Nephrology Archives

Children’s National designated as Pediatric PKD Center of Excellence

February 18, 2025

The Inherited & Polycystic Kidney Disease (IPKD) Program within the Division of Nephrology at Children’s National Hospital has earned the prestigious designation of Pediatric Center of Excellence by the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation, the only U.S. organization focused solely on advancing treatments and finding a cure for PKD.

This elite recognition is granted to nephrology practices and clinics that meet the PKD Foundation’s rigorous, patient-centered criteria for specialized PKD care. As a designated Pediatric Center of Excellence, the IPKD Program at Children’s National is recognized for its extensive experience in treating children with PKD and providing multidisciplinary care to meet the unique needs of this patient population. Awarded to only four pediatric hospitals nationwide, this highly selective honor underscores the program’s unwavering commitment to excellence in both patient care and PKD research.

“This achievement is a result of the strong partnership between the PKD Foundation and our Division of Nephrology, working together to elevate the standard of PKD care for our patients and their families,” says Ashima Gulati, MD, PhD, Pediatric Nephrologist and Director of the IPKD Program at Children’s National.

“As providers in the PKD community, we are reminded that our work is part of a broader network, with our patients and caregivers at the heart of everything we do. I’m thrilled that the Division of Nephrology at Children’s National is playing a key role in this initiative, which aligns with the PKD Foundation’s mission to advance promising therapies into clinical practice while ensuring the best possible care for PKD patients today,” Dr. Gulati added.

U.S. News & World Report voting

February 6, 2025

Children’s National is ranked one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty and staff are proud of the impact made on the lives of children and families in our community. Your participation in the U.S. News & World Report annual reputational survey validates the quality of care we provide and reflects the mutual respect and trust we share as healthcare professionals.

How to determine your voting eligibility

Voting for the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings can be done only through Doximity.

To participate, physicians must:

Be board-certified and meet the eligibility criteria for the voting categories.
For child and adolescent psychologists, your account must be up to date with your specialty and subspecialty correctly marked.
Be a credential-verified member of Doximity (you must have an active and claimed Doximity profile).
Have all certifications and board documents currently up-to-date in your Doximity profile.

View the full eligibility criteria

How to claim your Doximity profile to vote

You have to claim your profile on Doximity.com to participate in the online survey. If you have not yet claimed your Doximity profile, go to Doximity.com, and click “Find My Profile.”
Once your profile has been claimed, you must confirm your email address and board certifications.
Verified Doximity members will receive an email inviting them to participate in the U.S. News survey.
For more information on how to claim your profile, visit Doximity.com

How to update and verify existing Doximity account information

Your Doximity profile must have up-to-date licenses, certifications and board documents.

Once you are logged in, your profile will automatically be in “Edit Mode.” You are able to add new items or edit existing information.
Update your Doximity profile and ensure your information is current.

Once registered, users wishing to participate in the online survey should:

Watch for an email from Doximity about the annual member survey.
Even if you don’t see the email, if you are a registered Doximity user, you can still vote by logging in to Doximity.com with your username and password during the voting period.
Once logged in, look for a U.S. News graphic or button on the homepage and click on it.
The survey asks users to name the hospitals that provide the best care in your respective specialty, without consideration to location or cost. Pediatric specialists will list 10 hospitals. The order in which you list the hospitals does not matter.

Please note: Children’s National Hospital is listed as “Children’s National Hospital Washington, DC” on the survey.

Visit Doximity’s FAQs if you have issues or questions about registration or claiming your profile.

How to cast your vote

In February 2025 when voting opens, all survey-eligible physicians will receive a notification on the Doximity app for Android or iOS. If you do not use the Doximity app, you will receive an email when voting opens.

Log in to your Doximity account at doximity.com or via the mobile app.
Click the Notifications icon or tap the “Submit your Nominations” button on the homepage. You can also search for “U.S. News Best Hospitals”
Select 10 hospitals in your respective specialty that you believe provide the best care in the United States.
Submit your vote

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The 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals reputation voting will open in mid-February. Look for your Doximity notification to vote.

Cast your vote

The link between metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular disease in children with CKD

January 29, 2025

Denver D. Brown, MD, nephrologist at Children’s National Hospital, presented at Kidney Week 2024 on the connection between metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular disease risk in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Denver D. Brown, MD, nephrologist at Children’s National Hospital, presented at Kidney Week 2024 on the connection between metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular disease risk in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This research aimed to investigate whether untreated metabolic acidosis could potentially contribute to cardiovascular outcomes in children with CKD, a group at high risk for cardiovascular disease and death from cardiovascular complications. Dr. Brown explains her motivation, findings and future directions for this critical research.

Q: Why did you choose to research this topic?

A: My interest in this area stems from my research interest in pediatric CKD outcomes, with a specific focus on the consequences of metabolic acidosis as well as my larger passion which is to improve the quality and longevity of life for children with CKD. There are several adult focused studies investigating theorized links between untreated metabolic acidosis and poor outcomes such as CKD progression, worse bone health/growth and higher cardiovascular risk. However, in the pediatric CKD population, the consequences of chronic metabolic acidosis remain largely unexplored but is of importance since data shows that nearly one third of children with metabolic acidosis are not receiving treatment to correct their acidosis.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in children with CKD. Even though overt cardiovascular disease often does not manifest until adulthood, we do see risk factors emerging during childhood such as high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. So, if metabolic acidosis contributes to cardiovascular disease risk, it’s crucial to identify and treat it — especially since metabolic acidosis is very treatable

This research was in collaboration with the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study, which is the largest cohort study of pediatric CKD across North America. It provided robust data on laboratory values, blood pressure, cardiovascular measurements and echocardiograms which allowed me to look deeper into the potential cardiovascular implications of metabolic acidosis.

Q: Where do you see this research going?

A: My ultimate goal is to conduct clinical trials focused on the pediatric CKD population. Children are not well represented in CKD trials as pediatric CKD is relatively rare, making recruitment for studies challenging. However, we can’t keep applying adult data to children because the causes and manifestations of CKD in kids are different.

It is my hope that this research serves as evidence that can be used for a pediatric clinical trial that investigates the benefits of alkali therapy, the treatment for metabolic acidosis. I envision studying how alkali therapy impacts not only cardiovascular outcomes but also growth and other important health domains. The data gathered from my study could ultimately be used in a multi-site trial, aiming to test alkali therapy on a broader scale across various pediatric CKD centers.

Q: Is any work being done between nephrologists and cardiologists to address this issue?

A: This specific study was more exploratory. In adults, the data on the link between metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular disease is mixed. Some studies suggest a connection, while others find no such effect when treating metabolic acidosis. My current work is focused on gathering data to determine if there’s a potential link in the pediatric population and whether it should be examined further in a future trial.

I haven’t collaborated directly with cardiologists on this research. However, this could lead to collaboration with cardiologists down the line.

Q: How is Children’s National Hospital leading the way in this research?

A: Although my research data wasn’t exclusively from Children’s National, the hospital played a pivotal role in the CKiD study, both as an enrollment site and through the involvement of Marva Moxey-Mims, M.D., chief of Nephrology at Children’s National, who played a key role in the CKiD study design and initiation.

Children’s National actively participates in, and encourages, novel and innovative research studies. Being at an institution that prioritizes and contributes to research that advances the health of children has been instrumental in my research career.

Charging ahead: Researchers develop robotic renal tumor surgery

January 22, 2025

Researchers at Children’s National Hospital are developing supervised autonomous robotic surgery to make expert kidney tumor removal accessible in rural areas, combining robotics, AI and surgeon oversight for safer, more precise outcomes.

Imagine a robot capable of planning and executing the intricate removal of a cancerous kidney tumor — a concept that might sound like science fiction. Yet this groundbreaking work is underway at the Sheikh Zayed Institute (SZI) for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Hospital.

Called Supervised Autonomous Robotic Renal Tumor Surgery (SARRTS), the project aims to prove that a supervised autonomous kidney resection is feasible. Its goal is to enable general surgeons in rural hospitals to oversee robots performing complex resections, democratizing access to specialized surgical care. Backed by a $1 million contract from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), the initiative represents new opportunities in medical innovation.

“The hope is that, someday, patients will no longer have to travel to major oncology centers to get the best possible surgical outcome when faced with renal tumors,” said Kevin Cleary, PhD, associate director of engineering at SZI. “We hope to combine the precision of robotics with a surgeon’s clinical expertise to create consistently high outcomes.”

The patient benefit

Surgery is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but access to skilled surgeons remains unevenly distributed nationwide. Autonomous robotic surgery could address this disparity by increasing access to expert-level care, enhancing the precision and consistency of procedures and unlocking new surgical possibilities beyond human surgeons’ capabilities.

Under the initial concept, the SARRTS system will use a combination of CT imaging and 3D mapping from a robot’s RGB-depth camera. While the robot independently plans and executes the incision and tumor resection, the supervising surgeon retains full control, with the ability to approve, modify or halt the procedure at any time — an interplay between human expertise and robotic precision to help ensure safety.

Testing will be conducted on realistic kidney models, called phantoms, which are designed to train and test surgical outcomes. The project aims to validate the feasibility of supervised autonomous tumor resection while advancing technologies that could pave the way for broader applications.

“Robotics and medicine have finally reached a point where we can consider projects requiring this level of complexity,” said Anthony Sandler, MD, senior vice president and surgeon-in-chief at Children’s National and executive director of SZI. By combining autonomous robotics, artificial intelligence and surgical expertise, we can profoundly impact the lives of patients facing life-altering cancer diagnoses.”

Children’s National leads the way

In addition to the kidney surgery initiative, the Children’s National team is pursuing other groundbreaking projects. These include a second ARPA-H contract focused on robotic gallbladder removal and a National Institutes of Health grant to explore robotic hip-pinning, a procedure used to repair fractured hips with pins, screws and plates.

Axel Krieger, PhD, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, is collaborating closely on the kidney resection and gallbladder projects. The interdisciplinary team believes this state-of-the-art care could be tested and developed within the next decade.

“This particular surgery is complex, and a robot may offer advantages to address difficulties created by patient anatomy and visibility within the surgical field,” said Dr. Sandler. “We can imagine a day – in the not too distant future – when a human and a robotic arm could team up to successfully advance this care.”

This project has been funded in whole with federal funds from ARPA-H under cooperative agreement AY1AX000023.

Textbook explores psychosocial impacts of kidney disease and provides valuable resources

January 8, 2025

The cover of Psychosocial Considerations in Pediatric Kidney Conditions edited by team of pediatric experts including Kaushalendra Amatya, Ph.D.

The first edition of the Psychosocial Considerations in Pediatric Kidney Conditions textbook, edited by a collective of pediatric experts including Kaushalendra Amatya, Ph.D., psychologist at Children’s National Hospital, is now available.

This textbook delves into the psychosocial effects of kidney disease and treatments for children. With chapters written by multidisciplinary experts – including psychologists, nephrologists, neuropsychologists, dietitians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, child life specialists, as well as patients and families – this book provides a unique and comprehensive perspective of caring for patients with kidney diseases.

The book emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach, one that incorporates psychosocial factors to ensure the holistic well-being of young patients. It covers a wide range of topics, from disease-specific issues like nutrition and dialysis to broader challenges, such as collaboration with schools, supporting families, advocacy and the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare.

Providing valuable insights into the complexities of managing pediatric kidney diseases, this textbook offers practical strategies for supporting patients throughout their journey, making it an invaluable resource for nephrologists, psychosocial providers, patients and families.

Psychosocial Considerations in Pediatric Kidney Conditions, 1st edition textbook can be purchased here.

Children’s National in the News: 2024

December 26, 2024

In 2024, Children’s National Hospital continued to make remarkable strides across diverse areas of pediatric medicine, from groundbreaking technological innovations to critical health advocacy. The following compilation showcases ten significant stories that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the hospital’s impact, as featured in major national news outlets including NBC Nightly News, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, The Today Show, Healio, and POLITICO. Delve into our 2024 news highlights for more.

1. World’s smallest pacemaker gives new hope to babies with heart defects

Charles Berul, M.D., and a patient family talk about the pill-sized pacemaker that saved the life of Abby, an infant born with deadly heart defects. (NBC Nightly News)

2. ‘A $10 death trip’: Fentanyl is killing teens. Meet one fighting for his life

Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, M.D., addiction psychiatrist and director of the Addictions Program, spoke to CNN about the impact of drug addiction on teen health and the lack of resources available to treat opioid use disorder. (CNN)

3. Health panel urges interventions for children and teens with high BMI

Susma Vaidya, M.D., M.P.H., associate medical director of the IDEAL Clinic, shared her concerns about childhood obesity treatment recommendations issued today by a leading panel of independent U.S. health experts. (The Washington Post)

4. An Rx for food? Doctor’s offices offer groceries to those in need

Shideh Majidi, M.D., M.S.C.S., and Emily Frymark, clinical dietitian, spoke about how the food pharmacy, created in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, benefits patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions. (The Washington Post)

5. First patient begins newly approved sickle cell gene therapy

Kendric Cromer, a 12-year-old boy being treated at Children’s National Hospital, became the first person in the world with sickle cell disease to begin a commercially approved gene therapy that may cure the condition. “This is a big effort,” says David Jacobsohn, M.D., ScM, M.B.A. (The New York Times)

6. ‘We created this problem’: A pediatric surgeon on how gun violence affects children

Mikael Petrosyan, M.D., associate chief of General and Thoracic Surgery, discusses the stress medical staff face when treating young victims of gun violence. (NPR)

7. 7th grade boy rings bell after final round of chemotherapy

Landon, an 11-year-old patient, rang the bell at Children’s National Hospital with family, friends, doctors and nurses cheering after finishing his final round of chemotherapy. (The Today Show)

8. Study: One in three adolescents experience ‘period poverty’

Monika Goyal, M.D., M.S.C.E., pediatric emergency medicine specialist and co-director of the Center for Translational Research, emphasized the need for awareness in addressing period poverty in teenagers and young adults. (Healio)

9. The AI assurance labs are coming

Kolaleh Eskandanian, Ph.D., M.B.A., P.M.P., vice president and chief innovation officer, participates in a panel discussion covering AI data collection, associated risks, reliance and other topics related to artificial intelligence. (POLITICO)

10. First day of a ‘new life’ for a boy with sickle cell

Children’s National patient Kendric Cromer, 12, became one of the first children ever to be treated with a newly approved gene therapy that will free him from the sickle cell disease that has stolen his childhood. (The New York Times)

Transforming pediatric nephrology: Personalized care for every patient

December 20, 2024

“We strive to create an environment where success goes beyond medical results, focusing on lasting improvements in the lives of children around the world,” says Dr. Moxey-Mims.

Big picture

The Kidney Transplantation Program at Children’s National Hospital is the only one of its kind in the Washington, D.C. region focused on the needs of children and teens with kidney disease. Performing up to 20 kidney transplants per year, the program is one of the highest volume centers on the East Coast.

“A significant portion of the recent kidneys came from living donors,” says Marva Moxey-Mims, MD, chief of Nephrology at Children’s National. “This is crucial because living donor kidneys typically perform better and have a longer lifespan than kidneys from deceased donors.”

Children’s National leads the way

At the forefront of groundbreaking treatment, the nephrology team is pioneering progress by providing innovative care and resources. One example is the hospital’s collaboration with the National Kidney Registry and MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute’s Living Donor Program. This provides a greater chance of finding more suitable donors for difficult-to-match children and has resulted in altruistic donations.

“Living kidney donations are transforming the landscape of pediatric transplants” says Dr. Moxey-Mims. “By significantly reducing wait times, we provide children with faster access to life-saving care and a quicker journey to restored health. This reflects our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of every child we serve.”

That commitment is also seen in the division’s focus on making sure families have the resources they need during their medical journey. Through philanthropic funding, families with children undergoing kidney transplants and dialysis can receive financial assistance. In some cases, donors will be eligible for lost wage reimbursement up to $2,000 per week for up to 12 weeks (total maximum $24,000), and up to $6,000 for travel, lodging, and dependent care. Families can also receive funds for medication co-pays and other expenses incurred around the time of the transplant.

“These funds are true lifesavers for families navigating medical challenges,” says Jennifer Verbesey, MD, surgical director of pediatric kidney transplantation at Children’s National. “We are committed to ensuring that families have access to the care and resources their child requires regardless of their financial situation.”

Global efforts

In addition to the work her team is doing in the United States, Dr. Moxey-Mims is on a mission to address pediatric renal disease on a global scale. Most recently, Dr. Moxey-Mims traveled to the Kuwait Pediatric Congress in November, to discuss advances in pediatric renal care.

“Children’s National was the only pediatric hospital from the United States represented at the meeting, says Dr. Moxey-Mims. “This demonstrates our commitment to tackling this chronic condition.”

In February, Dr. Moxey-Mims will travel to Cape Town, South Africa for the 2025 International Pediatric Nephrology Association Congress, where she will present on treatments to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Bottom line

Children’s National is at the forefront of pediatric kidney transplantation. “Our approach addresses every aspect of a patient’s journey,” says Dr. Moxey-Mims. “We strive to create an environment where success goes beyond medical results, focusing on lasting improvements in the lives of children around the world.”

Learn more about our latest advances in pediatric Nephrology.

The best of 2024 from Innovation District

December 19, 2024

2024 marked another groundbreaking year for Children’s National Hospital, showcasing remarkable advances across the spectrum of pediatric medicine, research and healthcare innovation. From pioneering surgical procedures to breakthrough artificial intelligence applications, the institution continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in children’s healthcare. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2024.

1. Prenatal COVID exposure associated with changes in newborn brain

A study led by researchers at Children’s National Hospital showed that babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic have differences in the size of certain structures in the brain, compared to infants born before the pandemic. The findings suggest that exposure to the coronavirus and being pregnant during the pandemic could play a role in shaping infant brain development.
(3 min. read)

2. Children’s National Hospital again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

Children’s National Hospital was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the eighth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.
(2 min. read)

3. Children’s National performs first ever HIFU procedure on patient with cerebral palsy

In January 2023, a team of multidisciplinary doctors performed the first case in the world of using bilateral high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) pallidotomy on Jesus, a 22-year-old patient with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. The procedure is part of a clinical trial led by Chima Oluigbo, M.D., pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s National Hospital.
(3 min. read)

4. Novel ultrasound device gets FDA breakthrough designation with Children’s National support

A novel ultrasound device developed by Bloom Standard received the Food and Drug Administration’s valued breakthrough device designation with the help of Children’s National Hospital. The device that enables autonomous, hands-free ultrasound scans to be performed anywhere, by any user.
(2 min. read)

5. First-of-its-kind pilot study on the impacts of Lyme disease in pregnancy and infant development

Understanding the effects of Lyme disease on the developing fetal brain is essential to ensure timely prenatal and postnatal treatments to protect the fetus and newborn. In response to this need, Children’s National Hospital is leading a pilot study to establish the groundwork needed for a larger study to determine the effect of in utero exposure to Lyme disease on pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes.
(3 min. read)

6. Earliest hybrid HLHS heart surgery kids thrive 5 years later

Five years ago, Cayden was born 6 weeks early weighing less than four pounds and at risk of dying from her critical congenital heart disease. Today, she’s a happy five-year-old. Early diagnosis of her hypoplastic right ventricle, double inlet left ventricle and critical coarctation of the aorta allowed for the team at Children’s National Hospital to create a careful plan for safe delivery and to offer an innovative hybrid HLHS surgical approach at the hospital within 24 hours after she was born.
(1 min. read)

7. Wayne J. Franklin, M.D., F.A.C.C., named senior vice president of the Children’s National Heart Center

Children’s National Hospital appointed Wayne J. Franklin, M.D., F.A.C.C., as the new senior vice president (SVP) of the Children’s National Heart Center. In this role, Dr. Franklin oversees the full spectrum of heart care services including cardiac imaging and diagnostics, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac anesthesia, cardiac surgery and cardiac intensive care.
(2 min. read)

8. Artificial – and accelerated – intelligence: endless applications to expand health equity

By pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation programs at Children’s National Hospital, Marius George Linguraru, D.Phil., M.A., M.Sc., and the AI experts he leads are ensuring patients and families benefit from a coming wave of technological advances. The team is teaching AI to interpret complex data that could otherwise overwhelm clinicians.
(4 min. read)

9. Evidence review: Maternal mental conditions drive climbing death rate in U.S.

Painting a sobering picture, a research team led by Children’s National Hospital culled years of data demonstrating that maternal mental illness is an under-recognized contributor to the death of new mothers. They called for urgent action to address this public health crisis.
(3 min. read)

10. Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., M.P.H., named chief academic officer and chair of Pediatrics

Children’s National Hospital appointed Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., M.P.H., as its new executive vice president, chief academic officer and chair of Pediatrics. In this role, Dr. Kuppermann oversees research, education and innovation for the Children’s National Research Institute as well as academic and administrative leadership in the Department of Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Services.
(2 min. read)

11. First global clinical trial achieves promising results for hypochondroplasia

Researchers from Children’s National Hospital presented findings from the first clinical trial of the medication vosoritide for children with hypochondroplasia – a rare genetic growth disorder. During the phase 2 trial, researchers found vosoritide increased the growth rate in children with hypochondroplasia, allowing them to grow on average an extra 1.8 cm per year.
(2 min. read)

12. Pioneering research center aims to revolutionize prenatal and neonatal health

Since its establishment in July 2023, the Center for Prenatal, Neonatal & Maternal Health Research at Children’s National Hospital has gained recognition through high-impact scientific publications, featuring noteworthy studies exploring the early phases of human development.
(3 min. read)

Advancements in nephrology: Highlights from ASN 2024 Kidney Week

November 22, 2024

Thousands of medical professionals and researchers from around the world gathered in San Diego this October for Kidney Week 2024. The American Society of Nephrology’s (ASN) annual meeting and scientific exposition featured advances in treatment, research and technology in the fight against kidney disease.

Doctors, fellows and faculty from Children’s National Hospital participated, presenting their latest research and clinical advancements in pediatric kidney disease.

Posters and topics from Children’s National included:

Jordy Salcedo-Giraldo, M.D., FAAP: Structured Application of Nephrogenetics in a Pediatric Kidney Clinic Is Clinically Impactful and Challenging
Jordy Salcedo-Giraldo, M.D., FAAP: Unmasking the Mimickers: HNF1B Variants in Pediatric Kidney Diseases
Sarah Rogal, M.D., Ph.D.: Rapidly Progressive Kidney Failure in a Patient with Longstanding Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Jennifer Nhan, M.D.: AKI in Patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Krista Wink: The Inherited and Polycystic Kidney Disease Program
Kaushalendra Amatya, Ph.D.: Barriers to Communication with Transplant Providers Among Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patients and Their Caregivers

Additionally, there was a presentation from Denver Brown, M.D.: Low Serum Bicarbonate and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children with CKD.

Learn more about the IPKD program and the division of Nephrology at Children’s National.

Children’s National again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

October 8, 2024

Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the eighth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.

This year, U.S. News ended ordinal rankings on its Honor Roll. Instead of assigning a numerical rank from 1 to 10, all hospitals on the Honor Roll will be recognized as having attained the highest standards of care in the nation.

In addition, Children’s National tied for #1 pediatric hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, West Virginia and Virginia. It’s also best in the Mid-Atlantic in Neonatology.

For the fourteenth straight year, Children’s National ranked in 10 specialty services. New this year, U.S. News included behavioral health as a service line in the rankings. Since it’s the first year, there are no ordinal rankings for behavioral health, but the Children’s National program was named one of the top 50 programs in the country.

“In my first year here, I witnessed what makes Children’s National so special — our commitment to collaboration, empowering one another, and charting a bold path forward for pediatric care,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Children’s National. “I’m proud U.S. News again recognized Children’s National as one of the top in the nation and the highest-ranked pediatric hospital in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Together, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of care, research and innovation to make a difference for those who matter most — the kids.”

The annual rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals and recognizes the nation’s top 50 pediatric hospitals based on a scoring system developed by U.S. News.

“For nearly two decades, U.S. News has published Best Children’s Hospitals to empower the parents and caregivers of children with complex medical needs,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Children’s hospitals appearing on the U.S. News Honor Roll have a track record of delivering unparalleled specialized care.”

The bulk of the score for each specialty service is based on quality and outcomes data. The process includes a survey of relevant specialists across the country, who are asked to list hospitals they believe provide the best care for patients with the most complex conditions.

The Children’s National specialty services that U.S. News ranked in the top 10 nationally are:

Neonatology (No. 2), led by Billie Lou Short, M.D.
Neurology and Neurosurgery (No. 5), led by William D. Gaillard, M.D., and Robert F. Keating, M.D.
Cancer (No. 5), led by Eugene Hwang, M.D.
Diabetes and Endocrinology (No. 7), led by Andrew Dauber, M.D., MMSc.
Gastroenterology and GI surgery (No. 8), led by Ian Leibowitz, M.D., Marc Levitt, M.D., Anthony Sandler, M.D., and Timothy Kane, M.D.
Nephrology (No. 8), led by Marva Moxey-Mims, M.D.
Orthopedics (No. 9), led by Matthew Oetgen, M.D., M.B.A.

The other four specialties ranked among the top 50 are Behavioral Health, Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Pulmonology and Lung Surgery, and Urology.

Around the world

July 2, 2024

Our Global Health Initiative launched in 2016 with the goal of eliminating pediatric health disparities around the world. We aim to address the most pressing pediatric health issues through better care for medically underserved populations. This leadership helps us achieve our mission of caring for all children. A broad range of education and research projects improves health outcomes. They also offer enriching opportunities for experienced faculty and emerging leaders to advance clinical excellence.

Healing hearts in Uganda

Dr. Craig Sable and team train partners in Uganda.

Craig Sable, M.D., interim chief of Cardiology, improves care for young people with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Uganda. Donors, including the Karp Family Foundation, Huron Philanthropies, Zachary Blumenfeld Fund and the Wood family, make this possible. RHD affects 50 million people, mostly children, worldwide. It claims 400,000 lives each year.

Dr. Sable and Ugandan partners completed important research showing that early RHD detection, coupled with monthly penicillin treatment, can protect the heart. They are working on practical solutions, such as a new portable device with artificial intelligence (AI) that can easily screen for RHD.

In 2023, Dr. Sable led two missions in Uganda where he and his team did surgeries and special tests for 18 children with RHD. They also taught local doctors new skills to help more kids on their own.

Plastic surgery and reconstructive care in Kenya and Nepal

Each year our Craniofacial & Pediatric Plastic Surgery team, under the leadership of Johnston Family Professor of Pediatric Plastic Surgery and Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery Gary Rogers, M.D., J.D., LL.M., M.B.A., M.P.H., provides opportunities for fellows to participate in surgical missions.

In 2024, Perry Bradford, M.D., traveled to the Moi Teaching Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya where she provided patients with burn, pressure wound and cleft reconstruction. She built community connections with the local plastic surgeons and educated registrars and medical students. “This gave me firsthand experience working in a community with limited resources and forced me to be more creative,” Dr. Bradford says. “The experience inspired me to examine what it means to have consistent access to advanced tools and equipment.”

In 2022, a group traveled to Nepal to provide care. Some patients arrived after days of travel by yak or buffalo. One child with a burn injury recovered use of her hand. The team educated local providers to deliver life-changing treatments unavailable in Nepal.

Dr. Tesfaye Zelleke, left, and team in Ethopia.

Elevating epilepsy care in Ethiopia

Neurologist Tesfaye Zelleke, M.D., and partners in Ethiopia are seeking to improve the lives of children with epilepsy. The BAND Foundation provides support. Ethiopia has a population of about 120 million yet only a handful of pediatric neurologists.

Dr. Zelleke’s team trained nonspecialist providers to diagnose and treat children in the primary care setting. They also launched a mobile epilepsy clinic to provide community care and build the capacity of local clinicians. In collaboration with advocacy groups, the team educates the public about epilepsy with a goal of reducing stigma.

New hope in Norway

In 2023, our Division of Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction shared its expertise with clinicians at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, in Norway. This effort was a key first step in Oslo becoming the first dedicated colorectal center in Scandinavia.

Marc Levitt, M.D., and team members performed complex surgeries otherwise unavailable for waiting patients. They led an academic conference. They held clinics to educate nurses, reviewed patient records and made care recommendations. Specialized care enabled a young patient with significant bowel difficulties to recover function and lead a normal life.

The team will travel to South Africa, the Czech Republic and Spain in 2024. Donors, including The Dune Road Foundation and Deanna and Howard Bayless, make this work possible.

Improving outcomes for babies in the Congo

AI can be a valuable tool for diagnosing genetic conditions. It detects unique facial patterns that clinicians without genetics training can miss. However, existing facial analysis software struggles in nonwhite populations.

A team led by Marius George Linguraru, D.Phil., M.A., M.Sc., the Connor Family Professor of Research and Innovation and principal investigator in the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, is working to improve the newborn diagnosis rate worldwide. They are testing smartphone software in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Diverse newborn data improves AI’s ability to detect a variety of genetic conditions in more children. Early detection, diagnosis and informed care lead to better health outcomes.

Nephrology care for kids in Jamaica

Jennifer Carver and Dr. Marva Moxey-Mims, center, with staff at Bustamante Children’s Hospital.

Marva Moxey-Mims, M.D., chief of Nephrology, is bringing care to children with kidney disease in Jamaica, with a goal of improving health equity. An International Pediatric Nephrology Association grant helped make it possible.

On a recent trip, Dr. Moxey-Mims and a small team — including Jennifer Carver, RN, CNN, lead peritoneal dialysis nurse at Children’s National, and three pediatric nephrologists from Jamaica — trained nearly 30 nurses from Jamaican hospitals. Nurses received hands-on dialysis education to improve their clinical skills. The team also worked to educate the community in disease awareness and prevention.

Children’s National Hospital at the 2024 Pediatric Academic Societies meeting

April 26, 2024

Children’s National Hospital-affiliated participants will present at this year’s Pediatric Academic Societies meeting. The meeting will take place in Toronto, from May 2-6, 2024. For information on the presentations, please refer to the chart below.

Day	Time	Presenter(s)	Title
5/3/2024	9:00 AM	Stacey Stokes, M.D., M.P.H.	APA QI: Informatics for Improvers: Leveraging Clinical Decision Support to Propel Data-Driven and Reliable Continuous Improvement
5/3/2024	12:00 PM	Rana F. Hamdy, M.D., M.P.H., MSCE	A Career in Antimicrobial Stewardship… so Much More to Explore
5/3/2024	12:00 PM	Ashima Gulati, M.D., Ph.D., FASN	Case Studies in Pediatric Kidney Diseases: Who, When and How to Order Genetic Testing?
5/3/2024	3:45 PM	Priti Bhansali, M.D., ME.d.	iSPOT an Improvement: Taking Peer Observation and Feedback to the Next Level
5/3/2024	3:45 PM	Josepheen De Asis-Cruz, M.D., Ph.D.	Maternal psychopathology and SSRI use during pregnancy are associated with altered fetal hippocampal connectivity in utero
5/4/2024	8:00 AM	Andrea J. Boudreaux, Psy.D., M.P.H., M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E.	A Doctor in the School Nurse’s Office? Bringing a Virtual School Based Program into Practice
5/4/2024	8:00 AM	Jessica Hippolyte, M.D., M.P.H.	A Practical Approach to a Thorny Issue: Evaluating the Role of Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry in Clinical Decision-Making
5/4/2024	8:00 AM	Ashraf S. Harahsheh, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.C.	Cardiology 1
5/4/2024	8:00 AM	Dewesh Agrawal, M.D.	Emergency Medicine 1: Quality and Safety
5/4/2024	8:00 AM	Lenore Jarvis, M.D., ME.d. Amanda Stewart, M.D., M.P.H.	From Bedside to State House: Daily Advocacy
5/4/2024	8:00 AM	Aisha Barber, M.D., ME.d.	Unionization in Pediatrics: A Pro-Con Debate
5/4/2024	8:45 AM	Jillian E. Nickerson, M.D., M.S.	Implementation of tele-psychiatry in an urban pediatric satellite emergency department
5/4/2024	9:00 AM	Jessica Weisz, M.D.	“TEACH”ing: Evaluation of a 3-Year Multimodal Child Poverty Curriculum
5/4/2024	9:00 AM	Tameka T. Watson, M.D.	Timing of Growth Failure in Very Premature Infants and Implications for Brain Development
5/4/2024	10:00 AM	Neha H. Shah, M.D., M.P.H.	Subspecialty Networking Breakout: Pediatric Hospital Medicine
5/4/2024	11:00 AM	Lee S. Beers, M.D.	AAP Presidential Plenary: Emerging Research on the Intersections of Mental Health, Impact of the Pandemic, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
5/4/2024	11:00 AM	Denver Brown, M.D.	Implications of SDOH on glomerular disease, hypertension and CKD
5/4/2024	11:15 AM	Josepheen De Asis-Cruz, M.D., Ph.D.	Associations Between Antenatal Opioid Exposure and Newborn Functional Brain Connectivity
5/4/2024	2:00 PM	Ian Chua, M.D., M.H.P.E.	Addressing Misinformation & Building Competency for Gender Diverse Patient Care
5/5/2024	8:00 AM	Tamara Gayle, M.D., ME.d., M.P.H.	APA SIG: Pediatric Hospital Medicine – Creating an Inclusive and Sustainable Workplace
5/5/2024	8:00 AM	Suma B. Hoffman, M.D., M.S. Simranjeet S. Sran, M.E., ME.d., C.H.S.E., F.A.A.P.	Hands on Workshop: Complex Resuscitations in Neonates and Infants – Managing High Acuity, Low Occurrence (HALO) Events
5/5/2024	8:15 AM	Jaytoya Manget, D.N.P., M.S.P.H., F.N.P.	Connecting the Dots to Improve Health and Education Equity: Results of A Pilot Program Integrating School Attendance Data into a Pediatric Primary Care
5/5/2024	8:55 AM	Aisha Barber, M.D., ME.d.	APA Pediatric Hospital Medicine SIG – Creating an Inclusive and Sustainable Workplace
5/5/2024	11:00 AM	Nicola Brodie, M.D. Julie Heier, Ph.D. Courtney Horton, M.D. Darcel Jackson, C.P.X.P., L.S.S.G.B. Emma Whitmyre, Ph.D.	Challenge Accepted: Integrating Behavioral Health in Primary Care for Children with Medical Complexity and Their Families
5/5/2024	11:00 AM	Ian Chua, M.D., M.H.P.E. Margarita Ramos, M.D., M.S. Neha H. Shah, M.D., M.P.H.	Embracing Failure: The Key To Success In Academic Medicine
5/5/2024	11:00 AM	Caleb E. Ward, M.B., B.Chir., M.P.H.	Emergency Medicine 4
5/5/2024	11:00 AM	Dewesh Agrawal, M.D. Terry Kind, M.D., M.P.H.	Launching and Landing a Career in Medical Education: From Passion to Profession
5/5/2024	11:00 AM	Nathaniel S. Beers, M.D., M.P.A. Andrea J. Boudreaux, Psy.D., M.P.H., M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E. Bianca Johnson, M.S.W. Jaytoya Manget, D.N.P., M.S.P.H., F.N.P. Jessica Weisz, M.D.	School Attendance as a Vital Sign: Integrating school attendance into practice to advance health and educational equity
5/5/2024	11:05 AM	Sudeepta Basu, M.D.	SPR 2023 Bridging to Success Award: GABA-editing spectroscopy for understanding the developing brain in preterm infants.
5/5/2024	2:00 PM	Allison M. Jackson, M.D., M.P.H.	Child Protective Services Referrals in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence: Clinical Practice, Research, & Advocacy
5/5/2024	2:00 PM	Josepheen De Asis-Cruz, M.D., Ph.D.	In utero SSRI exposure alters fetal cerebral cortical development and structural brain connectivity
5/5/2024	2:00 PM	Jeremy Kern, M.D. Lydia Lissanu, M.D. Elana Neshkes, M.D. Laura A. Nicholson, M.S.N., R.N., C.P.N., C.H.S.E. Grace Quinn, M.D. Ariella M. Weinstock, M.D., M.S. Ed	STRIVE for a restorative de-escalation: Strategies for a TRauma-Informed approach using Verbal and Environmental Skills
5/5/2024	2:45 PM	Kristen Sgambat, Ph.D., RD	Arterial stiffness, body composition, and perception of racism in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
5/5/2024	2:45 PM	Sudeepta Basu, M.D.	Cerebellar GABA and Glutamate Concentrations at Term-equivalent age Predicts 18-month Cognitive Deficits in Preterm Infants
5/6/2024	8:00 AM	Ian Chua, M.D., M.H.P.E. Gabrina Dixon, M.D., ME.d. Tamara Gayle, M.D., ME.d., M.P.H. Margarita Ramos, M.D., M.S.	Amplify Your Voice: Media Strategies Beyond Conventional Academic Dissemination
5/6/2024	8:00 AM	Stacey Stokes, M.D., M.P.H. Padma Swamy, M.D., M.P.H.	APA SIG: Health Informatics and Serving the Underserved Combined – Moving the Needle on Social Needs: From Screening to Data Management and Response
5/6/2024	8:00 AM	Deena Berkowitz, M.D., M.P.H.	APA Urgent Care SIG: You’re Not Too Busy To Think About Promotion: Leveraging Your Current Scholarly Activities For Academic Advancement
5/6/2024	8:30 AM	Padma Swamy, M.D., M.P.H.	Screening, data sharing, and resource allocation considerations when developing social needs interventions
5/6/2024	1:00 PM	Christina Lindgren, M.D.	APA Simulation-based Medical Education (SBME) SIG
5/6/2024	1:00 PM	Gabrina Dixon, M.D., ME.d.	Creating and Optimizing a Visiting Elective at your Institution for Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Students
5/6/2024	1:00 PM	Junghoon Kim, Ph.D.	Improved prediction of fetal neurobiological features by censoring high-motion frames in fetal functional MRI
5/6/2024	1:05 PM	Christina Lindgren, M.D.	Introduction to Conceptual Frameworks for Simulation Based Medical Education
5/6/2024	1:10 PM	Suma B. Hoffman, M.D., M.S.	Small Group Activity: Name That Conceptual Framework
5/6/2024	2:15 PM	Margaret Rush, M.D., M.S.H.S.	Racial disparities in hospital length of stay for bacterial tracheostomy associated infections

Continuing Medical Education: Disparities in pediatric kidney disease

February 22, 2024

Marva Moxey-Mims, M.D.

Join Children’s National Hospital for a pre-recorded Continuing Medical Education (CME) presentation on Disparities in Pediatric Kidney Disease. The session, featuring Marva Moxey-Mims, M.D., Division Chief of Nephrology at Children’s National, offers one (1) CME credit.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize racial differences in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in children
Understand the impact of apolipoprotein 1 (APOL1) genetic mutations on CKD and ESKD
Recognize disparities in kidney transplant access and allograft survival

Click here to view the presentation.

To claim credit for this presentation, please follow these steps:

Log into your INOVA CME account, or create an account: cme.inova.org
Credit for this session can be claimed in one of two ways:
1. Text session code “TAPMUG” to 703-260-9391
2. Enter the session code “TAPMUG” at cme.inova.org/code

You have 30 days from February 22, 2024, to claim credit.

group photo from nephrology training in Jamaica

Update: Collaboration across borders to improve access to nephrology care

February 12, 2024

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Marva Moxey-Mims, M.D., division chief of Nephrology at Children’s National, has a grant from the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) to bring care to children with kidney disease in Jamaica.

During her recent trip, Dr. Moxey-Mims was joined by peritoneal dialysis nurse, Jennifer Carver, RN, and three pediatric nephrologists in Jamaica, Drs. Maolynne Miller, Nadia McClean and Sandrica Peart. Together, they trained close to 30 nurses from three hospitals across the island, including the Bustamante Children’s Hospital, the University Hospital of the West Indies — both in Kingston — and the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay.

Nurses were given hands-on training in using peritoneal dialysis cycler machines and manual peritoneal dialysis. The training is part of an initiative that focuses on:

Improving clinical training of staff (medical, nursing, and allied health) involved in caring for children with kidney disease
Developing and upgrading services for children and adolescents with kidney diseases
Educating the community on disease awareness and prevention strategies

“Our ability to offer innovative training and resources to nurses underscores our commitment to ensuring children throughout Jamaica receive the essential care they require,” said Dr. Moxey-Mims. “This signifies to both domestic and international audiences that we’re upholding our pledge to health equity.”

Children’s National in the News: 2023

January 18, 2024

Explore some of the notable medical advancements and stories of bravery that defined 2023, showcasing the steadfast commitment of healthcare professionals at Children’s National Hospital and the resilient spirit of the children they support. Delve into our 2023 news highlights for more.

1. COVID during pregnancy dramatically increases the risk of complications and maternal death, large new study finds

According to a study published in British Medical Journal Global Health, women who get COVID during pregnancy are nearly eight times more likely to die and face a significantly elevated risk of ICU admission and pneumonia. Sarah Mulkey, M.D., prenatal-neonatologist neurologist, discussed findings based on her work with pregnant women and their babies.
(Fortune)

2. Rest isn’t necessarily best for concussion recovery in children, study says

A study led by Christopher Vaughan, Psy.D., pediatric neuropsychologist, suggests that — despite what many people may presume — getting kids back to school quickly is the best way to boost their chance for a rapid recovery after a concussion.
(CNN)

3. Pediatric hospital beds are in high demand for ailing children. Here’s why

David Wessel, M.D., executive vice president, chief medical officer and physician-in-chief, explained that one reason parents were still having trouble getting their children beds in a pediatric hospital or a pediatric unit after the fall 2022 respiratory surge is that pediatric hospitals are paid less by insurance.
(CNN)

4. Anisha Abraham details impact of social media use on children: ‘True mental health crisis’

Anisha Abraham, M.D., M.P.H., chief of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, joined America’s Newsroom to discuss the impact social media access has had on children’s mental health.
(FOX News)

5. Saving Antonio: Can a renowned hospital keep a boy from being shot again?

After 13-year-old Antonio was nearly killed outside his mom’s apartment, Children’s National Hospital went beyond treating his bullet wounds. Read how our Youth Violence Intervention Program team supported him and his family during his recovery.
(The Washington Post)

6. Formerly conjoined twins reunite with doctors who separated them

Erin and Jade Buckles underwent a successful separation at Children’s National Hospital. Nearly 20 years later they returned to meet with some of the medical staff who helped make it happen.
(Good Morning America)

7. Asthma mortality rates differ by location, race/ethnicity, age

Shilpa Patel, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of the Children’s National IMPACT DC Asthma Clinic, weighed in on a letter published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, asserting that the disparities in mortality due to asthma in the United States vary based on whether they occurred in a hospital, ethnicity or race and age of the patient.
(Healio)

8. How one Afghan family made the perilous journey across the U.S.-Mexico border

After one family embarked on a perilous journey from Afghanistan through Mexico to the U.S.-Mexico border, they eventually secured entry to the U.S. where Karen Smith, M.D., medical director of Global Services, aided the family’s transition and provided their daughter with necessary immediate medical treatment.
(NPR)

9. When a child is shot, doctors must heal more than just bullet holes

With the number of young people shot by guns on the rise in the U.S., providers and staff at Children’s National Hospital are trying to break the cycle of violence. But it’s not just the physical wounds though that need treating: young victims may also need help getting back on the right track — whether that means enrolling in school, finding a new group of friends or getting a job.
(BBC News)

10. This 6-year-old is a pioneer in the quest to treat a deadly brain tumor

Callie, a 6-year-old diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, was treated with low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) at Children’s National Hospital and is the second child in the world to receive this treatment for a brain tumor. LIFU is an emerging technology that experts like Hasan Syed, M.D., and Adrianna Fonseca, M.D., are trialing to treat this fatal childhood brain tumor.
(The Washington Post)

11. F.D.A. approves sickle cell treatments, including one that uses CRISPR

The FDA approved a new genetic therapy, giving people with sickle cell disease new opportunities to eliminate their symptoms. David Jacobsohn, M.B.A., M.D., confirmed that Children’s National Hospital is one of the authorized treatment centers and talked about giving priority to the sickest patients if they are on Vertex’s list.
(The New York Times)

12. 6-year-old fulfils wish to dance in the Nutcracker

After the potential need for open-heart surgery threatened Caroline’s Nutcracker performance, Manan Desai, M.D., a cardiac surgeon, figured out a less invasive procedure to help reduce her recovery time so she could perform in time for the holidays.
(Good Morning America)

Children’s National designated as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation Pediatric Clinic

January 5, 2024

Children’s National Hospital has been designated as a Pediatric Clinic by the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation, the only organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for PKD. This elite designation is given to nephrology practices and clinics that meet patient-centered, specialized PKD criteria established by the PKD Foundation.

As a designated Pediatric Clinic by the PKD Foundation, the Inherited and Polycystic Kidney Diseases (IPKD) Program within the Division of Nephrology at Children’s National offers comprehensive care with the coordination and support of an integrated healthcare team, access to top PKD experts with leading research, and a network of specialists and other providers for referrals, partnerships and mentoring.

“This achievement has been made possible with the support of the PKD Foundation and our Division of Nephrology as we join hands to provide next-level PKD focused care for our patients and families,” says Ashima Gulati, M.D., Ph.D., pediatric nephrologist at Children’s National.

“As PKD providers, it reminds us that we are all part of the larger PKD community with our patients and caregivers at the center. I am delighted that the Children’s National Division of Nephrology is part of this initiative that aligns with the mission of the PKD Foundation to move promising PKD therapies into clinical practice and focuses on providing the best possible PKD care as of today,” Gulati said.

The best of 2023 from Innovation District

December 27, 2023

Advanced MRI visualization techniques to follow blood flow in the hearts of cardiac patients. Gene therapy for pediatric patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 3D-printed casts for treating clubfoot. These were among the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2023. Read on for our full list.

1. Advanced MRI hopes to improve outcomes for Fontan cardiac patients

Cardiac imaging specialists and cardiac surgeons at Children’s National Hospital are applying advanced magnetic resonance imaging visualization techniques to understand the intricacies of blood flow within the heart chambers of children with single ventricle heart defects like hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The data allows surgeons to make critical corrections to the atrioventricular valve before a child undergoes the single ventricle procedure known as the Fontan.
(3 min. read)

2. Children’s National gives first commercial dose of new FDA-approved gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Children’s National Hospital became the first pediatric hospital to administer a commercial dose of Elevidys (delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl), the first gene therapy for the treatment of pediatric patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Elevidys is a one-time intravenous gene therapy that aims to delay or halt the progression of DMD by delivering a modified, functional version of dystrophin to muscle cells.
(2 min. read)

3. New model to treat Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Researchers at Children’s National Hospital developed a pre-clinical model to test drugs and therapies for Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD), a debilitating neuromuscular disease that is growing in numbers and lacks treatment options. The work provides scientists with a much-needed method to identify, develop and de-risk drugs for patients with BMD.
(2 min. read)

4. First infants in the U.S. with specially modified pacemakers show excellent early outcomes

In 2022, five newborns with life-threatening congenital heart disease affecting their heart rhythms were the first in the United States to receive a novel modified pacemaker generator to stabilize their heart rhythms within days of birth. Two of the five cases were cared for at Children’s National Hospital. In a follow-up article, the team at Children’s National shared that “early post-operative performance of this device has been excellent.”
(2 min. read)

5. AI: The “single greatest tool” for improving access to pediatric healthcare

Experts from the Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer, Oracle Health, NVIDIA, AWS Health and elsewhere came together to discuss how pediatric specialties can use AI to provide medical care to kids more efficiently, more quickly and more effectively at the inaugural symposium on AI in Pediatric Health and Rare Diseases, hosted by Children’s National Hospital and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech.
(3 min. read)

6. AAP names Children’s National gun violence study one of the most influential articles ever published

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) named a 2019 study led by clinician-researchers at Children’s National Hospital one of the 12 most influential Pediatric Emergency Medicine articles ever published in the journal Pediatrics. The findings showed that states with stricter gun laws and laws requiring universal background checks for gun purchases had lower firearm-related pediatric mortality rates but that more investigation was needed to better understand the impact of firearm legislation on pediatric mortality.
(2 min. read)

7. Why a colorectal transition program matters

Children’s National Hospital recently welcomed pediatric and adult colorectal surgeon Erin Teeple, M.D., to the Division of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction. Dr. Teeple is the only person in the United States who is board-certified as both a pediatric surgeon and adult colorectal surgeon, uniquely positioning her to care for people with both acquired and congenital colorectal disease and help them transition from pediatric care to adult caregivers.
(3 min. read)

8. First-of-its-kind holistic program for managing pain in sickle cell disease

The sickle cell team at Children’s National Hospital received a grant from the Founders Auxiliary Board to launch a first-of-its-kind, personalized holistic transformative program for the management of pain in sickle cell disease. The clinic uses an inter-disciplinary approach of hematology, psychology, psychiatry, anesthesiology/pain medicine, acupuncture, mindfulness, relaxation and aromatherapy services.
(3 min read)

9. Recommendations for management of positive monosomy X on cell-free DNA screening

Non-invasive prenatal testing using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is currently offered to all pregnant women regardless of the fetal risk. In a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers from Children’s National Hospital provided context and expert recommendations for maternal and fetal evaluation and management when cfDNA screening is positive for monosomy X or Turner Syndrome.
(2 min. read)

10. Innovation in clubfoot management using 3D anatomical mapping

While clubfoot is relatively common and the treatment is highly successful, the weekly visits required for Ponseti casting can be a significant burden on families. Researchers at Children’s National Hospital are looking for a way to relieve that burden with a new study that could eliminate the weekly visits with a series of 3D-printed casts that families can switch out at home.
(1 min. read)

11. Gender Self-Report seeks to capture the gender spectrum for broad research applications

A new validated self-report tool provides researchers with a way to characterize the gender of research participants beyond their binary designated sex at birth. The multi-dimensional Gender Self-Report, developed using a community-driven approach and then scientifically validated, was outlined in a peer-reviewed article in the American Psychologist, a journal of the American Psychological Association.
(2 min. read)

12. Cardiovascular and bone diseases in chronic kidney disease

In a study published by Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease, a team at Children’s National Hospital reviewed cardiovascular and bone diseases in chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease patients with a focus on pediatric issues and concerns.
(1 min. read)

Revolutionizing pediatric nephrology one patient at a time

December 15, 2023

“With each kidney transplant, we’re not just restoring the health of children, we’re pioneering progress and setting new benchmarks for the field of pediatric nephrology,” says Marva Moxey-Mims, M.D., chief of Nephrology at Children’s National Hospital.

“With each kidney transplant, we’re not just restoring the health of children, we’re pioneering progress and setting new benchmarks for the field of pediatric nephrology,” says Marva Moxey-Mims, M.D., chief of Nephrology at Children’s National Hospital. “We offer not just treatment, but a chance for our patients to flourish and live their best life.”

Big picture

The Kidney Transplantation Program at Children’s National is the only one of its kind in the Washington, D.C., region focused on the needs of children and teens with kidney disease.

Performing an average of 15-20 kidney transplants per year, the program’s latest one- and three-year graft and patient survival data from the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients is 100%.

“Our program surpasses national numbers, reflecting a commitment to exceptional care, superior patient outcomes and a focus on setting a new standard for excellence in transplant support,” says Dr. Moxey-Mims.

Children’s National leads the way

At the forefront of groundbreaking treatment, the nephrology team is pioneering progress by providing innovative care and resources. One example is the hospital’s collaboration with the National Kidney Registry and MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute’s Living Donor Program. This provides a greater chance of finding more suitable donors for difficult-to-match children and has resulted in altruistic donations.

“Through living kidney donations, we redefine the timeline for pediatric transplants. Children experience shorter waits and swifter paths to renewed health compared to the national wait list,” says Asha Moudgil, M.D., medical director of the Kidney Transplantation Program at Children’s National. “It’s a testament to our commitment to making a difference in every child’s life.”

That commitment is also seen in the hospital’s focus on making sure families have the resources they need during their medical journey.

“Caring for a child with renal disease is an immense challenge, not only for the young patients but also for their families. The demanding schedule of hospital visits, often three times a week, adds an extra layer of stress and disruption to daily life,” says Dr. Moudgil.

Through grant funding from donors and national programs, families with children undergoing kidney transplants and dialysis can receive financial assistance. In some cases, families receive up to $2,000 of mortgage or rental payment assistance. Families can also receive funds for medication co-pays and other expenses incurred around the time of the transplant.

“In the face of medical adversity, these funds become a source of support,” says Dr. Moudgil. “We make sure every family, regardless of financial constraints, can access the care and resources their child needs.”

Bottom line

Children’s National is at the forefront of pediatric kidney transplantation. “Our unique approach ensures every facet of a patient’s journey is considered,” says Dr. Moxey-Mims. “We’ve created an environment where success is not just a medical outcome but a comprehensive and sustained improvement in a child’s overall quality of life.”

Learn more about our latest advances in pediatric Nephrology.

Modified aquapheresis for the smallest patients in intensive care

December 5, 2023

To date, four patients have benefited from modified aquapheresis at Children’s National in both the PICU and the CICU.

The Division of Nephrology at Children’s National Hospital now offers modified aquapheresis for the smallest patients with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease in intensive care units. Aadil Kakajiwala, M.D., MSCI, director of Pediatric Acute Kidney Support Therapies, has been the leader in establishing modified aquapheresis at Children’s National. He joined the faculty at Children’s National in 2021 after completing his pediatric nephrology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and pediatric critical care medicine fellowship at Children’s National.

To date, four patients have benefited from modified aquapheresis at Children’s National in both the PICU and the CICU. Dialysis equipment designed for adults has filter set volumes as high as 165ml. Since implementing modified aquapheresis, the new equipment’s filter set volume is just 35ml, making it a great option for dialyzing small patients as low as 1.8kg. This limits blood exposure to the patient and overcomes the limitation of obtaining larger vascular access by using a PICC line.

Dr. Kakajiwala looks to continue training nephrologists, intensive care unit providers and staff across the hospital on modified aquapheresis. “This new offering allows us to offer dialysis to our smallest patients. By utilizing modified aquapheresis, we ensure simultaneous removal of waste products along with fluid removal during the therapy,” says Dr. Kakajiwala. He hopes to work on standardizing all forms of renal replacement therapy offered at Children’s National across all care providers.

Patient and doctor demoing Rare-CAP technology

M.D. in your pocket: New platform allows rare disease patients to carry medical advice everywhere

October 13, 2023

When someone has a rare disease, a trip to the emergency room can be a daunting experience: Patients and their caregivers must share the particulars of their illness or injury, with the added burden of downloading a non-specialist on the details of a rare diagnosis that may change treatment decisions.

Innovators at Children’s National Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, supported by Takeda, are trying to simplify that experience using a new web-based platform called the Rare Disease Clinical Activity Protocols, or Rare-CAP. This revolutionary collection of medical information allows patients to carry the latest research-based guidance about their rare disorders in their phones, providing a simple QR code that can open a trove of considerations for any medical provider to evaluate as they work through treatment options for someone with an underlying rare disease.

“No one should worry about what happens when they need medical help, especially patients with rare diseases,” said Debra Regier, M.D., division chief of Genetics and Metabolism at Children’s National and Rare-CAP’s lead medical advisor. “We built this new tool because I have watched as my patient-families have wound up in an emergency room — after all, kids get sprains or fractures — but they don’t have the expertise of a rare disease specialist with them. My hope is that they’re going to pull out their phones and access Rare-CAP, which will explain their rare disease to a new provider who can provide more thoughtful and meaningful care.”

The big picture

A rare disease is defined as any disorder that affects less than 200,000 people in the United States. Some 30 million Americans are believed to be living with one of the 7,000 known rare disorders tracked by the National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD). Led by Dr. Regier, the Rare Disease Institute at Children’s National is one of 40 NORD centers for excellence in the country that provide care, guidance and leadership for the wide array of disorders that make up the rare disease community.

While a key goal of Rare-CAP is to bolster patient self-advocacy, the platform will also allow medical providers to proactively search for protocols on rare diseases when they know they need specialized advice from experts at Children’s National, a network of tertiary care centers and patient organizations.

As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company, Takeda has committed $3.85 million to the project to help activate meaningful change and empower a brighter future for rare disease communities, providing a unique understanding of the struggle that patients and caregivers face when they need care.

“Our team, alongside the medical and rare disease community, saw the need for a single portal to collect standardized care protocols, and we are thrilled to see this innovative tool come to life,” said Tom Koutsavlis, M.D., head of U.S. Medical Affairs at Takeda. “People with rare diseases and their caregivers need faster access to authoritative medical information that providers anywhere can act on, this will lead to improving the standard of care, accelerating time to diagnosis and breaking down barriers to increase equitable access.”

The patient benefit

The creators of Rare-CAP imagined its use in a wide range of settings, including emergency rooms, surgical suites, dental offices, urgent care offices and school clinics. The platform will eventually profile thousands of rare diseases and lay out the implications for care, while also creating a dynamic conversation among users who can offer updates based on real-world experience and changes in medical guidance.

“Our patients are unique, and so is this tool,” Dr. Regier said. “As we roll out Rare-CAP, we believe it is just the beginning of the conversation to expand the platform and see its power for the patient and provider grow, with each entry and each new rare disease that’s added to the conversation.”