Multimedia News Release – Evolution of Pediatric Medicine

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ — One hundred fifty years ago, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia opened its doors — the nation’s first hospital exclusively for children. At the time, death in childhood was common, from smallpox, cholera, diphtheria and other infectious diseases. Many of these illnesses have been nearly or totally eradicated in this country, thanks to decades of work by physicians and researchers. As pediatric medicine continues to evolve at Children’s Hospital and other centers, more children are surviving cancer, prematurity and complex heart defects. Scientists at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also are leading efforts to counteract other contemporary threats to children, such as auto accidents, HIV infection and type 2 diabetes. Our ultimate goal is nothing less than to cure pediatric disease.

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Cardiology

One of every 100 children is born with a heart defect. Surgeons at our Cardiac Center perform staggeringly delicate repairs on walnut-sized hearts, while working with other experts to improve long-term outlooks for young heart patients. Our researchers study genetic influences in early development, aiming to someday prevent congenital heart defects from even occurring. Other scientists advance preventive strategies to protect children and adolescents from heart rhythm disturbances.

Fetal and Newborn Care

Our specialists steadily refine innovative techniques and technologies to detect, relieve and operate on life-threatening conditions before birth, at our Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. Attending to the tiniest and most fragile newborns in our Newborn Infant Care Unit, many of our physicians have pioneered life-saving treatments for lung disease in premature babies. Our Neonatal Follow-up team is a national model for coordinating ongoing care through childhood.

Child Passenger Safety

Motor vehicle injuries to children represent an overlooked epidemic — but one that is largely preventable with everyday, accessible steps. As partners in the largest ongoing real-world study of children in car crashes, Children’s Hospital researchers have pointed the way to vehicle safety improvements and have informed passenger safety legislation. Our scientific findings and advocacy efforts may have saved more lives than any other research center at Children’s Hospital.

Children’s Cancer

Survival rates for children with cancer have made a remarkable turnaround in one generation: from 25 percent of patients to nearly 80 percent today. Oncologists at Children’s Hospital are striving for a 100 percent success rate. They are harnessing genetic information and implementing innovative therapies that selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Our long-standing cancer survivorship program addresses special needs among the growing pool of survivors of childhood cancer.

   Contact Info    Ms. Joey McCool    mccool@email.chop.edu    (267)426-6070  

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Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

CONTACT: Ms. Joey McCool of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,+1-267-426-6070, or mccool@email.chop.edu

Web site: http://www.chop.edu/