For Preemies and Parents, Kangaroo Care Is More Than a Calming Touch—It’s Treatment
A practice once born of necessity, kangaroo care is now backed by science—which is why it’s recommended by neonatologists at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.
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Research and Innovation
Menstruation, Birth Control, Mental Health Top Team USA Female Athletes’ Research Agenda
Team USA female athletes voice unique needs in study co-authored by Stanford Children’s sports medicine specialist Emily Kraus, MD, of the Stanford FASTR program, paving the way for tailored advancements in sports science research.
Stanford Children’s Expands Simulation Innovation Center to Enhance Skills, Confidence, and Teamwork
The new Innovation Center uses advanced technology, including high-fidelity mannequins, high-resolution simulation AV, and real-life equipment, that simulate a wide range of medical conditions.
Oncology Electronic Roadmaps Digital Platform Receives CIO 100 Award
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health receives CIO 100 Award.
Why Precision Medicine Leads to Better Diabetes Care
Diabetes can show up in almost anyone: pregnant women, babies, kids, teens, adults both young and old.
A School Without Limits: Young Patients Travel Far to Learn Without Leaving Their Bedside
For some hospitalized patients, virtual reality lessons at the bedside are another educational tool to enable deeper learning and allow young students to experience the world beyond the classroom walls.
Robotic Puppies Bring Joy and Therapy to Patients at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
Move over Rover, Otis-AI is taking lead. These cheery animatronic puppies strutted, fetched, and played with young patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.
How a Cystic Fibrosis Drug Given Prenatally Changed the Lives of One Family
Giving a new cystic fibrosis medication to a pregnant woman who carries the gene for the disease was unexpectedly beneficial for her fetus, a Stanford Medicine team found.
‘It’s Listening’: Addressing Maternal Health Disparities
Throughout her career and her life, Irogue Igbinosa, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, has always noticed disparities in health outcomes for pregnant Black women. It’s an issue she’s now working to address.
How Sex-Related Differences Impact Sports Injuries
Learn about some of the most common injuries that can be caused in part by anatomical and physiological differences between boys and girls.
Predicting the Best Treatment for Young Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Children and teens with ulcerative colitis have many more treatment options than a decade ago,… Read more »
Stanford Research Uncovers Health Risks for Mothers Giving Birth in Two-Mom Families
A recently published study outlines several pregnancy and birth risks for mothers in two-mom families. Certain complications, including serious conditions such as postpartum hemorrhage, were substantially more common in these mothers.
Changing Infant Care to Improve Newborns’ Health in India
Modifying traditional infant massages led to more weight gain and fewer illnesses among newborns in a Stanford-led community study in India.
Premature Babies’ Survival Rate is Climbing, Study Says
A comprehensive new study of premature babies in the United States is helping redefine what it means for a premature infant to survive.
From Loss Comes Hope: Early Clinical Trial Results Show Promise for Treating Pediatric Brain Tumor
When Jace Ward came to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford to join a clinical trial for a novel therapy, he had been fighting a deadly brainstem tumor for more than a year. A group of Stanford scientists published data from the trial Ward joined.
Stanford Team Finds Benefits to Online Autism Treatment
In the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanford Medicine researchers had to pause a study of autism treatment in preschoolers. The halt was stressful for kids and their families, so a team of pediatric psychologists pivoted to offering the treatment online.
Kids Fare Better With Early Use of Diabetes Technology
Providing continuous glucose monitors to kids with new type 1 diabetes improves their blood sugar levels a year later, a Stanford study showed.
When Can You Vaccinate Your Kids? What We Know as FDA Prepares to Consider Data From Studies
Stanford pediatricians helped conduct clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines for children. Data from the study will be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for consideration.
Names on Surgical Caps Boost Communication During C-sections, Study Finds
New Stanford research finds labeled surgical caps improve communication among patients and health care providers during C-sections.
Tara and Dave Dollinger Give $2.4 Million to Build Out Biorepository That Will Provide Clues to a Rare Illness
Tara and Dave Dollinger recently donated $2.4 million to assist the efforts of Jennifer Frankovich, MD, MS and collaborating scientists.
COVID-19 Vaccine Answers from a Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Expert
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health pediatric infectious disease expert Roshni Mathew, MD, answers common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.
Packard Children’s Named One of Nation’s Most Innovative Children’s Hospitals
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has been named a Most Innovative Children’s Hospital by PARENTS Magazine.
Bluetooth Further Eases Management of Type 1 Diabetes
Technology enables communication between two advanced devices.
Stanford Team Improves Diagnostics for Newborns’ Brain Bleeds
Mini-strokes, caused by breaks in tiny blood vessels, can occur during or soon after birth. New Stanford research expands the capability of ultrasound diagnosis of these injuries to provide a real-time window into brain function.
Stanford-led Study Finds Vaping Significantly Increases Risk of COVID-19 in Teens
Youth ages 13-24 who vape are up to seven times more likely to be diagnosed with the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Preventing Prematurity: Stanford Leads Research to Help Moms and Babies
Stanford researchers develop a new noninvasive blood test to help predict premature births.
Virtual Pitch Competition Recognizes Pediatric Device Innovators
Seed funding awarded to start-ups working to develop health technology for children.
Closing the Gap for the Littlest Patients Who Need Long-Term Care
The Stanford doctors fuel California’s HRIF state initiative through research revealing gaps in high risk infant follow up care referrals, and among certain sociodemographic groups.
Falcon Quarterback Soars after Unique HIFU Procedure
Doctors used an innovative approach called high intensity focused ultrasound to remove a tumor called an osteoid osteoma without surgery or radiation.
Math Makes Room for More Patients
Patients who undergo a surgical procedure may move from a surgical prep area, to an… Read more »
Stanford Trial Shows Parents Can Learn Therapy to Help Their Children With Autism Learn to Speak
When James Pim was small, he struggled to express himself. His mom enrolled in a Stanford trial of an autism therapy called pivotal response treatment with the hope that she could help him understand how to use words to communicate.
An Unusual Stem Cell Transplant Saves Two Brothers
Brothers Ronnie and Levi Dogan were born with a very rare condition called IPEX syndrome. Packard Children’s was the first in the U.S. to offer a unique stem cell transplant they would both need for survival.
“Moonshot4Kids” at Monje Lab: DIPG Families Advocate for Increased Pediatric Cancer Research Funds
On May 17, DIPG Awareness Day, four families who donated their late children’s brain tumor tissue to science convened at Stanford to hear firsthand from pediatric neuro-oncologist Michelle Monje, MD, PhD, about research developments and new clinical trials that may hold the key to unlocking treatment for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
Rising To Meet the Need for Pediatric Device Innovation
The second annual Pediatric Innovation Showcase brought together pediatric experts and innovators to highlight progress in pediatric device development.
Minor heart defects at birth shown to increase risk for cardiac disease risk later in life, Stanford study finds
Being born with a minor heart defect is a surprisingly big deal in the long… Read more »
Mobile app designed to enhance the patient experience
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health launched a new mobile app designed to help patients quickly find a doctor, call for an appointment, access their medical records and navigate the hospital campus.
A decade of advances in prematurity research at Stanford
Babies who are born prematurely, arriving three or more weeks early, face a variety of… Read more »
Seeking a better way to match donor hearts with children awaiting transplant
Doctors leverage 3D imaging software to expand the potential donor pool for children in need… Read more »
How to feed the smallest preemies
A new toolkit from the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, co-authored by a panel that included three Stanford experts, will help spread the latest research on preemie nutrition to doctors around the world.
Designed with kids in mind: Child-friendly MRIs
When it comes to medical imaging, pediatric radiologist and biomedical engineer Shreyas Vasanawala knows that… Read more »
CMS Administrator Seema Verma visits Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
The Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services discussed improving interoperability in health care with innovators from Stanford and Silicon Valley tech companies.
Finding a voice through technology
For most of her life, Alyssa Davilla has only been able to communicate a handful of feelings and phrases. But this is all changing thanks to a new app.
What gene discovery means for families and physicians seeking answers to medical mysteries
Families and physicians seeking answers to the medically unknown turn to genomics experts to unlock secrets hidden in genes.
Excitement brews around promise of gene editing
Matthew Porteus, MD, PhD, is leading clinical research for CRISPR at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and hopes to launch Stanford’s first clinical trial of CRISPR next year.
Now Seizure Free, Gracin Gets Her Words Back
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford is using the innovative ROSA™ technology to help children suffering from prolific seizure disorders.
Tessa’s mystery condition gets a diagnosis
The Nye family spent years chasing a diagnosis for Tessa, who experienced hundreds of seizures a day, but doctors found no genetic cause for her disorder.
Reading, skin-to-skin bonding offer developmental benefits to NICU babies
Programs offered by the development department promote important benefits of reading and skin-to-skin bonding in furthering development of the hospital’s most fragile babies.
A tech tour of the new Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
We are proud to use the latest technologies and innovations to usher in a new era of pediatric care.
Stanford Virtual Heart featured at Oculus Connect 4
David Axelrod, MD attended the Oculus Connect 4 conference where he appeared as an expert on a panel about the applications of VR in healthcare.
Magnet technology corrects spinal disorders
Kora has early onset scoliosis (EOS), a severe spinal curvature that occurs when vertebrae develop incorrectly in utero.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month brings attention to deadly genetic disease — and a new treatment bringing hope for families.
Stanford Mental Health Innovation Challenge
Nearly 100 local teens collaborate to shape the future of mental health through the Stanford Mental Health Innovation Challenge.
Physician trainees test drive the Stanford Virtual Heart
Stanford University School of Medicine professors provide a unique boot camp for the next generation of cardiac specialists uses VR to teach complex heart anatomy.
Stanford Medicine Children’s gender clinic helps young people affirm their identities
When Noah Wilson realized he was transgender, he was afraid to tell his parents. When he did gather the courage to come out, his family had many questions. Together, they sought help from the Pediatric and Adolescent Gender Clinic at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.
Christopher Almond, MD discusses pediatric heart pump trial
Stanford is leading a multisite study of a new ventricular assist device for children who are awaiting heart transplantation.
“Sevo the Dragon” takes the stress out of surgery and anesthesia for young patients
A dose of fun and games is helping ease the stress and anxiety that many young patients feel before heading into surgery.
Calm in the midst of the storm
Child life specialists use age-appropriate education, preparation, and supportive activities to help normalize the hospital experience for children.
Recent study highlights California teens’ misconceptions about marijuana
Thanks to years of public health education, cigarette smoking is on the decline for teens. Marijuana use hasn’t changed, with around 20 percent of 12th graders reporting they’ve recently smoked marijuana.
New hormone helps explain how high-fat diets make us fatter
A Stanford team published their discovery of a hormone that signals when the body needs more fat stores. It sends its message in response to two external signals that we already knew could make people fatter.
The long awaited and newly FDA-approved ‘artificial pancreas’ for type 1 diabetes has arrived
Doctors at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford led the way in testing the device and are currently in the next phase of studying the technology in younger children.
Local families address new mental health report by Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing
A new report from the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing revealed insights from local families on perceptions of mental health resources and interventions for youth who may be struggling with depression and other mental health issues.
Breaking down stigma: 5 things to know about our Adolescent Mental Wellness Conference
In response to the growing need for mental health resources for Bay Area adolescents and children, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford is joining the Stanford School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services and Pediatrics Division of Adolescent Medicine to host the first annual Adolescent Mental Wellness Conference on August 5 and 6 at the South San Francisco Conference Center.
New technology used at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Ear Clinic brings back hearing for 9-year-old boy
“This is awesome!” Exclaimed nine-year-old Joshua Gomez, as he listened to his favorite song at his appointment at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Ear Clinic in Palo Alto on July 21. “Awesome” because he is now able to hear it more clearly than ever before.
BERT to the rescue: Bedside theater reduces anxiety for patients going into surgery
BERT (Bedside Entertainment and Relaxation Theater) rolled out in the hospital’s perioperative unit. It’s purpose is to reduce the use of oral anxiety medications before operations and improving patient and family satisfaction levels.
Implantable defibrillators treat irregular heart rhythms in kids
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator can help prevent the heart’s electrical system from malfunctioning — and help kids get their lives back.
Robot bridges the gap between young patients on isolation and hospital school peers
The Hospital School now has a new tool to help patients stay engaged — both in their lessons and with their peers.
Shaping a Brighter Future
In medicine we often refer to the “natural history of disease”— the normal course that a disease takes in an individual if no treatment occurs. In the case of congenital heart disease, the “natural history” was often death or, at best, survival with significant limitations. Fortunately, that history has changed.
New cystic fibrosis screening test developed at Stanford
Stanford researchers have invented a new technique to detect cystic fibrosis in infants. The test, described in a paper published today in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, is more comprehensive, faster and cheaper than current newborn screening methods.
At Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, an Apple HealthKit pilot for type 1 diabetes shows promise
Pediatric diabetes patients and their families have a new and innovative way to communicate glucose measurements.
Girls with autism show behavior and brain differences compared to boys, Stanford study finds
Girls with autism tend to have less severe manifestations of one of the disorder’s core features, repetitive and restricted behavior, and they show brain-scan differences from boys that help explain the discrepancy, a new Stanford study has found.
Mom of ‘surprise’ twins takes skin-to-skin time seriously in the intensive care nursery.
Vanessa Applegate was not expecting twins. The very day she discovered her one baby was in fact, one of two growing in-utero, she was admitted into Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.
Q & A: Sudden symptoms are first sign of PANS and PANDAS
When a sudden, inexplicable illness affects a child’s health, getting an accurate diagnosis, proper treatment… Read more »
A serendipitous save that changed treatment of the most common tumor of infancy
Serendipity played a key role in the success of Isabella Manley’s treatment for a life-threatening tumor that made it difficult for her to breathe.
Reading, writing, arithmetic, and now, yoga
Integrating mindfulness into regular curriculum in the Ravenswood City School District
New study from Stanford Medicine Children’s Health points to importance of high-level NICU resources in California
California’s high-level, high-volume facilities have the lowest mortality rates when it comes to treating premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous intestinal disease. However, the number of these centers is decreasing.
Dietary supplement helps lung function in cystic fibrosis patients, Stanford/Packard study finds
Life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis has improved dramatically in the last few decades, but those with CF still struggle with a very basic action: breathing easily. However, a new study indicates that a specific dietary supplement might stave off the decline in lung function that characterizes this genetic disease.
Stanford/VA study finds link between PTSD and premature birth
Scientists have long suspected that post-traumatic stress disorder raises a pregnant woman’s risk of giving birth prematurely. Now, new research from Stanford and the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs confirms these suspicions.
Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos Extend a $2.25 Million Challenge Grant to Fund Innovative Clinical Food Allergy Research at Stanford
Groundbreaking food allergy research at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has received a major boost through the creation of a challenge grant by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos. Severe food allergies are a growing epidemic, with rates having doubled in the last decade. One out of every 13 children is affected, and over 30 percent are thought to have allergies to more than one food.
‘Heal EB’ and Eddie and Jill Vedder help fund treatments for children with a rare and life-threatening skin disorder
Heal EB provides Stanford with $50,000 for the development of new technologies to improve evaluation of EB-impacted skin.
New research shows how to keep diabetics safer during sleep
Life with type 1 diabetes requires an astonishing number of health-related decisions – about 180 per day. But patients’ vigilant monitoring of their daytime blood sugar, food intake, insulin and activity levels is perhaps less exhausting than the worries they face about getting a safe night’s sleep.
Cardiac arrest in pregnancy: New CPR recommendations for expectant moms
When a pregnant woman’s heart stops, two lives are threatened. Yet few caregivers know how to modify their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique for the expectant mom and her fetus, and few hospitals are optimally prepared for such an event.
Parents, patients and doctors unite for progress at the 7th Annual Stanford Autism Update
How can you create a special day for hundreds of families from different backgrounds, whose… Read more »
Empowerment training prevents rape of Kenyan girls
Adolescent girls in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, are frequent targets of sexual harassment and… Read more »
Living donor transplantation has emotional benefits, too
When it comes to life-saving liver transplantation for children, receiving an organ from a living… Read more »
Q&A with Greg Enns, MD, about NGLY1 deficiency, a newly discovered genetic disease
Gregory Enns, MD, pediatric geneticist at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and a professor of… Read more »
Q & A: Rare polio-like disease emerges in California
(Updated March 25, 2014.) Keith Van Haren, MD, pediatric neurologist at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital… Read more »
