A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that meal-replacement therapy paired with financial incentives resulted in a greater reduction in body mass index compared to MRT alone. The study enrolled 126 adolescents and found that the combination treatment led to a significant decrease in BMI and total body fat mass.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified cellular and molecular markers that can predict when pancreatic cancer will spread to the liver or other organs. The study found that patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer who showed signs of immune exhaustion were more likely to develop liver metastases.
Two studies published by researchers at the University of Michigan found that a handful of common surgical procedures, such as tonsillectomies and C-sections, account for large shares of all opioids dispensed after surgery. The studies suggest opportunities to reduce surgical opioid prescribing without compromising pain control.
The policy statement offers guidelines for institutions and medical professionals to weigh benefits and risks of imaging in emergency departments. It includes recommendations for deferring imaging in children transferred to pediatric referral centers and using shared decision-making strategies when multiple reasonable choices exist. Th...
A new intervention called FACE Rare improved spiritual and emotional well-being of families with life-limiting rare diseases. The study found that the counseling tools were safe, effective and increased feelings of peace among families.
A study led by Emily Skeen, MD, found a strong correlation between neighborhood environmental and social conditions and the likelihood of exacerbation-prone asthma among children. The researchers used the Child Opportunity Index to predict the risk of severe asthma in urban areas.
Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine introduce a quality improvement initiative to enhance screening for ADHD in pediatric primary care. The ADHD Detection Quality Improvement (ADQI) program shows improved recognition of positive Attention Subscale scores and follow-up evaluation for ADHD.
A new cellphone app developed by physician-scientists uses artificial intelligence to accurately diagnose ear infections in young children, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. The AI tool is more accurate than trained clinicians and offers a simple solution for healthcare providers.
Researchers found that preterm infants fed donor milk had a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and neurological development issues. The study's findings validate the use of donor milk in NICUs, providing evidence to support its benefits for extremely premature infants.
An experimental mRNA vaccine against CMV elicited promising immune responses, outperforming a previous vaccine candidate in preventing the virus from infecting epithelial cells. The new vaccine may protect adults against CMV, potentially preventing women from passing the infection to their babies during pregnancy.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that cost-driven housing moves, such as evictions and foreclosures, disrupt access to WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid for 21% of children. The study highlights the importance of maintaining safety net benefits for families during times of financial strain.
Researchers analyzed data from over 1,500 infants, revealing a correlation between reports of food insecurity and difficulties maintaining benefits, leading to behavioral dysfunction. The study emphasizes the importance of early intervention and highlights the role of pediatricians in connecting families with support programs.
A new study reports that antiviral medications are largely underused in young children diagnosed with influenza, highlighting opportunities for improvement in prevention and treatment. The study found low rates of antiviral use across all age groups, including a significant disparity in geographic regions.
Dr. Alan Jobe, MD, PhD, is recognized for his pioneering work in neonatal lung diseases, advancing the field of bronchopulmonary dysplasia research. The APS John Howland Award acknowledges his commitment to improving global health outcomes, particularly in low-income countries.
Research identifies specific gut bacteria that increase risk of severe malaria in humans and mice, sparking new approaches targeting gut microbiota. The study's findings could lead to prevention strategies for severe malaria-related deaths.
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that children are exposed to potentially harmful noise from infancy, with cumulative effects over a lifetime. Families can reduce risk by limiting exposure to loud music, using protective earmuffs, and advocating for reduced noise spaces in childcare settings.
Research suggests delta-8 companies market products to minors with colorful packaging, cheap prices, and easy availability. This lack of age verification and regulation poses risks to minors, who may underestimate the substance's strength and danger. Clinicians and policymakers are advised to take action.
Mental health crises among children and adolescents requiring emergency department care skyrocketed during the pandemic and have stayed elevated despite a return to normalcy. Studies found increased rates of youth mental health-related visits, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and eating disorders.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reviews toddler 'formulas', finding they lack standard composition and nutrition requirements. The organization recommends a varied diet with fortified foods for toddlers, with no nutritional advantage over human milk or cow's milk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is examining various pressing issues in pediatrics, including the need for a unified children's healthcare system. The AAP has also issued new guidelines on infant formula regulation to protect toddlers' health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics hosted its 2023 National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C., presenting original research on topics such as the national opioid crisis, obesity prevention, and mental health challenges. The AAP also released two new policy statements: one proposing bold reforms in Medicaid and CHIP, and anoth...
Researchers recommend strategic use of neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) screening on populations with developmental delays, rather than universal genomic sequencing. This approach aims to prevent over-diagnosis and stigma, while providing targeted support for children at risk.
A new study finds that living in racially segregated neighborhoods puts Black children at a higher risk of elevated blood lead levels, which persisted over more than two decades. The association between racial segregation and childhood blood lead levels was true even when adjusting for socioeconomic status.
A study published in Pediatrics found that texting can increase participation in public health programs, with 99% of staff having a valid cell phone number and fewer than 4% opting out. The SCALE-UP Counts program showed that texting can reach staff in K-12 schools to provide health screening messages.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that children from lower opportunity neighborhoods experienced a significantly higher rate of firearm-related injury during the pandemic. The study found that unsafe storage of guns and single-parent households, combined with the stress of an unprecedented international emergency, exacerbated...
A group of leading scholars in pediatric ethics have published six recommendations for guiding parents and clinicians in medical decision-making for children. The recommendations aim to provide a unified set of principles that will be more accessible and applicable for clinicians, parents, and legal guardians.
A new study by Dr. Stacey Martiniano found that late diagnosis of cystic fibrosis due to delays in evaluation after a positive newborn screen test results in poorer long-term nutritional outcomes, including reduced weight-for-age and height-for-age. Early initiation of CF care is essential to improve health outcomes in infants with CF.
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics highlights the importance of timely newborn screenings in early care for cystic fibrosis. Late diagnosis can negatively affect short- and long-term growth and health outcomes in infants with cystic fibrosis, according to the research.
A new study led by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers shows that primary care clinicians who receive specialized training can make accurate autism diagnoses for over 80 percent of young children referred with developmental delays. The EAE Hub system, a statewide network providing training and collaborative learning, has ...
A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that pediatric concussions do not impact intelligence or IQ levels. The research, which combined data from two cohort studies in Canada and the US, found no significant difference in IQ scores between children with concussion and those with orthopedic injuries.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that family caregivers of children with medically complex conditions experience bias and substandard treatment in hospitals and clinics. The findings emphasize the urgent need for additional medical training to address this issue.
A study found improved adherence to AAP guidelines for children with Down syndrome after implementing electronic health record integrations, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic reopening. The intervention resulted in higher follow-up visit adherence (69%) and improvements in audiology and sleep study components.
The study found that fathers who supported their partners' breastfeeding goals had higher rates of successful breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Fathers were also more likely to implement safe sleep practices when they received guidance on infant sleep safety. However, racial disparities in safe sleep practices persist, with Bl...
A new study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers and others finds that the M-CHAT-R/F screening tool is effective in identifying children with autistic traits, but it also flags many children incorrectly. The study highlights the need for clinical judgment and clear communication with parents about the limitations of the tool.
Researchers from UCLA will deliver presentations on innovative approaches to pediatric care, including a trauma-informed care assessment tool and a weight bias curriculum. A mobile phone pilot intervention is also being explored as a potential solution for preventing obesity in Latino preschool children.
Researchers identified the cause of Glutaric Aciduria Type I (GA-1), a metabolic disease common among people with Native American heritage. The toxic substances were found to accumulate in the liver and cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurological damage.
A novel rare mutation in the ABCA12 gene was identified as a cause of Harlequin Ichthyosis through BGI genetic tests. The mutation leads to a severely dysfunctional protein responsible for the disease's serious phenotype.
A study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty perceiving audio-visual synchrony, a skill typically developed by typically developing children. This finding suggests that an audio-visual test could be used to diagnose ASD earlier than current methods.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends earlier and more intensive treatment of childhood and teen obesity, citing evidence that diet and exercise alone are insufficient. The ASMBS supports this guideline, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.
A study published in Pediatrics found that only 56% of Medicaid-enrolled children received any outpatient mental health follow-up within 30 days after a mental health concern. Black children were particularly low, with 10% fewer receiving timely follow-up compared to white children.
A new University at Buffalo study found that omicron caused fewer cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) compared to the delta wave, with milder symptoms. During the omicron wave, MIS-C comprised just 6% of hospital admissions, a 32% decrease from the 12% during the delta wave.
The AVID college preparatory program has been shown to have a positive effect on students' social networks, psycho-social outcomes, and health behaviors. Students who participated in the program had lower odds of using substances and associating with substance-using peers compared to those in usual school programs.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that the timing of pediatric lead testing was affected by the Flint water crisis, with children receiving tests earlier after the crisis announcement. However, the proportion of Medicaid-eligible children who received tests did not change over time.
Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, a renowned pediatrician, has been awarded the 2023 APS John Howland Award for her groundbreaking work in advancing child health and infectious diseases. Her tireless advocacy has led to significant improvements in preventing perinatal HIV infection and vaccine-preventable illnesses.
A study found that just 9% of US-based pediatrics research included non-English-speaking children or families, leading to concerns about health equity. Researchers are calling for greater inclusion of diverse languages in studies to better represent the community.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that developmental-behavioral pediatricians can diagnose most autism cases in young children without ADOS testing. In 90% of cases, the ADOS results did not change the original clinical diagnosis, suggesting that DBPs can accurately assess ASD symptoms.
The AAP recommends a public safety approach, including research, education, and legislation, to prevent firearm-related injuries and deaths in children and youth. The organization cites alarming increases in homicides and suicides, especially among teens aged 15-24.
Research at LAC+USC Medical Center found a 11% decrease in exclusive breastfeeding and a 4% decrease in any breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic rates. Hospital staffing changes and access to breastfeeding training may have contributed to these declines.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that teen drivers engage in risky behaviors such as speeding and handheld cellphone use. The study tracked the driving habits of 165 adolescents in Pennsylvania and found that these behaviors occurred in approximately 40% and 30% of trips, respectively.
A new study published in Pediatrics has found that children living in neighborhoods with greater hardships are more likely to use emergency departments. The study used the Pediatric Health Information Systems database and found a positive association between neighborhood Child Opportunity Index (COI) scores and ED visits, indicating th...
A Rutgers study found that early-term births (37–38 weeks) have significantly higher symptoms of hyperactivity, ADHD, and cognitive problems or inattention compared to full-term births. Teachers' reports provided valuable input for the diagnosis of ADHD, highlighting the need for regular screenings.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that neurologic complications are relatively common among children hospitalized with COVID-19, occurring in about 8% of cases. These complications can lead to life-altering conditions and increased hospital costs, highlighting the importance of vaccination and prevention strategies.
Researchers at WVU are conducting a four-year study to investigate long COVID's impact on pediatric patients, exploring questions like prevalence, symptoms, and treatment options. The study will enroll children from infancy to 25 years old and analyze biomarkers for long COVID susceptibility.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that consistently getting at least 10 hours of sleep at night, particularly before the kindergarten year begins, is crucial for a smooth transition to first-time schooling. This consistent sleep pattern is also associated with better emotional development, learning engagement, and academic perf...
Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine discovered differences in FOXP3 isoforms controlling Treg cells and their impact on the immune system. These findings may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and allergies.
A Rutgers study found that parental depression affects about one in five US families and can have severe consequences on children's health. The research suggests that increased screening for parental depression across a wider age range has the potential to identify families in need of resources.
Pediatric mental health ED visits increased by 27% during COVID-19 pandemic, mainly for suicide and self-injury, with higher admission rates for severe cases
The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its safe-sleep guidelines, recommending babies sleep on their backs on flat, level surfaces to reduce SIDS risk. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of breastfeeding, pacifier use, and avoiding drugs and alcohol exposure.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that telemedicine and continuous glucose monitoring helped reduce the negative impacts of COVID-19 on children with Type 1 diabetes. Despite a decrease in office visits, disease management remained unchanged, but disparities persisted among minority and low-income patients.
A new perspective published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recommends strategies to prevent future shortages and regain public trust. Strategies include a thorough, public process to instill confidence in safe production, assessment of supply system factors, and evaluation of business practices.