A new study published at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting found that adolescents with high social media use had triple the odds of recent alcohol use compared to non-users. The study suggests that digital literacy and safe online navigation are crucial in reducing exposure to alcohol-related content.
The study found that outpatient care for youth is driving the growth, with nicotine, cannabis, and opioids being the most common substances. Despite this, alcohol-related visits have declined in all care settings over the past 16 years.
A new study found that infants receiving maternal RSV vaccination or Nirsevimab after birth had significantly lower RSV infection rates and fewer severe complications. The study showed a high uptake of the vaccines among pregnant patients and newborns, leading to declining rates of RSV-related illnesses.
A pilot study of 100 exclusively breastfeeding women found that maternal dairy intake is associated with decreased concentrations of numerous human milk lipids. The study suggests a link between healthy dairy intake and lower levels of specific milk lipid species, which may have implications for infant health.
New research suggests exposure to fathers' depression in pre-adolescence is associated with poor educational outcomes among males, but not females. Early identification and family-centered support can help promote school success and long-term well-being for affected sons.
Researchers developed Plan & Protect, a technology-guided safety planning program for rural youth with suicidality seeking care in emergency departments. The program aims to enhance accessibility and usability of safety planning in resource-limited settings, supporting more effective crisis care for adolescents in rural communities.
A new study examined geographic patterns in autism diagnosis by primary care providers among Medicaid-enrolled children in 29 states, finding significant variation between regions. The study found that 29% of children were diagnosed with ASD by a primary care provider, with rates varying from 20.0% in the Midwest to 36.4% in the West.
The study found that low influenza vaccination rates among children are associated with increased healthcare visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. Achieving a 70% immunization rate could prevent up to 2.2 million outpatient visits and 123 pediatric deaths during high-incidence flu seasons.
A recent study has found a significant link between ambient air pollution and an increased burden of respiratory infections in the first year of life. The Immune Development in Early Life (IDEaL) Rome Cohort study suggests that exposure to urban pollutants during infancy may fundamentally shape immune resilience, leading to a higher ri...
A new CHOP study investigates the relationship between parenting and gaming disorder in young children with ADHD, finding that negative parenting behaviors are associated with an increased risk of problematic gaming. The study also highlights the importance of parental involvement in gaming and household limits on gaming consoles.
A new study examined measles vaccination coverage in a primary care network following a large post-elimination outbreak. The findings show that MMR coverage remained below herd immunity levels, highlighting the fragility of measles elimination.
A new study found that US children experience higher all-cause mortality than peers in other high-income nations, with a gap of over 800,000 excess child deaths between 1975 and 2023. The mortality disadvantage is now concentrated among older adolescents, particularly males.
A recent study found that states with stricter firearm laws had significantly lower rates of youth-perpetrated firearm homicides, with a 66% lower rate compared to those in weaker law states. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding how firearm laws shape youth-perpetrated homicides in prevention efforts.
A new study found that children with three or more complex chronic conditions had the highest annual prescription rates and frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. This highlights the need for targeted antibiotic stewardship efforts in this vulnerable population.
The Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) recognizes 46 outstanding trainees and early career professionals for their contributions to pediatric research. The recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend the PAS 2026 Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.
The American Pediatric Society has reinstated the APS Howland Visiting Professor Program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, enabling renowned pediatric leader Bonnie W. Ramsey, MD, to share her expertise and engage with academic professionals.
Dr. Tara O. Henderson is the recipient of the 2026 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award, recognizing her groundbreaking research and dedication to improving outcomes for children with cancer. She has established a distinguished record as a mentor and educator, shaping the careers of numerous physicians and scientists i...
The American Pediatric Society (APS) has elected 92 new members to join its esteemed community, recognizing child health leaders with extraordinary achievement. The APS Howland Gala will formally recognize the new members during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2026 Meeting in Boston on April 24-27, 2026.
Dr. Harolyn Belcher is recognized for her significant contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity through quality improvement, advocacy, practice, or research. Her work has had a far-reaching impact on the lives of marginalized communities.
Dr. Bruce D. Gelb, a pioneering pediatric cardiologist and geneticist, is honored with the 2026 APS John Howland Award for his groundbreaking research on congenital heart disease and developmental disorders. His work has profoundly shaped our understanding of these conditions and elevated the field of pediatric medicine.
Dr. Wendy K. Chung, MD, PhD, receives the 2026 Mary Ellen Avery Neonatal Research Award for her outstanding contributions to neonatal health through basic or translational research. Her discoveries have transformed newborn screening and improved health outcomes for children with congenital anomalies.
A new study finds that pregnant women treated with buprenorphine have significantly better health outcomes, including reduced preterm birth rates and lower risk of NICU admission. The research highlights the urgent need for expanded treatment access to vulnerable populations.
A new study found that artificial intelligence can better estimate the prevalence of physical abuse in children seen in emergency departments. The AI model correctly identified child abuse in over 35% of cases, outperforming traditional methods that relied solely on diagnostic codes entered by providers or administrative staff.
A recent study found that telehealth visits in pediatric primary care significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections. The research analyzed over 540,000 visits and showed that children treated with telehealth were less likely to receive antibiotics than those examined in person.
A recent study found that children with chronic conditions are hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at twice the rate as healthy children. Researchers recommend that these children receive immunization against RSV in their first season to increase protection, regardless of maternal vaccination status.
A multinational study found that erythropoietin treatment does not prevent death or disability in newborns with critically low levels of oxygen or blood supply to the brain. The research compared outcomes between babies treated with controlled cooling and those receiving both erythropoietin and cooling, but showed no benefit from the a...
A nationwide study reveals that education about firearm safety significantly increases parents' likelihood of asking others about guns in homes their children visit. The research found that caregivers who received information from multiple sources were more likely to ask about firearms, emphasizing the need for ongoing and multifaceted...
Researchers found that antibiotic exposure in the first two years of life was significantly associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) in childhood. The study followed 33,095 vaginally born children in Finland to see if antibiotics before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after birth were linked to higher BMI at age two and age 12.
Researchers developed a new DNA-reading technology that identified more genomic imprinting in DNA, contributing to rare pediatric diseases. The study used HiFi long-read sequencing to analyze over 200 genetic samples and found widespread parent-of-origin effects on methylation at thousands of novel loci.
The Pediatric Academic Societies have awarded 33 Trainee Travel Grants to recognize and support emerging talent in pediatric research. The grants include complimentary registration to the PAS 2025 Meeting and a $500 travel grant to encourage participation.
Dr. Beth Tarini receives the award for her clinical and research interests in genetic testing in pediatric care, including delivery of care following positive newborn screenings. She is a nationally recognized leader and scholar who supports growing child health research workforce.
The American Pediatric Society has welcomed 98 new members for 2025, including outstanding advocates, scholars, educators, and clinicians. These individuals have distinguished themselves as child health leaders and are making a significant impact on the lives of children throughout North America and the world.
The American Pediatric Society recognizes Dr. Maria Trent's outstanding contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity through quality improvement, advocacy, practice, or research. Her work has forged many collaborations on various facets of adolescent sexual health across multiple disciplines.
Dr. Bonnie W. Ramsey is recognized for her significant contributions to advancing child health and the profession of pediatrics. Her work on cystic fibrosis has dramatically improved life expectancy for children with the disease.
Dr. Rachel Katzenellenbogen, a renowned pediatric scientist, has been awarded the 2024 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award by the American Pediatric Society. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated cancers.
Dr. Glenn Flores has been recognized for his significant contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity through quality improvement, advocacy, and research. His work aims to eliminate disparities and foster equity for underserved children and families.
Dr. Alan Jobe, MD, PhD, is recognized for his pioneering work in neonatal lung diseases, advancing the field of bronchopulmonary dysplasia research. The APS John Howland Award acknowledges his commitment to improving global health outcomes, particularly in low-income countries.
Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, a renowned pediatrician, has been awarded the 2023 APS John Howland Award for her groundbreaking work in advancing child health and infectious diseases. Her tireless advocacy has led to significant improvements in preventing perinatal HIV infection and vaccine-preventable illnesses.
The Pediatric Academic Societies 2022 meeting will feature over 60 specialties presenting on various topics, with 500 hours of content available. The event will also include keynote speakers and a full scientific program with oral abstract presentations and posters.
Researchers found no evidence that early selective treatment with ibuprofen reduces death or moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extreme preterm infants. However, treatment reduced the risk of an open patent ductus arteriosus and surgical treatment for a symptomatic PDA.
A study examines adolescent perspectives on TikTok's mental health benefits and risks, including how the algorithm enables unique connections with peers around interests and mental health struggles. Participants also discussed excessive use, peer comparison, and challenges in regulating their TikTok use.
A randomized clinical trial found that outreach messages were minimally effective at promoting scheduling of adolescent well care visits, but had limited impact on completing visits. Efforts to address widening disparities are needed.
A randomized controlled trial found that furosemide increases the risk of electrolyte adverse events but no difference in hearing loss or nephrocalcinosis was observed. The study suggests caution when using furosemide in preterm infants at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Researchers investigated the use of intranasal human milk as a stem cell therapy for preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage. The study found that preterm infants could tolerate nasal milk therapy without major safety events, paving the way for further research on long-term outcomes.
A study found that fetuses with single-ventricle congenital heart disease are more susceptible to social-emotional problems compared to those with two-ventricle congenital heart disease. Infants with impaired prenatal brain growth also experience worsened language, cognitive, and motor outcomes by 18 months.
A new study examines factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake in the autism community, revealing that early skepticism waned over time. The majority of caregivers eventually received the vaccine following FDA approval. Firmly held vaccine-hesitant beliefs influenced a minority of autism spectrum disorder caregivers.
A new study examines the effect of rapid infusion of sodium bicarbonate on gas exchange and coronary and cerebral perfusion in the immediate post-resuscitation phase. The study found that rapid administration led to a significant rise in myocardial and cerebral perfusion, as well as higher levels of exhaled carbon dioxide.
The study compares current recommendations for ventilation and chest compression versus ventilation during neonatal resuscitation using an ovine model. The findings suggest that optimizing ventilation could reduce the need for chest compressions and improve gas exchange in neonates, potentially improving overall outcomes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in mental health visits in pediatric primary care, with significant rises in eating disorders and mood disorders. The study highlights the importance of screening and managing youth mental health conditions in primary care during periods of social isolation.
Dr. David G. Nichols has been recognized with the inaugural APS Health Equity Award for his outstanding contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity. He will receive the award during the APS Presidential Plenary at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting in Denver.