Researchers identified unique metabolite biomarkers associated with increased inflammation and bacterial burden in cystic fibrosis lungs. The study found correlations between metabolites and bacterial communities, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of infection and inflammation in CF.
A single dose of nirsevimab protected healthy infants from medically attended lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV with 74.5% efficacy. This breakthrough results suggest a broad immunization approach is needed to mitigate the global burden of RSV on infants and healthcare services.
A Phase 3 clinical trial shows that gene therapy can end the need for monthly blood transfusions in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The treatment uses a patient's own stem cells modified with a healthy hemoglobin gene, allowing patients to achieve transfusion-free status within months.
A new study from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that children from less resourced neighborhoods were at increased odds of presenting with complicated appendicitis. This association persisted despite no significant link between neighborhood opportunity levels and healthcare utilization post-discharge.
A new survey, PRAMS for Dads, provides data on the unique needs of new fathers, revealing 70% are overweight or obese, and nearly 20% smoke. The study aims to support families and children by addressing these health issues.
Researchers have successfully genome-edited vascular endothelial cells using a novel nanoparticle delivery system, which could treat diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and coronary artery disease. The technology has the potential to correct gene mutations, promote vascular repair, and inhibit vascular injury.
A study by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that cochlear implantation can improve language skills and social engagement in deaf children with autism spectrum disorder. The study reported improved outcomes in 86% of children, including enhanced communication and interaction with families.
A study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that babies born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy exhibited normal growth patterns and developmental milestones at 6 months. The research included 33 Latinx infants and showed no higher rate of developmental referrals than usual.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago developed a simple diagnostic model that accurately predicts pneumonia risk, eliminating x-ray confirmation for low-risk patients. The model, based on age, fever duration, and breath sounds, may facilitate broader implementation in primary care settings.
A recent study found that using consumer-grade wearable devices to track a child's heart rate and physical activity after surgery can help clinicians decide if at-home recovery is going as expected. The data from the wearables, coupled with parent reports, aids clinicians' decision-making and potentially prevents unnecessary ED visits.
Researchers found a higher burden of infection, more inflammation, and lower diversity of microorganisms in children with cystic fibrosis compared to disease controls. This divergence was noted as early as toddlerhood, suggesting potential for earlier treatment and prevention of severe lung disease.
A significant proportion of US adults consider the use of facial image data in healthcare unacceptable, particularly when used to monitor emotions or symptoms. Many respondents (30-50%) expressed concern over facial recognition technologies in various scenarios.
A recent survey found that nearly half of Black parents (48%) were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine for their child. Researchers attribute this hesitancy to a lack of trust in certain sources of information. To address this, targeted outreach efforts are needed to reach these vulnerable populations.
Scientists at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago discovered a surprising link between growth factor receptor PDGFRA and hypomyelination in mouse models. The study suggests that blocking this receptor could be a novel strategy to treat myelination disorders like multiple sclerosis.
A nationally representative survey found that 72% of people with food allergies were unaware of oral immunotherapy as a treatment option. The study highlights the need for more accessible and equitable outreach efforts to ensure all patients can benefit from recent advances in food allergy treatments.
A study of 14,000 families found that those caring for children with chronic health conditions lost an average of $18,000 per year in household income. Foregone family employment was reported by nearly 15% of families and was more common among younger caregivers and those living in poverty.
A national study found that ED visits for self-harm were nearly 40% higher in rural areas compared to urban settings. Youth from rural areas presenting to the ED for suicidal ideation or self-harm were also more likely to need to be transferred to another hospital due to insufficient mental health resources.
A large study found that depression symptoms in fathers of premature infants persist after discharge from the NICU, affecting their ability to engage in positive parenting activities. The researchers emphasize the need for increased attention to mental health support for new fathers during this critical period.
A qualitative study found that adolescents feel helpless when exposed to secondhand racism online, with many describing it as a constant force. However, participating in activism is seen as a way to cope with vicarious racism, and may even mitigate negative emotions.
A survey of over 32,000 caregivers in Chicago Public Schools found that nearly a quarter of children and adolescents experienced stress, anxiety, or anger after pandemic-related school closures. Caregivers reported significantly worse psychological well-being after school closures compared to before.
A refined screening tool called TEN-4-FACESp can improve earlier recognition of child abuse in young children with bruising. The tool reliably signals high risk for abuse when bruising appears on specific body regions.
Rates of prolonged pediatric mental health ED visits increased over a decade, from 16% to nearly 25%, with Latinx children facing longer wait times. The study emphasizes the need for policy solutions to address provider shortages and expand coverage for mental health services.
A national survey of parents found that only half of children under 8 years old used recommended child car seats or booster seats in ride-share vehicles. Parents reported lower rates of child car seat use in ride-share compared to their usual travel method, highlighting the need for education and enforcement
A Phase 3 study found a three-drug regimen safe and effective in improving lung function, respiratory symptoms, and nutritional status in 6-11 year olds with F508del mutation, representing about 90% of US cystic fibrosis population. The treatment also showed significant improvements in sweat chloride concentration.
A study of 38 children found that neurological complications of COVID-19 often resemble immune-mediated patterns of disease involving the brain, spine, and nerves. Most cases had mild or no symptoms, but some developed severe conditions such as myelitis and quadriplegia.
A study published in Academic Pediatrics found that parents who reported more child car seat hassles were less likely to follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on child passenger safety. Parents who identified more hassles were more likely to have their children travel unrestrained or not use a car seat consistently.
Scientists have identified a region within the GLI1 gene responsible for regulating its expression, providing a potential target for cancer treatment. Removing this region eliminates GLI1 activity, halting excessive cell division characteristic of cancer.
Youth Medicaid enrollment in managed care increased from 65% in 2000 to 94% in 2017, but preventive care coverage fell short of the 80% goal. The study found significant increases in preventive care services in 17 states and decreases in six states, with Tennessee seeing the largest increase and North Carolina the largest decrease.
Using sensor-based asthma inhalers may improve control of the condition and enhance the quality of life for caregivers. The study found that non-Hispanic Black participants experienced the greatest gains in asthma symptom control.
A new anti-inflammatory nanotherapy has shown promising results in reducing intestinal inflammation and shrinking lesions in a rodent model of severe Crohn's disease. The approach could potentially replace biologic antibody therapies with fewer side effects.
A study found that Black children have significantly higher rates of shellfish and fish allergies, as well as wheat allergy, compared to White children. The study also showed a higher prevalence of asthma in Black children with food allergies, highlighting the importance of reducing exposure to cockroaches.
A survey found nearly 1 in 4 families reluctant to bring their child to the Emergency Department for non-COVID emergencies, exacerbating health inequities. Greater hesitancy was observed in under-resourced communities, families of color, and those relying on public insurance.
A longitudinal study of 4,501 college students found that those who developed chronic fatigue syndrome after infectious mononucleosis had more physical symptoms and immune irregularities at baseline. Researchers also discovered that emotional functioning and psychological states were not statistically different from those who recovered.
A study of 339 asymptomatic and 478 symptomatic children found that those without symptoms had relatively low viral loads compared to their symptomatic counterparts. The timing of infection and diagnostic testing may impact viral load levels in asymptomatic children.
A new study finds that patients with single gene disorders like Bardet-Biedl syndrome carry three times as many additional mutations, clustered around specific genes, which contribute to disease severity. This discovery challenges the traditional view of simple vs complex disorders and opens up new avenues for therapy development.
Scientists have identified new genes that are overexpressed in endothelial cells of people with Down syndrome, increasing their risk for leukemia. The study suggests these genes could be therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments and prevention strategies.
A study published in Pediatrics found that artificial intelligence models can accurately identify well-appearing infants with fever who are at low risk for a serious bacterial infection. This could lead to a significant reduction in unnecessary invasive procedures, antibiotics, and hospitalizations.
A recent survey of pediatricians found significant variability in recommendations for solid food introduction, leading experts to question the relevance of current guidelines. The long waiting period may delay peanut introduction and limit food diversity, which can decrease the development of allergic diseases in infants.
Scientists discovered genes with decreased expression in individuals with Down syndrome, which may also protect people from developing solid tumors. These findings could lead to the development of gene-targeted therapies for both people with Down syndrome and the general population.
A recent study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that young children with mild to moderate COVID-19 have higher viral loads than older age groups, suggesting they can transmit the virus just as easily. This finding has significant public health implications for discussions on reopening schools and daycare.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that only 30% of US pediatricians fully implement recommended practices for preventing peanut allergy, with common barriers including lack of clinic time and parental fear. The 2017 guidelines aim to introduce peanut-containing foods at 4-6 months to reduce prevalence.
A new MED-EL Synchrony cochlear implant design allows children to undergo MRI scans safely and comfortably, reducing the need for sedation or anesthesia. The innovative device eliminates the need for surgical removal of the magnet or a head wrap, increasing accessibility to critical diagnostic tools.
Infants under 90 days old who tested positive for COVID-19 mostly experience mild symptoms, with fever being the primary symptom. High viral loads were found in young infants despite mild clinical illness. The decision to admit to hospital is based on age, need for preemptive treatment and clinical assessment.
A recent study analyzing Medicaid claims data found a lower prevalence of food allergy among enrolled children (0.6%) compared to previous estimates (7.6%). The research suggests potential under-diagnosis and highlights disparities in adequate management, particularly for racial and ethnic groups.
Blood biomarkers like CRP and procalcitonin may help identify most severe outcomes in children with community-acquired pneumonia, but do not predict overall severity. The study's findings highlight the need for more research to validate prognostic tools for pediatric pneumonia.
A study of over 4 million children found that those relying on urgent care centers for more than a third of their outpatient needs had fewer visits to primary care providers, potentially missing preventative services like vaccinations. This may lead to concerning health impacts down the road if regular primary care is displaced.
A study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago defines the safest laparoscopic technique for removing ovaries in girls, resulting in better quality ovarian tissue for future transplantation. This technique minimizes damage and maximizes fertility preservation, increasing pregnancy rates after transplantation.
A study found that counties with high poverty levels had a 37% higher youth suicide rate, with firearm suicides increasing by 87%. This highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts to address poverty-related factors contributing to youth suicide.
A new pediatric study found that treating septic shock with a combination of vitamin C, vitamin B1, and hydrocortisone reduces mortality in children. The treatment resulted in mortality rates of 9% at 30 days compared to 28% in control groups.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that moderate to late preterm babies with no significant medical problems are likely to be discharged at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age. This data-based estimate can help reduce parent stress and aid families in preparing for their baby's arrival home.