Screening newborns for severe combined immunodeficiency — SCID, sometimes referred to as “bubble boy disease” — significantly increases survival rates, researchers say. Infants with SCID appear healthy at birth, but have no immune defenses, making them highly susceptible to severe and often fatal infections. The 1976 TV movie “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble” promoted…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved two drugs that have been used in adults with type 2 diabetes for years for use in children aged 10 and up. The approvals of Jardiance (empagliflozin) and Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride) provide a new class of medications for pediatric type 2 diabetes. They join…  read on >  read on >

When people think about Alzheimer’s disease, they usually associate it with seniors who have had a long and fulfilling life. Sadly, two rare conditions that imitate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s strike infants and children. Two of these disorders, Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC) and Sanfilippo syndrome, will be discussed here. Here is everything you need…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Supreme Court decision ending a nationwide right to abortion one year ago has made it harder for doctors to treat miscarriages and other pregnancy-related emergencies, a new report shows. The nonprofit organization KFF surveyed obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) across the United States and found that a majority were concerned about worsening numbers of deaths, maternal…  read on >  read on >

At any age an autism diagnosis is a major event. But is it best to find out while still young or might a late-in-life diagnosis give adults a better shot at a good quality of life? According to a new study, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Researchers surveyed 300 adults living with autism in the United…  read on >  read on >

Ticks can be a problem for people who love to spend the summer outdoors, especially in certain regions of the United States. Ticks are responsible for the well-known Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, said Dr. David Ingram, an infectious diseases physician and researcher at Penn State Health Medical Center. He’s also a father of…  read on >  read on >

Menopause can usher in an array of bothersome symptoms, and finding effective relief becomes a priority for many women. The good news: Medications can help manage these symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Read on to learn about the most common menopause medications, how they work and their common side effects. Understanding your…  read on >  read on >

Navigating the changes and discomforts of menopause can be a frustrating experience for many women. Daily life can be significantly affected by symptoms ranging from hot flashes and mood swings to sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness. Treating those symptoms may require a mix of approaches, including medication, lifestyle adjustments and self-care strategies. This article will…  read on >  read on >

Could popular TV medical dramas jump-start a discussion about vaping among teens and almost teens? A recent experiment using clips from “Grey’s Anatomy,” “New Amsterdam” and “Chicago Med” suggests the answer is yes. Watching the clips appeared to help kids open up and talk about the health impacts of using electronic cigarettes. Along the way,…  read on >  read on >