When most people think about medical advancements, they may think of an invention or development that might help only a small number of patients. The clinicians at St. Louis Children’s Hospital have broken through that stereotype and made progress that promises to help thousands of children by focusing specifically on them.
Here are just a few of the areas in which St. Louis Children’s Hospital is participating in
breakthrough studies that are giving way to greater understanding of disease processes, diagnoses and treatments.
Asthma
“St. Louis Children’s Hospital is recognized worldwide for our pediatric asthma care,” says Alan Schwartz, MD, pediatrician-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Some of our protocols have been in place as long as 20 years, but we always look for ways to upgrade and improve tomorrow’s care.”
Three critical success factors are in place for asthma care at St. Louis Children’s Hospital:
- Outpatient care received in physician offices is integrated with the latest standards set forth by the National Institutes of Health.
- An asthma management system tracks children throughout their hospital stays and then ensures the smoothest possible transitions back into the community.
- Widespread participation in asthma clinical trials has included involvement in drug therapy and timing trials, as well as trials to determine who is at risk for asthma.
Diabetes
Diabetes, a disease that affects nearly one in every 400 to 600 children, has been on the rise as pediatric obesity rates continue to soar. St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers top quality care in diabetes management and has been involved in national and international trials to improve care for children.
“Dr. Neil White is at the helm of our diabetes program,” Dr. Schwartz says. “He has been a pioneer in the study of diabetes, and we’re proud to say he has led our program for over 15 years.”
Emergency Medicine
Pediatric medicine specialists who are either board certified or board eligible in pediatric emergency medicine cover all emergency room shifts at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Also, children receive care from pediatric nurses throughout their stay.
“In addition to being the largest Level 1 trauma center in this region, we were one of the first facilities in the country to develop and specialize in pain control for minor procedures,” Dr. Schwartz says. “The bottom line is that children at this hospital receive better care—they get tomorrow’s care today.” Are you interested in what’s going on at St. Louis Children’s Hospital? Visit our online Newsroom.