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Arrhythmias in Children What are arrhythmias in children? An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. When a child has an arrhythmia, abnormal electrical signals sent through the heart muscle may cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or in an

Aortic Stenosis in Children What is aortic stenosis in children? Aortic stenosis means that your child has a heart valve that is too narrow or is blocked. The aortic valve is one of four heart valves that keep blood flowing through the heart. The valves make sure blood flows in

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) What is PDA? Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect found in the days or weeks after birth. The ductus arteriosus is a normal blood vessel that's part of fetal blood circulation before a baby is born. It’s an extra blood vessel that

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) in Children What is a ventricular septal defect? A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect. This means that your baby is born with it. A VSD is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two lower chambers of the heart

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children What is gastroesophageal reflux in children? Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Reflux means to flow back or return. Reflux happens because the lower

Cerebral Palsy in Children What is cerebral palsy in children? Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain (neurological) disorder that causes problems with normal motor function. It's a lifelong condition that affects how the brain and muscles communicate. CP affects body movement, muscle

Eye Cancer: Intraocular Melanoma What is intraocular melanoma? Melanoma is a serious kind of skin cancer. This cancer starts in cells called melanocytes. These cells make the pigment that colors your skin. You also have melanocytes in your eyes. When these cells become cancer, it

Acne What is acne? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and oil glands (sebaceous glands). The oil glands secrete oils (sebum) to keep the skin moist. When the glands get clogged, it can lead to pimples and cysts. Acne is very common. People of all races and ages have acne

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

Kidney Failure What is kidney failure? Kidney failure happens when damage results in loss of normal kidney function. There are two types of kidney failure—acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure starts abruptly. It can sometimes be reversed. Chronic kidney failure progresses