Boston Children's Hospital

This study looks at whether specially designed nutritional supplements can improve thinking skills and emotional control in young children in Bangladesh who have moderate malnutrition. About 300 children aged 1 to 3 years receive either standard or enhanced nutritional supplement…

This completed trial tested a computer-based system (cSBI) that helps pediatricians screen and counsel teens aged 14-17 about alcohol use and driving risks. The system includes a self-administered questionnaire, educational content, and a report for the doctor to guide a brief co…

This pilot study tested whether giving critically ill children on breathing machines extra protein along with a personalized exercise program could help preserve muscle mass and improve recovery. The trial enrolled 18 children in the ICU and measured how feasible and safe the app…

This study tested whether adding the drug abatacept to standard medications (calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate) could better prevent severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor. A total of 186 participants aged 6 and ol…

This study looked at whether a simple saliva test could help doctors quickly assess the current health status of people with cystic fibrosis. Researchers measured markers of inflammation in saliva from 273 participants aged 6 and older. The goal was to develop a point-of-care dia…

This study tested a non-invasive device worn on the finger to continuously measure blood pressure in children during surgery. Researchers compared its readings to those from an arterial line, the standard method that requires a needle. If proven accurate, this device could offer …

This study tested whether a pain plan without strong opioids works as well as one with opioids for children after tonsil surgery. Sixty-two kids aged 3 to 17 were randomly assigned to get either morphine plus other drugs or a combo of dexmedetomidine, acetaminophen, and ketorolac…

This study tested whether using a cold therapy device on the belly after appendix removal helps control pain in children ages 7 and older. Half the kids got the cold pack plus usual care, the other half got usual care alone. Researchers measured pain scores, morphine use, and hos…

This study tested whether wearing a Fitbit activity tracker can help adults with cystic fibrosis exercise more regularly and improve their exercise tolerance over one year. Forty participants were enrolled and followed for 12 months. The goal was to see if a simple wearable devic…

This study tested a behavioral therapy called JASPER in 103 children with Down syndrome, ages 3 to 7. The therapy focuses on improving joint attention, play, and social communication through caregiver coaching. Researchers compared it to a self-directed learning program to see wh…

This study tested whether cabergoline, a drug already used for other conditions, can reduce chronic pain in women and teens with endometriosis. 129 participants took either cabergoline or a placebo for 6 months. The goal was to see if this non-hormonal approach could safely ease …

This study compared two common numbing drugs, lidocaine and bupivacaine, in 60 people aged 15–35 having jaw surgery. Researchers measured pain, numbness, and touch sensation after surgery. The goal is to find which drug gives patients a better recovery experience.

This study tested a special app called PIRA that teaches children aged 4-10 and their parents about surgery in a fun, interactive way. The goal was to see if using the app before surgery reduces anxiety in both kids and parents, and helps kids wake up more calmly from anesthesia.…

This study followed 43 infants with rare genetic disorders to track their development from birth up to age 3, with medical records reviewed until age 18. Researchers used a standard developmental assessment tool to understand each child's unique needs. The goal was to gather info…

This study followed 12 adults with PKU to see how their nutrition changed before and during treatment with pegvaliase (Palynziq). Researchers measured protein intake, body composition, bone density, and vitamin levels over 15 months. The goal was to understand if the drug affects…

This study looked at new ways to test blood clotting in 200 children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgery. The goal was to see if newer technologies like TEG, ROTEM, and T2MR could help doctors manage bleeding more precisely and reduce the need for blood transfusions.…

This study collected leftover tissue, fluid, and bacteria from 400 cystic fibrosis patients after their routine medical tests. Researchers will use these samples to study lung diseases and explore new treatments. No genetic testing was done on the samples.

This study aimed to understand what people think about gender-inclusive sexual and reproductive health materials. Researchers showed 454 adults two different versions of health content and asked which they preferred. The goal was to learn how to make health information more welco…

This study looked at whether giving doctors education and feedback, a special digital otoscope, or both could help them avoid prescribing antibiotics for ear infections that don't need them. Forty pediatric clinicians who often prescribed antibiotics for ear infections were split…

This study looked at whether a small device called an implantable loop recorder can be safely placed in newborns who have only one working heart chamber. Ten babies received the monitor during their first heart surgery. The goal was to see if the device could continuously track h…

This study compared two ways of taking ultrasound images of the heart (apical vs subcostal) to measure the right heart's size and function in 50 children. The goal was to see which method gives results closer to the gold-standard MRI. The findings will help doctors choose the bes…

This study examined how indoor air quality impacts breathing symptoms and lung function in 165 school-aged children (6-12 years old) who were born prematurely and have bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease. Researchers measured respiratory symptoms and lung fun…

This study looked at how blood sugar levels change in hospitalized babies with intestinal failure when their intravenous nutrition is given in cycles instead of continuously. Nine infants wore a small sensor on their thigh that measured glucose every 5 minutes for up to 30 days. …

This study looked at why many critically ill children develop gut problems like slow digestion and leaky gut. Researchers measured certain proteins linked to inflammation in 99 children to see if they cause these issues. The goal was to better understand the problem, not to test …

This study tested three different taping methods for securing IV catheters to see which one resists being pulled out the best. Thirty-two healthy volunteers had IV catheters taped on their arms (not inserted into the skin) and a device measured how much force it took to dislodge …

This completed study looked at how a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, along with related stress, might affect a baby's brain development. Researchers followed 62 mothers and their infants, using surveys, brain scans (MRI and EEG), and developmental tests. The goal is to bette…

This study looked at 69 women who had a pregnancy affected by spina bifida to understand how folic acid might prevent the condition. Researchers measured changes in DNA methylation and folate levels after a short course of folic acid supplements. The goal is to uncover the biolog…

This study tested a website designed to help teenagers with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia and their families understand and improve social relationships. Twenty-five teens and their parents reviewed the website's content, which included animations, patient stories, and exp…

This study looked at how different diet compositions affect the number of calories people burn and their risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease after losing weight. Over 200 adults with overweight or obesity followed a weight-loss phase, then a weight-maintenan…

This study used a special brain imaging technique called near-infrared spectroscopy to see how the brain responds to pain and sounds while people are under general anesthesia. 44 healthy volunteers aged 12-30 were given either a painkiller (remifentanil) or a placebo. The goal wa…

This study looked at why people with Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome feel pain, even when their bones don't show much damage. Researchers used brain scans and pain questionnaires in 37 patients and healthy volunteers. The goal was to understand the root causes of pain,…