Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pediatric Services

Norton Children’s collaborates with patients’ providers for high-risk pregnancy care

If a congenital heart condition is expected for a high-risk pregnancy, referring providers still can  retain their patients through delivery by collaborating with Norton Children and Norton Healthcare. We use an integrated approach for collaborative care among obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) and fetal cardiology specialties. Referring providers will remain the primary contact for the patient,…

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Cardiovascular, Pediatric Services

Second opinion process for fetal cardiology patients

We know it’s a stressful time for parents when they learn their child will be born with a congenital heart condition, and it is normal for patients to want to seek a second opinion. Other providers may encourage a second opinion, and we welcome patients seeking second opinions at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with…

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Endocrinology, Pediatric Services

Timely diagnosis, effective treatment and follow-up are keys to managing congenital hypothyroidism

Successful management of congenital hypothyroidism requires timely confirmation of the diagnosis, accurate interpretation of thyroid function testing, effective treatment and consistent follow-up. “Severe intellectual impairment typically does not occur in patients who receive the diagnosis and are treated early and adequately,” said Kupper A. Wintergerst, M.D., chief, pediatric endocrinology and director of the Wendy Novak…

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Oncology/Hematology, Pediatric Services

When to refer a pediatric anemia patient

Infants and children can be prone to anemia for a variety of reasons throughout their first years of life and adolescence. Anemia can be caused by diet, blood loss or other health conditions. Signs and symptoms may include pallor, jaundice, scleral icterus, exercise and/or feeding intolerance and general fatigue. Anemia can be detected during a…

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Medical Group, Pediatric Services

June 2023 Norton Children’s Medical Group New Providers

Laura L Voegele, M.D. Pediatrics Kayla N Brenzel, APRN ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine ASara B Cochran, APRN ­ Pediatric Neurology Soraya A Morris, APRN ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine Amy L Watson-Reese, APRN Neonatology Laura A Zeller, APRN Pediatrics

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Cardiovascular, Pediatric Services

Physical uncovers potentially deadly aortic aneurysm in Indiana teen

Dominick Smith spent the first week of summer break at Norton Children’s Hospital. While it wasn’t the ideal way to wrap up the school year, the junior from Petersburg, Indiana, was grateful. On the last day of school, a doctor discovered Dominick had an aortic aneurysm with aortic dissection — a potentially fatal time bomb…

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Neonatology, Pediatric Services

Music therapy helps NICU babies bond with their families

Have you ever turned to headphones or your radio after a rough day? Did you feel better afterward? Music is a proven resource for comfort. It calms, it enriches and, in a hospital setting, is part of the care that heals. Alex Ruffner, M.S., MT-BC (NICU-MT), a board-certified music therapist at Norton Women’s & Children’s…

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Medical Group, Pediatric Services

May 2023 Norton Children’s Medical Group New Providers

Shelby L Carroll, PA-C ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine Kayla N Brenzel, APRN ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine ASara B Cochran, APRN ­ Pediatric Neurology Soraya A Morris, APRN ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine Amy L Watson-Reese, APRN Neonatology Laura A Zeller, APRN Pediatrics

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Pediatric Services

Multiple fractures in children without trauma warrant a closer look

Fractures are common in children, but multiple fractures in the absence of severe trauma may warrant a more thorough evaluation. An estimated 25% to 40% of girls and 30% to 50% of boys sustain a single fracture by adulthood. An estimated 16% to 25% have more than one fracture. The age range where fractures happen…

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Endocrinology, Pediatric Services

Thyroid function tests and next steps

For children with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, thyroid function testing can help with further evaluation and diagnosis. Hypothyroidism affects 4.6% of the U.S. population, while hyperthyroidism is less common, with a prevalence of 1.3%. Signs of thyroid conditions Symptoms of hypothyroidism in a child may include fatigue, slow reaction time, constipation, coarse hair, dry skin,…

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Medical Group, Pediatric Services

April 2023 Norton Children’s Medical Group New Providers

Caroline N. Jackson, M.D. ­ Neonatology Bethanie N. Morgan, M.D. ­ Pediatric Neurology Adrian R. O’Hagan, M.D. ­ Pediatric Pulmonology Shelbye M. Schweinhart, M.D. Neonatology Ryne B. Bruner, APRN Pediatric Behavioral Health­ Jasmine L. Grier, LCSW Pediatric Cardiology

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Pediatric Services

Children with fractures heal faster, so cast time should be limited

Forearm fractures, one of the most common pediatric fractures, can be safely and effectively treated with cast immobilization. Younger children heal faster, so the time in a cast should be limited to four to six weeks, while teens generally take six weeks to heal. “It’s important that pediatric patients see a pediatric orthopedist so they…

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