Researchers analyzed 67 pediatric drugs, finding nearly 1 in 5 required label changes due to life-threatening adverse events. The study highlights the importance of post-marketing surveillance for pediatric safety.
A majority of US East coast hospitals distribute formula sample packs, contrary to major medical organization recommendations. The practice is changing significantly, with a rise in hospitals eliminating the packs and a decrease in distribution rates over the past few decades.
Research suggests that codeine may be unsuitable for all breastfed infants due to rapid metabolism into morphine, which can cause central nervous system depression. Fortunately, removal of exposure leads to dramatic improvement and no long-term adverse effects.
A study published in Pediatrics found that an average of 12.5% of 10-14 year olds are exposed to graphic violence in R-rated movies, with some films seen by up to 48% of this age group. The researchers recommend rethinking the movie rating system and promoting clearer messages to parents.
A Canadian study involving children and a botanical extract (COLD-fX) shows promise for its future development as a cold and flu remedy. The study, published in Pediatrics, found that acute three-day doses of COLD-fX were well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.
Researchers have discovered a new immune disease that affects the innate immune system of children with a deficiency in the MyD88 gene. The study found that these children can see off other infections but still die from widespread infection by common bacteria like pneumococci and staphylococci.
A study published in Pediatrics found that cerebral malaria is related to long-term cognitive impairment in African children. At six months and two years after the initial episode, 21% and 26% of children with cerebral malaria showed significant cognitive impairment compared to their healthy peers.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mothers' brains respond uniquely to their own infants' faces, particularly when smiling. This finding could help scientists understand the neural basis of mother-infant attachment and how it sometimes goes wrong.
A new training program has been shown to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in school-aged children. The program, developed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, focused on implementing standardized evidence-based guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
A study published in Pediatrics found that a single dose of vitamin A given to newborns shortly after birth can reduce their risk of death by 15%. This low-cost intervention has the potential to save millions of lives, particularly in developing countries where childhood mortality is highest.
Children with acute osteomyelitis are developing more severe MRSA infections, resulting in longer hospital stays and antibiotic therapy. Researchers found that MRSA infections were associated with higher rates of bone abscesses, muscle inflammation, and the need for surgical drainage.
Two new studies evaluate bassinet use and bedsharing, finding that lack of oxygen is a common cause of death in bassinets. The researchers also identify risk factors for bassinet use, including blankets, pillows, and plastic bags.
A report by Iowa State University researcher Richard Spoth assesses the effectiveness of underage drinking prevention programs, identifying 12 interventions as 'most promising' in reducing alcohol use among youths. The review also highlights advances in preventive interventions and calls for further research to better understand progra...
Researchers at UNC have shown that transplantation of adult stem cells can improve healing of fractures in animal models. The study provides a scientific foundation for future clinical trials and could lead to a new treatment for millions of people suffering from bone union failure.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher found that children in non-English-speaking households are more likely to be poor, overweight, and uninsured. They also experience barriers to healthcare access due to language gaps between caregivers and providers.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that non-white defendants are nearly twice as likely to receive severe prison sentences than white defendants. The study of North Carolina cases from 2000 and 2001 highlights the need for re-examining judicial responses to child abuse.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that sugar-sweetened beverages are an increasingly large part of children and teens' diets, with teens consuming an average of 356 calories per day. Reducing empty caloric intake by limiting these drinks may be a key strategy for promoting healthy eating and preventing excess weight gain.
A nationwide study found an estimated 572,580 bunk bed-related injuries during a 16-year period, resulting in nearly 36,000 cases annually. The majority of injuries occurred among males and children younger than 6 years old, with fractures being the third most common injury.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that 80% of pediatric patients with low bone density had vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to low bone mass and worsen underlying metabolic bone disease if left untreated, according to the study's lead author.
A new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center warns that temporary separations from one or both parents before kindergarten can predict disadvantages in the classroom. Children who experience separation scored significantly worse on measures of learning and pre-literacy skills, but fared better on expressive language and ...
A new study by the University of Michigan suggests that extra iron for infants who don't need it may delay their cognitive and visual-motor development. The study found that 5% of Chilean infants with high hemoglobin levels at 6 months showed poorer outcomes in IQ, visual-motor integration, and other measures.
A new study has identified several unexpected barriers to children's physical activity at child care centers, including flip flops, mulch, and parental concerns about weather conditions. The study found that these barriers prevent many children from engaging in essential gross motor skills development.
Infants in low socio-economic households exposed to TV have limited verbal interactions with their mothers, a new study found. Educational programming can increase interactions when co-viewed by both mother and infant.
A study found that low-income parents infrequently engage in verbal interactions with their infants while watching TV or videos. The majority of these interactions occur during educational programs, suggesting a potential link between media exposure and child development. However, the study highlights the need for further research to d...
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that US teens adopted as infants may be at a greater risk for emotional and behavioral problems. Adoptees were more likely to have contact with a mental health professional and experience disruptive behavior disorders compared to non-adopted adolescents.
Researchers found that low-dose amitriptyline significantly improves overall quality of life for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, shows that patients receiving antidepressant therapy experience reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.
Dr. Jane Brotanek, a pediatrician at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has received a two-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to investigate the relationship between infant feeding practices and iron deficiency. Her research aims to identify factors contributing to iron deficiency in high-risk populations.
Researchers found that phosphate-binding drugs can decrease vascular calcification, which is a major source of cardiovascular risk in CKD patients. These treatments may also reduce the activity of genetic programs that stimulate bone-forming cells in blood vessel walls.
A new study suggests that exceeding recommended physical activity levels and limiting screen time may increase a child's risk of becoming overweight. Caregivers can reduce this risk by encouraging physical activity and limiting screen time.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded contracts to develop new mechanical circulatory support devices for children with congenital heart defects. These devices are designed to decrease wait list mortality and improve efficiency of organ utilization in pediatric patients.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that early child neglect is associated with higher levels of aggressive behavior between ages 4 and 8. The study, which monitored over 1,300 children from birth to age 8, highlights the importance of addressing childhood neglect.
A nationwide study published in Pediatrics reveals that over 600,000 American children participate in gymnastics each year, despite the high risk of injury. The study found nearly 27,000 injuries annually, with fractures and dislocations most common among younger children.
Research suggests that households with children with autism spend thousands on educational, behavioral, and healthcare expenses each year. Additionally, they miss out on household income due to the 'money in, money out' equation, resulting in a loss of $6,200 annually.
The University of Iowa has received a five-year, $2.1 million NIH grant to continue its mentorship project for junior faculty members in pediatrics. The program trains clinicians to study the underlying mechanisms of conditions such as prematurity and heritable disorders.
A nationwide survey of children's health shows significant disparities in healthcare for minority kids, including unequal access to medical services, higher rates of asthma, hearing and vision problems, diabetes, and dental care. These disparities may have long-term effects on the health of these populations.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that 23% of children hospitalized with influenza had a previous hospitalization during the most recent flu-vaccine season. This suggests that providing in-hospital vaccinations to those at highest risk may aid in reducing rates of pediatric hospitalization for influenza.
Infants' bodies expel thimerosal mercury much faster than originally believed, suggesting no toxic build-up occurs. Researchers found nearly undetectable levels in urine samples, with most elimination via stools.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly 9.4% of US teens have metabolic syndrome, a clustering of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. The definition of the syndrome has been difficult to establish, but researchers estimate that up to 25% of obese teens meet the criteria.
A study found that 13% of children with asthma were uninsured at some point during the year, leading to increased risk of unmet medical needs and hospitalizations. Children without insurance are 14 times more likely to have an unmet need for medication than those with private insurance.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a simple test to accurately predict risk of serious jaundice in newborns, combining bilirubin levels and gestational age. The study found that about 70% of babies were low-risk, while 13% were high-risk and 17% were in the middle category.
A new study found that levo-thyroxine treatment did not lower weight or BMI in children with acquired hypothyroidism. Most subjects gained weight, while about a third experienced short-term weight loss due to extremely severe cases of the disease.
A new study by University of Iowa researcher Vera Loening-Baucke found that acute and chronic constipation accounted for nearly half of all cases of acute abdominal pain in children. The study recommends that physicians perform a simple rectal examination to diagnose constipation as a cause of abdominal pain.
A new genetic variation has been identified that affects a child's risk of developing Kawasaki disease, an illness characterized by acute inflammation of the arteries. The variation influences immune activation and response to standard treatment, with implications for alternative therapies.
A study published in Pediatrics found that children with peanut allergies are being exposed to peanuts at younger ages than recommended. The median age of first exposure and reaction dropped from 22-24 months to 14-18 months over the last decade, suggesting a potential conflict between guidelines and real-world practices.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found no significant association between hepatitis B vaccination and the development of multiple sclerosis in children. The research involved 143 children who developed MS before age 16, with no increased risk of MS detected within three years of vaccination.
A study suggests that honey is more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines in relieving children's coughs and improving sleep during colds. Honey was found to yield the greatest improvement compared to no treatment or dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter medication commonly used for children's coughs.
A recent survey by LA BioMed researchers found that only 6% of emergency rooms in the US have all the necessary equipment and medicine for treating children. The majority of pediatric visits occur in non-child-friendly hospitals or rural facilities, highlighting a need for improvement in pediatric preparedness.
A literature review found that well-designed seminars, role-playing, and focused curricula can influence medical students' and residents' attitudes towards pharmaceutical companies. Medical schools can reduce the impact of industry influence by implementing policies to limit contact with company representatives.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics reveals that babies born just a few weeks premature are at increased risk of death during their first week of life. The study found that late preterm infants face a six-fold higher mortality rate compared to full-term infants.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that approximately 15% of teens receiving routine outpatient medical care had positive results on a substance abuse screening test. The study highlights the importance of efficient office-based systems for substance abuse screening and therapeutic interventions.
The Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research will strengthen pediatric research and advance children's health, with a focus on high-risk projects and innovative ideas. The institute aims to build upon Pittsburgh's existing reputation as a leading center for pediatric research.
Synagis, a monoclonal antibody, is the standard of care for preventing severe RSV infections in high-risk infants. The new analysis found that preventing RSV early in life makes economic sense by reducing potential costs of future complications and improving quality of life.
MedImmune will present three abstracts at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, including cost-effectiveness data for palivizumab prophylaxis among preterm infants. The company's surveillance program aims to track RSV activity nationwide and inform improved prevention guidelines.
A recent study published in The Journal of Pediatrics has found that administering a combination vaccine to infants does not compromise their immune response or safety. In fact, the study shows that combining three vaccines into one reduces the number of required vaccinations from five to three over six months.
A study of children aged 2.5-5.5 years found that daily TV viewing for two or more hours was associated with behavioral problems and poor social skills. However, reducing early exposure did not increase the risk of behavior problems, suggesting timing of media exposure is vital.
A new study reveals that protein SRP-6 can regulate cell death and potentially halt the progression of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. The research team discovered that SRP-6 can target the lysosome, protecting cells from stress and injury.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that parents who feel confident communicating with physicians are more likely to participate in medical decisions. Researchers also discovered that previously hospitalized parents are more involved in decision-making.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh psychiatrist Eva Szigethy has been awarded a prestigious NIH grant to study the interactions between the brain, gut, and immune system in adolescents with chronic disease. Her research aims to improve early identification and treatment of depression in children with IBD.
A new study found that infant crib bumper pads can cause suffocation, strangulation, and wedging, posing a risk of accidental death or injury to babies. The researchers recommend eliminating the use of bumper pads in cribs and bassinets due to their potential hazards.
A new review of medical literature reveals that breastfeeding provides numerous benefits, including lower risk of diabetes, lymphoma, and leukemia. However, the authors note that risks associated with formula feeding include growth failure and vitamin deficiencies, but these can be prevented or minimized with preventive measures.