Moments in history
50 years ago (1968)
The country was bitterly divided over the Vietnam War; the gains of the Civil Rights movement were overshadowed by the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, and in neighborhoods near Cincinnati Children’s, some angry residents responded with violent protests. But at the Research Foundation, researchers continued to explore ways of improving the health of our smallest citizens:
Helen Berry published an overview of screening tests for metabolic disorders using micro-specimens like filter paper chromatography. This was an important step in the development of universal newborn screening for metabolic disorders.
Leon Goldman, Don Shumrick, and Lester Martin reported on the novel use of lasers in the treatment of port-wine stains, a technique that has become quite common today.
Sam Kaplan, James Helmsworth and colleagues compared the effectiveness and limitations of various palliative surgical procedures for the temporary management of Tetralogy of Fallot. At the time, patients were deemed unfit to undergo complete surgical correction until at least age 5. Subsequent advances in surgical technique, perioperative nutrition, and infection control now allow surgical correction in the first year of life, with vastly improved survival and long-term prognosis.
Helen Glueck, Al Mauer and Paul Hoxworth presented their 19-month experience with successfully producing and administering “CRYO” – concentrated anti-hemolytic factor for the treatment of hemophilia. In subsequent decades, CRYO became available for use, not just in the hospital, but for use at home, significantly reducing morbidity and the need for hospitalization.
Ernest Zimmerman conducted several studies using the now famous “immortal” HeLa cells.
And Josef Warkany concluded that LSD does not cause teratogenesis in mice!
-- M. Elaine Billmire, MD
Source: Studies from the Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH Volume 13 1967-68
(Photo) Helen Berry in her lab.
