Listen to this story |
The human body grows and develops as aging progresses. All parents want their children to be healthy and strong. However, children sometimes develop unforeseen complex conditions such as heart disease, cancer, congenital birth defects, and endocrine disorders, which are increasingly common today. Unavoidable childhood health conditions like these can significantly impact the quality of life of the affected children.
Artirat Charukitpipat, Ph.D., CEO of Bumrungrad International Hospital, shared that Bumrungrad understands the importance of ensuring children grow and develop healthily with strong immune systems. At the Bumrungrad International Hospital Children’s (Pediatrics) Center, our team of experienced pediatricians works with specialists to diagnose and treat even the most difficult cases. The Center boasts high-quality pediatric care providers and clinical facilities and utilizes the latest medical technology to effectively, accurately, and rapidly diagnose and treat a variety of childhood conditions. We offer a reliable alternative for those seeking safe, effective, and standards-based pediatric care. In 2024, the Bumrungrad International Hospital Children’s Center was ranked 27th among 100 specialist hospitals in the Asia-Pacific region by Newsweek and Statista, and it was ranked as the best hospital in Thailand for pediatric care.
Dr. Preecha Laohakunakorn, Medical Director of the Children’s Center and Specialist in Pediatric Cardiology at Bumrungrad International Hospital, stated that congenital heart defects are the number one birth defect among all birth defects. Around 25% of children born with a congenital heart defect will require life-saving heart surgery or coronary angioplasty; and, unfortunately, 15% of all children with a congenital heart defect will not survive into adulthood. Although the cause of congenital heart defects is still unknown, it is speculated that certain factors are to blame, such as genetics or the mother having contracted German measles during her pregnancy, having uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy, or having taken certain medications.
Heart abnormalities can range from minor abnormalities, such as a hole in the heart wall, to more severe, complex abnormalities, such as abnormalities of the heart valves or blood vessels or abnormalities of the size and number of chambers of the heart. In cases where there is only a slight abnormality that does not affect the functioning of the heart, heart growth, or lifespan, correcting the abnormality is generally not necessary; health monitoring is simply required. However, children with severe abnormalities will often develop symptoms such as rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, becoming easily fatigued, low blood oxygen, and even slow growth. These children will require treatment. In some cases, treatment will be in the form of coronary angioplasty. All heart surgeries are major surgeries that require a team of expert specialized surgeons. At Bumrungrad International Hospital, pediatric heart specialists and surgeons work together to make quick diagnoses and surgical treatment plans.
Statistics in Thailand show that over 8,000 children are born with congenital heart defects annually, and up to 3,000 – 4,000 of these children experience early death each year. Each year, Bumrungrad International Hospital treats 1,500 children with congenital heart defects. Of these, 827 receive funding from the Rak Jai Thai (Healing Hearts) program. This program, offered by the Bumrungrad Hospital Foundation in collaboration with Bumrungrad International Hospital and the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, has been ongoing since 2003.
Prof. Dr. Darintr Sosothikul, a specialist in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Bumrungrad International Hospital, shared that cancer is a leading cause of death among children and teens worldwide. In Thailand, there are 1,000 cases of pediatric cancer annually. Common pediatric cancers include acute leukemia, lymphoma, and brain and nervous system cancers. Although pediatric cancer is generally not preventable due to unknown causes, it is sometimes related to genetics, as in cases of Down syndrome, which can occur when a fetus is exposed to X-rays or gamma rays during radiological imaging. Such exposure can cause changes in fetal DNA. However, if diagnosed and treated swiftly and comprehensively, treatment can lead to a complete cure in 70%-80% of cases.
Doctors at the Bumrungrad International Hospital Children’s Center include a variety of specialists who can accurately and swiftly diagnose pediatric cancers. Patients can receive CT scan and MRI results within one or two days, and our pathologists can provide rapid biopsy results to facilitate treatment. Pediatric cancer treatment may take various forms, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Of these, chemotherapy is the most common treatment for pediatric cancers. Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the few private hospitals in Thailand that can provide targeted chemotherapy for treating pediatric cancer. Additionally, we have a variety of pediatric specialists and teams of allied health professionals, such as pharmacists who are experienced in formulating chemotherapies for pediatric patients and nutritionists who advise patients on how their diet affects their health and helps reduce side effects. All of these capabilities enable us to quickly diagnose and treat our patients as soon as possible.
Dr. Pasinee Techavijit, a specialist in Neonatology and Perinatology at Bumrungrad International Hospital, stated that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Bumrungrad has cared for more than 30,000 newborn babies. Our experienced neonatologists work diligently to prevent unexpected neonatal complications, including labor complications such as prolonged labor, difficult labor, and abnormal fetal positions. Our NICU team cares for babies from birth until they are strong enough to be discharged.
In our NICU, our multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals are ready and available to take care of newborns on a 24/7 basis. The NICU is adjacent to the delivery room, allowing for fast and seamless transfer post-delivery and preventing accidents during transfer. Our NICU includes an operating room for emergency operations if needed. Our certified healthcare teams consist of neonatologists, neonatal nurses with over 20 years of experience in delivering babies, and pediatric surgeons. We care for babies with birth abnormalities and newborns who require specialized care. The NICU is equipped with medical technology that helps provide specialized care for newborns, such as high-frequency ventilators, which offer breathing support for infants too immature to breathe on their own, pediatric/neonatal vital sign monitors, and bili lights.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Manassawee Korwutthikulrangsri, a specialist in Pediatric Endocrinology at Bumrungrad International Hospital, stated that at present, digital technology plays a key role in children’s lives. If misused, it can hinder child development. Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, precocious puberty, and short stature, are commonly found in children. If these conditions are left untreated, they can immensely affect children’s physical and mental development.
Obesity is commonly found in children and is often caused by a poor diet, leading to excessive weight gain and complications such as obesity, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia. At Bumrungrad, our teams of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals collaborate to provide the most effective care. For instance, pediatric endocrinologists treat diabetes, nutritionists offer dietary advice, pulmonologists investigate the causes of snoring, and gastroenterologists diagnose fatty liver disease. Precocious puberty, which affects child development, is increasingly common and should be diagnosed and treated promptly. Children whose height is below average may have short stature, which requires further diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, those who are taller than average may be experiencing precocious puberty. Parents should take children showing such symptoms to see a doctor for an examination. At Bumrungrad, our endocrinologists provide personalized care and immediate treatment, while our endocrinology nurses offer comprehensive advice to our patients.
At Bumrungrad, our pediatric endocrinologists have treated more than 20,000 children with endocrine conditions. They work hand-in-hand with our teams of multidisciplinary physicians to deliver the most effective care. We are equipped with the latest medical technologies to help us diagnose conditions and deliver the best treatment. The goal is to promote physical wellness and age-appropriate development.
Partner Content
