A study found significant variation among pediatricians in interpreting 'reasonable suspicion' for child abuse, with varying thresholds and inconsistent responses. This discrepancy has profound implications for victims, families, and caregivers, emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines and training.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that parked cars can heat up by an average of 40 degrees F within an hour, regardless of ambient temperature. This rapid heating can be fatal if left unattended, highlighting the importance of taking children with you when parking.
The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) proposes several key strategies to stabilize immunization financing, including expanded funding for vaccine programs and improved reimbursement structures. The NVAC also recommends expansion of the Vaccines for Children Program to include underinsured children in all public health clinics.
A study of pediatrician attitudes towards childhood obesity found that many felt unconfident in their ability to treat the condition, with a scarcity of educational materials and personal biases being major factors. Despite this, nearly half of overweight pediatricians did not identify themselves as such.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that microRNA miR-1 targets the mRNA of the gene Hand2, a key regulator of heart formation. This fine-tuning allows proper heart muscle development and may aid in understanding congenital heart disease.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found elevated levels of leptin may be the cause of cachexia, a common complication of CKD. Blocking the MC4-R pathway in the brain may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to combat this life-threatening complication.
A recent US study by Boston University researchers found that family and community engagement are crucial in mediating the traumatic reaction of unaccompanied refugee minors, known as the 'Lost Boys of Sudan'. The study suggests that comprehensive approaches to resettlement efforts can help these young men thrive on all fronts.
A new study suggests that men and women have different perceptions of gun ownership and storage practices, with men more likely to own guns and be responsible for storing them. The research emphasizes the importance of providing gun safety counseling in various settings, including hardware stores, workplaces, and sporting events.
Chronic drowsiness in teens can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder, according to a new report. The study highlights the importance of rigorous pediatric sleep histories to diagnose potential conditions.
A recent study found that a 'watch and wait' approach to treating kids' ear infections could significantly reduce the overuse of antibiotics. The study surveyed over 2,000 parents in Massachusetts communities, revealing mixed attitudes towards this treatment method.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of open communication between parents, camp officials, and medical professionals about a child's health needs. Camps are advised to provide parents with detailed information about their programs, including risks associated with certain activities, and to have staff trained in first aid and CPR.
Researchers at UF found that a metered-dose albuterol inhaler with a holding chamber works as well as traditional nebulizer treatment, causing fewer side effects in children. A policy implemented at Shands at UF medical center increased use of the new method by 53% and gave hope for wider adoption.
A study published in Pediatrics recommends new guidelines for air bag safety in children. The research found that children under 14 are at high risk of serious injury from air bags when sitting in the front passenger seat, while older children benefit from air bag protection.
A new study published in Biology of Reproduction found that delayed motherhood in mice leads to decreased life expectancy and reduced body weight. The researchers assessed various aspects of reproductive fitness but found no significant deleterious effects on other parameters.
Women donating eggs for stem cell research face unique risks and lack adequate protections. Stanford bioethicists advocate for a new category of research subjects and set of guidelines to ensure informed consent. The proposed changes aim to promote ethical egg donation practices.
A national study found that 80% of US adults would pay an extra $3-$6 per month for health insurance to cover newly recommended vaccines. This trend has left millions underinsured, but the study suggests innovative ways to structure plans to improve coverage.
A recent Michigan Medicine study reveals that only 53.9% of children with elevated blood lead levels in Medicaid received critical subsequent follow-up testing, leaving many vulnerable to lead poisoning. Nearly half of those who did receive testing still had elevated blood lead levels, highlighting missed opportunities for prevention.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that inhibiting COX-1 slowed the growth of epithelial ovarian tumors in a mouse model. This breakthrough suggests targeting COX-1 as a novel approach to prevent and treat ovarian cancer.
A study found that 35% of children using complementary alternative medicines (CAM) had lower vaccination rates, while 8.9% were unvaccinated for diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella. Parents' misconceptions about vaccine safety can lead to adverse events and harm their children.
A review article highlights the importance of engaging physicians-in-training in community health initiatives to combat issues like obesity, violence, and mental health disorders. The authors emphasize that each community and residency program has unique needs, requiring tailored training models.
A Penn State-led education program has significantly reduced incidents of shaken baby syndrome in western New York, resulting in a 47% decrease in cases. The program, which costs less than $10 per infant, provides critical information to parents at the time of birth and is designed to be implemented with minimal time and resources.
Researchers discovered that adding growth factor EGF to formula reduces NEC incidence by 50% compared to animals fed formula alone. This could be a preventative measure for NEC in human babies.
The study found that Twist1 and Hand2 proteins couple to determine the number of digits on a hand, paw or wing, and whether these digits are webbed or not. Additionally, the researchers identified high-frequency mutations in patients with Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome, which may lead to cardiac and placental tissue defects.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that motorbike-related injuries among children and adolescents are increasing, with most cases involving young boys who did not wear helmets. The researchers recommend mandatory helmet use and stricter age restrictions to prevent these types of injuries.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that parental attitudes toward STD vaccinations are not significantly influenced by the type of infection, with most parents prioritizing vaccine effectiveness and prevention of fatal infections. Only 6% of parents expressed an aversion to STD vaccines in general.
A randomized controlled clinical trial found oral rehydration therapy (ORT) to be as effective as intravenous fluid therapy in rehydrating moderately dehydrated children. ORT is quicker, less invasive and allows parents to learn a skill that can be used at home for future illnesses.
The varicella vaccine has significantly reduced the number of chickenpox cases and deaths from varicella, with a 66% decline in mortality. However, its impact on herpes zoster incidence, age distribution, and severity remains uncertain, emphasizing the need for continued vaccination programs.
EndGenitor Technologies Inc. will market test kits for researchers to detect endothelial stem and progenitor cells, which can be used to treat chronic degenerative diseases associated with aging. The company aims to create cell therapy products using the 'ancestor' cells discovered by Drs. Mervin C. Yoder Jr. and David A. Ingram Jr.
Hospitalized children experience preventable adverse events at significantly lower rates than adults, with birth-related and diagnostic errors being the most common types. The study suggests that processes and systems leading to adverse events in children may differ from those in adults.
Researchers found that families with good relationships with their pediatricians received more advice on injury prevention issues, leading to better behavior changes. The study suggests that establishing a trust-based relationship between parents and doctors can lead to improved health outcomes.
A recent study by the University of Alberta found that melatonin supplements have little to no benefit for individuals suffering from sleep disorders or experiencing jet lag. While some people may fall asleep sooner with melatonin supplementation, its effects on overall sleep quality are minimal.
A study found that nearly one in five commercials during televised major sporting events show unsafe behavior, with bicycles ridden without helmets being depicted frequently. The study also revealed that 14% of commercials showed unsafe behavior, while 6% displayed violence, mostly in movies and TV programs.
The ERICCA project aims to integrate electronic health records to improve asthma care for children. The system will facilitate communication among care providers, allow inter-disciplinary care planning, and provide clinical decision support.
A recent study published in Pediatrics highlights the need to prevent injuries to children on farms, which have an increased risk of serious and fatal injury compared to children in general. The authors recommend developing effective programs to address this issue, including education, regulations, and technological improvements.
The CHICA system combines patient-relevant pediatrics guidelines with family information to enable tailored care. Pediatricians receive customized clinical reminders, improving health outcomes for 55,000 patients in its first year.
According to Dr. Broughton, most children reported missing are runaways or taken by noncustodial parents, not strangers. Children need to learn skills and confidence, not fear and avoidance. Parents can teach personal safety without causing unwarranted fear.
A study by Penn State found that postnatal home nurse visits significantly reduce hospital readmissions and ED visits for jaundice and dehydration in newborns. The cost savings for insurance payers is estimated to be around $181.82 per child, making this a cost-effective alternative to traditional hospital care.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine significantly decreases illnesses in children under 2 years old. The vaccine has been found to reduce ear infections and pneumonia cases by 7% and 17%, respectively, resulting in fewer doctor visits and cost savings.
Researchers found that first-degree relatives of infants with severe heart abnormalities, including bicuspid aortic valve, have a fivefold increased risk of having the condition. The study suggests that these relatives should be screened by a cardiologist for progressive heart disease.
A University of Iowa study found that internet prescriptions increase the likelihood of families using quality health information online. The prescriptions provide a list of recommended websites and tips for evaluating online health resources.
Research shows that height does not affect friendships among students with varying heights; peers do not discriminate against short children. Shorter students were perceived to be younger, but this association diminished in later grades.
A recent study has found that prenatal cocaine exposure is linked to behavioral problems in boys, but not girls. The study of 473 children aged 6-7 found that those exposed to cocaine in the womb had more behavioral issues and cognitive problems than their non-exposed peers.
A new UCSD study found that general pediatricians and specialists frequently miss diagnosing Kawasaki disease in children under six months and over eight years old, leading to preventable coronary artery damage. The study aims to raise awareness and provide recommendations to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
A new study finds that a father's mental health has a significant impact on a child's behavioral and emotional problems, especially if the mother is struggling with depression. The research suggests that emotionally healthy fathers can substantially reduce the negative influence of a mother's poor mental health.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new gene associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. SUMO-4 plays a key role in regulating the immune system and has been found to prolong the inflammatory response when mutated, leading to cell death and destruction of insulin-producing cells.
A recent study of 677 families found that children's exposure to violent TV content is more common than previously thought, particularly among younger children and mothers. Parents' monitoring practices decreased with increasing child age, highlighting the need for continued education on media management and violence prevention.
A pediatric gastroenterologist urges increasing availability of comprehensive weight loss programs to support adolescents struggling with obesity. High-quality behavior-based weight-control programs are rare and expensive, but essential for reducing the need for life-altering bariatric surgery.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over-the-counter cough medicines containing dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine were no better than a non-medicated placebo syrup in providing nighttime relief for children with coughs. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms regardless of treatment, suggesting that natural hist...
The number of pediatricians in the US has more than doubled since 1978, with a higher concentration in wealthier states. This disparity affects access to care among children in poorer states.
Researchers from Indiana University have identified adult type stem cells that can be grown in large quantities and easily modified with genes. These endothelial progenitor cells show promise as a new gene therapy tool for treating circulatory problems, such as diabetes-related amputations and heart attack repair.
Researchers discovered a link between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and asthma in mice, showing that an anti-RSV antibody could decrease the risk of developing asthma. The study suggests that treatments against RSV may reduce asthma-related complications in children.
Researchers developed a regulatable gene therapy that can be turned on and off using doxycycline, offering potential for treating Parkinson's disease. The treatment uses the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein to promote survival and differentiation of dopamine neurons.
Researchers developed a medical home improvement tool kit to help practices adopt the community-based model, which coordinates care through clinicians, educators, and caregivers. The program improved access to care, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes for children with complex conditions.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that over 5.7 million low-income children experience a transition in their health insurance each year, leading to postponed doctor visits and prescriptions. The study highlights the need for consistent coverage and minimized barriers to ensure these children receive needed care.
New guidelines from Thomas Jefferson University offer more precise classification of blood pressure in children and adolescents based on gender, age, and height. Pediatricians are encouraged to recommend diet, exercise, and weight control counseling for children with prehypertension.
A nationwide sample of children with asthma found that 13% of parents still smoke, triggering year-round symptoms. Pediatricians should counsel parents on quitting to improve their children's health.
Research suggests that elevated cytokine levels in pregnant women can predict premature birth, brain injuries, and respiratory disorders in infants. Social stress factors such as substance abuse, family violence, and poverty also increase the risk of poor outcomes.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that breastfeeding for at least 28 days is associated with a 20% lower risk of dying between 28 days and one year of age. Longer breastfeeding duration also showed a similar benefit, indicating that even moderate breastfeeding can have a positive impact on infant mortality rates.
According to Dr. George Lister, using high-dose epinephrine in children may impair organ function and survival after cardiac arrest. Limiting doses to recommended levels can reduce errors and improve outcomes.
The UI Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank provides cord blood stem cells for advancing gene therapy and treating conditions like Parkinson's disease. Nearly 20 mothers have donated their child's umbilical cord blood, supporting scientific and medical advances.