Bumps and scrapes are a normal part of childhood. For most kids, a tumble off a bike or a stray kick in a soccer game means a temporary bruise or a cut that heals with a scab. However, for kids with hemophilia, these everyday mishaps are cause for concern. What Is …
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Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)
At first, Tyler developed red patches and raised spots that turned purple and looked like bruises all over his legs and buttocks. Then he complained that his stomach and knees hurt. When his parents took him to the doctor to find out what was wrong, the doctor said that Tyler …
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary hemochromatosis (hee-muh-kro-muh-TOE-sus) is a genetic disease that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. Iron is an important nutrient that our bodies get from food. It’s in every red blood cell and is the main component of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen away …
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
You might think that high blood pressure (hypertension) just affects adults. But babies, kids, and teens can have it too. About 1 in 25 teenagers has high blood pressure. In babies, it’s usually caused by prematurity or problems with the kidneys or heart. While hypertension is far more common among …
If Your Child Has a Heart Defect
About Congenital Heart Defects It can be frightening to learn that your child has a congenital heart defect. But these are relatively common, affecting almost 1 in every 100 newborns in the United States. Advances in medical knowledge and diagnostic technologies can provide very detailed information regarding structural heart abnormalities. …
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
When you think of iron, you might think of skyscrapers with metal beams infused with iron to make them strong. But people need iron to stay strong, too. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to the body and plays a key role in brain and muscle function. A lack …
Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is an illness that involves the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes, and most often affects kids under age 5. The cause is unknown, but if the symptoms are recognized early, kids with Kawasaki disease can fully recover within a few days. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications …
Marfan Syndrome
About Marfan Syndrome Marfan syndrome is a progressive genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue is everywhere in the body, providing structure and support for cells. Think of it as a sort of “glue” that helps support every organ, blood vessel, bone, joint, and muscle. In people …
Metabolic Syndrome
As a parent, you know that life is full of cause-and-effect scenarios: If you don’t go to work, then you can’t pay the bills. If you ignore that sound the car is making, then you could end up on the side of the road with engine trouble. Unfortunately, this concept …
Mitral Valve Prolapse
About Mitral Valve Prolapse Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a very common heart condition. It happens when one of the heart’s valves doesn’t work properly. MVP can be frightening because it involves the heart and can occur with sharp chest pain, but it is not a critical heart problem. Because MVP …