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.
Research reveals nearly 80% of emergency department encounters involving transgender or gender diverse youth ages 10 and older screened positive for suicide risk. The majority of those who identify as transgender or gender diverse screened positive for suicidal ideation.
New research suggests that father's depression during the child's first year of life doubles the odds of a child having three or more adverse childhood experiences by age 5. Adverse childhood experiences, including household dysfunction and child maltreatment, can have lifelong effects on children's health and wellbeing.
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.
Researchers analyzed 20,335 marching band injuries from 2012-2021, finding 70% occurred in high school-age females, mostly ankle and knee injuries. Mild traumatic brain injury accounted for 6% of all encounters, highlighting the need for education on risk prevention.
A study of popular blogs found that half of the most influential bloggers on this topic had no medical credentials. The research highlights the need for pediatricians and nutritionists to provide accurate nutritional recommendations regarding dairy milk alternatives.
A recent study found a 71% increase in injuries associated with electric scooters among children and teens aged 18 and younger. The majority of these injuries were to the head, and nearly two-thirds of head injuries were not caused by helmet use. Electric scooters are an increasingly popular mode of transportation, but their popularity...
Research finds socioeconomic disparities in high-powered magnet ingestion, with lower-income children requiring more extensive treatment. Despite adult supervision and awareness of dangers, kids still swallow magnets, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.
Research found that curling irons and curlers were the most common causes of burn injuries, affecting 68% of injured children under 10. Most injuries occurred at home without hospitalization required.
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.
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...
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.
Adolescent athletes who had their sports cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced significant improvements in physical activity and quality of life after resuming sports. Despite this, anxiety and depression rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels.
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 during the COVID-19 pandemic found associations between intimate partner violence and spanking among caregivers. Caregivers who used multiple discipline strategies had increased odds of using corporal punishment.
A Texas study found that accidental firearm injuries in children most commonly occurred in their own homes or those of friends and family members. The majority of these accidents involved a child shooting themselves or another child. To prevent such incidents, researchers recommend safe gun storage and education for school-aged children.
Research at the 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found disparities in pediatric household preparedness for wildfires, particularly among less educated caregivers. Households with children having breathing issues were more likely to be prepared for wildfires.
A study found pediatric firearm-related injuries at a hospital ED increased during the first two years of the shutdown, with significant increases in African American and mentally ill patients. The total number of firearm-related injury cases rose from 88 in 2019 to 118 in 2020 and remained elevated in 2021.
Between 2011-2020, e-scooter injuries in children increased, with over 10% of patients sustaining head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and internal bleeding. Hospital admittance for e-scooter injuries rose from 4.2% to 12.9%, highlighting the need for helmet safety.
Research found that pre-existing illnesses and residence in the South region were most often associated with severe outcomes in children. Vaccination was significantly protective across all age groups, with infants having more severe illness than older children. Persistent health disparities across racial and geographic lines were also...
A study tracking pediatric body mass index (BMI) before and during the pandemic found a significant increase in BMI rates, with girls experiencing an 11% mean rise. The study also linked increased screen time and family time together to rising BMIs.
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.
The Asthma Health Equity Index identified strong associations between race, ethnicity, and social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and tobacco use. The index has the potential to help healthcare providers identify and address disparities in asthma care.
The study attributes the uptick in injuries to disruption of family routines and stay-at-home orders during pandemic, resulting in decreased helmet use and increased head injuries. The research found a 37% increase in pediatric injuries from 2018 to 2020, with most problematic for publicly insured patients.
A 20-year review of bicycle injuries found over 1 million US children fractured a bone while riding a bike, with most being boys between ages 10-15. The study also showed that nearly 87% of patients with skull fractures were not wearing helmets at the time of injury.
Researchers found that synthetic turf football fields have a greater impact deceleration compared to natural grass, increasing the risk of injury and concussion. The study's findings suggest that considering safety in sports requires widening our view to include playing surfaces.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a marked increase in accidental burns among children, with burn injuries growing significantly between 2019 and 2020. School-aged children accounted for the largest difference in burn injuries, and flame burns increased by 7% during this period.
A new study has found that breast milk from marijuana-using mothers does not negatively impact the short-term health of early premature infants. However, researchers note that more research is needed to understand the potential long-term effects of this exposure on these children's development and health.
A nationwide study found over 63,000 golf cart injuries in children and adolescents from 2010-2019, with a steady increase each year. The majority of injuries were superficial, but fractures and dislocations also occurred, often in the head and neck region.
Researchers found that social distancing measures and masking were effective at stopping the spread of flu and RSV viruses. The study concluded that these measures are effective tools to reduce the rates of potentially serious infections like influenza and RSV in children.
A study of 307 college students found that nearly 80% reported trouble concentrating, with 57.6% citing responsibilities at home as a barrier. Mental health issues were also prevalent, with 46.3% of respondents experiencing them.
A study analyzing TikTok videos under the hashtag #preworkout found that dry scooping, where undiluted powder is put in the mouth followed by liquid, amassed over 8 million views. The study suggests physicians should be aware of pre-workout's dangers, especially among teens.
A study found that bystander intervention can reduce the risk of drowning child deaths or severe disabilities by 80%. Children submerged under water for less than 5 minutes and rescued by a bystander were more likely to recover. Early rescue can lead to good outcomes in victims of drowning.
Children in foster care are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications, with a prevalence of 35% compared to 8% for non-foster peers, according to a new study. The research found significant differences in medication use across all age groups.
Research suggests that baby-wearing products pose a significant risk of injury to young children, with 61% of injuries occurring in children under 5 months old. The study found that 19.3% of these infants required hospitalization due to head injuries, highlighting the need for parent education on proper use and sizing of baby carriers.
A study found that pediatric clinical trials in the US were underrepresented by Black children, Hispanic/Latino children, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Pacific Islander children. Researchers are calling for improvements to enrollment processes to increase diversity and generalizability of trial results.
New research found that family violence-related injuries in youth ages 10-15 significantly increased during the pandemic stay-at-home order, with over half of patients reporting an event involving a family member. The study also revealed that alcohol, illegal drugs, and weapons were involved in more cases during the pandemic period.
A study of 104 transgender and non-binary youth found a 60% decrease in moderate and severe depression and a 73% decrease in suicidality after receiving puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones. The study suggests that access to gender-affirming medical care is critical for ensuring the well-being of young people.
A new study is examining the relationship between cytokines in saliva and COVID-19 infection to predict severity in children. Levels of two cytokines were found higher in those with severe COVID-19 compared to those without severe infection.
A recent study has found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in cases of children ingesting small magnets and button batteries, which can cause serious harm or even death. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that emergency departments saw a higher proportion of battery and magnet ingestions during the pandemic.
Research found a significant increase in non-accidental child injuries during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, attributed to economic and emotional stress. The study analyzed data from nine pediatric trauma centers and found that the number of child abuse victims over age 5 tripled during the pandemic period.
Research shows that staff training programs and gun safety educational materials increase doctor/parent conversations about gun safety, leading to safer storage practices and reduced firearm injuries. Pediatricians who received training and support were more likely to counsel parents on gun safety, resulting in improved firearm screeni...
A survey of healthcare providers found that technology changes during the pandemic may contribute to burnout, with negative perceptions of telehealth visits increasing the odds of reporting burnout. The study highlights the need for adequate institutional resources to promote provider well-being and combat burnout.
The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement examines the existing data on nonnutritive sweeteners in children, highlighting gaps in evidence and recommending further research. The AAP suggests listing nonnutritive sweetener content on product labels to better understand consumption and potential health effects.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends increased access to metabolic and bariatric surgery for children and adolescents with severe obesity, citing the growing public health crisis. Studies show that surgery is safe and effective, but underutilized due to barriers such as insurance coverage and limited centers.
Researchers found that younger elementary school-age children are at significantly greater odds than those older than high school to suffer a skull or facial fracture while participating in snow sports. Middle school, high school, and post-high school age groups were more likely to experience intra-abdominal injuries.
A new study finds that bariatric surgery is a safe option for young adolescents with morbid obesity, with low rates of complications and readmissions. The research analyzed over 3,700 cases and found no deaths in the first 30 days after surgery.
Research found that only 48% of school-age US children get sufficient sleep, leading to improved learning outcomes and childhood flourishing. Children who get enough sleep show increased interest in learning, do required homework, and demonstrate positive behavioral traits.
Women are increasingly turning to informal milk-sharing due to cost and quality concerns, but this practice is discouraged by the AAP due to potential disease transmission and medication exposure. The study aims to understand parental motivations and concerns regarding breast milk donation options.
Research suggests that counties with high poverty levels have a 37% higher rate of child suicides compared to the least impoverished counties. The association is particularly pronounced for firearm suicides. To address this issue, experts recommend safe gun storage and open communication with children about mental health and suicide.