What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Down syndrome is a type of genetic disorder in which a person has an extra chromosome (rod-like structures that contain genes) inside the cells. The syndrome is named after the English physician John Langdon Down who provided the first accurate …
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Facts you should know about pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) Streptococcal infections can cause PANDAS. PANDAS is an acronym for "pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections." It is a fairly recently described disorder (1990s). An autoimmune response to a streptococcal infection is the leading theory as to the cause of PANDAS. It is diagnosed …
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Why are vaccines given to children? Vaccinating your child also helps to prevent the spread of disease to those who cannot be vaccinated, including those newborns who are too young to be vaccinated and people with weak immunity who may not effectively develop antibodies to fight the disease. A vaccine is a dead or weakened germ (bacteria or virus), or …
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What is pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum? The Ravitch procedure is a surgical correction of the congenital chest deformities called pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Pectus excavatum is a condition in which the sternum/breastbone or rib cage has an abnormal shape. This produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. Pectus carinatum is a genetic disorder of the chest …
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What causes femur fractures in children? Distal femur fractures in children can stunt growth of the leg by injuring the growth plate in the bone. An open reduction and internal fixation fastens the thigh bone pieces together with hardware, encouraging the bone to heal correctly and hopefully avoiding a stunted leg. The femur, commonly known as the thigh bone, is …
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What is otoplasty? Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure to reduce the prominence and shape of unusually large or protruding ears. Otoplasty is a type of cosmetic ear surgery to reshape the ear, improving its structure and/or function. Some of the early otoplasty surgeries were done mainly to improve the appearance of the ears after trauma. The surgery may also …
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Kawasaki disease facts A non-blistering rash is one of the clinical features of Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of unknown cause that mainly strikes young children. Kawasaki disease symptoms and signs include fever and redness of the eyes, hands, feet, mouth, and tongue. The disease can be treated with high doses of aspirin (salicylic acid) and gamma globulin. …
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Kidney dysplasia facts* During normal development, the tubules that collect urine branch out throughout the baby's kidneys. In kidney dysplasia, the tubules fail to branch out, and urine has nowhere to go. The urine collects inside the kidney and forms cysts. *Facts written by John C. Cunha, DO. Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which the internal structures of one …
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Roseola facts Picture of the roseola rash; SOURCE: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. Klaus Wolff, Lowell A. Goldsmith, Stephen I. Katz, Barbara A. Gilchrest, Amy S. Paller, David J. Leffell. Seventh Edition. Copyright 2008, 2005, 2001, 1997, 1993 by The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Roseola is a mild viral illness most commonly of young children. Roseola is a common …
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Puberty in girls and boys facts Boys and girls going through puberty sometimes can have a difficult time transitioning. Puberty is the period of sexual maturation and achievement of fertility. The time when puberty begins varies greatly among individuals; however, puberty usually occurs in girls between the ages of 10 and 14 and between the ages of 12 and 16 …
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