A new study found a significant increase in severe Strep A cases in Australia, with rates among Indigenous children being twice that of non-indigenous children. The study highlights the need for an effective vaccine against Strep A, which causes serious infections and kills over 500,000 people globally every year.
A Murdoch Children's Research Institute-led review found COVID-19 vaccines are effective against severe cases of the disease in children and adolescents. However, with most children now having caught the SARS-CoV-2 virus and building up a natural immunity, the additional benefit of vaccination in healthy children is minimal. The review...
A new study found that babies with food allergies are more likely to develop asthma and have reduced lung function by six years of age. Early life food allergy was associated with an increased risk of both conditions, even if the allergy resolved or persisted.
Scientists have uncovered how gamma delta T cells develop in the body and produce an immune response. The discovery could lead to the development of more preventive treatments for cancer and highly infectious diseases.
A new study suggests that wastewater monitoring can be an effective way to track the spread of infectious diseases. The research found that testing for COVID-19 in wastewater was an objective way to measure where the disease was spreading, with most samples processed in under four days.
A new study found that three million children and adolescents die from infectious diseases every year, with the greatest impact on low- and middle-income countries. The research highlights the need for policy change and funding to address this unmet health need among older children and adolescents.
Researchers used infected stem cells to study COVID-19's impact on organs, identifying effective anti-viral drugs for treatment. The study found distinct antiviral profiles in heart and lungs, paving the way for new therapeutic options.
A world-leading international trial has found that the BCG vaccine does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19, despite boosting 'front-line' immunity in infants and protecting against respiratory infections. The research involved 3988 healthcare workers and showed a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in the BCG group.
A new study found that children with COVID-19 and pre-existing high-risk conditions can be effectively treated at home, avoiding hospitalization. The Hospital-in-the-Home program recorded a 21% increase in patients and a 132% jump in telehealth appointments.
A recent study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute has revealed a new pathway for how genetic mutations impact heart muscle function. The research identifies the gene ALPK3 as a key player in cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases affecting the heart's ability to pump blood, and provides hope for new targeted therapies.
A large-scale international study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a 3-4% reduction in preterm births worldwide, averting nearly 50,000 preterm pregnancies during the first month of lockdown. However, this decrease was limited to high-income countries, including Australia.
A global study found that almost half of newborns were separated from their mother, leading to low breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact rates. Despite rare transmission and mild cases, the pandemic's impact on family-centred care was significant.
Early follow-up and frequent GP visits are associated with reduced ED presentations, hospital readmissions, and improved asthma outcomes. Gaps in primary care network care highlight the need for better coordination between hospitals and GPs.
The world's first international clinical guidelines have been created to prevent and treat heart complications in children undergoing cancer treatment. The guidelines cover cardiovascular disease assessment, screening, and follow-up for pediatric patients receiving various cancer treatments.
A simple saline nasal spray was found to be as effective as an anti-inflammatory steroid nasal spray at easing sleep disordered breathing in children. The study showed that the nasal spray cleared symptoms while asleep in about 40% of cases and reduced the need for tonsil removals by half.
A new 16-week trial will test whether a medication that targets gut bacteria can improve irritability in teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. The study aims to reduce the entry of certain substances produced by gut bacteria into the brain via the bloodstream, potentially reducing traits of irritability and anxiety.
A new study finds that children with severe forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome, are at high risk of seizures triggered by the flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for these children to protect them from complications and prolong their survival.
A pilot study will investigate the use of medicinal cannabis to ease symptoms in children and adolescents with non-oncological conditions. The trial aims to determine acceptability and feasibility, with potential breakthroughs for treating debilitating symptoms such as pain and seizures.
Researchers are recruiting over 1500 UK participants to study the genetic basis of stammering. The largest study of its kind hopes to identify genes linked to the condition and develop new therapies targeting the underlying causes.
A new study published in Neurology found that most children with Bell's palsy recover within six months without medication. The research showed no significant impact of steroid prednisolone on child recovery from the condition.
A mass drug administration (MDA) program with ivermectin is being delivered on a mass scale in the Solomon Islands, a world first. The program aims to prevent scabies, a contagious and itchy skin condition that affects a third of the nation's children.
Researchers have successfully engineered human immune cells to model an infection common among immunocompromised people, paving the way for new drug testing and treatments. The immune cell type created played a key role in infection, inflammation, and regeneration, but also served as a natural host for germs.
A new study has shown that the TB vaccine can produce a long-lasting 'trained immunity response' in infants, lasting more than 14 months after vaccination. The research found that the BCG vaccine's off-target effects on the immune system can lead to reprogramming of genes in a specific blood cell type, known as monocytes.
A study found that one in three children with asthma are readmitted to hospital, with most presentations being preventable. Gaps in care and lack of follow-up appointments contribute to high readmission rates. Interactive digital symptom monitoring and community-based education programs can help reduce readmissions.
Australian researchers have discovered specific gene networks rewired to drive peanut allergy remission through a combination treatment of probiotic and oral immunotherapy. This network reprogramming shuts down the allergic immune response responsible for causing food allergies.
A recent study published by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found no significant association between caesarean birth and the development of food allergies in infants. The research involved over 2,000 infants and suggested that babies born via caesarean delivery are not at a higher risk of developing food allergies.
Researchers discovered a potential pathway linking early life infections to cardiovascular disease risk later in adulthood. High rates of infant infections were associated with elevated inflammation markers and changes to metabolic profiles.
A study has identified disease mechanisms in children with severe COVID-19, including blood clotting and immune protein pathways. The research found specific proteins involved in multisystem inflammatory syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which are major potential outcomes of severe COVID-19.
Australian researchers have discovered a new neurodevelopmental disorder linked to the tumor suppressor gene FBXW7. The condition causes mild to severe developmental delay, intellectual disability, and other symptoms, with genetic variations in this gene found in 28 individuals from 32 families worldwide.
A study tracking children for up to half a century found five childhood risk factors predict fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in adulthood. The findings emphasize the importance of preventive strategies starting in childhood.
A new study found that most children living in out-of-home care don't access health services within nationally required timeframes, highlighting a significant gap in the system. The research revealed that only one in 130 had attended all recommended health services within 12 months of entering out-of-home care.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for managing symptoms and improving access to multidisciplinary care for children with CMT. The guidelines promote optimal, standardized care globally and are critical for clinical trial readiness.
A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy can affect certain regions of DNA, influencing immune function and susceptibility to autoimmune disease. The research has important implications for counseling transgender children and adolescents about the effects of hormone therapies.
A new study found that serious allergic reactions to food among children have flattened since changes to Australian infant feeding guidelines. The research showed a slowing rate of increase in hospital admissions for food anaphylaxis among young children and teenagers, but overall rates remain high. Experts emphasize the need for effec...
A new study found that one dose of ivermectin was just as effective as two doses in reducing scabies prevalence and impetigo cases. The 'screen-and-treat' approach using permethrin cream was also effective, but impractical for large-scale implementation.
A new study by Murdoch Children's Research Institute calls for increased support for student mental health, including training for educators and co-locating mental health clinicians. The researchers believe schools can play a crucial role in identifying at-risk children and providing prevention and early intervention strategies.
Two new treatments have been found to induce peanut allergy remission in children, with about half achieving remission and experiencing significant improvements in quality of life. The combination treatment and oral immunotherapy alone were both highly effective, providing substantial benefits for children's health and well-being.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that the Australian-developed neonatal rotavirus vaccine RV3-BB was safe and produced a robust immune response in African babies. The reduced dose of the vaccine generated an equivalent immune response as the highest dose, offering opportunities to reduce vaccine manufacturing costs.
A new test has been developed to screen for three rare genetic disorders - Prader Willi, Angelman, and Dup15q syndromes - in newborns. The test uses Methylation Specific-Quantitative Melt Analysis (MS-QMA) and showed high accuracy in distinguishing between those with the disorders and those without.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on children's mental well-being, with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Academic performance has also suffered due to virtual learning and reduced access to healthcare, exacerbating existing achievement gaps. Physical health issues have been exacerbated by reduced ...
A new study found that regular antibiotic treatment with penicillin significantly reduced the risk of underlying rheumatic heart disease progression in children and adolescents. Early screening was critical in preventing serious disease progression and death in young children.
A new study published in the European Journal of Cancer found that most children with cancer have mild COVID-19 disease and make a full recovery. However, patients with underlying health conditions, severe infections, and low white blood cell counts were significantly more likely to experience severe disease. The research involved 131 ...
A new review highlights the complexity of vaccinating children under 12 years against COVID-19, weighing risk and benefit. The review suggests that further data is needed to confirm the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing disease in this age group.
A cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine has effectively provided protection against the flu in children and adolescents. The study found that the vaccine produced a sufficient immune response in children aged two to 18 years, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 54.6 per cent.
A systematic review found that azithromycin reduced low birth weight and prematurity in Africa and Asia but didn't lower infant deaths or hospital admissions. The study suggests the potential benefits of this intervention on neonatal outcomes may be limited, highlighting the need for further research.
A recent review of international studies found that persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection were most common among children with pre-existing health conditions. However, symptoms rarely lasted beyond 12 weeks in young people, suggesting long COVID may be less concerning than in adults.
A new saliva test for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been shown to be feasible and well-received by parents, with high uptake and accuracy rates. The test could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study found that the economic burden of caring for children with rare genetic disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and Chromosome 15 imprinting disorders is significant. Earlier diagnosis and targeted interventions could reduce yearly costs by up to $734, depending on the child's intellectual functioning.
A new clinic has significantly improved the mental health and well-being of transgender young people in Melbourne. The First Assessment Single Session Triage (FASST) clinic reduced initial wait times to just 10 months, resulting in lower levels of depression and anxiety.
The World Health Organization and UNESCO have created global standards to embed health and wellbeing into the education system, addressing rising mental health problems. The guidelines cover policy, resources, leadership, and community partnerships, aiming to foster a holistic approach to learning and student health.