The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for speech and language delay and disorders in children under 5 due to insufficient evidence. School-aged children with delays are at risk of learning disabilities like reading and writing difficulties.
A study of 398,000 UK Biobank participants found that improving social isolation and loneliness in people with obesity can decrease their risk of obesity-related excess mortality. The findings support the importance of addressing social isolation as a potential factor in reducing obesity-related mortality.
A recent study of 2,261 infants found no significant adverse effects on neurodevelopment after in utero exposure to COVID-19 vaccination. The research suggests that maternal COVID-19 vaccination is safe for infant development up to 18 months.
A novel score, the Phoenix Sepsis Score, predicts mortality in children with suspected or confirmed infection. The new criteria outperform existing organ dysfunction scores and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference criteria
A new set of international criteria has been established to diagnose pediatric sepsis and septic shock in children, aiming to improve clinical care and research globally. The Phoenix Sepsis Score of at least 2 can identify potentially life-threatening organ dysfunction in infected children under 18 years old.
A study of 481,000 individuals found that those who predominantly sit at work had a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Engaging in an additional 15-30 minutes of physical activity per day could help reduce this risk to levels similar to those who don't sit
A prospective cohort study of 220 pregnant individuals found that receiving three or more COVID-19 vaccine doses before delivery resulted in significantly higher cord anti-Spike antibody levels. Maternal antibody concentration was a more important factor than delivery gestational age in determining these levels.
A study of 31 participants aged 65-79 found increased weaving and decreased speed after cannabis smoking. Impaired driving persisted for three hours, regardless of blood THC concentrations.
A nonrandomized controlled trial found that deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson disease improved mobility and maintained quality of life at 5-year follow-up. In contrast, standard-of-care medication worsened quality of life mainly due to its unfavorable effect on mobility.
A comparative effectiveness trial found that behavioral activation psychotherapy and antidepressant medication management significantly reduced depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure. Psychotherapy recipients experienced better physical health-related quality of life and fewer hospital visits.
A large study of 401,000 neonates found prenatal opioid exposure was associated with an increased risk of infection, eczema and dermatitis, and asthma. The findings highlight the need for further research into opioid-induced immune changes during pregnancy.
Simulation models indicate that breast cancer screening, treatment of early-stage cancer, and metastatic treatment reduced breast cancer mortality. Reduced breast cancer mortality was observed in the US between 1975 and 2019.
A study of U.S. families with employer-sponsored health insurance found a significant association between rising premiums and reduced annual earnings, as well as increased earnings inequality by race and ethnicity and wage level. The research suggests that this growth may have contributed to wage stagnation over the past three decades.
Interpersonal violence among college athletes is linked to significant declines in psychosocial health and emotional well-being, particularly among female and non-heterosexual athletes. The survey found that variations in coaching style can influence these associations, highlighting the need for coaches to create safe environments.
A systematic review of 42 studies found a positive association between 100% fruit juice intake and weight gain in children. Adults who consumed more fruit juice showed significant weight gain in unadjusted analyses.
Despite declining overall US cancer mortality rates, substantial racial disparities persisted for many common cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Structural racism, medical mistrust, and health care access inequities contribute to these disparities.
A study of nearly 15,000 adults with non–small cell lung cancer found that Medicaid expansion decreased postoperative mortality within 30 and 90 days after hospital discharge. This suggests that expanded Medicaid coverage may improve cancer outcomes and access to care for this population.
The study found a decline in localized head and neck cancer incidence during the first year of the pandemic. However, advanced-stage diagnoses may rise in subsequent years, indicating a potential shift in the disease's progression.
Adult cancer survivors are at higher risk for substance use disorders (SUD), especially those with certain types of cancer; the study suggests integrated care could benefit these patients. The research highlights the need to address comorbid SUD in cancer populations with high SUD prevalence, prioritizing high-risk cancers.
A meta-analysis of 90 studies found that adolescents use nonprescription weight-loss products excessively, with girls being more affected. The study highlights the need for interventions to reduce this behavior and mitigate potential long-term health consequences.
Researchers developed a high-performance prediction model to identify children at risk of autistic spectrum disorder, utilizing routine developmental assessments. The tool has the potential to improve early detection and timely interventions for affected children.
No significant disparities in receipt of general anesthesia were found among laboring patients who had labor epidural catheters in situ across different racial and ethnic groups. The study suggests that prior care disparities may contribute to higher rates of general anesthesia among minority groups.
Women with perinatal depression are at a heightened risk of suicidal behavior, particularly in the first year after diagnosis, with persistent elevations throughout 18 years of follow-up. The study emphasizes the need for vigilant clinical monitoring to support this vulnerable group.
A study of over 2 million individuals found a strong association between sibling death in childhood and early adulthood with an increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular diseases. The findings highlight the need for extra support to bereaved siblings to reduce this risk later in life.
Diagnostic errors in hospitalized adults who died or were transferred to the intensive care unit were common, with problems in test choice and clinician assessment identified as high-priority areas for improvement. The study analyzed 2,428 patient records at 29 hospitals and found that these errors led to significant patient harm.
A study of 1,471 children found that early-life digital media exposure is associated with atypical sensory processing in multiple domains. The findings suggest that excessive screen time may be a potential risk factor for the development of atypical sensory profiles.
A study of 620,000 children found that maternal type 1 diabetes was associated with increased risk for most types of congenital heart defects in offspring. Obesity and overweight were linked to increased risk for complex defects, such as outflow tract obstruction, while decreasing the risk for ventricular septal defects.
Nationwide sugar-sweetened beverage taxes could significantly reduce SSB purchases and improve public health outcomes. Studies in select US cities showed substantial price increases associated with tax implementations resulted in consistent declines in SSB sales.
A study of 2,709 patients with limited English proficiency found higher sepsis mortality rates among certain racial and ethnic groups. The findings suggest a need for equitable care models to address language-based inequities in healthcare.
A large study of over 573,000 people found that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of dementia, particularly among those not using hearing aids. The study suggests that hearing aid use may help prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia.
Researchers estimated average national medical resource use for COVID-19 patients at $11,275 per stay. Hospital costs rose due to increased ECMO use despite evolving care practices and vaccination rates.
Online racial discrimination is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, which increase the risk of suicidal ideation among Black adolescents. The study highlights the importance of considering these factors in understanding suicidal ideation in this population.
A study of 67,000 freezing cycles reveals a low rate of return to use previously vitrified oocytes, with patients having poor ovarian response more likely to utilize cryopreserved oocytes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 clinical trials found that problem-solving skills training improves the psychosocial well-being of parents, their children, and families. Further studies are needed to explore physical and clinical outcomes.
A study of 345 participants found COVID-19 linked to impaired brain health, with no greater impact than other serious illnesses. Long-term associations suggest brain health tied to overall disease severity and hospitalization.
A study of Canadian pediatric emergency departments found few children developed post-COVID-19 condition after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with overall quality of life not differing from uninfected peers. Despite increased chronic symptoms, most children recovered without long-term effects.
A large study found that individuals who frequently add salt to their food are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. The researchers suggest that reducing salt consumption could be a valuable strategy for lowering the risk of this condition.
A nationwide case-time-control study found an association between benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The results suggest that healthcare professionals should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using benzodiazepines to treat psychiatric and sleep disorders in pregnant women.
A study in the JAMA Network Open found that Hispanic and American Indian individuals with breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer were undercaptured in the National Cancer Database, but representation improved over time. Further investigation is needed to understand where these populations seek cancer care.
A study of 123,000 individuals found that low-carbohydrate diets emphasizing whole grains and plant-based foods are associated with slower weight gain in the long term. Low-carb diets relying on animal-sourced proteins and refined carbohydrates result in faster weight gain.
A recent study suggests that AI can provide real-time analysis of foods and support nutritionists in their work with patients. The study evaluates the consistency and accuracy of AI in providing energy and macronutrient information, showing promising results.
A study of 8,000 participants found that negative wealth shock was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and elevated risks of dementia among middle-aged and older U.S. adults. The findings suggest a potential link between financial hardship and cognitive aging.
Private equity acquisition of hospitals was associated with increased hospital-acquired adverse events, suggesting poorer quality of inpatient care. These findings highlight concerns about the implications of private equity on healthcare delivery, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries.
A recent study of over 7,900 participants found that pet ownership was associated with slower rates of verbal memory and fluency decline among older adults living alone. This suggests that pet ownership may offset the negative effects of social isolation on cognitive health.
A national cohort study found over half medical interns experienced sexual harassment, highlighting institutional and specialty training variations in their experiences. The study emphasizes the role of residency programs and institutions in combating this widespread problem.
A prognostic study of 1,000 very preterm infants found predictive modeling can identify those at risk for cognitive impairment. This allows for targeted interventions to be implemented early, potentially improving outcomes.
A study of 70 autistic youths in psychiatric hospitals found wearable biosensing and machine learning can identify impending aggressive behaviors. The findings suggest a potential for developing adaptive intervention systems to prevent aggression.
A systematic review of 120 studies with 14,000 participants revealed underrepresentation of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous groups in neonatal clinical trials. Geographic representation was also unevenly distributed, with some US regions underrepresented.
A pilot pragmatic clinical trial found daily-delivered meals lowered nursing home placement risk among people with self-reported dementia. Although not statistically significant, the feasibility of this intervention warrants further exploration in a larger trial.
The number of new dermatologic drug approvals by the FDA increased significantly between 2012 and 2022, with nearly half considered first in class or indication. This surge in approvals was deemed clinically useful or to have high added therapeutic benefit by health technology assessment organizations.