Esther E. Knapp, M.D., MBE, of Norton Children’s Cancer Institute is a board-certified pediatric hematologist/oncologist with specialized training in pediatric bone marrow transplantation. According to Dr. Knapp, taking on challenges was part of the appeal of entering her specialized field. “The truth is, I was impressed by doctors and teams who didn’t shy away from…
Hygiene for girls can be a thorny topic for parents. Teaching preteens about good hygiene isn’t easy, but it’s important. Poor hygiene can change the natural balance of the vagina and lead to conditions such as vaginitis or vulvovaginitis. What should kids do to make sure they’re maintaining good care of their vaginal health? Bathroom…
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is considered the best way to diagnose and monitor hypertension in children. Hypertension, also called persistent high blood pressure on repeat checks, is rising among children and teens due to many factors, including obesity and lifestyle changes. High blood pressure as a child may lead to an increased risk of…
Histoplasmosis is one of the most common types of pulmonary mycosis, an endemic fungal infection that affects the lungs. The condition also is called “Ohio River Valley fever” due to its prevalence in the area, including Kentucky. What is histoplasmosis –– and what should parents know? What causes histoplasmosis? Histoplasmosis is caused by breathing in…
Breast milk can be like a medicine for babies. While breast milk is preferred for most babies, it may not naturally contain all of the macronutrients (fat, carbohydrates and protein) needed by premature babies, those born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Human milk analysis and targeted fortification, a type of “lactoengineering,” is a technology that…
The spread of COVID-19 has slowed while restrictions are one by one receding into memory. Whatever the “new normal” looks like, it doesn’t mean there won’t be lingering effects of the pandemic. Now more than ever, it’s important to talk your kids about depression and focus on gun safety in the home. The effect of…
A 2017 study in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology showed that children in Appalachia, a region that spans 13 states including large parts of Eastern Kentucky, are more at risk for a type of pediatric brain tumor called juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA). What is juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma? The study compared how often pediatric brain tumors happened…
The Norton Children’s Research Institute will participate in a phase 2/3 clinical trial of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 investigational vaccine for healthy children ages 6 months to 4 years. The study will evaluate safety, tolerability and immune response in this age group. It is the only site in Louisville offering the trial and among 100 participating…
Leukemia is the most common cancer that affects children, with 1 in 3 children with cancer experiencing leukemia. Skin changes can be a symptom in early stage leukemia. Here is what parents should know and look for with skin changes in early stage leukemia. Skin symptoms of leukemia in children Bone marrow produces most of…
Parents Lena and Sixtus Iwu say that looking at their 5-month-old daughter Eleanor, you wouldn’t know what she’s been through with a congenital heart condition. The growing, active child born in December has a rare form of long QT syndrome. Her parents and physicians are amazed by how Eleanor continually has defied the odds against…
Trikafta, a potential new cystic fibrosis treatment for children ages 6 to 11 showed encouraging results, improving lung function. The three-drug mixture (a combination of elexacaftor, ivacaftor and tezacaftor) is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in kids 12 and older who have at least one F508del mutation in the cystic…
Spring can be an exciting time, filled with warming weather, the end of school, graduation season and much more. We know it can be a tough time for children with allergies; but what about for children with asthma? Does asthma get worse in spring? Spring brings many asthma triggers There are spikes of hospitalizations and…