Boston Children's Hospital

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. The trial included 186 participants aged …

This study tested whether using a Fitbit fitness tracker helps adults with cystic fibrosis exercise more regularly and improve their exercise tolerance over one year. Forty adults with CF took part. The goal was to see if the tracker encourages more physical activity and leads to…

This study compared two standard numbing medicines, lidocaine and bupivacaine, in 60 patients aged 15-35 having jaw surgery. The goal was to see which one provides better pain relief and affects numbness and touch sensation after surgery. Results will help doctors choose the best…

This study tested a drug called cabergoline to see if it can safely reduce chronic pain in women with endometriosis. The drug works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels that feed the disease. 129 women aged 15 to 40 with confirmed endometriosis and ongoing pelvic pain took…

This study compared two pain management approaches for 62 children having tonsil surgery. One group received standard opioid pain medicine, while the other got a non-opioid combination. The goal was to see if the non-opioid plan controls pain just as well, with fewer side effects…

This study tested a special interactive tool called PIRA, designed to prepare children aged 4 to 10 for surgery in a fun, kid-friendly way. Researchers compared it to standard preoperative education to see if it could lower anxiety in children and parents, and reduce confusion af…

This study tested whether a special cold therapy device could reduce pain in children after appendix removal. 52 kids participated, and the researchers measured pain scores and how much morphine they needed. The goal was to see if cold therapy could be a safe, drug-free way to ma…

This study looked at how different types of diets affect the number of calories people burn and their risk for diseases like diabetes and heart problems. 234 adults who were overweight or obese took part. Researchers measured their total energy use and resting metabolism to under…

This study tested a new taping method to see if it can better secure IV catheters and prevent them from being pulled out. 32 healthy adults had IV catheters taped on their skin (not inserted) using three different taping methods. The researchers measured how much force each metho…

This 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 and brain scans to measure stress, mental health, and early learning skills. The go…

This study tested whether a small implantable heart monitor (loop recorder) could be safely placed in newborns with a single ventricle heart condition during their first surgery. Ten babies were enrolled, and the device was used to track heart rate and rhythm for up to 3 years be…

This study tested a new website designed to help teenagers with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia and their families learn about social relationships. 25 teens and their parents reviewed the website and gave feedback through surveys. The goal was to see if the website was easy…

This study tested a new device that measures blood pressure continuously through a finger sensor, without needles. It involved 35 children aged 2-17 who already needed an arterial line for surgery. The goal was to see if the device's readings matched the standard arterial line me…

This study looked at whether a therapy called JASPER helps children with Down syndrome (ages 3-7) improve joint attention, play, and communication. Over 100 children and their caregivers took part, either receiving one-on-one coaching or a self-guided learning program. The goal w…

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

This study used a special brain imaging technique called near-infrared spectroscopy to measure blood flow changes in the brain when people under general anesthesia experienced pain or heard sounds. The goal was to understand how the brain processes these signals while asleep. 44 …

This study looked at 37 people with Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome to understand why they feel pain, even when tests show little damage. Researchers used brain scans and pain questionnaires to compare those with and without pain. The goal was to learn more about what …

This study looked at 69 women who had a pregnancy affected by spina bifida to understand how folic acid works. Researchers measured changes in DNA methylation and blood folate levels before and after taking folic acid. The goal is to uncover the biological mechanisms behind folic…

This study looked at 50 children to see which heart ultrasound view (apical or subcostal) gives more accurate measurements of the right heart's size and function. Researchers compared both methods to the gold-standard MRI. The goal is to improve how doctors assess right heart hea…

This study looked at how indoor air quality affects breathing problems in 165 school-aged children (6-12 years old) who were born very early and have bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease. Researchers measured air in the children's homes and tracked their breat…

This study looked at why many critically ill children develop stomach and gut problems. Researchers measured certain molecules in the blood and stool of 99 children to see if they are linked to poor stomach emptying and gut barrier damage. The goal was to better understand the ca…