Lucas R. Hoffman receives the ICAAC Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Microbiology for his groundbreaking research on biofilm formation and antibiotic interactions. His work has led to significant advancements in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that overweight toddlers are at a higher risk of iron deficiency due to exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months without supplementation, early introduction of milk, and excessive cow's milk consumption. The study also highlights the importance of preventing iron deficiency in ear...
A new study published in Pediatrics found that annual flu shots significantly reduce outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to flu-related illness. Vaccinating half of U.S. children could prevent up to 650,000 doctor's office visits and 2,250 hospitalizations per year.
A recent study found that only 10% of teens receive annual preventive exams, leading to inadequate vaccination rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends three HPV shots within six months, but many teens are not seeing their doctors often enough.
Associate Professor Jennie Ching-I Tsao of the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program has been selected as a winner of the Mayday Pain & Society Fellowship. The program provides tools and skills to advocate for better treatment of pain, including media communication and policy engagement. Tsao's research focuses on biopsychosocial models of pain ...
A new study reveals that restless legs syndrome is common and troublesome in children and adolescents, occurring more frequently than diabetes and epilepsy. The condition, characterized by sensations in the legs, affects nearly 2% of US/UK children aged 8 to 17, with a significant proportion experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.
Stephen A. Back, a pediatric neurology expert at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, has received the prestigious Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award for his research on white matter brain injury in premature infants. His work aims to develop therapies that can reverse brain damage and slow cognitive decline in aging adults.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that excessive exposure to baby DVDs and videos can slow down infants' vocabulary acquisition. Infants who watched these productions for an hour a day understood an average of six to eight fewer words than those who did not watch them.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that 3- to 5-year-old children preferred the taste of McDonald's-branded chicken nuggets over identical, unbranded versions. The degree of preference correlated with the number of TVs in their homes and frequency of eating at McDonald's.
A nationwide study led by UCSF provides evidence that inhaled nitric oxide is safe and effective in preventing chronic lung disease in very premature infants. The study found no adverse effects of inhaled nitric oxide on surfactant production or function, suggesting a potential beneficial effect.
A landmark nationwide study found that 17% of mother-infant pairs were identified as 'not ready' for postpartum discharge. The study identified several factors, including being a first-time mother, history of chronic disease, and inadequate prenatal care, as contributing to unreadiness.
A new study from Medical College of Wisconsin found that nearly two-thirds of Milwaukee County pharmacies struggle to communicate with patients who don't speak English. The analysis reveals a significant barrier to safe prescription use, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that preschoolers aged 3-5 preferred the taste of foods and drinks in McDonald's packaging to identical products in unbranded packaging. Children who watched more TV and ate more McDonald's food also showed a stronger preference for branded options.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that low birth weights among African-American women are more closely related to racism, stress, and socioeconomic factors than genetics. The report highlights the impact of institutional and interpersonal discrimination on infant health outcomes.
A growing number of researchers in the U.S. and abroad are critical of a government-funded report that found no correlation between meditation and improved health. The report's analytical strategy was deemed haphazard and ad hoc, and relevant studies were excluded from the findings.
A new study by UCSF researchers suggests that pre-kindergarten tuberculosis skin testing is not a cost-effective way to spend healthcare dollars. The test would only be beneficial if at least 7% of children tested positive, which is now less than 1%. Instead, finding and treating adults with TB would be a more effective approach.
Researchers from Indiana University found that 68% of pediatrician malpractice cases were withdrawn or dismissed, and only 5% went to trial. Pediatricians accounted for only 2.97% of all malpractice claims, with median payments rising from $65,000 in 1985 to $270,000 in 2005.
A RAND Corporation study found that improved access to federal and employer-provided time off improves parents' ability to care for their chronically ill children. The study revealed that many parents struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities due to inadequate leave policies.
Infants are most at risk for elevator-related injuries in the United States, with an estimated 29,030 cases occurring between 1990-2004. The majority of these injuries were caused by the elevator door closing on a body part or soft tissue injuries.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that up to 17% of physicians in a single state who claim to be pediatricians are not board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The researchers also discovered that another 12% of pediatricians did not complete a medical residency training program in pediatrics. Parents can check...
A follow-up study found that pediatricians' behavioral health treatment methods showed only partial success, despite receiving structured interventions, FDA warnings, and mental health reforms. The interventions, including newsletters and resource guides, aimed to increase education on anxiety and depression recognition, collaboration ...
A new study by the University of Washington found that 40% of 3-month-old infants and 90% of 2-year-olds regularly watch TV, DVDs, or videos. The researchers discovered that parents cite educational value and enjoyment as reasons for allowing media exposure, but only half of this time is in children's educational categories.
Deepak Srivastava, GICD Director, received the prestigious E. Mead Johnson Award for his work in understanding normal and abnormal cardiogenesis. His research focuses on using knowledge of cardiac developmental pathways to devise novel therapeutics for human cardiac disorders.
Research suggests a seasonal correlation between pesticides, nitrates, and premature births, with highest rates in May-June and lowest in August-September. The study analyzed over 27 million US live births and found a significant link between environmental contaminants and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that delayed treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder results in longer periods of depression, more episodes, and increased substance abuse risk. Adults with untreated childhood-onset bipolar disorder experienced poorer quality of life and were less responsive to treatment.
A recent study by the University of Alberta highlights the need for improved reporting and surveillance to better understand the incidence of adverse events in children treated with spinal manipulation. Serious injuries, such as stroke and paraplegia, were found to be rare but warrant further investigation.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) can help reduce the number of infants and toddlers developing frequent ear infections. The vaccine was shown to decline frequent ear infections by 16% in Tennessee and 25% in New York.
A University of Minnesota study found that parents of children with autism are less likely to report receiving ideal primary care compared to parents of children with other special health care needs. Parents reported difficulties obtaining subspecialty care and challenges in receiving family-centered, comprehensive, and coordinated care.
A nationwide survey of pediatricians found that nearly two-thirds use patient family members to relay health information, while only 40% use professional interpreters. Pediatricians in rural areas or states with higher non-English proficient populations are less likely to use translation services.
Only 20% of children with persistent asthma have optimal control, according to a survey-based study published in Ambulatory Pediatrics. The study found that 43% of children receiving medications still experienced poor symptom control, highlighting the need for improved education and trigger avoidance strategies.
Research at the University of Minnesota found a strong association between participating in weight-related sports and unhealthy weight control behaviors, including induced vomiting and laxative use. Steroid use was also more common among teens who participated in these sports, particularly boys.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that higher body mass index scores in girls as young as age 3 and large increases in BMI between ages 3 and first grade are associated with earlier puberty. The study suggests that childhood obesity may contribute to an earlier onset of puberty in girls.
A study published in Pediatrics confirms the effectiveness of MMR and chicken pox vaccines in extremely preterm infants, contradicting previous concerns about their immune systems. The study found that both term and preterm infants reached a level of immunity considered protective against these diseases.
A recent study published in Pediatrics has found that repeated courses of steroids in preterm labor do not harm the babies' brains, contrary to previous concerns. The treatment may still hold promise for helping fragile babies breathe on their own and reducing the risk of respiratory complications.
Researchers found that garlic tablets are effective in reducing morbidity for upper respiratory tract infections and resolving warts in children. However, more research is needed to explore its effects on cardiovascular disease and potential adverse effects when applied topically, which can cause second-degree burns.
Researchers discovered that APOE genotypes increase susceptibility to cerebral palsy in newborns. The study found a threefold-elevated risk for children with quadriplegia/triplegia and more severe motor impairment.
Research in Clinical Pediatrics indicates that parents want pediatricians to work with them to develop effective and personally tailored discipline practices. The study found factors such as child's age, family's race and ethnicity, and parental upbringing influences the types of discipline used.
Research suggests that whole school approaches are more effective in reducing bullying than traditional classroom methods. Bullying affects up to 10% of children, leading to physical, social, and emotional problems.
A new report offers specific guidance to help anticipate and lessen homesickness in children. Research shows that 90% of kids feel some level of homesickness, but prevention is key. The report provides tips for parents and doctors to prepare children before separation.
A University of Iowa and University of Michigan Health System study found that adults living with children eat an additional 4.9 grams of fat daily, including 1.7 grams of saturated fat, compared to those without children. Healthy eating habits must focus on the entire household, not just individuals.
Researchers found that breast-feeding counters genetic tendencies toward ear infections, which can lead to learning difficulties and language development issues. The study identified specific genes involved in the vulnerability, but found that breast-feeding effectively neutralized their impact.
Researchers found a strong association between child and parent cardiovascular risk factors, including body mass index, waist circumference, and lipid profiles. Screening children can lead to interventions in both children and their parents to reduce disease risk.
A study published in Pediatrics found that prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos, a common agricultural insecticide, was associated with poorer mental and motor development in children by age three. The study also revealed an increased risk of behavior problems among children exposed to higher levels of the insecticide.
Two Stanford/Packard studies confirm pro-eating disorder websites promote dangerous behaviors among adolescents, while also finding pre-teens with eating disorders tend to lose weight more quickly. Pediatricians and parents should be vigilant about internet use and recognize early signs of weight loss in pre-teen children.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that genetic factors contribute significantly to the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with 70% of the contribution attributed to genetics. The study identified gestational age and supplemental oxygen as significant independent contributing factors for ROP.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified interleukin-23 (IL-23) as the key molecule causing destructive lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients. This discovery provides a specific target for developing new therapies to improve quality of life for these patients.
A study published in Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in children's abdominal obesity, with boys experiencing a 65% rise and girls a 70% increase between 1988 and 2004. This growing trend poses serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
A new study published in Pediatrics shows that an educational-behavioral program called Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment (COPE) can improve the mental health of parents and decrease the length of stay in the NICU by four to eight days for premature infants. The potential healthcare savings could total $2.4 billion if imple...
A new MUHC study provides conclusive evidence that the MMR vaccine is not associated with autism spectrum disorders. The study's findings contradict previous molecular studies that falsely linked the vaccine to autism. The research team uncovered fundamental errors in these earlier studies, clearing the MMR vaccine of its link to autism.
Researchers at the University of Iowa identified a crucial role for IRF6 gene in skin development, which may lead to new treatments for cleft lip and palate. The study found that IRF6 regulates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, shedding light on this critical cell type.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that consuming 100 percent fruit juices is not associated with overweight status among preschool children. The analysis of the largest government database on food consumption suggests that preschoolers are consuming appropriate amounts of juice, averaging 4.7 ounces per day.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that preterm birth caused over one-third of infant deaths in the first year of life. The study used a new method to classify causes of infant death and found that premature birth was the leading cause, followed by birth defects.
According to a report in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, approximately one-third of boys and girls aged 12-19 in the US do not meet physical fitness standards. The study found that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, as low-fit youth are at increased risk of chronic diseases.
A study found that 13% of children and adolescents with autopsy records had fatty liver, while 9.6% of the living population in San Diego County had the disease. The team identified major risk factors, including age, ethnicity, gender, and obesity.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that children exposed to intimate partner violence at home are more likely to engage in physical and relational bullying. The study also highlights the importance of early identification and intervention to break the cycle of violence.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that lactose-intolerant children consume three servings of dairy per day to meet their daily allowance of milk and dairy products. Choosing products with live active cultures, such as yogurt or hard cheeses, can help alleviate symptoms and provide adequate calcium for bone growth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends including dairy foods in the diet of children with lactose intolerance to meet their nutritional needs. Dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt provide an essential nutrient package that includes calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other nutrients.
A study found that uninsured Latino children are more likely to have no regular physician and not receive needed medical care due to expense, lack of insurance, or cultural barriers. Parental non-citizenship, low family income, and older child age were associated with being uninsured in Latino children.
A recent study published in Pediatrics has found that children who are overweight at any stage of their growth before age 12 are more likely to be overweight by the time they are 12. The study examined over 1,000 children and discovered that preschool-age children who were medically determined to be overweight at one of three points of...
Newborns exposed to methamphetamine in utero are 3.5 times more likely to be born underweight compared to those not exposed, with a risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome later in life.