News on General Medical Issues
News stories of interest to parents of children with medical special needs, from the Parenting Special Needs blog and news sources around the Web. For the latest news, go to the Today's News folder.
Pediatricians Would Admit Error Only Half the Time
From HealthDay: "Doctors often don't disclose less obvious mistakes, even if they cause harm, study finds." (10/6/08)
From HealthDay: "Doctors often don't disclose less obvious mistakes, even if they cause harm, study finds." (10/6/08)
Acupressure seen to calm children before surgery
From Reuters: "Taping an acupressure bead between the eyebrows reduced anxiety noticeably in the children, compared to a similar sham treatment." (10/5/08)
From Reuters: "Taping an acupressure bead between the eyebrows reduced anxiety noticeably in the children, compared to a similar sham treatment." (10/5/08)
Doctors want FDA to halt cold medicines for kids
From Reuters: "Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be sold for young children because they are unproven and can be dangerous, doctors and consumer advocates said on Thursday, despite objections from industry representatives." (10/5/08)
From Reuters: "Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be sold for young children because they are unproven and can be dangerous, doctors and consumer advocates said on Thursday, despite objections from industry representatives." (10/5/08)
Researchers propose minocycline for patients with Fragile X syndrome
From E! Science News: "A UC Riverside-led team of biomedical scientists has found that a readily available drug called minocycline, used widely to treat acne and skin infections, can be used to treat Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of mental impairment and the most common cause of autism." (10/3/08)
From E! Science News: "A UC Riverside-led team of biomedical scientists has found that a readily available drug called minocycline, used widely to treat acne and skin infections, can be used to treat Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of mental impairment and the most common cause of autism." (10/3/08)
Ping-pong ball saves girl's life
From Parent Dish: A surgeon's quick thinking keeps a girl's liver transplant working. (9/30/08)
From Parent Dish: A surgeon's quick thinking keeps a girl's liver transplant working. (9/30/08)
I Received this Email From NOAH . . .
From Albinism, Parenting and Boston Area Kids' Activities: People with albinism in Tanzania are reaching out for help. (9/28/08)
From Albinism, Parenting and Boston Area Kids' Activities: People with albinism in Tanzania are reaching out for help. (9/28/08)
Letter to Editor
From The Princess & The Monkey: "According to United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, every 30 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease. Each year, 1,000 to 4,000 children in the United States are born with a mitochondrial disease." (9/26/08)
From The Princess & The Monkey: "According to United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, every 30 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease. Each year, 1,000 to 4,000 children in the United States are born with a mitochondrial disease." (9/26/08)
Fish in children's diet cuts eczema risk: study
From Reuters: "Introducing fish of any type into the diet curbed the risk of contracting the skin condition by 25 percent compared with children who never ate it." (9/25/08)
From Reuters: "Introducing fish of any type into the diet curbed the risk of contracting the skin condition by 25 percent compared with children who never ate it." (9/25/08)
Leigh's Disease
The About.com guide to Rare Diseases has information on the inherited metabolic disorder. (9/21/08)
The About.com guide to Rare Diseases has information on the inherited metabolic disorder. (9/21/08)
More Kids Getting Kidney Stones
From HealthDay: "Proposed reasons include sedentary lifestyle, obesity increase, processed high-salt diets. ... Some children get the stones, because birth defects in the urinary tract put them at risk for urinary obstruction. ... Another subset of children is premature infants who form stones related to the medications they require." (9/19/08)
From HealthDay: "Proposed reasons include sedentary lifestyle, obesity increase, processed high-salt diets. ... Some children get the stones, because birth defects in the urinary tract put them at risk for urinary obstruction. ... Another subset of children is premature infants who form stones related to the medications they require." (9/19/08)
Head lice getting harder to treat
The little buggers are growing resistant to current medications. All the more reason to try <a href="http://specialchildren.about.com/od/medicalissues/ht/smotherlice.htm">smothering them.</a> (9/16/08)
The little buggers are growing resistant to current medications. All the more reason to try <a href="http://specialchildren.about.com/od/medicalissues/ht/smotherlice.htm">smothering them.</a> (9/16/08)
Why Join a Rare Disease Support Group
The About.com guide to Rare Diseases has some advice about support groups, and some ideas of where to find them. (9/14/08)
The About.com guide to Rare Diseases has some advice about support groups, and some ideas of where to find them. (9/14/08)
Tagless tees causing skin problems - ParentDish
They seem like a blessing for kids who hate the feel of tags, but according to Blogging Baby, they may cause trouble of their own. (9/7/08)
They seem like a blessing for kids who hate the feel of tags, but according to Blogging Baby, they may cause trouble of their own. (9/7/08)
Shop Smart for Preemie Essentials
On the blog Baby Cheapskate, a mom who's been there offers tips on what you'll need. (9/5/08)
On the blog Baby Cheapskate, a mom who's been there offers tips on what you'll need. (9/5/08)
My Secret For An "Ouch-Free" G-Tube
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: A recommendation for Compounded Cholestyramine Ointment. (9/5/08)
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: A recommendation for Compounded Cholestyramine Ointment. (9/5/08)
In the Forum: Gastrostomy Tubes
A reader shares some g-tube advice. (9/3/08)
A reader shares some g-tube advice. (9/3/08)
Try This Tuesday #7
From the blog 5 Minutes for Special Needs: Help with feeding issues. (9/2/08)
From the blog 5 Minutes for Special Needs: Help with feeding issues. (9/2/08)
Perfume during pregnancy- Next on the Do Not Use list?
From ParentDish: "Research on rats found that the reproductive system of male fetuses could suffer damage starting as early at eight weeks' gestation by some chemicals, including those found in many cosmetics." (9/1/08)
From ParentDish: "Research on rats found that the reproductive system of male fetuses could suffer damage starting as early at eight weeks' gestation by some chemicals, including those found in many cosmetics." (9/1/08)
New gene clues emerge for leukaemia, obesity, bowel disease
From Yahoo! News: "A team led by Richard Houlston of Britain's Institute of Cancer Research found six genetic variants that increase vulnerability to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), which accounts for roughly a quarter of all leukaemia cases." (8/31/08)
From Yahoo! News: "A team led by Richard Houlston of Britain's Institute of Cancer Research found six genetic variants that increase vulnerability to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), which accounts for roughly a quarter of all leukaemia cases." (8/31/08)
Protecting Newborns From a Dangerous Threat
From MedicineNet.com: "Infants who contract Group B streptococcus before or during birth can be miscarried, stillborn, or die soon after birth. Those who survive often suffer permanent disabilities such as blindness, deafness, mental retardation and cerebral palsy." (8/31/08)
From MedicineNet.com: "Infants who contract Group B streptococcus before or during birth can be miscarried, stillborn, or die soon after birth. Those who survive often suffer permanent disabilities such as blindness, deafness, mental retardation and cerebral palsy." (8/31/08)
In the Forum: Son Pooping - No Diagnosed Disorders
Do you have any idea for this parent and her son? (8/31/08)
Do you have any idea for this parent and her son? (8/31/08)
In the Forum: Are You Struggling Financially?
Share your story of how you're holding it together, or not, in the new Finances and Future Planning folder on the forum. (8/31/08)
Share your story of how you're holding it together, or not, in the new Finances and Future Planning folder on the forum. (8/31/08)
Blood pressure pill works well in kids, study shows
From Reuters: "Hypertension is rare in young children, typically caused by underlying kidney disease or other secondary causes. The current study provides the first clinical trial results of a blood pressure-lowering medication in children younger than 6 years." (8/31/08)
From Reuters: "Hypertension is rare in young children, typically caused by underlying kidney disease or other secondary causes. The current study provides the first clinical trial results of a blood pressure-lowering medication in children younger than 6 years." (8/31/08)
Mommy Spots Cancer in Pen Pal's Child Over the Internet
From lilSugar: Noticing a shadow on a child's eyes in a photo led to diagnosis and treatment. (8/28/08)
From lilSugar: Noticing a shadow on a child's eyes in a photo led to diagnosis and treatment. (8/28/08)
New Steps Towards Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
From BrainandSpinalCord.org: "Researchers studying spinal cord injuries in mice found that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) is needed for the repair of the neurons that will facilitate the regaining of movement, but after time, it actually hinders a full nervous system recovery." (8/26/08)
From BrainandSpinalCord.org: "Researchers studying spinal cord injuries in mice found that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) is needed for the repair of the neurons that will facilitate the regaining of movement, but after time, it actually hinders a full nervous system recovery." (8/26/08)
Caring for the Critically Ill Child
The author of Your Critically Ill Child worries about the limits that may be set on technology-dependent children. (8/26/08)
The author of Your Critically Ill Child worries about the limits that may be set on technology-dependent children. (8/26/08)
Pancreatitis part 2
From The Special Parent: "Because the pancreatitis is an ongoing concern we are now having the exciting <rolling eyes> opportunity to change seizure medications. Oh let%u2019s be fair its also one of her 2 mood stabilizers as well because if it%u2019s got to be exciting we know how to do it RIGHT. <eyes rolling>" (8/25/08)
From The Special Parent: "Because the pancreatitis is an ongoing concern we are now having the exciting <rolling eyes> opportunity to change seizure medications. Oh let%u2019s be fair its also one of her 2 mood stabilizers as well because if it%u2019s got to be exciting we know how to do it RIGHT. <eyes rolling>" (8/25/08)
'Tongue computing' could help disabled
From CNN: "Georgia Tech researchers believe a magnetic, tongue-powered system could transform a disabled person's mouth into a virtual computer, teeth into a keyboard -- and tongue into the key that manipulates it all." (8/25/08)
From CNN: "Georgia Tech researchers believe a magnetic, tongue-powered system could transform a disabled person's mouth into a virtual computer, teeth into a keyboard -- and tongue into the key that manipulates it all." (8/25/08)
Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
The About.com guide to Rare Diseases has some details on this inherited genetic condition. (8/24/08)
The About.com guide to Rare Diseases has some details on this inherited genetic condition. (8/24/08)
From the Department of Depressing Statistics
Turning the spotlight on stories about financial hardships and corporal punishment. (8/22/08)
Turning the spotlight on stories about financial hardships and corporal punishment. (8/22/08)
AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship for Wheel Chair User
The HEATH Resource Center has the details about the $500 scholarship. (8/22/08)
The HEATH Resource Center has the details about the $500 scholarship. (8/22/08)
Red Bull gives you ... heart problems?
"After one can it seemed to turn the young individual into one with more of the type of profile you would expect to see with someone with cardiovascular disease," said one researcher. (8/17/08)
"After one can it seemed to turn the young individual into one with more of the type of profile you would expect to see with someone with cardiovascular disease," said one researcher. (8/17/08)
Seckel Syndrome
About.com's Rare Diseases guide looks at a rare form of primordial dwarfism. (8/17/08)
About.com's Rare Diseases guide looks at a rare form of primordial dwarfism. (8/17/08)
Early monitoring for infant skin tumors needed
Most hemangiomas won't need treatment, but a "significant minority" will (8/15/08)
Most hemangiomas won't need treatment, but a "significant minority" will (8/15/08)
Binge-drinking tied to birth defect risk
"Women who binge-drink early in pregnancy may raise their risk of having a baby with an oral cleft, a new study shows." And a pickled brain, too, by the way. (8/12/08)
"Women who binge-drink early in pregnancy may raise their risk of having a baby with an oral cleft, a new study shows." And a pickled brain, too, by the way. (8/12/08)
Dear Parents: Your Child Is Fat
Is it the school's business to send home a letter like that? (8/11/08)
Is it the school's business to send home a letter like that? (8/11/08)
Father Finally Buries Son After 21 Years
What would you do if you wanted an investigation of your child's cause of death, and signing a death certificate would end that possibility? (8/10/08)
What would you do if you wanted an investigation of your child's cause of death, and signing a death certificate would end that possibility? (8/10/08)
Mom donates 100 gallons of breast milk
A mother mourning the loss of a child makes a unique donation to her memory. (8/10/08)
A mother mourning the loss of a child makes a unique donation to her memory. (8/10/08)
Henna tattoos - Dangerous beauty?
A warning about "black henna" includes a reference to the fact that a chemical in it, PPD, may interact with medications for diabetes. (8/10/08)
A warning about "black henna" includes a reference to the fact that a chemical in it, PPD, may interact with medications for diabetes. (8/10/08)
Managing Your Child's Migraines
The American Academy of Pediatrics has some tips. (8/7/08)
The American Academy of Pediatrics has some tips. (8/7/08)
Licensed To Asphyxiate
On the blog 5 Minutes for Special Needs, a mom explains about ostomy bags. (8/6/08)
On the blog 5 Minutes for Special Needs, a mom explains about ostomy bags. (8/6/08)
'Hygiene hypothesis' may be tied to bowel disease
Another good reason not to clean your house. (8/1/30)
Another good reason not to clean your house. (8/1/30)
A Patient at the Door With a Gun
Do a Google search on "cerebral palsy," and you'll find plenty of sponsored links for lawyers who can help you sue a doctor you blame for your child's condition. This Washington Post report looks at a mom who took a more direct approach. (7/31/08)
Do a Google search on "cerebral palsy," and you'll find plenty of sponsored links for lawyers who can help you sue a doctor you blame for your child's condition. This Washington Post report looks at a mom who took a more direct approach. (7/31/08)
Preemie lung problems may linger into adulthood
"Lung function tests performed when they were about 19 years old showed that 15, or 71 percent, had persistent respiratory symptoms, including wheeze, cough, and shortness of breath." (7/30/08)
"Lung function tests performed when they were about 19 years old showed that 15, or 71 percent, had persistent respiratory symptoms, including wheeze, cough, and shortness of breath." (7/30/08)
Prenatal cell phone exposure tied to behavior
"Another possible explanation for the observed association might be the lack of attention given to a child by mothers who are frequent users of cell phones." So either way, it's your fault. (7/30/08)
"Another possible explanation for the observed association might be the lack of attention given to a child by mothers who are frequent users of cell phones." So either way, it's your fault. (7/30/08)
Mom uses internet to diagnose daughter's disease
The most impressive part of this story is not that the mom found the information, but that she apparently found a doctor who took her research seriously. (7/21/08)
The most impressive part of this story is not that the mom found the information, but that she apparently found a doctor who took her research seriously. (7/21/08)
Top Health Concerns For Children in 2008
ADHD comes in ninth, tied with STDs. (7/21/08)
ADHD comes in ninth, tied with STDs. (7/21/08)
Parents sacrifice everything for dying daughter
I thought this was going to be about sinking all the family funds into finding treatments, but it's kind of the opposite: Parents who, knowing Sanfilippo Syndrome gives them very little time with their three-year-old daughter, have sold their house and put everything on hold so they can give her a lifetime of experiences and quality time. (7/18/08)
I thought this was going to be about sinking all the family funds into finding treatments, but it's kind of the opposite: Parents who, knowing Sanfilippo Syndrome gives them very little time with their three-year-old daughter, have sold their house and put everything on hold so they can give her a lifetime of experiences and quality time. (7/18/08)
Aerobic capacity lower in boys with hemophilia
But muscle strength's the same, according to a Reuters report. (7/17/08)
But muscle strength's the same, according to a Reuters report. (7/17/08)
Researchers find chromosomal anomaly in carriers of Fragile X gene
Shortened chromosome tips are linked to premature aging. (7/15/08)
Shortened chromosome tips are linked to premature aging. (7/15/08)
Q&A: Adaptive Clothing
A good listing of links for finding adaptive clothing for people with disabilities, from BrianandSpinalCord.org. (7/15/08)
A good listing of links for finding adaptive clothing for people with disabilities, from BrianandSpinalCord.org. (7/15/08)
Medical costs for children with disabilities: Rankings by state
The Disability News blog tells of a study in the journal Pediatrics that tracks out-of-pocket health-care costs incurred by families of children with special needs. (7/15/08)
The Disability News blog tells of a study in the journal Pediatrics that tracks out-of-pocket health-care costs incurred by families of children with special needs. (7/15/08)
Cochlear Implants Attractive to Thieves
Another reason to hate those annoying Bluetooth headsets: thieves think kids' cochlear implants are the same thing and steal 'em. (7/15/08)
Another reason to hate those annoying Bluetooth headsets: thieves think kids' cochlear implants are the same thing and steal 'em. (7/15/08)
Patients Need to "Listen" to a Doctor's Body Language
Trisha Torrey, the About.com guide to Patient Empowerment, has a great manifesto on listening to what your doctor's not saying, and returning a few choice words of your own. (7/14/08)
Trisha Torrey, the About.com guide to Patient Empowerment, has a great manifesto on listening to what your doctor's not saying, and returning a few choice words of your own. (7/14/08)
Book Review: "Overtreated" by Shannon Brownlee
About.com's Patient Empowerment Guide gives five stars to a book about "Why Too Much Medicine Is Making Us Sicker and Poorer." (7/13/08)
About.com's Patient Empowerment Guide gives five stars to a book about "Why Too Much Medicine Is Making Us Sicker and Poorer." (7/13/08)
Mom's smoking tied to oral birth defects
"Norwegian researchers found that women who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day during their first trimester were nearly twice as likely to have a baby with a cleft lip as nonsmokers were." Being around a smoker also raised the risk. (7/12/08)
"Norwegian researchers found that women who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day during their first trimester were nearly twice as likely to have a baby with a cleft lip as nonsmokers were." Being around a smoker also raised the risk. (7/12/08)
only casual observations: Give Life
Janie's 12-year-old grandson is going to play in the Transplant Games, and that provides a good opportunity to think back to when he was a four-year-old who badly needed a new liver. (7/10/08)
Janie's 12-year-old grandson is going to play in the Transplant Games, and that provides a good opportunity to think back to when he was a four-year-old who badly needed a new liver. (7/10/08)
Is Aluminum the New Mercury?
From the Age of Autism: Speculation that the scary adverse events being reported for the HPV vaccine Gardasil may be related to the large amount of aluminum therein. (7/10/08)
From the Age of Autism: Speculation that the scary adverse events being reported for the HPV vaccine Gardasil may be related to the large amount of aluminum therein. (7/10/08)
Low birthweight adults leave nest later
U don't know -- read this Medline article and tell me if it doesn't sound like a pretty good thing to have a child who waits longer to have sex and shack up? (7/9/08)
U don't know -- read this Medline article and tell me if it doesn't sound like a pretty good thing to have a child who waits longer to have sex and shack up? (7/9/08)
New guidelines stress heart screening for kids
Why your two-year-old's well-child check-up may now include a cholesterol test. (7/9/08)
Why your two-year-old's well-child check-up may now include a cholesterol test. (7/9/08)
InfantSEE Eyes to the World
InfantSEE offers free eye exams to babies to catch vision problems early.
InfantSEE offers free eye exams to babies to catch vision problems early.
Doctors report details of rare spasm-caused heart attacks in kids
"A report from Ohio doctors documenting nine cases over 11 years in kids as young as 12 says heart attacks in children are a rare but under-recognized problem." (10/1/07)
"A report from Ohio doctors documenting nine cases over 11 years in kids as young as 12 says heart attacks in children are a rare but under-recognized problem." (10/1/07)
Brain Defect Helps Drive Fragile X Syndrome
"A newly discovered brain defect might be a target for the treatment of the inherited mental disorder known as fragile X syndrome, researchers report." (9/24/07)
"A newly discovered brain defect might be a target for the treatment of the inherited mental disorder known as fragile X syndrome, researchers report." (9/24/07)
ScienceDaily: Family Therapy Helps Recovery Of Seriously Ill Children
"Providing family therapy to seriously ill children and their families consistently enhances medical outcomes and increases the overall mental health for adolescent patients, family and treatment professionals." (8/23/07)
"Providing family therapy to seriously ill children and their families consistently enhances medical outcomes and increases the overall mental health for adolescent patients, family and treatment professionals." (8/23/07)
Preemies face risk of disability in adulthood
"Preterm birth confers a considerable risk for long-term impairment, according to study published in the journal Pediatrics this month." (7/9/07)
"Preterm birth confers a considerable risk for long-term impairment, according to study published in the journal Pediatrics this month." (7/9/07)
Parenting Special-Needs Kids Tougher Than Being Prime Minister
Leading a nation may be a tough job, but it's not as tough as parenting a child with special needs. That observation was made today by Tony Blair as he announced his upcoming resignation as prime minister of Great Britain. (5/10/07)
Leading a nation may be a tough job, but it's not as tough as parenting a child with special needs. That observation was made today by Tony Blair as he announced his upcoming resignation as prime minister of Great Britain. (5/10/07)
Doctors Accused of Breaking Law With
According to a CNN report, the Washington Protection and Advocacy System investigated the treatment done on young Ashley and concluded that it violated a state law forbidding the sterilizaton of a developmentally disabled child without a court order. (5/9/07)
According to a CNN report, the Washington Protection and Advocacy System investigated the treatment done on young Ashley and concluded that it violated a state law forbidding the sterilizaton of a developmentally disabled child without a court order. (5/9/07)
Study: Too Many Kids Dying in ICU
According to a report in Science Daily, researchers are concerned because the proportion of sick children dying in hospital intensive-care units is increasing. (5/2/07)
According to a report in Science Daily, researchers are concerned because the proportion of sick children dying in hospital intensive-care units is increasing. (5/2/07)
Kids Who Eat Their Veggies Get Fewer Nasal Allergies
If your kids turn their noses up at fruits and vegetables, here's another reason to force the issue: Eating more of those goodies may make their noses feel better. (4/6/09)
If your kids turn their noses up at fruits and vegetables, here's another reason to force the issue: Eating more of those goodies may make their noses feel better. (4/6/09)
Hospital ID Badges Hotbeds of Germs
"If your child's in the hospital, you may be concerned about germs attacking through medical equipment or unwashed hands or other sick people. According to an Australian study, though, you should also keep a close eye on those ID badges dangling by a lanyard around the necks of all those doctors and nurses." (3/20/07)
"If your child's in the hospital, you may be concerned about germs attacking through medical equipment or unwashed hands or other sick people. According to an Australian study, though, you should also keep a close eye on those ID badges dangling by a lanyard around the necks of all those doctors and nurses." (3/20/07)
Study: Cell Phones Don't Mess Up Medical Equipment
Those signs forbidding cell phones in hospitals may soon be a thing of the past. According to a Reuters report, researchers at the Mayo Clinic tested a couple of different types of cell phone services around almost 200 different devices over the course of five months, and found no negative effects. (3/9/07)
Those signs forbidding cell phones in hospitals may soon be a thing of the past. According to a Reuters report, researchers at the Mayo Clinic tested a couple of different types of cell phone services around almost 200 different devices over the course of five months, and found no negative effects. (3/9/07)
Sleep apnea may persist after tonsillectomy
"Only about one quarter of children who have their tonsils and adenoids removed to relieve obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a complete response, according to researchers." (1/30/07)
"Only about one quarter of children who have their tonsils and adenoids removed to relieve obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a complete response, according to researchers." (1/30/07)
Health care use predicts apnea diagnosis in kids
"Starting in the first year of life, children ultimately diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have significantly more health care use than unaffected children, according to findings published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine." (1/18/07)
"Starting in the first year of life, children ultimately diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have significantly more health care use than unaffected children, according to findings published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine." (1/18/07)
Spinal manipulation may not be safe for children
"A new research review suggests that chiropractic spinal adjustments in children carry a risk of injury, with sometimes severe consequences." (1/12/07)
"A new research review suggests that chiropractic spinal adjustments in children carry a risk of injury, with sometimes severe consequences." (1/12/07)
Disability community decries 'Ashley treatment'
"David is a young man with severe cerebral palsy. He can't walk, he can't talk, he can't sit up by himself, but he can blog. This week, David blogged about Ashley. 'Ashley's parents have committed the ultimate betrayal,' he writes. 'They have treated their daughter as less than human, not worthy of dignity.'" (1/12/07)
"David is a young man with severe cerebral palsy. He can't walk, he can't talk, he can't sit up by himself, but he can blog. This week, David blogged about Ashley. 'Ashley's parents have committed the ultimate betrayal,' he writes. 'They have treated their daughter as less than human, not worthy of dignity.'" (1/12/07)
Predicting Deadly Meningitis
"Doctors now have a set of guidelines to help them quickly decide which children have viral meningitis or bacterial meningitis, the more dangerous of the two spinal fluid infections." (1/3/07)
"Doctors now have a set of guidelines to help them quickly decide which children have viral meningitis or bacterial meningitis, the more dangerous of the two spinal fluid infections." (1/3/07)
Hospital clowns boost sick kids' spirits
"Medical clowning started more than 20 years ago at New York-Presbyterian, the brainchild of Big Apple Circus co-founder Michael Christensen. Clown "doctors" have since sprung up around the globe, from Argentina and Australia to South Africa and Turkey. Israel's University of Haifa started offering a bachelor's degree in medical clowning this year." (12/26/06)
"Medical clowning started more than 20 years ago at New York-Presbyterian, the brainchild of Big Apple Circus co-founder Michael Christensen. Clown "doctors" have since sprung up around the globe, from Argentina and Australia to South Africa and Turkey. Israel's University of Haifa started offering a bachelor's degree in medical clowning this year." (12/26/06)
For unlucky few, life is painless
"In a discovery that could lead to better painkillers, scientists have identified a genetic defect in children who cannot feel pain. Sound like a blessed way to live? It's not." (12/13/06)
"In a discovery that could lead to better painkillers, scientists have identified a genetic defect in children who cannot feel pain. Sound like a blessed way to live? It's not." (12/13/06)
Infant car seats might pose breathing risks
"Babies should not be left alone to sleep in car safety seats, especially if they were born prematurely, New Zealand pediatricians report." (12/8/06)
"Babies should not be left alone to sleep in car safety seats, especially if they were born prematurely, New Zealand pediatricians report." (12/8/06)
Child Stem Cell Recipient Heads Home
"Daniel Kerner's parents knew the experimental brain surgery was risky, but without it the 6-year-old surely would die. Last month in Portland, Ore., doctors for the first time transplanted stem cells from aborted fetuses into his head in a desperate bid to reverse, or at least slow, a rare genetic disorder called Batten disease." (12/11/06)
"Daniel Kerner's parents knew the experimental brain surgery was risky, but without it the 6-year-old surely would die. Last month in Portland, Ore., doctors for the first time transplanted stem cells from aborted fetuses into his head in a desperate bid to reverse, or at least slow, a rare genetic disorder called Batten disease." (12/11/06)
Hormone Imbalance Could Spur Some Bed-Wetting
"An imbalance in a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin could explain tough-to-treat bed-wetting in some children, Danish researchers report." (12/1/06)
"An imbalance in a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin could explain tough-to-treat bed-wetting in some children, Danish researchers report." (12/1/06)
Gordon Brown's son diagnosed with cystic fibrosis
Chancellor Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah have announced that their four-month-old son Fraser has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. (11/30/06)
Chancellor Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah have announced that their four-month-old son Fraser has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. (11/30/06)
Vitamin D deficiency common in children with IBD
"Children with inflammatory bowel disease have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics." (11/27/06)
"Children with inflammatory bowel disease have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics." (11/27/06)
Toddler's rare hereditary disorder mimics autism
"Not until last spring was Markie found to have Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, or SLOS, an inherited metabolic disorder that blocks the body's ability to produce cholesterol. It's commonly characterized by malformations of the heart, lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract." (11/24/2006)
"Not until last spring was Markie found to have Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, or SLOS, an inherited metabolic disorder that blocks the body's ability to produce cholesterol. It's commonly characterized by malformations of the heart, lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract." (11/24/2006)
Preemies at risk for behavior problems at age 5
"Very preterm or very low birth weight children are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems when they start school, suggests a study conducted in the Netherlands." (11/20/06)
"Very preterm or very low birth weight children are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems when they start school, suggests a study conducted in the Netherlands." (11/20/06)
Children born preterm need follow-up eye tests
"A new study confirms that children born prematurely (before 35 weeks gestation) run a higher risk of developing vision problems than children born at term." (11/17/06)
"A new study confirms that children born prematurely (before 35 weeks gestation) run a higher risk of developing vision problems than children born at term." (11/17/06)
Children showing hardening of arteries: study
"Children with risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and diabetes, are showing signs of narrowing and hardening of the arteries, conditions normally associated with adults, a study said on Sunday." (11/13/06)
"Children with risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and diabetes, are showing signs of narrowing and hardening of the arteries, conditions normally associated with adults, a study said on Sunday." (11/13/06)
Babies with low iron levels grow up impaired
"Children who had low levels of iron as infants grow up with brain deficiencies -- even if they get early treatment, U.S. researchers reported on Monday." (11/7/06)
"Children who had low levels of iron as infants grow up with brain deficiencies -- even if they get early treatment, U.S. researchers reported on Monday." (11/7/06)
Sudden infant death syndrome tied to faulty arousal system
"Babies who die of sudden infant death syndrome have abnormalities in the part of the brain that helps control functions like breathing, blood pressure and arousal." (10/31/06)
"Babies who die of sudden infant death syndrome have abnormalities in the part of the brain that helps control functions like breathing, blood pressure and arousal." (10/31/06)
Mumps activity in U.S. highlights vaccine importance
"So far this year, nearly 6,000 cases of mumps have been reported to the U.S. CDC, reinforcing the importance of the MMR vaccine." (10/26/07)
"So far this year, nearly 6,000 cases of mumps have been reported to the U.S. CDC, reinforcing the importance of the MMR vaccine." (10/26/07)
Baby Charlotte lives, but has nowhere to live
The baby whose parents fought to keep the hospital from removing life support is medically ready to go home, but her parents have split and are unable to care for her.
The baby whose parents fought to keep the hospital from removing life support is medically ready to go home, but her parents have split and are unable to care for her.
Many Kids Will Outgrow Migraines
"Many people who suffer migraines when they're children or teens stop having them when they become adults, says an Italian study." (10/23/06)
"Many people who suffer migraines when they're children or teens stop having them when they become adults, says an Italian study." (10/23/06)
Fatty Liver Disease Endangers 6.5 Million U.S. Kids
"As many as 6.5 million American children could have a dangerous condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), new research suggests." (10/3/06)
"As many as 6.5 million American children could have a dangerous condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), new research suggests." (10/3/06)
Gene Offers New Lead in Cleft Lip and Palate Research
"Researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health report in the current issue of the journal Science that a much-studied gene called SUMO1, when under expressed, can cause cleft lip and palate, one of the world%u2019s most common birth defects." (9/21/06)
"Researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health report in the current issue of the journal Science that a much-studied gene called SUMO1, when under expressed, can cause cleft lip and palate, one of the world%u2019s most common birth defects." (9/21/06)
Asthma may prompt sickle cell pain in children
"Painful episodes in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and asthma are temporally associated with respiratory symptoms, doctors from St. Louis, Missouri, have noticed." (9/26/06)
"Painful episodes in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and asthma are temporally associated with respiratory symptoms, doctors from St. Louis, Missouri, have noticed." (9/26/06)
Parents, kids disagree on JIA therapy adherence
"Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their parents are not always in agreement concerning adherence to medication and exercise, a survey shows. ... Parents tended to overestimate the difficulty children had in doing their exercises, the frequency of negative reactions to taking medications, completing their exercises and the level of helpfulness of the medication." (9/15/06)
"Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their parents are not always in agreement concerning adherence to medication and exercise, a survey shows. ... Parents tended to overestimate the difficulty children had in doing their exercises, the frequency of negative reactions to taking medications, completing their exercises and the level of helpfulness of the medication." (9/15/06)
Heart-defect kids do well with rehab
"For children born with serious heart disease, a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program leads to improvements in exercise capacity that are 'consistent, substantial, and sustained,' cardiologists at Children's Hospital in Boston report." (9/8/06)
"For children born with serious heart disease, a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program leads to improvements in exercise capacity that are 'consistent, substantial, and sustained,' cardiologists at Children's Hospital in Boston report." (9/8/06)
Anxiety before surgery complicates recovery in children
"Children who are anxious before surgery experience a more painful, slow, and complicated postoperative recovery, according to a Yale School of Medicine study published this month in Pediatrics." (8/22/06)
"Children who are anxious before surgery experience a more painful, slow, and complicated postoperative recovery, according to a Yale School of Medicine study published this month in Pediatrics." (8/22/06)
MRI Scans In Premature Infants Predict Developmental Delays
"A Washington University pediatrician at St. Louis Children's Hospital has found that performing MRI scans on pre-term infants' brains assists dramatically in predicting the babies' future developmental outcomes." (8/17/06)
"A Washington University pediatrician at St. Louis Children's Hospital has found that performing MRI scans on pre-term infants' brains assists dramatically in predicting the babies' future developmental outcomes." (8/17/06)
Eczema Brings Same Impaired Quality Of Life As Kidney Disease
"Children with serious skin conditions feel their quality of life is impaired to the same extent as those with chronic illnesses such as epilepsy, kidney disease and diabetes, according to research published in the July issue of British Journal of Dermatology." (7/24/06)
"Children with serious skin conditions feel their quality of life is impaired to the same extent as those with chronic illnesses such as epilepsy, kidney disease and diabetes, according to research published in the July issue of British Journal of Dermatology." (7/24/06)
New embryo test to screen for 6,000 diseases
"It will allow doctors to test for the first time a vast array of inherited diseases for which the specific genetic mutation is not known, such as Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) and some forms of cystic fibrosis." (6/19/06)
"It will allow doctors to test for the first time a vast array of inherited diseases for which the specific genetic mutation is not known, such as Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) and some forms of cystic fibrosis." (6/19/06)
Genomics Project Hunts Genes Behind Childhood Diseases
"The program will focus on some of the most prevalent diseases of childhood -- asthma, obesity and diabetes, among others -- as well as cancer, all of which are thought to involve the contributions of multiple, interacting genes." (6/8/06)
"The program will focus on some of the most prevalent diseases of childhood -- asthma, obesity and diabetes, among others -- as well as cancer, all of which are thought to involve the contributions of multiple, interacting genes." (6/8/06)
Girl's own heart takes over ten years after transplant
A Welsh 12-year-old with cardiomyopathy has made history by having the heart transplant she received ten years ago reversed, and surviving just fine with her own now-healthy heart. (4/15/06)
A Welsh 12-year-old with cardiomyopathy has made history by having the heart transplant she received ten years ago reversed, and surviving just fine with her own now-healthy heart. (4/15/06)
Kids with spina bifida benefit from new procedure
Seven children and teens with spina bifida have better bladder function thanks to a new procedure. (4/5/06)
Seven children and teens with spina bifida have better bladder function thanks to a new procedure. (4/5/06)
Using a child's imagination to conquer pain
Could guided imagery help children suffering from the pain and anxiety of surgery? Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center say it can. (4/1/06)
Could guided imagery help children suffering from the pain and anxiety of surgery? Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center say it can. (4/1/06)
Parents of terminally ill children at risk for suicide
The British Medical Journal reports this month on two stories of suicide, one attempted, one successful, in which grieving parents used the painkillers they had been given to ease the suffering of their child to end their own lives after that child's death. (3/18/06)
The British Medical Journal reports this month on two stories of suicide, one attempted, one successful, in which grieving parents used the painkillers they had been given to ease the suffering of their child to end their own lives after that child's death. (3/18/06)
Baby Charlotte's doctors again allowed to refuse treatment
The up-and-down saga of little Charlotte Wyatt has taken another downturn. (2/27/06)
The up-and-down saga of little Charlotte Wyatt has taken another downturn. (2/27/06)
Babies and children can have strokes, too
You may think of strokes as ailments of the elderly, but specialists report that they are becoming increasingly common among babies and children. (12/12/05)
You may think of strokes as ailments of the elderly, but specialists report that they are becoming increasingly common among babies and children. (12/12/05)
Sweet relief
What do you give your children when they have a bad cough? New research indicates you might be better off reaching for cocoa than codeine. (11/23/04)
What do you give your children when they have a bad cough? New research indicates you might be better off reaching for cocoa than codeine. (11/23/04)