Research finds that babies fully breastfed for six months have a significantly lower risk of pneumonia and recurrent ear infections compared to those who are fully breastfed for only four months. The study also shows an increased protection against gastrointestinal infections with longer breastfeeding duration.
A study by researchers at Indiana University found that self-esteem plays a significant role in the loss of virginity among adolescents. Young girls with high self-esteem were less likely to engage in early sexual activity, while young boys with high self-esteem were more likely to report being sexually active.
A study published by Case Western Reserve University found that prenatal cocaine exposure affects child cognitive development, but not motor development. Tobacco exposure had negative effects on motor development in infants. The study controlled for various factors and used standardized assessments to determine developmental outcomes.
A recent study found that 26% of preschool children lived in three-generation households, with 39% having a history of maltreatment. The research also revealed that 32% of the young mothers were depressed. As these young mothers mature, role conflicts may arise between being a teenage daughter and a young mother.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a critical gene, Bop, that controls the formation of heart chambers. The study found that deleting this gene in mouse embryos disrupted heart muscle cell maturation and right ventricle development.
A new study by Dr. Ruey-Kang R. Chang and colleagues found that regionalizing pediatric cardiac surgeries at high-volume hospitals can decrease surgical mortality by avoiding 83 avoidable deaths among low-and medium-volume hospitals. The study suggests a promising approach to improving outcomes for children with heart disease.
A study published in Pediatrics found that infants with spina bifida are more likely to require a shunt after newborn surgery, with 81% of cases requiring shunting. The study also showed a correlation between the level of the spinal defect and functional level, with lower levels being less likely to require shunts.
A new study reveals a strong link between children's sleep problems and behavioral issues like hyperactivity and inattention. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that children who snore often are nearly twice as likely to have attention and hyperactivity problems.
A UT Southwestern study has found a link between Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria and asthma, suggesting that lingering infections may cause chronic respiratory issues. The research suggests that treating acute M. pneumoniae infections could help prevent later development of asthma.
Dr. Scott Cameron, a renowned pediatric oncologist and molecular biologist, will lead research on cell growth and cancer at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The Children's Cancer Fund provided a $525,000 grant to support his four-year research program.
A recent study found that while booster seat use among young children increased by 74% between 1998 and 2000, most children aged 4-8 were still not using the best safety restraints. Booster seat usage peaked at age 3 but declined dramatically after age 5.
Pediatricians and family doctors are concerned about the high cost of new vaccines, insurance delays, and unequal access to these life-saving shots. The survey found that many doctors are hesitant to recommend the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine due to its financial burden.
Researchers at UCSD and VA San Diego Healthcare System discovered a natural antibiotic peptide called cathelicidin, which inhibits microbe growth and plays a crucial role in mammalian innate immunity. The study provides hope for developing new treatments and a blood test to identify individuals susceptible to bacterial infections.
Researchers found that regular treadmill exercise with parents can help children with Down Syndrome walk three and a half months sooner than those without therapy. This early mobility improves independence and reduces stress for parents.
Research found that older girls with ADHD often internalize their feelings and exhibit social problems, anxiety, and depression. Higher verbal IQ scores were unexpectedly associated with ADHD symptoms in girls, differing from previous research on boys.
Researchers found that low-income mothers who experienced depression and/or obesity reported their preschool children watched an average of two hours of TV per day. Children exposed to these conditions spent less time outdoors. The study highlights the need for caregivers to examine how maternal well-being affects child activity levels.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over half of children who followed a ketogenic diet experienced at least a 50% reduction in seizures for three to six years after stopping the diet. Many children were also free from anticonvulsant medication and seizures entirely.
A large-scale study found that giving erythromycin to newborns within the first two weeks of life increases their risk of developing pyloric stenosis. The researchers used data from over 14,000 babies born between 1993 and 1999.
A large study has established a connection between being overweight and earlier-than-average puberty in white girls, but found a weaker link in black girls. Researchers suggest that genetic or environmental factors may be at play in the latter group.
A study published in Ambulatory Pediatrics reveals that playground injuries are more severe and common than previously thought, accounting for a significant proportion of emergency visits. The study found that children aged 5-9 years had the highest rates of emergency visits due to playground falls.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that prostaglandins are required for efficient liver regeneration. The research used mouse models to show that blocking prostaglandin synthesis impaired the liver's regenerative response, highlighting a crucial role for these molecules in liver disease.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that allopurinol significantly reduced seizures and cardiac events in infants with high-risk heart defects undergoing heart surgery. The study, led by Dr. Robert R. Clancy, used deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and randomized infants to receive either allopurinol or a placebo.
Researchers developed a computer program that provides bite-sized information on the most important findings, leading to a 34% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for middle ear infections. The system helps doctors stay current with the latest research without overwhelming them.
A new report by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates a slight decrease in primary-care physicians in North Carolina, while showing significant growth in other healthcare professions. The number of primary-care specialists decreased by 16 doctors between 1998 and 1999, despite an overall positive trend.
A Penn State study found that restricting foods has negative effects on children's self-esteem, particularly among overweight girls as young as 5 years old. The research suggests that parents' concern about their daughter's weight and restriction of food access can lower perceived physical and cognitive ability.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that only 21% of mothers of preschoolers feel their children are overweight, highlighting a significant misperception. Mothers with lower education levels were more likely to underestimate childhood obesity and have heavier children.
A new study by researchers at Wake Forest University found a strong association between exposure to violence and the use of violence by young adolescents. The study, which included 722 Georgia middle school students living in or around public housing, found that even if children are exposed to other risk factors, social learning from e...
A study by Drs. Rebecca Sue Broyles and Jon Tyson found that comprehensive care reduced life-threatening illnesses and intensive care days by 48% and 42%, respectively. Comprehensive care also saved an average of $6,265 per infant compared to routine care.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a strong link between teenage smoking and depressive symptoms, with non-depressed teens who smoke facing a four times greater risk. Social factors such as peer tobacco use, poor school performance, and parental report of bad temper also predict progression to heavy smoking.
A recent survey found significant disparities in ADHD medication treatment among Maryland public school students, with minority children receiving lower rates of medication. Special education students are almost six times more likely to receive medication for ADHD than their regular education counterparts.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that nutritional rickets is increasing in dark-skinned breastfed children due to lower vitamin D levels and reduced sunlight exposure. The condition can cause bowed legs, shorter stature, and even life-threatening complications if left untreated.
The March of Dimes criticizes a newborn screening report that favors cost savings over infant health. The organization recommends universal access to core screening tests and prioritizing the early detection of rare diseases to improve child health outcomes.
A randomized controlled study found a modest but significant reduction in asthma risk at 12 months in high-risk infants through a multifaceted intervention program. The program included avoidance of house dust mites, pet allergens, and tobacco smoke, as well as breastfeeding promotion and partially hydrolyzed formula supplementation.
Matthew Warman, an assistant professor of genetics and pediatrics at CWRU, has been selected as a Hughes assistant investigator by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He will receive funding for his research on rare and common human genetic diseases, aiming to improve human health.
A new study reveals that older Latina women are at a higher risk of having low birth weight infants, contradicting previous assumptions. The research, which analyzed data from over 220,000 Mexican-origin Latina women, found that maternal age was a significant factor in determining infant birth weights.
A new UF study contradicts dire predictions that prenatal cocaine exposure leads to misbehavior in toddlers. Researchers found no significant behavioral problems in cocaine-exposed children, suggesting poverty and environment may be the cause.
A University of Pittsburgh researcher found that children exposed to lead have a significantly greater odds of developing delinquent behavior. The study showed that delinquent youths had significantly higher mean concentrations of lead in their bones compared to non-delinquent controls, with results true for both whites and African Ame...
A recent study found that a half-day safety program for kindergarten students showed minimal improvement in basic safety skills. The research compared two groups of children, one that participated in the program and another that did not, but found no significant difference in their scores. This suggests that many safety programs, like ...
A new UCSF study has analyzed data from 1.5 million births to Mexican-born Latinas, U.S.-born Latinas, and U.S.-born White women, revealing lower rates of tobacco use and medical complications among Mexican-born Latina women.
A study by Thomas Jefferson University found that Pennsylvania's Early Discharge legislation resulted in longer hospital stays for new mothers and babies, increasing maternal and infant healthcare costs. The average maternity stay rose from 34 to 48 hours, with estimated annual costs of $20-25 million.
A study of 99 mothers found that those who smoked during pregnancy had toddlers with higher levels of impulsivity, risk-taking, and rebelliousness. The researchers speculate that reducing maternal smoking could lead to a decrease in childhood negativity.
A study of 294 adolescents found that having an adult mentor significantly reduces the likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors such as carrying a weapon, using illicit drugs, and smoking. Mentorship appears to be an effective strategy in reducing certain risk behaviors and their consequences.
Research suggests that emergency rooms can reduce children's pain and anxiety during procedures by using techniques such as topical anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and psychological interventions. Effective communication with parents is also crucial in minimizing their own anxiety while ensuring their child's comfort.
A study found that 37% of kindergarten to fourth-grade children experience sleep-related problems, including bedtime resistance and daytime sleepiness. Pediatricians are not adequately screening school-age patients, and the results underscore the importance of understanding the consequences of disordered sleep on children's daily lives.
A recent study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that 37% of school-aged children experience at least one sleep-related problem. The researchers collected data from children, parents, and teachers to highlight the importance of screening for sleep disturbances in this age group.
A new medical test using pulse oximetry can accurately diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in children, reducing equipment and staffing costs. The test also enables early treatment for children with breathing obstruction related to tonsils or adenoids, improving respiratory health outcomes.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that premature birth is associated with a higher risk of learning disabilities, with 40-50% of affected children having special educational services. The research also identified behavioral issues in young children born prematurely, with those who struggled during testing being more likely ...
A new study by doctors at the University of Washington found that there was a complication in one out of every 476 circumcisions. The study suggests that for some parents, the risks may outweigh the benefits of circumcision. However, the vast majority of children will gain no medical benefit or suffer no complications as a result of ci...
Adolescents who participate in date violence are more likely to engage in other high-risk behaviors such as attempted suicide, sexual risk-taking, and pregnancy. Males and females exhibit different patterns of risk, with males showing associations between same-sex partners, forced sex, and physical violence.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that even minor injuries from traffic crashes can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children. The study, conducted at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, analyzed 102 patients between the ages of 3 and 18 who were involved in traffic-related incidents.
A new University at Buffalo study shows that a single dose of Adderall can effectively manage children's behavior and performance throughout an entire school day. The results suggest that 14 out of 16 kids who responded to medication could get by on once-a-day doses of Adderall, skipping the mid-day dose.
A randomized clinical trial showed that combining bone marrow transplant and high-dose chemoradiotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival in children with neuroblastoma. The addition of vitamin A-derivative treatment further increases survival rates by nearly three-fold.
Augusto Sola, a renowned pediatrician, will be honored with the E.H. Christopherson Award for his pioneering efforts in improving neonatal and perinatal care in Central and South America. He has developed training programs for healthcare providers and trained over 100 nurses and 200 physicians.
The matrilysin enzyme plays a key role in activating defensins to combat bacterial infections in the intestine. The researchers found that matrilysin is essential for regulating antimicrobial activity and protecting the epithelial lining from bacterial invasion.
A study by Mayo Clinic pediatrician Philip R. Fischer found that pseudoephedrine hydrochloride was not effective in decreasing ear pain in children during air travel. Offering food or drink can help relieve pressure and clear earache, with swallowing sometimes helping to open eustachian tubes.
A recent study found that approximately 4.2 million adolescents had no health insurance coverage in 1995, leaving them with significant obstacles to accessing adequate healthcare. The study suggests that a shift from private to public insurance has not led to an improvement in health insurance coverage for this age group.
Researchers have discovered a new form of ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia ewingii, previously known to infect dogs, in humans in Missouri and other states. The disease can be fatal if left untreated, causing symptoms similar to the flu, and can lead to serious liver and lung problems.
Researchers found that premature infants respond to pain and can differentiate between more and less painful procedures. They recommend universal pain management in newborns to mitigate the effects of early procedural pain. Premature babies, even those born very prematurely, become more responsive to pain with age.
A recent AAP recommendation suggests that young children with simple febrile seizures do not need anticonvulsant medication, instead aiming to prevent unnecessary testing and drug therapy.
Researchers developed a new therapy using an enhanced artificial surfactant that improves oxygen levels and protects natural surfactant in lung-affected patients. The treatment has potential for treating infants and adults with difficult-to-treat lung disease cases.