September 7, 2022

TJ’s story: Journey with rare form of cardiomyopathy at Children's Minnesota
TJ’s mom thought her 17-year-old might have COVID-19 because of his severe cold and cough symptoms. But after extensive genetic tests though Children's Minnesota's cardiovascular program, TJ was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition especially in kids. After months with an implanted ventricular assist device (VAD), TJ received a heart transplant. Today he’s a healthy, active teen.

Each year, Children’s Minnesota’s cardiovascular program provides care for thousands of the region¹s sickest children with heart conditions, from fetuses and newborns to teens and long-term adult patients with pediatric cardiovascular conditions.

Read TJ’s story here.
NOW VIRTUAL: 2022 Twin Cities Pediatric Update, Sept. 15-16
The Twin Cities Pediatric Update has been changed from an in-person event to a virtual event. Several factors contributed to this change, including COVID-19 levels, feedback from past attendees and a desire to include more participants. We hope you can join us online!

The Twin Cities Pediatric Update is hosted by Children’s Minnesota, the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP). This year’s conference will feature four keynote speakers, a variety of plenary sessions, and three sets of breakout sessions to keep you current on relevant topics and recent advances in pediatrics.
 
Participants can join virtually on Sept. 15-16 or watch recorded videos of the sessions at their leisure. There are a few presentations that may not be recorded due to speaker permissions. We have noted these on the program page of the registration site and we will continually update this information as we hear back from our speakers. Most breakout sessions will be pre-recorded so that you may either watch these prior to the conference or during breaks and/or lunch. You will also have 90 days to watch the content if you are not able to attend virtually each day. Register now!
World-class outcomes for advanced fetal interventions at Midwest Fetal Care Center
The Midwest Fetal Care Center (MWFCC) is a collaboration between two of the best-known names in pregnancy, fetal and birth care: Children’s Minnesota and Allina Health. The MWFCC is the only advanced fetal care center in the Upper Midwest – and one of the only centers in the U.S. – to offer diagnosis and fetal interventions like in-utero fetoscopy and fetal myelomeningocele repair (repair of spina bifida).

The MWFCC concierge care model involves seamless communication with patients and families, the team of doctors, specialists and referring physicians, ensuring everyone is apprised of progress and supported. Read the full story here.
Ellie story: From cleft palate to beautiful smile and terrific outlook on life
Ellie was born in Guangzhou, China, in 2000 — the very lucky Golden Dragon year. Her Children’s Minnesota story began after her adoption at age 2. Throughout two decades as a patient with the cleft and craniofacial program, she underwent more than 12 surgeries, and her final lip revision and cleft rhinoplasty surgery took place in March 2022. Today, she is a happy, healthy college graduate. Read Ellie’s story here.

WCCO-TV also aired Ellie’s story, which can be viewed here.
Lab-created pediatric heart vessels research moves forward
Children’s Minnesota congenital heart surgeon Dr. Robroy MacIver is part of a University of Minnesota-led research team that was recently awarded a $3.7 million grant to prepare for human clinical trials of artificial, bioengineered pediatric blood vessels that grow with a patient.

“Any trial of a new technology specifically centered around children is exciting because they don’t happen that often,” said Dr. MacIver, surgical director of the Heart Failure and Heart Transplant program. If all goes well with preparation and FDA approval, the first human clinical trial could begin in approximately 18 months.

Read the full article here.
Navigating screen time with kids and teens
Some parents and child development professionals have concerns about the amount of time kids and teens are spending with screens, while others think that time alone is not a relevant metric for determining how much is too much. “Screens are not the enemy,” said Dr. Sarah Jerstad, medical director of outpatient mental health services at Children’s Minnesota. “There are a lot of good and positive things that can come from [screen time]."

In the Talking Pediatrics episode, “The Screen Time Dilemma: Understanding Impact on Little Brains and Avoiding Big Battles with Older Kids,” host Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd talks to Dr. Jerstad about screen time recommendations. Listen to the podcast or read the full transcript here.

Listen on Apple PodcastsSpotify, Spreaker or on our website.

With new episodes released every Friday, be sure to check the Talking Pediatrics podcast page weekly.
Virtual Grand Rounds
Every Thursday, 8 - 9 a.m.

Join us for the live, virtual event or watch recorded presentations.
Watch the previously recorded Grand Rounds:
Talking Pediatrics podcast
Join us each week as we bring intriguing stories and relevant pediatric healthcare information and partner with you in the care of your patients. Our guests, data, ideas and practical tips will surprise, challenge and perhaps change how you care for kids.

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