MUHC in the Media - November 4, 2024

For the past three years, Jean-François Fortin has been receiving injections of Spinraza, a drug that has halted the progression of his disease. Spinal muscular atrophy type 2 is a rare hereditary genetic disease that causes degeneration of muscles, including those essential for breathing and swallowing. Mr. Fortin is also under the care of a respiratory therapist from the National Program for Home Ventilatory Assistance (NPHVA), affiliated with the MUHC. Interview with Véronique Adam, a respiratory therapist and clinical assistant chief of the NPHVA at the MUHC. La Presse

Dr. Maayan Ben Sasson, physician and researcher at the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, is convinced that different types of pain can be diagnosed and treatments determined by analyzing patients' intestinal microbiota, i.e., the bacterial composition of their intestines. La Presse

The expertise of Dr. Samara Zavalkoff and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH) was highlighted during a recent episode of De garde 24/7, when a child from Northern Quebec was transferred to the MCH for urgent care.

"Walking pneumonia” is the most common type of pneumonia in school-aged children, adolescents and adults, but is now increasingly seen in preschoolers, notes Dr. Earl Rubin, Director of the Infectious Diseases Division at the Montreal Children's Hospital. CBC 1, CBC 2, CJAD,CTV News, Canadian Press

Atypical pneumonias are caused by bacteria that don't normally cause pneumonia. These diseases are currently on the rise, notes Dr. Jesse Papenburg, pediatric infectious disease specialist and medical microbiologist at the Montreal Children's Hospital. La Presse Canadienne

A medication for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is raising hopes for the treatment of brain tumours. However, this news should be greeted with caution, says Dr. Nada Jabado, hematologist-oncologist at the Montreal Children's Hospital. Radio-Canada

After Verdun, Lachine is now home to the new Heart & Hands Pediatric Clinic. The clinic provides care directly in schools, explains co-founder Dr. David D'Arienzo, a pediatrician at the Montreal Children's Hospital. La Presse, CityNews, CBC

Gym culture, body building, muscle size and hair loss are all factors that influence men's self-esteem. Some may even develop issues such as anxiety, depression, as well as eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. Jennifer Russell, psychologist and head of the Psychology Department at the MUHC, addresses this topic on CJAD.