NEW YORK CITY, NY (December 16, 2003) – Clarence and Carl Aguirre awakened early today and spent their morning enjoying cartoons on the big-screen plasma TV in their room at The Children’s Hospital At Montefiore (CHAM).  Later, while Clarence practiced saying “hi” to everyone he could see, Carl tried out a new noise-making toy, his grin growing in proportion to the amount of noise he discovered he could generate.

Mother Arlene Aguirre gave each boy his share of hugs and pats and tickles, and seemed to have a relatively good rest overnight. CHAM doctors today report the boys’ medical condition "continues to be good."

“Infectious disease specialists at CHAM examined the boys on Monday in light of the low grade fever they’ve had for the past several days and found no special problems,” said David Staffenberg, MD, chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, CHAM, and one of the lead surgeons on the medical team.

“We’re just keeping a close eye on them until all signs of fever and infection are completely gone,” said Dr. Staffenberg. 

Doctors said the fever was most likely due to a minor infection caused by a soft tissue expander, which was removed early last week.  According to Dr. Staffenberg, tissue expanders will not be replaced until the boys have had more time to heal from their most recent surgery on November 24th.   

“There is no need to rush their recovery,” Dr. Staffenberg said.  “We will keep the boys at CHAM for observation and make sure they are doing well.  We continue to see no signs of neurological compromise, which is the best news of all.”

© 2012 Montefiore Medical Center