Latest news with #Children'sHospitalColorado
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Children's Hospital Colorado Researchers Conduct First Prospective Study of Pediatric EoE Patients and Disease Progression
Study found that stiffness of the esophagus could serve as an important biomarker for disease progression and indicate which patients may benefit the most from current therapies PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Children's Hospital Colorado have found that better control of chronic eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)-associated inflammation during childhood leads to less stiffening of the esophagus, resulting in fewer disease complications. Using Endoluminal functional imaging (FLIP), the study team suggests this could be a key marker for assessing disease severity and progression. The findings were published online today by the journal Gastroenterology. EoE is a chronic allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Children can experience nausea, regurgitation, vomiting, abdominal pain and a burning feeling like acid reflux. They may also have difficulty swallowing and gag frequently. Often, they can experience dysphagia, which is when it feels like something is stuck in their throat. If EoE goes untreated, the esophagus may narrow because of scarring, a phenomenon known as stricture. Chronic EoE-associated inflammation can lead to progressive tissue remodeling and fibrostenosis, or the narrowing of the esophagus. While clinicians recognize the severity of the disease, long-term studies looking at disease progression over time, and the impact of controlling the disease from a young age, is relatively unknown. 'This is the first study to follow kids overtime (with these endoscopic assessments) and evaluate the patients who are at the highest risk of complications,' said co-senior study author Amanda Muir, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at CHOP. 'With the recent FDA approval of two medications for EoE, having this data could help identify the patients who could benefit from these therapies the most and observe improvement at a histologic level over time.' Researchers at CHOP and Children's Hospital Colorado launched a longitudinal study to evaluate long-term changes in esophageal distensibility, or the ability of the esophagus to expand, in pediatric patients between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. Symptomatic, endoscopic and histologic data were collected at each visit during the study. A total of 112 patients with EoE were included with a median follow-up time of 11 months, some followed for over 4 years. 'Following children living with EoE over time has given us a clearer picture of how inflammation affects the esophagus and how treating it can improve the esophagus and outcomes for patients,' said Calies Menard-Katcher, MD, co-senior study author and Associate Director of Clinical Research for the Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program at Children's Hospital Colorado. 'It's exciting to see these results confirm what we've suspected in caring for patients — and they may even help us spot those at risk for more severe disease.' The study found that patients with tissue samples showing a response to treatment demonstrated the most improvement in distensibility over time. After adjusting for different factors, the study found that patients with lower esophageal distensibility had increased odds of patient-reported dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Patients with fibrostenosis were generally diagnosed at an older age, had the disease for a longer period and showed reduced esophageal distensibility at baseline predicted the need for future dilation in patients with strictures. The authors suggest that further studies that examine the disease from a molecular level could help them understand which patients may be at highest risk of severe disease and could benefit from a variety of treatment strategies. This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health grants R01DK124266-01, K23DK109263 and R21TR003039. Kennedy et al, 'Histologic response is associated with improved esophageal distensibility and symptom burden in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis.' Gastroenterology. Online August 15, 2025. DOI: 10.1053/ About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:A non-profit, charitable organization, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network, which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. CHOP also operates the Middleman Family Pavilion and its dedicated pediatric emergency department in King of Prussia, the Behavioral Health and Crisis Center (including a 24/7 Crisis Response Center) and the Center for Advanced Behavioral Healthcare, a mental health outpatient facility. Its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit ABOUT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL COLORADO Children's Hospital Colorado is one of the nation's leading and most expansive nonprofit pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and ranked among the best children's hospitals in the nation as recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Children's Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children's Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including an academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, hospitals in Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch and Broomfield, and outreach clinics across the region. For more information, visit or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Contact: Ben LeachChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia(609)634-7906leachb@
CBS News
10-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Colorado doctor dismissed by RFK Jr. from CDC vaccine committee offers guidance
This week saw a major shift for the nation's medical community working to keep you safe from diseases. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior dismissed every member of a government advisory panel that makes vaccine recommendations. And a Coloradan is one of 17 people who sat on that panel. Kennedy ousted all members of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices. In an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy wrote that the committee "has been plagued with persistent conflicts of interest and has become little more than a rubber stamp for any vaccine." CBS News Colorado spoke with Dr. Edwin Asturias, the only Coloradan on that panel, who learned of his dismissal from ACIP via the piece in the WSJ. Asturias, a pediatrician, is an infectious disease specialist. Although he practices at Children's Hospital Colorado and is on the faculty of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Asturias said that the perspective he offered was his own and not representing those institutions. He is concerned the move by Kennedy will undermine public trust in vaccines at a critical moment, with measles outbreaks now happening across the country. "We'll continue to produce the science but we hope that the ACIP continues to be led by people that have the expertise to make those recommendations and make sure that the public continues to accept vaccines that have been a tremendous impact for decreasing illness in children and families." Kennedy's ousting of the committee's members comes ahead of a meeting of the panel scheduled to start on June 25. The panel was expected to vote on new recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Asturias says families should look to their doctors and longstanding medical professional organizations for guidance on vaccines, including groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. While Kennedy said that committee members had conflicts of interest with the vaccine industry, Asturias said the process for selecting ACIP members was rigorous; the screening for conflicts was a public process, which took up to two years. Asturias said, "It was a long, very rigorous process to make sure that the people that we had were the best people. We're just hoping that it will be incredible for that process that took a year to two to be shortened into two weeks." He said he'll be interested to learn about the expertise of the new members of ACIP, and worries about the lack of transparency involved with changes just as the panel was preparing to issue new vaccine guidelines. "Parents will have some hesitancy of those recommendations. But people need to know also that many of us will continue to work with our professional organizations, with our hospitals and our many institutions to help parents be guided in how they should use vaccines best," said Dr. Asturias. In the op-ed in the WSJ Kennedy, a skeptic of vaccines over many years, wrote, "Without removing the current members, the current Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028. A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science."
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Children's Hospital Colorado hosts prom for teens facing serious illnesses: "a normal experience they deserve"
Teens living with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses were treated to a magical evening Friday at Coors Field as Children's Hospital Colorado hosted its annual prom event. It was complete with glam, gowns, glow sticks, and unforgettable memories. CBS For many of these teens, traditional high school milestones can feel out of reach due to medical conditions. But on this night, the only thing they had to worry about was dancing the night away. "This prom is an event to normalize children's experience for teens," said Courtney Miller, a child life specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado. "We know that some of these kids don't get to go to their school proms because they might have medical needs, so we get to host this event for them. It's a night for them to build connection and just have a normal experience they deserve." The event welcomed patients aged 13 to 19 who have been seen at Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora within the past year, along with one guest of their choosing. More than 120 teens were expected to attend. The theme this year: Glow, encouraging kids to shine as brightly as they deserve. Jenna White, mother of 14-year-old Preston, said the night meant more than just a dance. "Preston was in an accident in 2016 that left him totally disabled. He's still fighting to be here and jump through every hurdle that comes his way," she said. "As a mom, I worried he wouldn't get to do the things we see our kids grow up to do, like go to prom." Preston communicates by blinking, and Jenna said she knew he was having fun "because he'll be smiling. He keeps blinking that he wants to go. He's excited and happy." He arrived in a sharp jacket that stole the spotlight. CBS "It's not just for the kids -- parents connect, too. Some of these caregivers meet others who truly understand what they're going through," said Miller. Hair and makeup were provided by Aveda stylists, who volunteered their time to help the teens feel beautiful. Eighteen-year-old Tatum Spiegelberg knows just how special this event is. Homeschooled due to her complex health conditions, this was her third and final hospital prom. "I've been sick since I was eight," she explained. "The main thing is, I had a bone marrow transplant for something called Trisomy 8 - it's really rare. I also had blood cancer before the transplant." Tatum described how her illnesses impact her daily life, like being able to go to school. CBS "It's really amazing because I see all the posts of other kids going to their proms or graduation parties. I've always wanted that life, and I don't get the normal life. So when I first got invited to hospital prom, I cried," she said. Dressed in a gown passed down from her sister, Tatum looked radiant. "It fit me perfectly," she said with a smile. "Honestly, I think this is better than a normal prom. 100%." For teens like Tatum and Preston, this night was a celebration not just of youth, but of resilience and joy.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Colorado health care providers fight to save community health workers program from budget axe
More than two dozen health care organizations are urging Colorado lawmakers debating the budget to spare a program that they say will save the state money. The Community Health Workers Program helps connect patients with non-profits that assist with food, housing, transportation and other non-clinical needs. The goal is to prevent patients from needing public assistance. The program, which was set to begin in July, costs nearly $3 million in state general fund dollars and $8 million in federal dollars. Children's Hospital Colorado is one of 25 organizations urging lawmakers to keep the program. "Not only is it the right thing to do for kids, and for other patients and families, it saves money in the current budget year. And so, if they're looking to make cuts in a difficult year, this is the one thing you don't want to cut," said Zach Zaslow with Children's Hospital Colorado. The Joint Budget Committee eliminated funding for the program due to a $1.2 billion budget shortfall. "If this is something that is that important to hospitals, why aren't they funding it? Why aren't they bringing in individuals to make sure that families and children are getting the resources that they need or directing them to the resources they need? We have case workers in social service programs, so it seemed duplication and it wan an additional $3 million that, quite frankly, we just don't have," said Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, who sits on the Budget Committee. While the senate restored money for the program, a house committee cut it again. The budget is now before the full house where lawmakers could amend it again to fund the program. They are expected to take an initial vote on the budget today.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Children's Hospital plans to restart gender-affirming care as Colorado joins lawsuit against executive order
DENVER (KDVR) — Weeks after Denver Health announced it was pausing gender-affirming care to LGBTQIA people under 19 years old, citing the potential to lose its federal funding, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced the state is joining a lawsuit aimed at invalidating the executive order that threatened such funding. The executive order issued by President Donald Trump, signed Jan. 28, is part of a push to reverse Biden administration policies meant to protect transgender people and their care. It ordered agencies to take steps to make sure that hospitals receiving federal research and education grants 'end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.' 'Should not be happening': IRS workers in Denver let go in Trump administration's mass layoffs Thursday The order was temporarily blocked on Feb. 14 by a federal judge, who said the executive order 'blatantly discriminated against trans youth.' 'The White House executive order is not only illegal, but also cruel,' Weiser said in a release on Wednesday. 'I've met with health care providers and parents, and they fear that if the executive order is allowed to stand, it will result in irreversible physical and mental health harms for transgender youth. 'Parents, in consultation with trusted medical providers, know what is best for their child and should have the option to seek the care their child needs to live their best lives,' Weiser continued. 'Gender-affirming care is legally protected health care in Colorado, and with this lawsuit Colorado hospitals will again be free to provide critical care.' Weiser said that it's not just Denver Health that paused gender-affirming care: The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus stopped providing puberty-delaying medications and hormone therapy to patients who had been evaluated but had not yet started those therapies. 'Denying access to medical care that is known to be safe and effective threatens the ability of transgender youth to thrive socially and academically,' Weiser argued in his office's release. 'Their marginalization will exacerbate dysphoria, mood symptoms, and ultimately may cause some previously stable transgender youth to attempt suicide, according to medical professionals.' On Thursday, Children's Hospital Colorado, which is housed on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, said it was aware of the state joining the federal lawsuit filed by the state of Washington. 'Children's Hospital Colorado believes that families know what is best for their child,' the hospital told FOX31 on Thursday. 'Every family should have the right to access expert medical care to support their child's well-being, including gender-diverse youth. Because of the executive order issued on Jan. 28, we were forced to modify our model of gender-affirming medical care for patients under 19 years of age.' 'Real and immediate consequences for Colorado's economy': Legislators react to reports of US Forest Service mass layoff The hospital noted that the temporary restraining order was provided to the states that had been involved in the case at the time — Washington, Oregon and Minnesota. 'When the court extends the temporary restraining order to Colorado, Children's Hospital Colorado will plan to resume gender-affirming medical care, including puberty-blocking and hormone-based care on Feb. 24,' Children's Hospital Colorado told FOX31. 'We are in the process of notifying affected families who depend on us for care.' The hospital added that it continues to assess the rapidly changing legal and medical landscapes of the U.S., and will provide the highest-quality specialty pediatric care 'within the scope of the law.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
