A pilot study at Nationwide Children's Hospital demonstrates that a local learning health system can improve clinical quality while reducing healthcare costs. The study implemented an electronic health record and robust care coordination system, resulting in significant reductions in hospital days, admissions, and urgent care visits, a...
A new study found that small calcium deposits in fetal membranes may cause preterm births, which could be prevented through dietary changes. Researchers identified a link between calciprotein particles and the development of osteoblasts in fetal membrane tissue.
Researchers found that specific IFNL3 and HLA-DPB1 genes are linked to a boost in immunity to hepatitis C after childbirth. Women carrying these genes experienced sharp declines in blood viral levels, improved T-cell activity, and better control of the virus after delivery.
A study published by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that treadmill hand burns are the second most common hand injury after stovetop burns, requiring greater and longer care. Children under 5 years old are most prone to these injuries due to curiosity and lack of understanding about potential dangers.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that pediatric burn pain assessment can vary based on nurse clinical experience. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC) was used to rate pain in pediatric patients, with less experienced nurses demonstrating higher accuracy than more experienced ones.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that nearly 70% of children with significant burns treated in low-volume hospitals were released without being transferred to a burn center. The researchers argue that current guidelines may be too broad and need clarification.
A new diagnostic test analyzes ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression in the bloodstream to distinguish bacterial infections from other causes of fever in infants up to 2 months old. The test has shown high sensitivity and specificity, potentially reducing painful exams, unnecessary antibiotic treatments, and hospitalizations.
A study found nearly 361,000 children under 5 were treated for stroller or carrier-related injuries between 1990 and 2010. Head and face injuries accounted for most cases, with traumatic brain injuries on the rise, particularly in carriers.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital identified approximately 12 genes associated with fear and aggression in dogs, distinct from those found in humans. The study has potential implications for veterinary behavioral medicine and human anxiety disorders.
A new chemotherapy, RCn, has shown promising results in killing cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells. The drug effectively shrinks tumors in mice and improves the delivery of other chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to disrupting bacterial biofilms, which are nearly impossible to eradicate when pathogenic. The technique targets extracellular DNA and DNABII proteins in biofilms, resulting in the collapse of bacterial communities and bacterial clearance.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that breastfeeding for six months reduces the risk of ear infections by 30% and diarrhea by 25%. However, pumping breast milk from a bottle also provides some protection against ear infections and may reduce diarrhea risk compared to formula feeding.
A new device enables real-time monitoring of central venous and pulmonary artery pressures in patients with single ventricle Fontan anatomy, reducing the risk of heart failure. The first implantable hemodynamic monitor has been successfully placed in two patients, showing early safety and feasibility.
According to a study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, nearly 1 in 4 babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) received acid-suppressing medications from 2006 to 2013. While the number has decreased since then, concerns remain about the medication's potential risks and effectiveness.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to laundry detergent packets is more hazardous than other types of laundry and dishwasher detergent for children under 6. The study revealed a significant rise in incidents related to packet exposure, with over 30 calls per day received by poison control centers.
A nationwide study found that skateboarding-related injuries affected 64,572 children and adolescents annually, with most being male and injured at home or on the street. The study emphasizes the importance of wearing protective gear and finding safe routes for kids to ride, especially before they reach 6 years old.
A new MRI scoring system revealed gyral maturational delay as a predictor of neurodevelopmental impairment in smaller premature babies. Gyral maturation delay also predicted cognitive delay and increased risk of death. The study suggests that therapies should begin at the earliest moment impairments become obvious.
Loss of major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) expression in motor neurons leads to vulnerability to ALS astrocyte toxicity. Studies show that increased MHCI expression is protective against astrocyte-induced death, providing a potential translational target for ALS treatment.
Involving patients, families, and healthcare professionals in clinical trial design has been shown to increase recruitment rates by 30% and retention rates by 27%. This approach ensures that the needs of all stakeholders are considered, resulting in more accurate and relevant study outcomes.
A recent study evaluated the impact of a pay-for-performance program on pediatricians under a full-risk Medicaid accountable care organization (ACO) for children. The results show that the program was partially responsible for higher performance on quality measures, with significant improvements seen in independent incentivized provide...
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that antibiotics alone can be a safe and effective treatment for children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The non-operative management was associated with less recovery time, lower health costs, and no difference in complications at one year.
A recent study published in American Journal of Epidemiology found that moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy do not harm the child's intelligence or behavior. Researchers analyzed data from 2,197 expectant mothers and found no associations between maternal caffeine intake and childhood obesity or behavioral problems.
Research reveals that babies born extremely premature may benefit from comprehensive perinatal and neonatal care. Sixty infants survived to hospital discharge, with more than half having little to no neurological complications by 18-22 months.
Research from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that delayed umbilical cord clamping in extremely preterm infants led to higher blood pressure readings and reduced need for red blood cell transfusions. The study, which examined 40 infants between 22-27 weeks gestation, showed no immediate safety concerns.
A recent study identified a significant association between childhood kidney stones and thickened arteries, a precursor to cardiovascular diseases. The research found that children with kidney stones showed increased thickness of key arteries, potentially leading to future cardiovascular complications.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that higher doses of hydrocortisone are not associated with brain injury or neurodevelopmental impairments in extremely low birthweight infants. However, the study suggests that lower doses of hydrocortisone may improve cognitive outcomes.
A recent study found that coagulation tests used to monitor internal bleeding in patients taking blood thinners like Xarelto and Eliquis may not be reliable. The tests, such as prothrombin time (PT), PTT, or INR, were found to be elevated in a minority of cases but appear unreliable to measure the risk of internal bleeding.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that headaches increase in fall in children due to stress, routines and sleep changes. Common triggers include poor hydration, prolonged screen time, and lack of adequate sleep.
A nationwide study reveals a significant rise in marijuana exposure among children under 5, with over 75% of cases involving ingestion. The study calls for states to include child safety measures in their laws when considering marijuana legalization.
A nationwide study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals a racial disparity in childhood suicide, with higher rates among black children. The study found that suicide rates have remained stable overall for the past 20 years, but increased significantly among black children between 1993-1997 and 2008-2012.
A study on adolescent bariatric surgery found that severely obese teens experience musculoskeletal pain and functional difficulties. Lower extremity pain was a key predictor of functional impairment and low health-related quality of life scores.
A study published in Pediatrics found that 10% of online breast milk samples contained added cow's milk, a concerning discovery for parents relying on these sources. The research team also identified bacterial and viral contamination in over 75% of purchased samples, highlighting the risks associated with buying human milk online.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between short, distinct episodes of manic symptoms and the development of bipolar disorder in high-risk children. The study suggests that monitoring these symptoms could lead to earlier identification and treatment.
A new simplified feeding approach improves growth and reduces hospital stays in NICU babies. The program results in earlier oral feeds and exclusive oral feeding, leading to shorter stays and lower costs.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics assessed cardiovascular risks among adolescents with severe obesity undergoing weight-loss surgery. The study found that nearly 95% of participants had at least one CVD risk factor, with high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels common among the group.
A recent study published in the IBD Journal found significant racial disparities in the treatment and outcomes of children with Crohn's disease. Black children had a 1.5 times higher frequency of hospital readmissions due to Crohn's disease compared to white children.
A study published in Critical Care Medicine defines the prevalence, associated factors, and time course of vasospasm in children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that children with higher Injury Severity Scores, fever at admission, and lower Glasgow Coma scores were at increased risk of developing vasospasm.
The study assesses the value of care provided by Partners for Kids, a pediatric Accountable Care Organization (ACO), from 2008 to 2013. Results show that PFK reduced growth in healthcare costs compared to Medicaid fee-for-service programs and managed care plans.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 43% of children with positive marijuana urine screens had test results consistent with narcolepsy or abnormal REM sleep patterns. The study highlights the importance of obtaining a urine drug screen before accepting a diagnosis of narcolepsy in adolescents.
Researchers developed a video game to measure upper extremity movement in patients with muscular dystrophy, highly correlating scores with daily activities and mobility. The game, using Kinect technology, measures patient performance and can be used across sites internationally.
A new software pipeline called Churchill can analyze human genomes in as little as 90 minutes, compared to weeks or years with existing technologies. This breakthrough enables rapid diagnosis of genetic diseases and scalable genomic analysis for population studies.
An estimated 3,278,073 children were treated for toy-related injuries in US emergency departments from 1990 to 2011. The study found a nearly 40% increase in injury rate, with foot-powered scooters being a leading cause of injuries among young children.
A new study found that laundry detergent pods pose a significant risk to young children, with 17,230 cases reported between 2012 and 2013. Children under 6 years old accounted for nearly two-thirds of cases, with nearly half experiencing vomiting after exposure.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 63,000 children under six experience medication errors annually, with younger children at higher risk. The most common mistakes involve painkillers and fever-reducers, highlighting the need for better dosing instructions and product packaging.
A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 34% of major trauma patients are undertriaged in the United States. The most common diagnosis for undertriaged patients is traumatic brain injury, affecting over 40%. Increasing trauma center capacity by 51% would be needed to accommodate all undertriaged patients.
Scientists have discovered a new form of dystrophin protein that can be produced through an alternate cellular mechanism in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This mechanism involves an internal ribosome entry site and could offer a novel therapeutic approach for patients with mutations affecting the first four exons.
A study published in Journal of Pediatric Urology found that for most children with antenatal hydronephrosis, continuous antibiotics are not needed. The research suggests that prophylactic antibiotics are only necessary for those with severe conditions, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Researchers found that high school lacrosse players experienced over 1,400 injuries between 2008 and 2012, with concussions making up 22% of the total. The study suggests that girls' lacrosse players are particularly at risk due to a lack of helmet requirements.
Researchers have identified a connection between misfolded proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and preeclampsia, potentially leading to improved diagnostic methods. A new urine test using Congo Red dye has already shown promise in identifying the presence and severity of preeclampsia.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital researchers found that an immune marker can predict which critically ill children with traumatic injuries are at risk of developing a hospital-acquired infection. The study suggests that immune system function plays a critical role in preventing infections in these patients.