Radio Rounds: Recent Episodes
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Radio Rounds is a free podcast series for healthcare professionals featuring Washington University pediatric specialists. Each 10-minute podcast focuses on topics relevant to pediatricians and health care providers caring for children.
At one time, newborns with diseased or absent kidneys had few options other than adult-sized dialysis machines. Today, aquapheresis therapy is a treatment option to provide renal support for neonates.
In 2020, St. Louis Children’s Hospital began using aquapheresis therapy to care for babies with congenital or acquired renal disorders, one of few centers in the country to offer this advanced treatment.
Dr. Eileen Ciccia, Washington University pediatric nephrologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, joins us to talk about renal disease in newborns, aquapheresis therapy, and its impact on NICU care.
About one baby in every 1,000 in the United States is born with clubfoot, a congenital foot deformity where the foot points downward with toes turned inward and the foot bottom twisted inward. Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital foot deformities. Almost half of babies diagnosed with clubfoot have bilateral clubfoot where both feet have the deformity.
Treatment options have evolved through the years and, with early intervention, children with clubfoot have high rates of correction.
Dr. Pooya Hosseinzadeh, Washington University pediatric orthopedic surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, joins the show to talk more about diagnosing clubfoot and when to consult with a specialist, treatments options including the Ponseti method, what families can expect, and the clubfoot program at St. Louis Children’s.
While the coronavirus pandemic spread across the world, information about the impact of COVID-19 and pregnant and breastfeeding women was continuously evolving. And now, with the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, there are many new questions and considerations for Ob/Gyns and healthcare providers to address as they continue to counsel their patients.
Jeannie Kelly, MD, MS, Washington University maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the Women & Infants Center, a partnership among Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University Physicians joins the show to talk more about how COVID-19 affects women during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, and the recommendations for this population as they become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Childhood obesity is a significant problem across our country, leading to serious long-term health issues for those at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control, for children and adolescents aged 2 - 19 years, the prevalence of obesity was 18.5% and affected about 13.7 million children and adolescents. Programs designed to support and treat childhood obesity and
Laurie Sax, dietitian in the Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Department at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and certified specialist in obesity and weight management , joins the show to discuss the Healthy Start Clinic and the multi-disciplinary approach they’re taking to promote new beginnings and healthy changes for obese children.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) is a rare but serious complication associated with COVID-19. First recognized in April 2020, MIS-C has now been diagnosed in more than 1288 children across the country as of December 4, 2020 according to the CDC. The syndrome can affect multiple organs, including the heart.
The MIS-C Clinic at St. Louis Children’s Hospital was established as a collaborative clinic between Cardiology and Rheumatology to specifically care for children experiencing this inflammatory syndrome and to monitor any heart-related issues as a result of the syndrome.
Dr. William Orr, Pediatric Cardiologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine, joins us to talk more about MIS-C, what we’ve learned about the disease, and the new clinic caring for these patients at St. Louis Children’s.
From the accidental ingestion of grandma’s blood pressure medication to novel drug exposures in adolescents, the Washington University toxicology service cared for many patients at the bedside in 2020. Although many patients with an acute ingestion may require referral to a healthcare facility, there are many toxic exposures including exposure to lead which can be effectively managed in the outpatient setting in the majority of cases. To better treat kids with a toxic exposure, Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital established the Pediatric Toxicology and Lead Clinic in September 2020.
Dr. Jason Devgun joins the show to discuss some of the more common exposures children experience and the services offered by the pediatric toxicology clinic.
As mobile technology advances, many health care providers are relying on smartphone apps to help manage their busy schedules.
Dr. Tosin Adeyanju joins the show to talk about the best apps for managing evidence-based medicine updates, finding and utilizing point-of-care resources, managing pediatric emergencies and apps that help families access medical information and manage their health.
Technological advancements in telemedicine have paved the way for safe, secure, face-to-face pediatric cardiology visits in the comfort and convenience of a patient’s home. The St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center offers telemedicine visits for pediatric heart patients, from infant to young adults. Washington University Physician Assistant, Lisa Roelle, joins us to discuss when and how to use this service, and what patients can expect.
St. Louis Children’s After Hours offers convenient medical care for children’s illnesses and injuries when their pediatrician’s office is closed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, After Hours has made changes to their processes and services to ensure the safety of patients, families and staff while still delivering kid-focused care.
Learn more from Beth Schickler about the changes made and how they are working with pediatricians to care for their patients.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, more than 6.2 million children under age 18 have asthma. For many, asthma is manageable through quick-relief and long-term controller medications. For some children, however, asthma is severe and requires additional care and treatment.
Lila Kertz, Clinical Director of the Severe Asthma Clinic at St. Louis Children’s, joins the show to talk more about the prevalence of severe asthma, available treatment options, and the services offered at the specialized Severe Asthma Clinic.
Early reports of a multi-system inflammatory disorder in children with COVID-19 began in April 2020 in the United Kingdom. Since then, cases have appeared throughout the United States including our region. Known as “Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)”, the illness is characterized by prolonged fever, inflammation in the body and involvement of one or more organ systems.
In this episode, Dr. Alexis Elward, Chief Medical Officer at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University pediatric infectious diseases specialist, shares more about the frequency of this syndrome, symptoms and treatment options.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many of us are delivering care to our pediatric population. In an effort to keep patients, families and caregivers safe from possible exposure to the virus, St. Louis Children's Hospital is now offering virtual ED visits for pediatric patients who are experiencing respiratory symptoms.
Dr. Lozovatsky joins the show to talk about this new service and how your patients can access the service.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the kidney’s progressive inability to perform its functions such as removing waste and toxins, regulating vitamins and minerals, releasing hormones and vitamins that regulate the level of red blood cells, help control blood pressure and regulate the amount of certain nutrients. When this happens, a child becomes sick and the risk for kidney damage becomes higher.
Dr. Eileen Ciccia joins the show to discuss chronic kidney disease and when to refer to a specialist.
While transgender people have experienced growing visibility and acceptance in recent years, there’s still considerable confusion about even the most basic facts about trans people, gender identity and gender expression. What does it mean to be transgender versus transsexual? Are kids too young to know the difference? Are kids just “confused” or are they just suffering from psychological issues? The implications of such myths can further deny equitable opportunities to children who identify as transgender—from discrimination from health care providers, a reluctance to seek preventive care, and future employment discrimination, resulting in disproportionate unemployment rates and a consequent lack of any health insurance coverage.
Christopher Lewis, MD, pediatric endocrinologist and medical director of the Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Transgender Center, joins the show to debunk myths associated with transkids.
Tuberculosis is the top infectious disease worldwide, with an estimated 1.1 million new cases in children reported in 2018. While rates of tuberculosis remain low in the US, children are at high risk of developing disease if infected.
Dr. Rachel Orscheln joins the show to discuss global trends in TB, and appropriate screening strategies that can detect TB in those who are infected, and reduce false positives in those at low risk.
While recent studies suggest prolonged social media use can lead to anxiety and depression among teens, other studies show these platforms can have a positive effect on personal creative expression, peer connection and digital literacy. The pros and cons of social media usage are significant, so what do we tell our teens?
Dr. Mary Fournier joins the show to weigh the good and the bad when it comes to social media use among teens.
Past societal norms and formal education taught us that pronoun usage had rules based on a binary male/female and singular/plural framework. However, this framework often leads to misgendering people whose identity is nonbinary, including members of the transgender, genderqueer and gender nonconforming communities. Modern society now calls for updating the previously taught and accepted grammatical framework to be considerate of the intersections between gender, race, class and other complex layers of identity.
Christopher Lewis, MD, pediatric endocrinologist and medical director of the Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Transgender Center, joins the show to discuss the origins of gender-neutral pronouns, what they mean and how to use them.
The urology specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital perform some of the most technologically advanced procedures when treating children, and is one of only a few pediatric facilities in the country—and the only one in the St. Louis region—to offer robotic surgery for children needing urologic procedures. In most of these cases, the children experience less pain, heal faster and benefit from stronger restoration than with the standard open surgical techniques.
Dr. Vricella joins the show to discuss advancements in pediatric urologic surgery, and when a pediatrician should refer a patient to a specialist.
Infantile Eczema (atopic dermatitis) can show up as dry, scaly patches on a baby's skin, often during their first few months. Babies can get the condition virtually anywhere on their bodies, but most often, it affects their cheeks, chin and joints of their arms and legs. While most babies outgrow atopic dermatitis, it is oftentimes itchy and painful.
Dr. Elizabeth Nieman joins the show today to discuss how pediatricians can help parents keep this condition under control, and at what point a baby should be referred to a specialist.
For children with a history of penicillin allergy, new evidence suggests a vast majority of kids could be “de-labeled” after undergoing a risk assessment and oral challenge in the pediatric emergency room. George Hoganson, MD, a Washington University emergency medicine fellow at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, is collaborating on a two-year, multi-center study to test children described as penicillin allergic, but who very likely do not have a true penicillin allergy in the St. Louis Children's Hospital Emergency Department.
Dr. Hoganson joins the show to discuss the study, which involves a penicillin oral challenge with observation in the Children’s emergency room.
Pediatric cardiologists at the St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center care for more children with heart disease than any other center in the region. With extensive experience treating children with common to complex heart issues, from cardiac surgeries and cardiac catheterizations to heart monitoring, our heart specialists are the region’s go-to heart program for second opinions and referrals for advanced pediatric heart care.
Dr. Caroline Lee joins the show to discuss how the Heart Center’s continuum of care, and when to refer a patient to a specialist.
Devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic include increases in opioid misuse and related overdoses, as well as the rising incidence of newborns experiencing withdrawal syndrome due to opioid use and abuse during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 130 people in America-- or one person every 11 minutes-- dies everyday due to accidental misuse of these drugs.
Dr. AuBuchon joins the show to discuss this serious national crisis, and what pediatricians and other heath care providers can do to help combat this deadly addiction.
The Centers for Disease Control recently linked a current lung disease outbreak to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vape devices. These devices have rapidly become the most common tobacco products used by teens, driven in large part by marketing and advertising by e-cigarette companies that market the products’ convenience of use and flavor variety. Now, however, the use of these unregulated products is landing many kids in the emergency rooms of hospitals across the country with serious lung illnesses.
Dr. Ferkol joins the show to discuss the current outbreak, when a child should be seen for treatment, as well as recommendations for pediatricians and pediatric health care providers to combat tobacco use in all forms.
The neurorehabilitation program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is designed to address the needs of children and adolescents who have suffered severe injury or illness. In-patient rehabilitation is available for children age 6 months and older whose illness or injury has resulted in impaired physical, cognitive or communication skills.
Michael Noetzel, MD, Washington University pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, joins the show to discuss how the neurorehabilitation program strives to maximize physical, psychological, cognitive, social and educational outcomes for children with a variety of neurologic conditions.
Earlier this month, St. Louis Children's Hospital welcomed Trish Lollo, former president of Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, as its new president. Listen as Trish gives a glimpse into the journey that led her to St Louis, and her vision for St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Traditionally, cochlear implants are only provided to children with severe-to-profound hearing loss in both ears. At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the cochlear implant program is one of the only in the area—and one of few in the nation—providing cochlear implants to children with single-sided deafness.
Bernadette Rakszawski, pediatric audiologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, joins the show to discuss how her team is leading the way in assessing the impact of single-sided deafness, as well as understanding how various treatment options affect expected outcomes.
A normal spine, when viewed from behind appears straight. However, a spine affected by kyphosis shows evidence of a forward curvature of the vertebrae in the upper back area, giving the child an abnormally rounded or "humpback" appearance. Children whose curvature exceeds a limited range of variation - curving forward in a “C” shape- will require medical attention and may be diagnosed with kyphosis. Together with scoliosis, another type of curvature, this condition comprises a significant proportion of spinal deformity diagnoses seen by pediatric orthopedists.
Dr. Munish Gupta joins the show to discuss the importance of early detection, treatments, and follow-up care for children diagnosed with kyphosis.
The St. Louis Children’s Hospital Department of Therapy Services provides occupational, physical and speech therapy within an individualized state-of-the-art model of care in conjunction with world class physicians and medical practices. As a highly trained pediatric team with an international reputation for excellence, the staff tailors therapy to each child's developmental stage and individual needs for the most effective results. Now, pediatricians, patients and families have the convenience of accessing these services at a new location near Progress West Hospital.
Sarah Becker, speech language pathologist, joins the show to discuss services offered and when a pediatrician should refer a patient to a therapy specialist.
Good sleep is essential to a child's health and well-being, but not all kids get the recommended amount that their bodies need. For issues that require care from a specialist, the Sleep Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, meets the highest possible standards for comprehensive sleep care for newborns to young adults.
Dr. James Kemp explains how our newly-expanded sleep lab is designed just for kids and is fully equipped with the latest equipment and the staff is fully trained in a wide array of sleep disorders in children.
As kids continue to focus on one sport early on and playing it year-round, sometimes on multiple teams at once, overuse injuries have increased dramatically over the past decade.
Tom McGowan discusses how The Washington University and St. Louis Children's Young Athlete Center has developed a series of interactive injury prevention and educational programs designed to improve the overall health of young athletes.
In the final segment of this 3-part series on Cannabinoid Use in Pediatrics, Dr. Jennifer Griffith discusses addressing parents’ concerns and other frequently asked questions about the use of cannabinoids for childhood conditions or illnesses.
In Part 2 of our 3 part series on Cannabinoid Use in Pediatrics, Dr. Jennifer Griffith, a Washington University Pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital discusses the case study that started the national conversation over the use of cannabinoids to treat pediatric epilepsy patients, and the clinical trials that were conducted as a result.
Although marijuana and its derivatives are currently Schedule 1 substances per the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), many states have relaxed their legislation to allow use.
In this 3 part series on Cannabinoid Use in Pediatrics, Jennifer Griffith, MD, PhD discusses how more recently, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products in pediatrics has sparked additional debate, and pediatric providers have started encountering patients experimenting with these products in their daily practice, necessitating an understanding of the history and available medical literature on this topic.
Many young athletes are unprepared to fully participate in sports without risk of injury. Paul Jenkins PT, MSPT, OCS shares that whether an athlete has decreased strength following an injury, has had surgery, or just lacks optimal strength and coordination, the Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital Young Athlete Center Bridge Program is designed to "bridge" the gap between where a young athlete currently is, and where they want to be.
Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, is an extremely delicate surgical procedure where fetal surgeons open the uterus and close the opening in the baby's back while they are still in the womb. Fetal spina bifida surgery is shown to offer significantly better results than traditional repair after birth. Because spinal cord damage is progressive during gestation, prenatal repair of myelomeningocele may prevent further damage.
Mothers carrying a baby with myelomeningocele who choose fetal surgery for spina bifida require the most expert and carefully managed care. Dr. Bebbington, a leading fetal interventionist with 15 years of experience in open fetal surgery and fetoscopic-based interventions, joins the show to discuss comprehensive care for families that spans their needs while their babies are still inside the uterus, through labor and delivery, the NICU and then for years to come.
The pediatric orthopedic program at St. Louis Children’s is one of the largest in the Midwest, caring for nearly 30,000 pediatric patients each year. Staying at the forefront of this care means adapting to differing methods by which patients and families receive our services. Consequently, Washington University Physicians and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are continuously improving and creating new access points to meet the changing needs of our orthopedic patients.
From therapy and surgical services, to sports medicine and emergency room coverage for orthopedic injuries, Dr. Goldfarb joins the show to discuss where your patients can access pediatric orthopedic services by expert orthopedic physicians.
Congenital scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that is caused by a defect that was present at birth. It occurs in only 1 in 10,000 newborns and is much less common than the type of scoliosis that begins in adolescence. Even though congenital scoliosis is present at birth, it is sometimes impossible to see any spine problems until a child reaches adolescence.
Dr. Gupta joins the show to explain more about congenital scoliosis and when to refer to a specialist.
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare, serious condition that can occur in pregnancies when identical twins share a placenta. Abnormal blood vessel connections form in the placenta and allow blood to flow unevenly between the babies. One twin − called the donor – becomes dehydrated; and the other − called the recipient − develops high blood pressure and produces too much urine and over fills the amniotic sac.
Without treatment, this condition can be fatal for both twins. Dr. Bebbington, a leading fetal interventionist with 15 years of experience in open fetal surgery and fetoscopic-based interventions, joins the show to discuss twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and why fetal surgery is sometimes necessary to save one or both babies.
CARE (Clinic for Acceptance, Recovery, and Empowerment) in pregnancy is one of only two programs in St. Louis that offer prenatal care, substance abuse treatment and extended postpartum support for pregnant women facing the challenges of an opioid use disorder.
Hayley Friedman, MD and Jeannie Kelly, MD, discuss how personalized treatment plans help support the well being of mother and child not just during pregnancy, but for at least one full year postpartum.
As St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University pediatricians continue to expand pediatric services within our communities, patients and families are now provided with even more options to access the expertise of Washington University pediatric doctors.
Mark Lowe, MD, PhD discusses the recent openings of two multispecialty center locations in Arnold, Mo, and Shiloh, Il.
Palliative care is often misunderstood. Oftentimes palliative care is associated with end-of-life (hospice) care or “giving up.” In reality, palliative care together with curative treatment is appropriate for any stage of illness.
Joan Rosenbaum, MD , part of the Pediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, is here to share how PACT offers an additional layer of support by specialists to provide relief from the symptoms, pain and psycho-social, emotional and spiritual stress of serious illness for both the patient and the family.
Doing the right thing is often simple and clear. We find the medical problem and we do all we can to heal, to comfort, and make life better for our young patients and their families. But sometimes doing the right thing isn’t easy, simple or clear.
In addition to medical questions, families and caregivers sometimes have moral or ethical issues. These come up when it is not clear what is "right" – the question is what should be done, not what can be done. Most of the time, even hard questions are answered through open and honest talking between children, parents and their health care professionals. When we don't all agree, it can be useful to ask for help.
Jay Malone, MD, MS, PhD is here to let you know that in order to provide such help with some of these problems, the St. Louis Children's Hospital Medical Ethics Subcommittee can help.
Motion analysis technology and expertise in interpreting findings and making recommendations are vital components in helping kids in need achieve the greatest mobility possible. Pooya Hosseinzadeh, MD discusses the newly-opened Motion Analysis Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital which aims to do just that-- and it's the only one in the St. Louis area.
Although many adolescents today are overweight, there are some teens whose extreme obesity causes serious medical complications, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome, just to name a few. These teens often are unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. However, not losing weight — and continuing to gain — is a dangerous path for them.
Shaina Eckhouse, MD discusses The Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program at Children's and how studies show that obese adolescents remain so into adulthood, with the consequence of worsening medical conditions that limit their activities and shorten their lives.
As 3D technology transforms health care and becomes more commonly used, St. Louis Children’s Hospital now has “in-house” 3D printing capabilities. Munish Gupta, MD, Washington University orthopedic spine surgeon, discusses this technology and how it has been life-changing for patients with spinal deformities.
Sport-related concussion is a “hot topic” in the media and in medicine. It is a common injury that is likely underreported by pediatric and adolescent athletes.
Mark Halstead, MD, SLCH’s leading expert on concussions, discusses the AAP’s updated concussion recommendations to support children and teens engaging in light physical activity and returning to school as they recover. The report, revised for the first time in eight years, also advises against complete removal of electronic devices. Dr. Halstead, an associate professor of pediatrics and of orthopedic surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, is the lead author of the AAP report.
An increasing number of boys and girls are playing recreational and organized sports. As a result, there is a rise in the number of overuse injuries seen among children and adolescents. The majority of sports and overuse injuries are due to minor trauma involving soft tissue injuries--injuries that affect the bone, muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons. One such injury is Spondylolysis, or a pars defect, which is marked by back pain.
Brian Kelly, MD discusses the ways in which Spondylolysis is classified. He shares treatment and prevention advice and when it is important to refer to the specialists at St. Louis Children;s Hospital.
The 2019 Clinical Pediatric Update is designed to offer the primary care provider clinical approaches to problems common in pediatric and adolescent practice. Expect to explore current recommendations in adolescent medicine, urology, dermatology, endocrinology, allergy and pulmonary, psychiatry, orthopedics and genetics- all for CME credit.
Joining the show is Dr. Brian Kelly. He's a Washington University pediatric orthopedic surgeon at St. Louis Children's Hospital, and is one of many conference presenters at the upcoming conference, which will take place on Friday, March 29, at Marriott West in St. Louis.
Dr. Kelly will speak about the main topics on the agenda this year, and what attendees can expect.
Mary Fournier, MD, MPH, discusses the current state of STDs and birth control in the millennial generation. She shares what has changed, any new methods available and how pediatricians can help frame this conversation for parents and patients.
For children diagnosed with congenital heart disease, physical activities may come with limitations. The St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center combines the benefits of exercise with the expertise of pediatric cardiologists specializing in exercise physiology to aid children with heart disease.
Dr. Orr joins the show to discuss exercise physiology services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and when to refer to a specialist.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza is the most frequent cause of death in the United States from a vaccine-preventable disease. The 2017-18 influenza season was an intense one, with 172 pediatric deaths recorded.
David Hunstad, MD discusses what we know about the current state of this year's flu season, and what we can we expect before its peak.
Terra Blatnik, MD, discusses Severs Disease treatment options and when to refer to pediatric sports medicine at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Katherine Rivera, MD, discusses what's new in the Asthma treatment pipeline, her recent clinical trials, why pediatricians listening could really benefit from this study and why they should refer a patient with Asthma to St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Kathleen Simpson, MD discusses why the Fontan Clinic at St. Louis Children’s Hospital was established, what a referring provider can expect from the Fontan Clinic team and she offers hope and support for patients after Fontan Procedure.
Christina Gurnett, MD, PhD discuses the recent outbreak of acute flaccid myelitis and when a pediatrician should refer to the specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital for this rare but serious condition.
Most children with congenital heart disease grow up to live active, healthy lives. It is important for these children to receive appropriate follow-up care throughout childhood to watch for signs of developmental issues.
Christopher D. Smyser, MD and Caroline Lee, MD, discuss the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Clinic at the St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center, and how our heart specialists evaluate and treat infants and children to ensure that they reach their highest potential.
Jennifer Sprague, MD, PhD, discusses the evaluation and treatment for Turner Syndrome and the Turner's Clinic at the St. Louis Children's Hospital Specialty Care Center.
Mark Rallo, OD, discusses early detection and treatment of Progressive Myopia and when it is important that a pediatrician refer to a specialist.
In this panel discussion, Barbara Warner, MD, and Jason Newland, MD, discuss antibiotic resistance and use in the NICU. They explain the state of antibiotic resistance and how doctors are monitoring the use of antibiotics to treat premature infants.
Children with somatic symptom disorder worry excessively about physical symptoms that are fairly routine — headaches, stomachaches, nausea or fatigue -- which they interpret as signs of serious illness. The disorder presents conditions in which individuals experience physical symptoms that are not fully explained by the presence of a general medical condition after standard-of-care evaluations and diagnostic tests.
Dr. Thompson joins the show to provide a brief overview of the signs and symptoms of somatic symptom disorder, how it's treated in children and adolescents, and when to refer to a specialist.
Todd Druley, MD, PhD, discusses the latest research underway to tailor therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and how advancements and innovations in treatment have lead to the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Quantum Award.
Working closely with referring physicians and other specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital, the specialists with the Program in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology are able to address the special gynecologic needs of children and adolescents.
Holly Hoefgen, MD, Washington University pediatric and adolescent gynecologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS)in Adolescents and when to refer to the specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
St. Louis Children's Hospital, one of the premier children's hospitals in the United States, recently opened a new medical 3D printing center at the BJC Institute of Health at Washington University School of Medicine (425 South Euclid Avenue, Suite 4301), located next to St. Louis Children's Hospital (SLCH) in the Central West End. St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation provided the funds.
Located at the BJC Institute of Health on the Washington University medical campus, the Medical 3D Printing Center offers a wide range of 3D printing services to researchers and clinicians in the medical community at Washington University and in the midwest region.
Gautam Singh, MD, and Pamela Woodard, MD, discuss how at St. Louis Children's Hospital we work with our clients to develop accurate, high-quality models that will support your surgical, research or medical needs at this exciting Medical 3-D Printing Center.
The multidisciplinary team at St Louis Children's Hospital offers expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of sex development.
Christopher Lewis, MD, and Abby Hollander, MD, join the show in a panel discussion on the Differences in Sex Development (DSD, or "Intersex") Clinic at St. Louis Children's Hospital, and when to refer to a specialist.
As the number of pediatric cancer survivors continues to grow as treatments become more effective, considerations regarding the long-term effects of therapy have become more important—though the effects may be unpredictable. Dr. Holly Hoefgen joins the show to discuss how fertility preservation offers young cancer survivors options to have children in the future.
Type 2 diabetes was once considered a rare condition in the pediatric population, now however it accounts for about 15% to 45% of all newly diagnosed cases of diabetes in children and teenagers.
The Diabetes Program at St. Louis Children's Hospital provides patients and their families a comprehensive approach to diabetes treatment for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Our mission is to provide patient care, teaching and research in all aspects of pediatric diabetes – from infants to young adults. The goal of research is to improve therapies for patients and find a cure for diabetes.
Ana Arbelaez,MD, discusses the current state of Diabetes in the pediatric population and when to refer to the specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
On June 2, St. Louis Children’s Hospital will launch Epic, a leading electronic health records (EHR) system, in which all of a patient's information appear on a single electronic medical record and the patient can access that record securely online. EpicCare Link is Epic’s web-based application for connecting BJC/St. Louis Children’s Hospital patient information with community physicians and care givers. It provides community users secure access to select patient information in Epic.
Dr. Lozovatsky is the physician champion for the Epic transition, and will explain how referring physicians can securely access patient information while in our care.
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The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital specializes in the diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of emotion, cognition and/or behavior affecting children from infancy to age 21.
With our telephone consultation service, primary care providers seeking advice in the management of acute and chronic pediatric behavioral health disorders have direct access to speak with a Washington University pediatric psychiatrist by calling Children's Direct at 800.678.HELP (4357).
Ginger Nicol, MD discusses ways the psychiatrists from the Washington University School of Medicine Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, combined with the support services of our Center provides patients and families with the expertise and resources for comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
As participation of children and adolescents in organized sports continues to rise, so do concerns about the risk and severity of injury to a child’s growing body. Sudden and gradual onset physical injury is unique to the pediatric population and, if not treated properly, can lead to permanent problems with the bone and with growth.
Charles Goldfarb, MD, shares how growth plate fractures are diagnosed, treated, and when to refer to a specialist.
From technology and innovation, to changing demographics and new regulations, the healthcare landscape is in a near constant state of reinvention. Staying at the forefront of patient care means adapting to differing methods by which patients and families receive this care.
Mark Lowe, MD, PhD, and Michele McKee discuss how at St. Louis Children’s this means improving and creating new access points to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve.
Brad Warner, MD, surgeon-in-chief at St. Louis Children's Hospital and division director of pediatric surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, is here to discuss The Pediatric Acute Wound Service Program (PAWS) at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He also shares how it offers a program where staff specially trained in burn and wound care provide care to children in the hospital and to outpatients.
Switching gender roles and occasionally pretending to be the opposite sex is common in young children. But for some kids, they feel certain they were born with the wrong bodies. For these kids and their families, access to individualized treatment can be hard to find.
Christopher Lewis MD, discusses The Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and how it offers the only multidisciplinary care available to children and adolescents in the St. Louis region who identify as a gender different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder of childhood. Mini Tandon, DO, discusses diagnosing ADHD, advancements and innovations in treatment, WUSM studies taking place, and when to refer to a specialist.
Times have changed. Instead of hanging out with friends or playing outside, kids may prefer to stay at home, glued to the computer screen. While parents might think these activities are risk-free because their child is safe in the comforts of their own home, there are some cautions they need to keep in mind.
T. Eric Spiegel, MD, discusses screen time for kids, the updated recommendations from the AAP and how pediatricians and parents can work together to combat excessive screen time.
The key to treating encephalitis is early detection and treatment. A child with encephalitis requires immediate hospitalization and close monitoring. Sometimes, depending on what doctors think the specific cause of the encephalitis is, certain medications can be used to fight infections that may cause it.
In this podcast, Dr. Stuart Tomko, MD, Washington University pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses Autoimmune Encephalitis and when to refer to a specialist.
Many children in schools across the country have now heard about the tragic events that happened in Parkland, FL. As a result, they may struggle with their own feelings of fear, confusion and uncertainty.
In this very important podcast, Suzanne Thompson, PhD discusses how to talk to kids about traumatic events that they see in the media, mental health issues in light of the Florida shooting, and resources available for parents and physicians at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Tune in to this very timely topic.
In 1992, the AAP began recommending babies sleep on their backs to prevent suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Since this recommendation, the number of infant deaths has dropped more than 50 percent in the United States. Yet the number of infant deaths from suffocation or entrapment during sleep has increased.
Since 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has made several changes to its recommendations for safe sleep.
Recently, the AAP issued more specific recommendations for safer sleep, including eliminating positioning devices, such as wedges, from cribs, as well as bumper pads, although some retail stores still sell these.
Joining the show to discuss the new recommendations from the AAP to make babies as safe as possible in their sleep environment, is F. Sessions Cole, MD and Andrea Coverstone, MD.
Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.
Every flu season is different, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year’s flu season is looking worse than expected and early indications suggest that it may be more severe than previous seasons.
In this very important podcast, Fahd Ahmad, MD, discusses what makes this year's flu so different from past seasons, and when to refer to a specialist.
Having an ACL tear can be hard on a young athlete. Recent studies estimate that nearly 250,000 ACL injuries occur annually in the United States. If reconstruction is indicated, a reconstructed ACL is as strong and sometimes even stronger than the original anterior cruciate ligament. But some of the risk factors, including movement patterns, that caused the original injury are still present, and for that reason a thorough rehab program is vital after surgery.
Here to discuss recovery from ACL Injury, how young athletes can protect themselves from sustaining injury again and what young athletes can do now to prevent ACL injuries from occurring is Jeffrey Nepple, MD. He is a Washington University pediatric orthopedic surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and director of the St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Young Athlete Center.
Moyamoya is a disease of abnormal blood vessels in the brain that can occur in children. It leads to narrowing and blood clot formation that prevents the brain from getting enough blood. Without treatment, Moyamoya can cause strokes or bleeding into the brain.
St. Louis Children's Hospital has a multidisciplinary team of pediatric neurosurgeons, neurologists, pediatricians, neuroradiologists, anesthesiologists, and physicians who work together to protect the brains and development of children with Moyamoya.
Joining the show to discuss the Moyamoya program at St. Louis Children's Hospital and when to refer, is Jennifer Strahle MD. She is a Washington University pediatric neurosurgeon at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Short gut syndrome, also known as short bowel syndrome, occurs when the body does not properly absorb and digest food normally because a large length of the small intestine is missing or non-functional. This can be due to a birth defect or surgical removal.
People with short gut syndrome cannot absorb enough water, vitamins, and other nutrients from food to thrive and grow.
Here to discuss Short Bowel Syndrome and when to refer, is Brad Warner, MD. He is a Washington University pediatric general surgeon and surgeon-in-chief at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Campus Renewal is a long-term project to transform the medical center through new construction and renovations, creating an environment and experience for patients and their families that matches the excellence in medical care they expect.
Joining the show to discuss the exciting hospital campus expansion at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and how it will impact our referring physicians and the community, is F. Sessions Cole, MD. He is the director of newborn medicine and Chief Medical officer at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Learn more about campus renewal at http://www.bjcconstruction.org
Introducing St. Louis Children’s Hospital After Hours – providing medical care for illnesses and injuries by specially-trained pediatric providers. When most pediatrician offices are closed, After Hours offers a kid-focused and lower cost alternative to ERs and urgent care centers.
Listen in as Beth Schickler talks about how our newest offsite facility provides quality after-hours care with seamless follow up with the patient's primary care provider.
The anesthesiologists at St. Louis Children’s Hospital provide care for children of all ages. Our team includes board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists, certified nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and pediatric anesthesia fellows.
In the segment, Dr Thomas Cox discusses pediatric anesthesiology and the most common questions parents ask regarding anesthesia.
In this segment, Yumirle (Yumi) Turmelle, MD, joins the show to discuss the possible causes and treatment options for abnormal liver labs in children and when to refer to a specialist.
About one baby in every 1,000 in the United States is born with clubfoot. Almost half of those babies have bilateral clubfoot where both feet have the deformity. The wonderful news is that there is a non-surgical treatment that, with rare exceptions, can correct clubfoot and help children live normal lives.
Clubfoot requires a proper medical evaluation and will not resolve on its own.
In this segment, Dr. Matthew Dobbs joins the show to discuss treatment options for club foot available at St. Louis Children's Hospital and when to refer to a specialist.
In December 2012, SmartTots released its first Consensus Statement on the Use of Anesthetics and Sedatives in Children. Its purpose was to provide guidance to health care providers and parents with regard to research findings that suggest anesthetics may be harmful to the developing brain.
SmartTots has now updated the statement in light of recent research. The results of these research studies demonstrate that exposure to some anesthetics and sedatives can cause memory and learning difficulties and other harmful changes in the central nervous systems of some laboratory animals.
Studies in humans have been less clear, but some studies have suggested that there may also be adverse effects on behavior, learning and memory when children under 4 years of age have prolonged or repeated exposures to anesthesia and surgery.
To date, there is no direct evidence that anesthetics are unsafe for children but more research is needed.
Listen as Julie Drobish, MD discusses Anesthetic Neurotoxicity in Infants and Children.
We are heading into flu season, so it is time for pediatric offices to get prepared! Certain populations are at a higher risk of having serious flu-related complications, including pregnant women, children younger than 5 years old, children with chronic medical conditions and anyone who lives with any of the above mentioned populations.
In this important segment, Dr. Rachel Orscheln discusses this year's flu vaccine, the latest recommendations on the nasal spray and educating patients on the importance of getting the flu vaccination.
Childhood cancer survival is one of the greatest success stories of medicine in recent years. Since the 1970's, the cure rate and number of survivors has grown dramatically. As the number of survivors of childhood cancer continues to grow, so does knowledge of the late effects of cancer treatment.
More than two-thirds of young adult survivors of childhood cancer eventually experience at least one "late effect," with some survivors experiencing more. Late effects can occur in any organ or system of the body and vary from person to person.
In this segment, Bob Hayashi, MD., discusses late side effects of chemotherapy and when to refer to a specialist in this program at SLCH.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the foundations of cancer treatment have typically been surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Now, however, immunotherapy has become what many in the cancer community now call the "fifth pillar" of cancer treatment.
One that is emerging onto the scene is an approach called adoptive cell transfer (ACT), collecting and using patients' own immune cells to treat their cancer. There are several types of ACT, but the one that seems to be closest to producing a treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration is called CAR T-cell therapy.
In this fascinating segment, Dr.Shalini Shenoy discusses this exciting new therapy, when it might be available to the public, and when to refer to a specialist.
Thirty percent of the approximately 12,500 children diagnosed with cancer each year may have a genetic cause for their disease.
A promising area of research in childhood cancer is genomic medicine, in which the genes of children with certain cancer diagnoses are closely examined. Advances in this field have shown that certain childhood cancers are related to specific genetic variations. Some of these same genetic changes may also cause other physical or developmental differences, and when grouped together, are considered to be a cancer predisposition syndrome.
In this segment, Dr Todd Druley explains how The Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Program at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine seeks to identify at-risk children through genetic testing and diagnostic screenings, and can increase the likelihood of early detection and treatment.
St. Louis Children's Hospital (SLCH) and Siteman Cancer Center have joined forces against pediatric cancer by establishing "Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
The partnership is focused on caring for children and adolescents with cancer, using the latest, most effective treatments, in a setting that's specifically geared to younger patients and their families.
In this segment, Dr. Bob Hayashi discusses Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital and the exciting new advancements in pediatric oncology available at SLCH.
The outlook for pediatric kidney transplant has dramatically improved during the last two decades and continues to improve in part due to the surgical techniques developed and ongoing research at Washington University School of Medicine.
An early pioneer in pediatric kidney transplant, St. Louis Children's Hospital remains a leader in the field, achieving a graft and patient survival rate well above the national average over the past decade.
In this segment, Dr. Vikas Dharnidharka discusses caring for a child that has had a kidney transplant and when to refer to a specialist.
The Torticollis Clinic at St. Louis Children's Hospital provides treatment for mild to severe cases of congenital (present at birth) muscular torticollis. This condition results when an infant's neck muscle is shortened, causing the neck to twist. Although some extremely mild cases may resolve on their own, most need some type of treatment.
In this segment, Dr Matthew Dobbs, a Washington University pediatric orthopedic surgeon at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses Torticollis (Wry Neck or Loxia) and when to refer to a specialist.
According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) now affect approximately 1 in 88 American children. ASDs can have lifelong effects on individual functioning in areas such as learning, relationships, and independence in daily life.
In this segment, John Constantino, MD, Washington University pediatric psychiatrist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses the importance of a comprehensive assessment for intervention planning—and describes the next steps in the intervention process including development and implementation of an intervention plan.
According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) now affect approximately 1 in 88 American children. ASDs can have lifelong effects on individual functioning in areas such as learning, relationships, and independence in daily life.
In this segment, John Constantino, MD, Washington University pediatric psychiatrist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses the importance of a comprehensive assessment for intervention planning—and describes the next steps in the intervention process including development and implementation of an intervention plan.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a term for a group of problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from exposure to narcotics. It is estimated that 3 to 50 percent of newborn babies have been exposed to maternal drug use, depending on the population and area of the country.
In this segment, Dr Steve Liao, MD, Washington University Neonatal-Perinatal medicine physician at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses NAS and when a pediatrician should refer to a specialist.
In response to a growing patient population, the newly-established Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides care to kids and adolescents who identify as a gender different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Listen in as Christopher Lewis, MD, & Sarah Garwood, MD discuss the cultural shift that has catapulted the need for these services.
Vascular ring refers to a group of abnormalities of the aorta and its branches. It can cause breathing problems and feeding problems in infants and children.
In this segment, Peter Manning,MD, discusses vascular ring and the new advancements, technology and research being done to improve treatment outcomes.
According to the NIH, the number of pediatric cancer survivors is growing rapidly as treatments become more effective. However, many current regimens can cause gonadotoxicity and permanent infertility, significantly impacting quality of life of these patients. Numerous treatment options are already available to prevent infertility in patients at risk.
In this segment, Dr. Kenan Omurtag, and Dr. Emily Jungheim, both Washington University reproductive endocrinologists and infertility specialists, discuss fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients, at what point preservation modalities should be considered, when a fertility specialist should be brought in, as well as new scientific advances in this area.
For young athletes, coaches and parents, the beginning of various sports seasons means young athletes of all ages face the challenges of injuries that range from sprains, cuts and bruises on up to more serious problems.
This year there's also a new state law in Missouri aimed at protecting student athletes from concussions.
Jeffrey Nepple, MD joins the show to help pediatricians, coaches and school personnel take the steps necessary to keep kids on the field and healthy when they play sports.
The Neurofibromatosis Comprehensive Care Team at St. Louis Children's Hospital provides detailed patient assessments and works with referring physicians, allied health professionals and agencies to deliver state-of-the-art medical services both locally and nationally.
Neurofibromatosis affects different people in different ways. As a team, we work with our patients and their families to care for the whole person.
To do so, all team members at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University meet regularly to discuss current standards of care and to discuss exciting new developments. These meetings not only include health care professionals, but also research scientists. Through regular communication, our team is able to provide the most up to date and progressive treatment plans.
In this segment, David Gutmann, MD, PhD, Washington University pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses Neurofibromatosis Research and clinical care.
Eating less to lose weight or play better can lead to big problems for girls who play sports. If young female athletes don’t get enough calories to make up for what they burn during practices and games, they might miss their periods and have weak bones. The combination of a poor diet, periods that aren’t regular and weak bones is called the female athlete triad.
In this segment, Terra Blatnik, MD discusses the symptoms of the female athlete triad, how it can cause health issues later in life, and when a patient should be referred to a specialist.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infectious disease are caused by pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi) that spread directly or indirectly from one person to another.
The most common infectious diseases are the common cold, flu, strep throat, the stomach flu, and urinary tract infection (UTI). Depending on the type of infectious disease you might in contact with, the symptoms can vary. For example, symptoms for the common cold include: runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, congestion, sneezing, slight body aches, and a low-grade fever.
Listen in as Jason Newland, MD, Washington University pediatric infectious disease physician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital explains what infectious diseases are, the warning signs/symptoms and when you should seek medical treatment.
On Jan. 5, an expert panel sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), issued new clinical guidelines regarding the prevention of peanut allergies in children. The guidelines are based on groundbreaking studies conducted in recent years.
The panel issued three separate recommendations determined by the level of risk babies have for developing a peanut allergy.
In this segment, Dr. Avraham (Avi) Beigelman, MD, a Washington University allergy, immunology and pulmonary medicine specialist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital discusses these new guidelines for children with peanut allergies and when a pediatrician should refer to a specialist.
Are you planning to travel overseas? Then St. Louis Children's Hospital Travel Clinic should be one of the first stops on your itinerary.
Whether you're traveling for work, leisure, volunteering or studying abroad, it's important to see a specialist that will help you plan for a safer, healthier international trip.
Why is it so important to consult with a specialist prior to traveling overseas?
Listen in as Rachel Orscheln, MD shares the most common infectious diseases, why you should consult with a specialist before traveling, and the types of services the International Travel Clinic St. Louis Children's Hospital offers.
A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. However, a spine affected by scoliosis shows evidence of a lateral, or side-by-side curvature, with the spine looking like an "S" or "C" and a rotation of the back bones (vertebrae), giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side. The Scoliosis Research Society defines scoliosis as a curvature of the spine measuring 10 degrees or greater.
In over 80 percent of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown — a condition called idiopathic scoliosis.
In this segment, Munish Gupta, MD discusses idiopathic scoliosis and when a pediatrician should refer a patient to St. Louis Children's Hospital.
In the US alone, more than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed in 2010 with nonmelanoma skin cancer, and 68,130 will be diagnosed with melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society.
Fortunately, skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma) are rare in children. When melanomas occur, they usually arise from pigmented nevi (moles) that are large (diameter greater than 6 mm), asymmetric, with irregular borders and coloration. Bleeding, itching, and a lump under the skin are other signs of cancerous change. If a child has had radiation treatment for cancer, moles in the radiated area are at increased risk of becoming cancerous.
In this segment, Carrie Coughlin, MD, Washington University pediatric dermatologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses nevi (moles) and melanoma in children and when to refer to a specialist.
Between 1997-2007, the number of emergency room visits for concussions doubled in children ages 8-13 who play organized sports.
Part of the reason is greater awareness, according to Mark E. Halstead, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at St. Louis Children's Hospital and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and of pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine.
In this segment, Dr. Halstead, shares information for pediatricians on recognizing the signs of a concussion, the appropriate treatment and when to refer to a specialist.
In this segment, Frederick S. Huang, MD, Washington University pediatric oncologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses low Hemoglobin, treatment options and when to refer to a specialist.
Stroke in children tend to have different causes than in adults. The most common cause of stroke in a child is a heart problem. Other causes for children include sickle cell disease (a type of blood disease passed down through families), infection, trauma, dehydration, blood clotting problems, and birth defects. In many cases, however, no cause can be found.
While strokes in children can be devastating, children appear to have a better ability to heal because of the greater flexibility and plasticity of their nervous system and brain. With physical‑and speech therapy, many childhood stroke survivors recover‑most or all the use of their arms, legs and speech.
In this segment, Kristin Guilliams, MD, Washington University pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses causes and treatment for stroke in children and when to refer to a specialist.
An estimated one-and-a-half to two million children are abused and/or neglected in the United States each year. Approximately 3,000 children die each year at the hands of a caretaker.
Adrienne Atzemis, MD discusses the warning signs of child abuse, how the protection program at St. Louis can help child abuse victims, and when a pediatrician should refer to St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Adolescence is a time of many changes. As girls grow into young women and become physically and sexually mature, they need additional care from health care providers. What is the typical age and progression of puberty, how do cycles regulate over time, are monthly menstrual periods are a sign of health?
Listen as Diane Merritt, MD discusses the importance of clinicians having an understanding of bleeding patterns in girls and adolescents, the ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal menstruation, and the skill to know how to evaluate young
patients' conditions appropriately.
It is hard to imagine that an estimated six million children are abused and neglected in the United States each year. These shocking statistics include different forms of maltreatment, ranging from physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse to physical neglect and medical neglect.
The Child Protection Program (CCP) at St. Louis Children's Hospital is a professional hospital-based program that provides clinical services and training. The program is staffed by pediatricians, pediatric nurse practitioners and licensed clinical social workers.
Jamie Kondis, MD, FAAP discusses the warning signs of child sexual abuse, as well as SLCH’s SAM (sexual abuse management) and SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) clinics.
The Pain Management Clinic at St. Louis Children's Hospital (SLCH) provides evaluation, treatment, education and support for pediatric patients experiencing either acute or chronic pain. It is the only clinic in the region offering these specialized services through providers with particular training in helping children deal with pain.
In this segment, Jacob Aubuchon, MD, Washington University pediatric anesthesiologist and director of the Pain Management Clinic at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses chronic pain in children and when a pediatrician should refer to a pain specialist.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a set of complex genetic disorders that can affect almost every organ system, causing a predisposition for tumors to grow on nerves in the brain and throughout the body.
Listen as Stephanie Morris, MD explains that while there is no cure for NF1, research throughout the world is providing hope that new treatments and management strategies will eventually transform the practice of medicine for people affected with NF1.
The Neurofibromatosis Comprehensive Care Team at St. Louis Children's Hospital provides detailed patient assessments and works with referring physicians, allied health professionals and agencies to deliver state-of-the-art medical services both locally and nationally.
The standardized guidelines developed for the diagnosis of autism actually involve two levels of screening for autism. Level one screening, which should be performed for all children seeing a doctor for well-child checkups during their first two years of life.
The second level of screening should be performed if a child is identified in the first level of screening as developmentally delayed. It is common for children on the spectrum to have delayed speech development.
Listen as John Constantino, MD, Washington University pediatric psychiatrist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses how timely detection and early intervention may mitigate the emotional, social and cognitive deficits of this disability and improve the outcome.
About 1 in 2,000 babies is affected by craniosynostosis, in which the sutures of the skull bones close too early. This leads to an abnormally shaped head not related to external factors.
Craniosynostosis can be hereditary and accompany other congenital defects or occur randomly in otherwise healthy children with normal intelligence.
Listen as Kamlesh Patel, MD, Washington University pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, explains how this condition is treated and how the patient might be affected in the long term.
In the United States, nearly 6,800 babies are born with oral-facial clefts annually.
The Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Institute at St. Louis Children's Hospital, established in 1978 as part of the Division of Plastic Surgery, is the largest and oldest center of its kind in the Midwest. The team has treated more than 4,000 patients with cleft lip and palate, and another 2,800 with major craniofacial anomalies.
In this segment, Alison Snyder-Warwick, MD discusses cleft lip and palate in children and when to refer to a pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness and muscle tone caused by inadequate blood supply to the brain. Syncope is sometimes also called fainting.
Syncope accounts for 1 percent to 3 percent of emergency room visits and 6 percent of hospital admissions, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
However, many different problems can cause a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
Listen as Aarti Dalal, DO discusses symptoms, warning signs and how to treat and evaluate pediatric Syncope.
Parents may certainly worry if they're told that their child has a heart murmur. Not all heart murmurs are symptoms of heart disease. Sometimes, a murmur may be heard in a normal child who has a fever or who is anemic; these murmurs often go away when the underlying problem is treated.
Busy clinicians need an approach that allows them to appropriately identify and refer patients with pathologic murmurs to a pediatric cardiologist.
In this segment Georgeann Groh, MD., Washington University Pediatric Cardiologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital and the Director, of Outpatient Pediatric Cardiology, explains heart murmurs in children and when to refer to a pediatric cardiologist.
If children or adolescents present complaining of heart palpitations, it can difficult for the pediatrician to diagnose as a child may have difficulty putting into words what he or she is feeling during a heart palpitation.
Listen as Jennifer Silva, MD, a Washington University Pediatric Cardiologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses pediatric heart palpitations and when to refer to a pediatric cardiologist.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 18 out of every 10,000 babies are born with a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD). CCHD is life threatening and requires intervention in infancy. However, CCHD is not always detected prenatally or upon exam in the nursery. As a result, some infants with CCHD are discharged from the nursery to home, where they may quickly decompensate.
To improve the early detection of CCHD, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended that CCHD screening be added to the uniform newborn screening panel.
Listen as Caroline Lee, MD., Washington University pediatric cardiologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital and Director, Fetal Heart Center, discusses the guidelines for newborn screening for congenital heart disease.