A study found that fathers who worked remotely were twice as likely to report higher parenting stress, while mothers who worked at home experienced slightly higher levels. The survey of 1,060 parents in Chicago showed no differences in mental or general health between remote and onsite workers.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found a genetic biomarker that correlates with increased prevalence of anaphylaxis or severe reaction to food in patients with food allergies. The presence of α-tryptase, encoded by the TPSAB1 gene, is associated with more severe symptoms.
Researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital use computer-guided radiofrequency ablation to decrease excessive muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy, greatly improving quality of life. The procedure is a safe and effective approach that excludes the dysfunctional nervous system, a main driver of pathology.
Researchers discovered a gene called FOXM1 that plays a crucial role in repairing blood vessels and improving survival rates. A low-dose repurposed drug, decitabine, was found to reactivate the gene and promote vascular repair in aged mice. An alternative approach using endothelium-targeted nanoparticle gene delivery also showed promise.
A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that prenatal diagnosis is associated with earlier surgery for babies with congenital heart defects, leading to improved outcomes. Prenatally diagnosed babies had surgery on average one week sooner than those with postnatal diagnosis.
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.
Despite high ratings, child car seat installation errors are common, with most frequent errors found in seat belt installations and top tether usage. Certified technicians can provide guidance on correct installation and usage, ensuring optimal safety for young passengers.
A multidisciplinary team implemented a quality improvement project to reduce hypothermia in NICU babies before, during, and after surgery. The project resulted in significant decreases in intraoperative and postoperative hypothermia rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of standardized temperature monitoring and thermal support.
A study found that pediatric hospitalizations for RSV in high-risk children spiked during off-seasons due to delayed prophylactic availability. The researchers emphasize the need for a more fluid policy to protect these vulnerable kids.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have developed a non-invasive approach to predict retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. Nailbed capillaroscopy identifies high-risk patients, eliminating the need for invasive eye exams.
Fathers play a significant role in breastfeeding initiation and safe infant sleep practices, with notable disparities between White and Black fathers. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to increase safe sleep practices in the Black community and for fathers' engagement in breastfeeding discussions.
A new study found that 63% of children on Medicaid do not receive mental health services within six months after a firearm injury. Children who survive firearm injuries are at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes, including newly diagnosed trauma-related disorders and substance use.
A new study finds that voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour products has not significantly reduced the rate of births with neural tube defects in Hispanic women. The research suggests that mandatory fortification of cereal grains is more effective in preventing these congenital defects.
A large retrospective study found that children with drug-resistant epilepsy who underwent cranial surgery lived significantly longer than those treated only with antiseizure medications. The study also highlighted disparities in access to epilepsy surgery, with white, privately insured children more likely to receive surgical treatment.
A year-long immunotherapy through a skin patch safely desensitized toddlers with peanut allergy, lowering the risk of a severe allergic reaction from accidental exposure. Children who originally reacted to small amounts of peanuts were able to tolerate larger quantities after completing treatment.
A study from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that the 'trusted parents' and 'safe and tested' message types increased Black parents' intentions to vaccinate their children. Messages emphasizing vaccine safety and efficacy were effective in addressing concerns among hesitant parents.
A pilot study detected epigenetic changes in the regulation of a key stress response gene in young children with abusive injuries compared to accidental injuries. The findings suggest that traumatic experiences may lead to early biological responses and potentially reverse with interventions.
A recent study from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago suggests that paid family caregiving can be a viable answer to the healthcare worker shortage. The study, which compared children with medical complexity cared for by family-CNA caregivers versus traditional non-family CNAs, found no significant difference in hospi...
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 two-year study found that transgender and nonbinary youth experienced improved appearance congruence, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased life satisfaction after starting gender-affirming hormone treatment. The study included 315 participants aged 12-20 and had the longest follow-up reported to date.
The INTERCOVID Study found that vaccinated women had a low risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospital admission. Vaccination was associated with reduced risks of maternal morbidity, severe pregnancy complications, and hospital admission, especially among unvaccinated women.
A survey of over 1,300 parents found significant racial and ethnic differences in swimming skills, with White parents reporting higher comfort levels and more children receiving swim lessons. Culturally tailored programs to address these disparities may help reduce drowning rates among Black and Latine communities.
A national study found a significant association between county-level mental health professional shortages and increased youth suicide rates, particularly by firearms. The study suggests expanding the mental health workforce and improving access to care as key prevention strategies.
A new study found that ER visits involving suicidal ideation among youth aged 5-19 increased by 59% from 2016-2017 to 2019-2021. The study also revealed a correlation between severe mental illness, substance use, and hospitalizations during the same period.
A new tool predicts the risk of hospital readmission for children before discharge, utilizing electronic health record data. This comprehensive prediction model can be implemented in real-time during a hospital stay to tailor discharge planning, potentially reducing readmission rates and freeing up scarce pediatric beds.
Researchers used nose swabs from children with RSV in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to examine gene expression. They found that some children had greater damage to nasal cells, correlating to longer PICU stays. This discovery could lead to a diagnostic test to predict which infants will require a longer stay.
A new study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago highlights the variation in Medicaid programs for children with complex medical needs across states. The research reveals that these disparities can lead to delays in care and impact health outcomes for these vulnerable children.
A new study reveals that genetic panels used in newborn screening programs favor white populations, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes for non-white babies. Researchers call for more diverse panels to address these disparities.
The bionic pancreas, an automated insulin delivery system, showed significant improvements in blood glucose control among participants with type 1 diabetes. It reduced the need for manual insulin adjustments and carbohydrate counting, making it easier to manage the condition.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 25% of hospitalized children and has a high mortality rate. Experts have identified key issues and set a research agenda to improve diagnosis, prevention, and care for AKI in kids. The goal is to develop evidence-based guidelines and quality care for these vulnerable patients.
A groundbreaking study has determined the threshold for a new measure of early scarring in children with eosinophilic esophagitis, enabling immediate intervention during endoscopy. This allows targeting and reducing treatment time, leading to improvements in symptoms.
A study found that dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) had a high probability of maternal viral suppression at delivery, outperforming commonly used ART regimens. The researchers also observed no significant differences in adverse birth outcomes between dolutegravir and other regimens.
Infants from minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds receive delayed diagnostic follow-up for cystic fibrosis, leading to worse nutritional outcomes and increased risk of severe complications. The study advocates for timely diagnosis and treatment to achieve equity in care and reduce childhood mortality.
A recent international study identified risks of Long COVID in children, with nearly 6% experiencing symptoms 90 days after initial hospitalization. The study found that age 14 or older, multiple initial symptoms, and prolonged hospital stays increased the risk of long-term COVID-19.
A recent study found that only under 30% of children and adolescents in the US have high cardiovascular health scores. The proportion of high CVH declined with increasing age, with 56% of 2-5-year-olds having high scores compared to 14% of 12-19-year-olds.
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
A new CDC study confirms that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy significantly protects infants from severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. The risk of hospitalization among babies was reduced by approximately 80% during the Delta wave and 40% during the Omicron wave.
Encounter rates for physical abuse in children decreased by 19% during the pandemic, but reasons are unclear. Pediatricians worry that less recognition of child abuse while kids were away from in-person school might be to blame.
Early genetic testing and precision medicine lead to improved seizure control, enabling infants with epilepsy to leave the hospital sooner. A study at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found a significant reduction in hospital stay time for babies with epilepsy who underwent genetic testing.
Firearm fatalities are now the leading cause of death among US youth, with nearly two-thirds due to homicides. Research funding is urgently needed to address this trend and prevent further deaths.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago discovered that macrophages play a crucial role in cardiac repair after a heart attack by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and promoting healing. This finding offers new hope for developing novel therapeutic approaches to preserve heart function.
Parents generally accept AI tools for managing children with respiratory illnesses in the ED, but younger and non-Hispanic Black parents have greater concerns. The study highlights the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in developing AI systems for pediatric healthcare.
New research provides insights into genetic characteristics of Wilms tumor relapse, identifying two previously unrecognised mutations that may aid in early detection and tailored therapies. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, offers promise for improving patient outcomes.
Adolescents with access to firearms have a 1.5 times higher odds of prior suicide attempt and current suicidal ideation, according to the study. Over 40% of adolescents presenting to the ED had moderate to severe depressive symptoms and access to a gun.
A new study published in the Journal of American Heart Association found that well-organized households can help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors in children who have experienced abuse. The study's results suggest that stable home environments may play a crucial role in reducing racial disparities in cardiac disease.
The expanded partnership aims to strengthen the District's response to an escalating national youth mental health crisis. The school-based Behavioral Health Team model provides comprehensive support, including early identification of students with behavioral health needs and connection to evidence-based interventions.
The study found that vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reduced the risk of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations in children ages 5–11 years and adolescents ages 12–18 years by two-thirds during the Omicron period. Protection against critical COVID-19 requiring life-supporting interventions remained high in vacc...
A free youth development program in Chicago helped Black children and teens overcome poverty through education, career counseling, and support. Alumni showed improved financial stability and living standards compared to their peers.
A recent study identifies macrophages and insulin-like growth factor-1 as key players in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. The findings offer promise for novel treatments that could promote healthy intestine development in preemies.
A new study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) plus anti-seizure medications significantly reduces hospital costs for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study showed patients treated with VNS and ASM had lower inpatient healthcare utilization and outpatient care costs compared to those treated with ASM alone.