Saving face: improving outcomes in pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgery
Leonard B. Kaban, DMD, MD and Maria J. Troulis, DDS, MSc
In recent years, oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital and elsewhere have developed minimally invasive techniques to correct many facial soft-tissue and skeletal deformities, which have resulted in less overall morbidity, decreased pain and swelling and faster recovery. . . . read more
The ravages of sepsis: basic research yields challenges and important insights to drive new treatments
H. Shaw Warren, MD
When our bodies are attacked by foreign invaders such as bacterial or viral micro-organisms, we can count on our immune systems to martial their forces and fend off the attackers. In a small percentage of adults and children who are hospitalized, however, an infection can become so severe and the body’s natural defenses so overwrought, that it develops into a toxic condition called sepsis. Sepsis is the third leading cause of death behind cancer and heart disease. . . . read more
Unlocking the mechanisms of cell death and cognitive and motor dysfunction after traumatic brain injury
Michael J. Whalen, MD
Within seconds of impact Ali, age seventeen, is ejected through the car windshield. Her skull is fractured, subdural and epidural bleeding has occurred and her brain has already begun to swell. Her cerebral blood flow is deranged, and rotational and accelerational forces have caused axonal and neuronal damage in her brain. She nearly dies from increased intracranial pressure. Ischemic damage sets in and brain cells begin to die. Ali is comatose. Unbelievably, the detriment is just starting to unfold. The progression of the physiologic and neurologic effects after traumatic brain injury will reveal themselves days, weeks, even months to years after the accident. And the ambulance hasn’t even arrived yet to take Ali to MassGeneral Hospital for Children. . . . read more
Refuting myths and gleaning important new insights about ADHD
Joseph Biederman, MD
In the mid-1800s, German physician Heinrich Hoffman wrote a children’s book called The Story of Fidgety Philip, about a boy who giggled, wriggled, and rocked in his chair—thus providing the first published description of what is now known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). . . . read more
Using teamwork and technology to solve clinical problems
Jay J. Schnitzer, MD, PhD
In popular culture, doctors are often depicted a bit like cowboys— fiercely independent people who follow their instincts and tackle problems on their own.
The reality of practicing medicine is quite different, of course. This is especially true when it comes to caring for children born with congenital abnormalities. About 150,000 children are born in the United States each year with heart and lung defects, spina bifida and other skeletal malformations, and metabolic disorders. Initial medical care and surgery is usually followed by years of care by multiple specialists to address subsequent problems that emerge as the child grows. . . . read more
