A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that children born with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing asthma later in life. The study, which analyzed data from 10,918 twins, suggests that impaired fetal growth affects lung development and contributes to the development of asthma.
A recent study found that young adults are less likely to use ambulatory or preventive care, even though their mortality rate is more than twice that of adolescents. Young adults, especially black and Hispanic males, underuse ambulatory medical care and infrequently receive preventive care.
The lack of preparedness in pediatric emergency departments poses a significant risk, particularly during the onset of novel H1N1 flu. The guidelines recommend equipment, training, medications, and policies to ensure appropriate care for children.
A new study published in Academic Pediatrics found that parents are more likely to understand a body mass index (BMI) chart if it's color-coded, like a traffic light. The color-coded charts were most helpful to parents with the lowest math abilities, increasing correct answers from 51% to 81%.
A new study found that over a third of baby photos in women's magazines show babies sleeping in unsafe positions, and two-thirds of sleep environments depicted are also hazardous. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs without soft bedding to reduce SIDS risk.
A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.
A study by the University of Chicago Medical Center found that premature babies born in poverty are significantly less likely to be ready for school, despite advances in neonatal care. The researchers found that socioeconomic status was the most powerful factor determining school-readiness level.
Researchers found that active video games can burn calories comparable to moderate-intensity walking, making them a safe and valuable means of promoting energy expenditure in children. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that substituting screen time with physically active games can help reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
A study by Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University School of Medicine found that parents of children with special health care needs mostly use the right type of car seat, but often misuse it. The researchers also discovered that many children would benefit from additional body-positioning support to ensure safe transportation.
A study by researchers at Dartmouth College found that exposure to smoking in movies can lead to an increase in smoking among teenagers. The study, published in the July 2009 issue of Pediatrics, suggests that even positive characters who smoke have a stronger influence on youth than previously thought.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that every hour of TV exposure is linked to a 7% decrease in the number of words an adult says to an infant. This reduction in verbal interactions also affects the length and frequency of child vocalizations and conversational turns between adults and children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual private well testing for nitrate and microorganisms, particularly for infants under three months. Children are vulnerable to waterborne illnesses that can come from contaminated wells, and proper care is essential to prevent contamination.
Dr. Gail Demmler-Harrison, a renowned pediatric virologist, received the Thomas Hazinski Award for her exceptional service to the Society for Pediatric Research. She has advanced the study of pediatric diseases through her dedicated work in laboratories and with patients.
A new study published in BMC Pediatrics reports significant clinical improvements in children with autism after hyperbaric treatment. The treatment, which involves inhaling oxygen at high pressure, showed improvements in overall functioning, language, and social interaction.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College discovered that chloroquine is a highly active inhibitor of infection by Hendra and Nipah viruses. The drug blocks the action of cathepsin L, an enzyme essential for virus growth and maturation.
A new study found that an educational program increasing knowledge of infant crying and its prevention increased mother's awareness and sharing of strategies for coping with frustrating infant cries. The PURPLE Crying Program showed a 6% increase in knowledge about crying and shaking among mothers.
A new study suggests low levels of vitamin B12 may increase neural tube defects risk. Doctors agree pregnant women can thrive on well-planned vegan diets, offering nutritional benefits like lower saturated fat and higher fiber.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine recommend using rifampin instead of isoniazid for treating non-active TB in children who are immigrants, internationally adopted or refugees. This change aims to prevent the development of active TB and reduce healthcare costs.
A new pediatric study suggests that involving adolescents in end-of-life medical decisions can improve communication between children, families, and care providers. The study found that early planning and discussions can lead to increased agreement between parents and children on medical decisions, as well as better communication overall.
A recent study found that urban children with asthma spend an average of 3.4 hours daily on screens, exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended limit. This excessive screen time may lead to various difficulties, including behavior problems, attention issues, and obesity.
A recent study by Children's Hospital found that African-American parents are twice as likely to distrust medical research as white parents. This mistrust can lead to lower participation rates in clinical trials, exacerbating racial health disparities.
A US study found that most healthy children taking daily vitamins don't require them due to adequate nutrition from their diets. The study also revealed that children who face the greatest risks of vitamin deficiency are less likely to take supplements.
Children born preterm are at three times higher risk of screening positive for autism, according to a Boston University study. The modified checklist for autism in toddlers (M-CHAT) is used to assess developmental risks, with over 21% of children in the study screening positive.
One in eight physicians are inactive for at least a year and return to practice without competency testing. States lack regulation to assess clinicians' competence upon reactivation.
A recent study from the University of Michigan found that six million US children have unmet medical needs, with uninsured and underinsured children at highest risk. The study highlights the need for targeted initiatives to address both coverage and access to improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable children.
A study of third-graders found that daily recess improved classroom behavior, social development, and health. Children who received more recess behaved better and were likely to learn more.
A study published in Pediatrics found that telemedicine can significantly improve the quality of child sexual assault examinations in rural communities. The use of videoconferencing allows experts to guide local doctors, comfort children, and enhance the collection of forensic evidence. As a result, many physicians changed their examin...
A genome-wide study has identified new genes involved in Kawasaki disease, a serious illness that affects young children and can cause coronary artery damage. The study found that genes related to cardiovascular function and inflammation may be key factors, leading to potential new diagnostics and treatments.
A large study of 704 babies found no cases of bacterial meningitis in children with simple febrile seizures. The researchers suggest that lumbar punctures may not be necessary for well-appearing children who have had a single, uncomplicated seizure.
Research establishes a clear link between family rejection of LGB adolescents and negative health outcomes in early adulthood. Higher rates of family rejection during adolescence were significantly associated with poorer health outcomes for LGB young adults, including depression, suicidal attempts, and HIV risk behaviors.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that only 10% of overweight children receive a proper diagnosis, while 76% of severely obese children and 54% of obese children are accurately identified. The study emphasizes the need for early intervention and innovative solutions to improve pediatric weight detection.
A study published in Breastfeeding Medicine highlights the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining immune system function throughout life. Long-term vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, and cancer.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that babies born just a few weeks prematurely are three times as likely to have cerebral palsy and developmental delays. The research analyzed medical records of over 140,000 children born in California between 2000 and 2004.
The high cost of childhood vaccines leads to financial strain for physicians, with prices varying widely across medical practices. Many physicians are paying too much for vaccines while receiving too little reimbursement, but new data can help improve these areas.
A study published in Pediatrics found that post-surgical pectus patients experience significant improvements in both emotional and physical well-being. Patients reported greater confidence, reduced irritability, and increased ability to exercise after correction of the chest wall deformity.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that children with misaligned eyes are at a significantly increased risk of developing mental illness by early adulthood. Children with exotropia (eyes that diverge outward) were three times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders than those with normal eye alignment.
Researchers found that teens engaging in risky behaviors like sex, smoking, and drinking are more likely to use crystal meth. In high-risk youth, family history of alcohol abuse, psychiatric treatment, and juvenile detention were associated with methamphetamine use.
Researchers found a new gene, PRICKLE1, linked to a specific type of epilepsy. The study involved international collaboration and led to the development of animal models to investigate its role in the disease.
A new study finds that accelerating the pertussis vaccine schedule by two weeks could prevent at least 1,236 cases of the disease each year. This shift would also reduce hospitalizations and deaths attributed to pertussis, a disease that can be life-threatening in young infants.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that flu vaccination rates for adolescents with asthma and other illnesses are still low, ranging from 8-15% over the study period. However, the researchers suggest that a universal influenza vaccination approach may increase coverage among this population.
A new study finds parents receptive to being screened for alcohol problems during pediatrician visits. Many would prefer being screened by a doctor over other options.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that children aged 3-5 whose parents were deployed to war zones exhibited more behavior problems than peers without deployed parents. The study analyzed data from 169 families with children age 1½ to 5 who had a parent deployed for an average of 3.9 months.
A recent study by Saint Louis University reveals a significant increase in the use of type 2 diabetes medications among American tweens and teens between 2002 and 2005. The study also found increased utilization patterns for blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma, ADD/ADHD, depression, and other medications.
The college has received two $100,000 grants to support research on new antiviral approaches and tuberculosis emerging from latency. The projects aim to tackle diseases such as respiratory viral infections and tuberculosis that affect millions worldwide.
Research published in BMC Pediatrics reveals that children who engage in behaviors like sexual activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking are more likely to use methamphetamines. Long-term use of the drug can be a serious problem due to its low cost and ready availability.
UT Southwestern researchers suggest that RSV may persist in the lungs of children, leading to recurrent wheezing and chronic airway disease. The study's findings contradict current thinking on the destruction of ribonucleic acid viruses like RSV.
A study found that low birth weight is a significant risk factor for infantile hemangiomas, with a nine-fold increase for every 1.1-pound decrease in birth weight. The number of low birth weight infants has increased significantly in the US, contributing to an estimated 40% rise in infantile hemangioma incidence over the last 20 years.
Scientists have identified a genetic switch called hairy that helps oxygen-deprived cells survive by suppressing non-essential activity. The study, using fruit flies as a model, reveals how this metabolic slowdown occurs and may hold clues for human cell survival under low-oxygen conditions.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a way to short-circuit genetic processes that contribute to neuroblastomas. By targeting the ALK gene, they found that certain mutations can be sensitive to a small molecule inhibitor, potentially leading to new drug treatments.
MedImmune has awarded five fellowships worth $175,000 to support research in follow-up care of premature infants. The grants will provide each recipient's institution with a $35,000 grant, aiming to improve the specialized health needs of premature infants.
Young wheezing children are often underdiagnosed due to symptoms similar to common childhood illnesses. Asthma diagnosis is challenging, requiring assessment of symptom frequency and patterns.
A new study published in Pediatrics shows that implementing simple changes to hospital procedures can significantly reduce the harm caused by opiate use in children's hospitals. The study found that reducing prescription overrides and ensuring caregivers have up-to-date drug lists led to a 67% decrease in adverse events.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that the flu vaccine was not associated with reduced hospitalizations or outpatient visits among children under 5. The mismatch between the strains of virus in the vaccine and circulating strains may have contributed to this outcome.
A study published in Pediatrics found that microwave ovens pose a significant risk of scald injuries to young children due to their ability to open the oven. The researchers recommend locking mechanisms and increased warning campaigns to reduce accidental injuries.
Parents of children with food allergies experience high levels of anxiety and daily challenges due to lack of understanding from the general public and physicians. The study aims to increase knowledge among key groups to improve health and lives of children and families affected by food allergies.
Listeriosis is a serious foodborne illness that affects healthy individuals but is life-threatening for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In Canada, recent outbreaks linked to deli meats and cheese have prompted guidelines for symptom management and risk reduction.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that mothers' stress levels contribute to their children's likelihood of being overweight, even in food-secure households. The study analyzed data from over 800 children and found that young children were most affected by household stress.
Low-birth-weight children may develop hypertension later in life, and measuring blood pressure is crucial to identify this condition early. Automated devices might overstate systolic blood pressure, so manual methods are recommended to confirm results.
A study has identified a new gene that may play a key role in the development of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease. The gene, TNFRSF6B, is involved in regulating inflammation and its activity has been linked to the severity of the disease.
Researchers found that HHV-6 is integrated into the chromosomes of babies born with the virus, differing from congenital CMV infections. This unique mode of infection may occur in up to 1 in 116 newborns, affecting their development and immune system.