antibody is called immunoglobulin E. Most people know about the lung and body-wide problems it causes. However, skin issues are also a big deal. Many people do not know that ski...
The world of viruses is vast and mysterious. In the realm of hospitals, young patients often battle more than meets the eye. A study focused on the tiny, unseen viruses that can affect the respiratory system of children who are hospitalized. These viruses are part of what is known as the respiratory virome. The goal was to understand what kinds of viruses are pre...
The ER is a busy place, especially when it comes to kids with fevers. Doctors often face a challenge: predicting which children might need to be admitted to the hospital, sent to the ICU, or stay longer than expected. This is where electronic health records (EHRs) come in. They hold a wealth of information that could help make these predictions. However, EHRs often h...
Epilepsy in kids can be tough to handle, especially when medicines don't work and scans show nothing unusual. Doctors often turn to fancy tests like PET, SPECT, and ECOG to find where the seizures start. These tests can be pricey and hard to find, making things even harder in places with fewer resources. In some countries, doctors are trying to figure out if surgery...
Hospitals can be scary places for kids. Medical procedures often bring pain and fear, which is why sedation is frequently used. However, sedation isn't always the best solution, as it comes with its own set of health risks. Caregivers, typically parents, also feel the stress. Their anxiety can make the child's experience even worse. It's a tough cycle to break. Ther...
In the world of pediatric medicine, infectious pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (IPAP) are a rare but serious condition. This issue involves abnormal bulges in the blood vessels of the lungs, caused by infections. These bulges can lead to serious problems, including breathing difficulties and even death in some cases. Three young patients, ranging from a 2-month-old...
Spinal column shortening is a new way to treat a condition called secondary tethered cord syndrome. This condition happens when the spinal cord gets stuck and can't move properly. Doctors have been using this method on adults for a while. But recently, they've started using it on kids too. This is a big deal because it's a different approach than the usual untetherin...