A novel community-based intervention increases treatment utilization among families with children who have ADHD. The pilot study found that caregivers reported feeling more confident and likely to seek treatment after participating in the program.
A multi-center study identified critical risk factors for children with single-ventricle heart defects, including low oxygen levels, which significantly increased the risk of death. The study also found improved survival rates for patients with single ventricle physiology and those who had undergone a Fontan procedure.
A recent study reveals three distinct inflammatory drivers of asthma exacerbations in children, including epithelial pathways, macrophage-driven inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion. These findings suggest that targeted therapies may not be enough to prevent flare-ups, emphasizing the need for more personalized treatment approaches.
A study found that nearly 70% of children under 13 involved in fatal car crashes were not using proper child passenger restraints. Inappropriate practices included premature transitions to less protective seats and riding without seatbelts. The study highlights the need for innovative, targeted programs to promote correct use of age-ap...
A systematic review found that optimal childhood heart health metrics, including diet, physical activity, and sleep, lead to lower risks of chronic diseases in adulthood. The review highlights the importance of early prevention and suggests that parents can focus on healthy habits and regular check-ups with pediatricians.
Research from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that neurological crises, psychiatric conditions, and substance abuse were the most common reasons for school-based medical emergencies. The study highlights the need for schools to prioritize staff training and availability of key medications.
A recent study found that 85% of commercially insured deaf children with cochlear implants use spoken language, compared to 33% of Medicaid-eligible children. Family language was not a significant factor in spoken language development.
A new study has identified specific proteins in umbilical cord blood that signal acute systemic inflammation, providing a non-invasive means to diagnose early onset sepsis in preterm newborns. This discovery could lead to the development of a diagnostic test to avoid prolonged antibiotic exposure for infants at risk.
Approximately one in three pediatric mental health ED visits resulted in prolonged stays exceeding 12 hours, with over half due to suicidal thoughts or aggressive behaviors. The study highlights significant issues with access to mental health care for children and adolescents.
Researchers developed pragmatic models that accurately distinguish between mild, moderate and severe pneumonia in children based on evidence from 73 EDs across 14 countries. The new predictive tools are intended to complement clinician judgement in deciding whether a child’s pneumonia warrants hospitalization or intensive care.
Lurie Children's is now a Qualified Treatment Center (QTC) for ZEVASKYN, the first and only cell-based gene therapy for patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). This therapy promises to provide long-term healing of wounds, reduction in pain and reduced risk of infection.
The percentage of children under 18 with anxiety and depression rose steadily from 2016 to 2022, while physical health problems like asthma and severe headaches decreased. Experts emphasize the need for more support for parents and schools to address youth mental health.
Measles vaccination is deemed essential for preventing serious complications, including hospitalization and death. The risk of complications is particularly high in children under 5 years old and those under 1 year old, highlighting the importance of timely vaccination.
A new guideline recommends testing for all CF-causing gene variants, including those less common in people of color. Genetic sequencing can be used as an intermediate improvement strategy if not all variants are included in the panel. Early coordination between public health departments and specialists is crucial for timely diagnosis.
A study by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago strongly suggests that Kawasaki disease is caused by a single respiratory virus that has yet to be identified. The research found inclusion bodies in tissue samples from 20 years, indicating a common virus, and contradicting the theory of multiple pathogens.
Dr. Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo and Dr. Colleen Fant, both physicians at Lurie Children's Hospital, have been appointed as co-directors of the Center for Global Pediatric Health. The center will focus on collaboration between the Havey Institute for Global Health and Lurie Children's to improve global pediatric health outcomes.
A recent study found that the NIH provides critical funding for pediatric clinical trials in diseases not prioritized by industry. Pediatric research in asthma and lung diseases has been chronically under-funded, highlighting the need for increased funding.
The Lurie Children's hospital has launched a newborn screening awareness campaign, urging parents to contact their pediatrician if results are out of normal range. Timely diagnosis and early treatment are crucial for conditions like cystic fibrosis, where delays can lead to more severe disease.
A new school-based intervention called STRONG significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and behavior problems among newcomer students. The study shows a 21% decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety after completing the program.
Early care and education programs perpetuate inequalities against Black children and families, fueled by 'deficit perspectives' that ignore social circumstances. Systemic changes are needed to support teachers in partnering with families, decreasing expulsion rates and promoting resilience among Black children.
Dr. Jennifer Jao has been selected as Co-Chair of the International Maternal Pediatric and Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) Network to guide critical work in improving HIV health outcomes globally. Dr. Jao's research focuses on pregnant individuals, children, and adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV.
A survey of 1,000 Illinois parents found that over 60% had never asked about firearms in a friend's home before allowing their child to visit. This highlights the need for parents to discuss firearm safety with other caregivers, similar to asking about supervision during playdates.
A new NIH-funded study at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago will use AI to identify disease subtypes based on genetic data and associated outcomes in premature infants. The four-year study aims to establish disease subtypes that can predict longer-term cardiorespiratory outcomes, enabling earlier interventions.
A new genomic test using optical genome mapping (OGM) technology will enable faster and more comprehensive diagnosis of brain tumors in children. This innovative approach will help identify novel structural variants that could lead to improved outcomes and new targets for treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released its first pediatric guideline on opioid prescribing in primary care, emphasizing the importance of preventing overdose. The guideline recommends discussing naloxone with families and safe disposal of unused opioids to prevent a tragedy.
A study of 260 teens who underwent bariatric surgery at age 13-19 found that over half demonstrated sustained weight loss and resolution of conditions like type 2 diabetes. After 10 years, 55% of participants with type 2 diabetes remained in remission.
A recent study found that nearly three-fourths of Chicago's children had no swimming lessons in 2022, with significant racial and ethnic differences. Black and Hispanic/Latine kids were disproportionately affected, citing lack of comfort with swimming as a reason for not taking lessons.
A study found that patients with Medicaid are less likely to receive prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects due to lower rates of 20-week ultrasounds. The lead author believes increasing 20-week ultrasound utilization can mitigate insurance-related disparities and improve outcomes for children with CHD.
Nonfatal opioid overdoses in youth increased significantly during the pandemic, with a majority (86%) occurring among young adults and adolescents aged 12-17 experiencing a high-risk trend. Keeping naloxone at home is crucial to preventing overdose deaths.
A study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that nearly 80% of transgender and gender diverse youth screened positive for suicide risk, with one out of four having active suicidal thoughts. The study highlights the importance of universal suicide screening for all youth, regardless of reason for seeking care.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that US pediatric inpatient psychiatric bed capacity remained steady between 2017 and 2020, despite growing demand. The research also revealed substantial geographic variation in access to inpatient psychiatric care, with rural areas facing a severe shortage of beds.
A study of over 15,000 youth with self-inflicted injury treated in Emergency Departments found that nearly half of ED visits were for mental health issues. The researchers propose brief interventions to screen for suicide risk, ensure safety planning, and connect patients to follow-up care.
A study of 40,000 suicides among youth aged 10-24 found that three out of five cases lacked a prior mental health diagnosis. The researchers emphasize the need for equitable access to mental health screening, diagnosis, and treatment for all youth.
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.
Research links exposure to racism during childhood to increased depression and metabolic health issues, while racial socialization can mitigate these effects. Pediatric clinicians are advised to incorporate conversations about race and racism into clinical visits, building trust and affirmation.
Researchers have identified a distinct clinical pattern, PHES, that may respond better to targeted treatments in children with sepsis. This pattern is characterized by persistent hypoxemia, encephalopathy, and shock, and overlaps with biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial activity.
Researchers from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have discovered a way to regenerate damaged heart muscle cells in mice. By inhibiting a specific gene, the cells began to take in more glucose and regrow, potentially providing a new direction for treating congenital heart defects and heart attack damage.
A national survey of nearly 1,600 US parents found that most lack knowledge about newborn screening and cystic fibrosis, leading to difficulties in understanding abnormal test results. The study emphasizes the need for greater public awareness and support from healthcare teams to improve outcomes for infants with cystic fibrosis.
A nationwide survey found that pregnant people are more likely to receive the RSV vaccine if they believe the virus can be a serious illness in infants. The study also shows that parents with an existing child at home are more likely to get vaccinated, highlighting the importance of awareness and education.
Researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have identified a novel biological mechanism that regulates mitochondrial function through RNA methylation. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for neurological diseases like spinal muscular atrophy and autism, as well as various cancers.
A new study found that pediatric emergency departments saw more severe mental health presentations among children and adolescents during the pandemic, with a significant increase in prolonged stays in EDs. The findings highlight the strain on the system and difficulties finding appropriate psychiatric care for children.
Researchers found that supplementing with rhIGF-1/BP3 protected neonatal mice from necrotizing enterocolitis, a deadly intestinal disease affecting premature infants. The study's preclinical evidence paves the way for a clinical trial on preventing NEC.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neonatal infections and premature birth. Vaccinated mothers' babies had lower rates of respiratory distress syndrome and days spent in the NICU compared to unvaccinated mothers.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have made a major breakthrough in bladder tissue regeneration by using bone marrow cells. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, demonstrates the ability to regenerate healthy bladder tissue after two years of monitoring.
The new pediatric sepsis criteria, called the Phoenix criteria, define sepsis as severe response to infection involving organ dysfunction. These criteria were developed using data from over 3 million pediatric healthcare encounters worldwide and are better at identifying children with infections at higher risk of poor outcomes.
A recent multi-center study found that nearly 80% of patients with congenital heart disease experienced at least one socioeconomic barrier to prenatal diagnosis. The most common barriers were difficulty with appointment scheduling, transportation access, and childcare. Improving paid sick leave policies may help alleviate these barriers.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism leading to motor neuron degeneration in SMA, which can be stopped by a Cdk5 inhibitor. This discovery offers a new treatment approach that could benefit all patients with SMA, including those ineligible for gene therapy.
A multinational study found that early treatment of newborns with HIV can lead to biomarkers indicative of potential medication-free remission by 2 years of age. Researchers hope to limit or prevent the establishment of viral reservoirs, increasing time in remission without daily ART.
A new study reveals that more than 1 in 10 pediatric ambulance runs are for mental health emergencies, with 85% of cases involving 12-17-year-olds. The study found considerable variation in EMS protocols across the country, particularly for children with developmental disabilities.
Pediatric emergency department visits for firearm injuries doubled during the pandemic, with deaths from firearms among children and adolescents doubling to 6% of ED visits. This increase was seen across socioeconomic groups, highlighting the need for evidence-based policy solutions to tackle firearm violence.