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Craniosynostosis What is craniosynostosis? The skull is made up of 8 bones and joints where the bones of the skull meet (sutures). These sutures allow the skull to grow as an infant grows and develops. Over time, the sutures close and the bones fuse together. This forms the skull

Viral Hepatitis Overview What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The liver is located in the upper right part of the belly (abdomen). Hepatitis can be caused by a virus that leads to damage of liver cells. Hepatitis has 2 types: Acute hepatitis. This type

Labor What is labor? Labor is when the uterus contracts again and again to help the cervix open (dilate) and to thin (efface). The contractions get stronger with time. This causes the baby to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the estimated

Food Allergy What is a food allergy? A food allergy is when your immune system has a bad reaction to a certain food. This is different from a food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs may be present. What causes a

Astrocytoma in Children What is an astrocytoma in children? An astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor. A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The brain is part of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS also includes the spinal cord. The main parts of the

Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an illness caused by bacteria. There are two types: Respiratory diphtheria. This type affects the throat, nose, and tonsils. Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria. This type affects the skin. It was a common childhood disease in the past. A

Gastrointestinal Problems What might gastrointestinal problems mean in a newborn? A newborn's ability to eat and digest food is essential to growth and development. Most babies are able to absorb nutrients and have normal bowel movements after being fed. Gastrointestinal problems

The First Trimester The first prenatal visit The first prenatal visit is thorough. A doctor asks the parent-to-be about their health history and does a physical exam. Certain tests and procedures are also done to check the initial health of the parent and their unborn baby. The

Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children What is Hodgkin lymphoma in children? Hodgkin lymphoma is also called Hodgkin disease. It's a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It helps to fight diseases and infections. The

Tricuspid Atresia What is tricuspid atresia? Tricuspid atresia (TA) is a heart defect present at birth (congenital). It occurs when the tricuspid valve doesn't form, or only partly forms. Normally the tricuspid valve is located between the right upper chamber (atrium) and the