Radio Rounds

In the final segment of this 3-part series on Cannabinoid Use in Pediatrics, Dr. Jennifer Griffith discusses addressing parents’ concerns and other frequently asked questions about the use of cannabinoids for childhood conditions or illnesses.

In Part 2 of our 3 part series on Cannabinoid Use in Pediatrics, Dr. Jennifer Griffith, a Washington University Pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital discusses the case study that started the national conversation over the use of cannabinoids to treat pediatric epilepsy patients, and the clinical trials that were conducted as a result.

Although marijuana and its derivatives are currently Schedule 1 substances per the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), many states have relaxed their legislation to allow use.

In this 3 part series on Cannabinoid Use in Pediatrics, Jennifer Griffith, MD, PhD discusses how more recently, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products in pediatrics has sparked additional debate, and pediatric providers have started encountering patients experimenting with these products in their daily practice, necessitating an understanding of the history and available medical literature on this topic.

Many young athletes are unprepared to fully participate in sports without risk of injury. Paul Jenkins PT, MSPT, OCS shares that whether an athlete has decreased strength following an injury, has had surgery, or just lacks optimal strength and coordination, the Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital Young Athlete Center Bridge Program is designed to "bridge" the gap between where a young athlete currently is, and where they want to be.

Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, is an extremely delicate surgical procedure where fetal surgeons open the uterus and close the opening in the baby's back while they are still in the womb. Fetal spina bifida surgery is shown to offer significantly better results than traditional repair after birth. Because spinal cord damage is progressive during gestation, prenatal repair of myelomeningocele may prevent further damage.

Mothers carrying a baby with myelomeningocele who choose fetal surgery for spina bifida require the most expert and carefully managed care. Dr. Bebbington, a leading fetal interventionist with 15 years of experience in open fetal surgery and fetoscopic-based interventions, joins the show to discuss comprehensive care for families that spans their needs while their babies are still inside the uterus, through labor and delivery, the NICU and then for years to come.

The pediatric orthopedic program at St. Louis Children’s is one of the largest in the Midwest, caring for nearly 30,000 pediatric patients each year. Staying at the forefront of this care means adapting to differing methods by which patients and families receive our services. Consequently, Washington University Physicians and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are continuously improving and creating new access points to meet the changing needs of our orthopedic patients.

From therapy and surgical services, to sports medicine and emergency room coverage for orthopedic injuries, Dr. Goldfarb joins the show to discuss where your patients can access pediatric orthopedic services by expert orthopedic physicians.

Congenital scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that is caused by a defect that was present at birth. It occurs in only 1 in 10,000 newborns and is much less common than the type of scoliosis that begins in adolescence. Even though congenital scoliosis is present at birth, it is sometimes impossible to see any spine problems until a child reaches adolescence.

Dr. Gupta joins the show to explain more about congenital scoliosis and when to refer to a specialist.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare, serious condition that can occur in pregnancies when identical twins share a placenta. Abnormal blood vessel connections form in the placenta and allow blood to flow unevenly between the babies. One twin ? called the donor – becomes dehydrated; and the other ? called the recipient ? develops high blood pressure and produces too much urine and over fills the amniotic sac.

Without treatment, this condition can be fatal for both twins. Dr. Bebbington, a leading fetal interventionist with 15 years of experience in open fetal surgery and fetoscopic-based interventions, joins the show to discuss twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and why fetal surgery is sometimes necessary to save one or both babies.

CARE (Clinic for Acceptance, Recovery, and Empowerment) in pregnancy is one of only two programs in St. Louis that offer prenatal care, substance abuse treatment and extended postpartum support for pregnant women facing the challenges of an opioid use disorder.

Hayley Friedman, MD and Jeannie Kelly, MD, discuss how personalized treatment plans help support the well being of mother and child not just during pregnancy, but for at least one full year postpartum.

As St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University pediatricians continue to expand pediatric services within our communities, patients and families are now provided with even more options to access the expertise of Washington University pediatric doctors.

Mark Lowe, MD, PhD discusses the recent openings of two multispecialty center locations in Arnold, Mo, and Shiloh, Il.