A study found that suboptimal antibiotic doses may lead to lower lung microbial diversity, while therapeutic doses result in decreased diversity and lower levels after treatment. This could influence patient outcomes in cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease causing recurrent lung infections.
Research at Children's National Hospital created a novel preclinical model that mimics persistent interneuron loss in preterm human infants. The study identified specific interneuron subtypes as potential therapeutic targets to prevent or lessen neurodevelopmental risks.
A new medicine under development, vamorolone, shows improved safety in treating both inflammation and heart disease in experimental models of DMD. This is significant because the current standard of care, prednisone, reduces chronic inflammation but has harsh side effects.
Researchers have identified a therapy derived from parasitic worms that can downregulate proinflammatory pathways and reduce inflammation caused by chemotherapy. The treatment, IPSE, targets the source of inflammation, reversing damage to the bladder lining.
Research highlights the dangers of unsafe gun storage and calls for pediatricians to counsel families on safe handling practices. The authors advocate for innovative design features and childproofing technologies to reduce firearm-related injuries among young children.
An international team of researchers has identified IRF6 gene mutations as a cause of neural tube defects, including spina bifida. The study found that alterations in the IRF6 gene can disrupt the development of the neural tube and lead to structural birth defects.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect up to 14% of women in their lifetimes, leading to adverse outcomes for mothers and babies. Integrated care approaches, including screenings in primary care clinics, NICU, and ED, are being implemented to help women with PMADs receive timely treatment.
A study suggests that a PAC1R mutation may be associated with more severe social problems and disrupted brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found high levels of PAC1R expression in key brain regions, particularly in male brains during fetal development and female brains during childhood.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that critically ill children develop muscle atrophy, with diaphragm thickness decreasing by 11% over six days. The study also found that older children experienced more pronounced muscle loss, particularly in their arms and legs.
A study funded by the American Heart Association aims to investigate whether pyruvate can enhance cardiac output in pediatric patients with low cardiac output syndrome following heart surgery. The researchers hope that this could lead to better recovery times, reduced hospital stays and improved quality of life for these children.
A study found that pregnant women who have a family history of food allergies are more likely to avoid certain foods, such as nuts and eggs. However, this avoidance does not necessarily prevent food allergies in their infants, but rather increases the risk of problems with food at 4 months old.
Targeted interventions improved mean delta weight Z-scores by 43% in very low birth weight infants. Micro-preemies who were born between 26-28 weeks gestation showed the greatest improvement, with a 64% increase in growth trends.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that most Zika-exposed fetuses have normal brain development, contrary to initial fears. However, severe congenital brain abnormalities were detected in a small percentage of cases, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and research.
The occurrence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children are influenced by multiple factors, including preterm birth, genetic predisposition, HIV status, and access to kidney transplant. Clinicians must consider these competing issues when treating affected children.
Researchers have developed a miniature pacemaker design that enables less painful, faster recovery times, and reduced medical costs. The innovative approach uses a tiny incision to implant the device, cutting down on surgical time.
A new surgical home pathway for spinal fusion surgery reduces opioid pain medication need and shortens hospital stays, achieving sustainable benefits over two-and-a-half years. The study, published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, demonstrates improved care value and patient outcomes.
Most cystic fibrosis patients do not achieve high enough antibiotic concentrations in their blood to effectively fight bacteria responsible for pulmonary exacerbations. Real-time monitoring of serum antibiotic concentrations could help improve clinical outcomes and reduce worsening pulmonary function.
A cross-sectional study of NICU parents found that those with higher resilience scores had lower levels of depression, anxiety, and NICU-related stress. Parents who received social support from family and friends also showed higher resilience scores.
A study found that US children and adolescents' mental health diagnoses have increased by 78.5 emergency department visits per 100,000 children between 2012 and 2016. Non-Latino black children faced the highest rates of mental health-related diagnoses, at nearly double the rate of non-Latino white children.
A study finds that children under 12 are more likely to be shot by accident, while those aged 18-21 are more likely to be victims of firearm-related injuries due to assault. Firearm-related injuries remain a leading cause of injury and death among U.S. children.
A study found racial and ethnic differences in emergency pain relief for children with long bone fractures, with minority children more likely to receive pain medication but less likely to receive opioid analgesia. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of consistent pain management for all pediatric patients.
Children's hospitals will use electronic health records and DNA samples to identify genetic markers for severe pediatric growth disorders, enabling early diagnosis and targeted treatments.
A comprehensive national registry for pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) is essential to improve lifespan and quality of life. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying children at risk, with high mortality rates among those requiring renal replacement therapy.
Families participating in pediatric advance care planning experienced a better understanding of their child's end-of-life care choices, leading to alleviated physical symptoms. The study found that patients and families who received these sessions had significantly reduced HIV-specific symptoms up to 12 months later.
The FDA awarded $5 million to the National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation, co-led by Children's National Hospital and the University of Maryland. The consortium aims to develop medical devices designed specifically for children's unique needs, with a focus on asthma, heart disease, and neonatal health.
Researchers found that multidrug-resistant bacteria in CF patients' airways are associated with lower microbial diversity and more aggressive disease. The study suggests that judicious use of antibiotics is crucial to help patients live longer, but new methods can help target infectious bacteria selectively.
Vittorio Gallo, Children's Chief Research Officer, has been awarded the prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences. The award extends federal funding for his lab for at least seven years, supporting his research on developmental delays in children who experienced neonatal brain injury.
A new investigational steroid called vamorolone has been found to replicate the benefits of prednisone while reducing its side effects, offering hope for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. The study identifies nine potential biomarkers for inflammatory diseases that could serve as a fingerprint for chronic inflammation.
Researchers found that vamorolone improved muscle repair and strength in experimental models of LGMD2B, while prednisolone worsened muscle weakness and degeneration. The study suggests modified steroids like vamorolone may be an option for some patients with the disease.
A study by Children's National Health System researchers found that chronic sublethal hypoxia causes locomotor miscoordination and long-term cerebellar learning deficits. Restoring GABA levels with an off-the-shelf medicine improves Purkinje cell firing and locomotor performance in a model of neonatal brain injury.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that physicians who showed unburied empathy during care conferences had more effective conversations with families, leading to better patient outcomes. The researchers recommend slowing down, using the 'NURSE' mnemonic, and avoiding transitions like 'but' to improve empathetic communication.
A quality-improvement project standardized feeding practices for micro preemies, leading to a significant increase in weight gain and improvements in nutritional status. The project also increased the frequency of lactation consultations by nearly fourfold.
Researchers aim to safeguard fetal brain health in pregnancies complicated by CHD by identifying vulnerable regions and correlating with infant development. Early findings suggest impaired fetal brain growth and metabolism, highlighting the need for interventions during the prenatal period.
A study of pediatric emergency department data found that only 27.7% of young women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) were screened for syphilis, and 22% were screened for HIV. Screening rates varied significantly by hospital, with some facilities testing as little as 2% of high-risk patients.
High-performing neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) share eight critical factors in common, including strong performance-improvement leadership and effective communication strategies. These factors contribute to a culture of quality and safety, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A survey of 1,167 parents of children with Down syndrome found that 49% give or have given supplements to improve their child's health. The most popular supplement categories include antioxidants and vitamins, but some products pose unknown health risks due to lack of regulation.
A pilot study found nearly half of ED-arrival mothers screened positive for PPD, highlighting the need for routine screening in emergency departments. Interventions improved mental health outcomes and family support, with many participants thanking healthcare providers for follow-up care.
A new study aims to clarify the role of the APOL1 gene in predicting kidney-transplant failure. By genotyping deceased and living African-American donors and recipients, researchers hope to determine if high-risk variants can replace race as a risk factor for discarded kidneys.
According to a new study published in Pediatrics, adolescents with severe obesity should not be excluded from weight loss surgery due to pre-existing psychiatric disorders. The research found no association between pre-operative psychiatric diagnosis and post-surgical weight loss outcomes, suggesting that bariatric surgery can be equal...
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that no single category of intervention was effective in reducing hospital readmission for children with asthma. However, multimodal interventions that combined multiple categories showed promise in reducing the risk of readmission between 30 days and one year after initial discharge.
A new preclinical study finds that early BPA exposure may slow heart rates, cause irregular rhythms and calcium instabilities in developing hearts. The research highlights the need for alternative biomaterials to improve patient safety outcomes.
Research finds that placental ALLO levels increase during pregnancy, especially in preterm births, which may affect fetal brain development. Higher ALLO levels have been linked to improved neurological outcomes in some cases.
A recent study found that 40% of parents experiencing depression at NICU discharge had persistent symptoms six months later. Young, poorly educated, and multi-child families are particularly vulnerable to prolonged depression. Mental health screening and services should be targeted towards these high-risk groups.
States with stricter firearm laws have lower rates of firearm-related deaths in children, according to a new study. The research found that states requiring universal background checks for firearm purchase had significantly lower median mortality rates compared to those without such laws.
A new study uses the COstatus monitor to directly measure cardiac output in neonates, providing a more accurate and less invasive way to gauge heart function. The results show that cardiac output can be precisely measured in the first two weeks of life with no adverse events.
A recent study found that erythropoietin (EPO) helps protect and repair vulnerable preterm brains by modifying genes essential for neurogenesis. The research, conducted at Children's National Hospital, identified five key genes involved in the development of the nervous system and responding to environmental stressors.
Research suggests that the volume of carbohydrates, proteins, and calories consumed by very low birthweight preemies significantly contributes to increased brain volume and white matter development. However, specific nutritional approaches to support these infants' developing brains require further investigation.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology shows a four-year overall survival rate of 96 percent for patients with stage IV Wilms tumors with lung metastases, compared to 84 percent on the predecessor study. The approach resulted in sparing initial upfront lung radiation and reducing long-term risks for nearly half of patients.
Children's National Hospital is leading a $5 million NIH grant to develop solutions for reducing pediatric firearm-related injuries. The project, called the Firearm-Safety Among Children & Teens Consortium (FACTS), aims to identify effective strategies and policies to lower pediatric deaths and injuries due to firearms.
Researchers are working to identify biomarkers for food allergies, aiming to improve understanding of how children's immune systems react to certain foods. Current blood tests are only 30-55% specific, leaving room for further innovation in diagnostics and treatments.