Neonatology Research Supported by NIH-funding and other private sources, the Division of Neonatology is improving outcomes and guiding best practices. Our team engages in basic, clinical and translational areas of investigation that include human milk, brain injury and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
Article
Beyond Trust: Kali’s Story Krystin Sylva always says her twins came into the world like a storm. Kali and Jada were 28-week preemies born during an actual ice storm in January – at 3:33 am, three seconds apart. They started life in the NICU at Danbury Hospital, receiving care from Connecticut Children's
Article
How, and When, to Talk to Your Child About Drugs By Melissa Santos, PhD: Families in Connecticut are mourning the death of a 13-year-old who overdosed on the painkiller fentanyl while at his Hartford school. It’s a tragic reminder of the dangers of drugs around kids. If you’re a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to know how to talk to your child
Open Fetal Surgery Fetal surgery poses a unique challenge as it involves one operation on two patients: the mother and her fetus. This is a scenario similar to transplantation from a living donor. Because of the risk to the mother, who derives no direct benefit from fetal surgery, open fetal
Article
Mask Up! Tips to Make Kids More Comfortable With Masks, Broken Down by Age By Kathryn Robbins: Masks are one of the best ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus . But even if your child knows they’re supposed to wear a mask out in public, it can take some practice – and positive reinforcement – to get them in the habit. Child Life specialist Kathryn Robbins, MS, CCLS
Neural Tube Defect (Myelomeningocele) Postnatal Management Open neural tube defects result from a failure of primary neurulation, leading to abnormal development of the spinal cord at and below the level of the defect. Secondary injury can occur from mechanical and chemical trauma, as well as infection. Defects that are open at birth
Fever and Sepsis Evaluation in the Neonate (0-28 days) Clinical Pathway Neonates presenting with fever are at high risk of having and/or developing a serious bacterial infection. In addition, neonates can present with extensive HSV disease. Early identification and management is critical for improved outcomes. The AAP released a new clinical practice
Gastroenteritis and Dehydration Clinical Pathway Acute gastroenteritis in children is most commonly caused by viral pathogens, accounting for 1.7 million Emergency Department visits and 200,000 hospitalizations annually. Complications of gastroenteritis, include dehydration and/or electrolyte abnormalities and acid base
Suspected Physical Abuse (SPA) Clinical Pathway In 2013 there were close to 70,000 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in the United States. Child maltreatment is a significant medical problem. Cases of suspected physical abuse frequently present to the emergency department. It has been noted that there is variation
Urinary Tract Infection Clinical Pathway Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of SBI (serious bacterial infection) in children aged 2-24 months, and a common reason for inpatient admission. The goal of this pathway is early treatment to help with elimination of infection and prevention of
Acute Management of Migraine and Migraine-Like Headache Clinical Pathway Migraine headaches are a common reason patients present to the emergency department. Migraines have a considerable adverse impact on quality of life, and afflicted children may be seek emergent relief. Currently, there is a range of practices used by emergency medicine providers
Suspected Nephrolithiasis Clinical Pathway (Kidney Stone) Studies have demonstrated an increasing incidence of pediatric stone disease over the past 20 years. In addition, there has been a shift to outpatient care of patients with nephrolithiasis, particularly to the Emergency Department setting. Despite published national guidelines
Rhabdomyolysis Clinical Pathway Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome characterized by the breakdown of skeletal muscle leading to the release of intracellular muscle constituents. The most common etiologies in children are viral illnesses, exercise, and trauma. Muscle pain and muscle weakness are the most common
Sickle Cell: Management of Acute Pain Crisis Clinical Pathway Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most common genetic disease in the United States. It is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin beta chain in which glutamic acid is substituted with valine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) estimates that over 100,000
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRD) Clinical Pathway Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRD) is a clinical presentation where symptoms or impairment cannot be fully explained by an identifiable disease process given the current medical evidence. This pathway seeks to evaluate and ultimately explain to patients and their