Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A new clinical practice guideline aims to standardize the identification and management of infants at increased risk for cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The guideline recommends comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation and referral to developmental services within the first six months of life to access interventions as early as possible.
A $3 million gift from Randy Kendrick establishes the Kelly Tarantello Chair in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at USC, supporting research into genetically engineered pig hearts as a potential bridge to heart transplant. The gift aims to save the lives and improve the health of infants with severe congenital heart disease.
University of Houston researcher Mingfu Wu has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to investigate left ventricular noncompaction, a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study aims to uncover a common mechanism behind different genetic causes of LVNC and potentially identify new targets fo...
A new study found substantial increases in reported intentional substance exposures at US schools among elementary- and middle-school-aged children, with high school-age teens experiencing the highest rates of serious medical outcomes and hospital admissions. Pharmaceutical exposures in this age group were associated with substantially...
A study in pediatric critical care found adopting permissive blood pressure targets resulted in no significant difference in mortality and duration of invasive ventilation at 30 days compared to usual care. The study suggests that a more permissive approach to blood pressure management may be safe for pediatric patients in critical care.
A nasal spray treatment has shown to provide rapid and effective pain relief for children in emergency departments, with 86.2% of children experiencing reduced pain 30 minutes after treatment. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild side effects, offering a simple and effective option for treating children in the emergency department.
A blood test that compares two molecules in the blood can accurately distinguish between bacterial and viral infections in newborn babies with fever. The test showed a high sensitivity and specificity, and could potentially improve treatment and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Rutgers researchers have found that combining literacy promotion with community-based support programs improves developmental outcomes for Latino children from birth to 18 months of age. The study, published in Pediatrics, found that aligning these supports resulted in more responsive parent-child interactions and better social-emotion...
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that dietary interventions can significantly alter outcomes in Hirschsprung disease, suggesting previously unknown mechanisms to improve care for children. The study discovered that a standard diet can induce microscopic and cellular changes in the colons of animal models, leadin...
A UCF researcher and her team used AI to screen existing FDA-approved drugs for potential treatments of schwannoma tumors in children with Neurofibromatosis type 2. The research identified 10 promising candidates, with the most favorable targets stopping tumor cell growth by impacting different cellular mechanisms.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is hosting its annual National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, offering the latest information on medical research, education, and advocacy for children's health. Pediatrician influencers will hold a panel discussion on communicating about health across different social media platforms.
Research analysis of 22 years of US mortality data reveals a widening disparity in infant mortality rates between white and Black populations, with sudden unexpected infant deaths accounting for a significant increase, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and social and economic consequences.
The FDA approved FAYUVI, a gene therapy treatment for pediatric patients with Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A, following years of research at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute. The treatment, developed by Nationwide Children's Hospital, is the fourth gene therapy to gain FDA approval from the institution.
Nationwide Children's Hospital will host Dr. Bruce D. Gelb, MD, 2026 APS John Howland Award winner, for a visiting professor program. Dr. Gelb will share his knowledge and experience in pediatric cardiology and genetics, advancing child health through the APS Howland Visiting Professor Program.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Children's have developed a new screening program for congenital cytomegalovirus, increasing detection rates by 2.5 times. The program identified 34 babies with the virus, showing that expanded screening can be successfully implemented in hospitals.
Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone has been ranked as the No. 1 children's hospital in New York State for pediatric pulmonology and lung surgery. The hospital offers advanced pulmonary care, including pediatric lung transplant expertise, and innovative treatments for complex respiratory and thoracic conditions.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is ranked third among the best pediatric cancer hospitals in the US, reflecting its commitment to advancing care and improving outcomes for children with cancer. The hospital has been recognized for its dedication to research and clinical care, with top survival rates for childhood cancers.
A comprehensive review reveals that necrotizing enterocolitis fundamentally alters brain development in premature infants, leading to lasting cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. The study highlights the role of gut-derived inflammation in driving brain injury and identifies promising new avenues for intervention.
Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center has been recognized as the #1 pediatric cancer program in the nation for 2026-2027, according to U.S. News & World Report. The center brings together two world-class institutions to provide comprehensive care for children with cancer and blood disorders.
A cohort study found that detection-related factors may contribute to reported increases in ASD occurrence estimates. The study suggests that methodological differences, changing service-use patterns, and ascertainment context should be accounted for when interpreting changes in ASD occurrence estimates.
The SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund is providing grants to support research in AI, energy-efficient semiconductors, and non-invasive monitoring. Five campuses will receive funding for projects that could improve cancer diagnostics, circadian rhythm disorders, and burn diagnostics.
The Pediatric Prevention Network, led by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, aims to improve pediatric emergency preparedness and resilience nationwide. The network will develop evidence-based solutions to strengthen preparedness and improve outcomes for children, building on the expertise and experience of UH Rainbow Babies...
Child cancer groups are urging a concerted effort to tackle pediatric sarcomas, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. The groups propose three key priorities to improve collaboration, data sharing, and clinical infrastructure to translate discoveries into effective treatments.
A new study reveals that childhood chemotherapy can cause DNA damage in healthy tissues, including the liver, leading to increased health risks later in life. The research, published in Science, found that platinum-based chemotherapy drugs can 'age' children's healthy cells, causing DNA changes similar to those seen in adult tissues.
The non-profit Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung has awarded 600,000 Euros to Dr. Daniel Kotlarz to advance precision medicine for inflammatory bowel disease in children. The project focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving chronic intestinal inflammation and identifying novel therapeutic targets.
A nationwide birth cohort study found that negative feelings about pregnancy are associated with child developmental delays, while social support reduces risks. Mothers who reported 'no specific feelings' when learning of their pregnancy had the strongest association with developmental delays, highlighting the importance of identifying...
A national study of over 230,000 pediatric trauma patients found that signs of hemodynamic instability may appear earlier than current standards indicate, highlighting the need for more accurate blood pressure thresholds. The study suggests that clinicians may need to recognize and respond to signs of circulatory instability at higher ...
A study by Binghamton University found that 8-10% of children can carry strep bacteria even after antibiotic treatment, despite no symptoms. Researchers hope to understand this phenomenon through genome analysis and throat microbiota studies.
A new study reveals a seasonal pattern in community-acquired acute kidney injury in Japan, with incidence peaking in summer and a larger seasonal increase among those aged 19 years and younger. The study highlights the importance of summer prevention strategies.
A national trial found that treating young children with an oral bacterial extract did not reduce the risk of severe wheezing and respiratory illnesses that can precede asthma. The ORBEX trial, led by the University of Arizona, tested the preventive potential of OM-85, a treatment that had shown promise in earlier, smaller studies.
A new study found that babies born with a higher genetic risk for COPD showed reduced lung function growth between birth and six years old, especially in areas with high air pollution. This suggests that early-life environment, including air pollution, may contribute to the foundations of the disease.
A Stanford Medicine study found that pop-up messages warning of social media harms, such as mental health consequences, can reduce young people's use and boost their knowledge of risks. The study, which tested 14 warnings, found that messages on overall mental health harms, depression, and anxiety resonated most with young people.
Emergency visits by children with suicide-related crises increased by 74% in hospitals with lower pediatric volume, often lacking specialized resources. These EDs often struggle to provide timely, effective, and equitable care to children in mental health crises.
Researchers identified referral gaps, diagnostic waits, and service pressures that can delay action after early autism concerns emerge. The study suggests practical changes to improve coordination and timely support for families, including repeat surveillance, closed-loop referral tracking, and needs-based support.
A new study by CHOP researchers reveals that C. difficile colonization in infants can lead to a remodeling of the developing epithelium and a reshaping of the mucosal immune system, potentially increasing the risk of some viral infections in adulthood. Early life exposure to C. difficile may have profound effects on healthy development...
Researchers identified biomarkers of bone formation that declined with corticosteroid treatment, but recovered after transitioning to vamorolone. The study provides insights into the effects of corticosteroids on childhood growth and bone health.
Lurie Children's hospital is launching a clinical trial for a new radiation therapy that spares healthy tissue, offering hope to children with brain tumors. The trial will use a novel technology to deliver higher doses of radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
A phase 3 trial shows infigratinib treatment significantly improves growth in children with achondroplasia, a skeletal condition causing disproportionate short stature. The oral treatment option is particularly suitable for early intervention in infants, who are most likely to benefit from pharmacologic treatment.
Enterovirus infections in children can lead to severe diseases, and current vaccines only cover certain serotypes. The review highlights the need for further research to expand preventive and therapeutic options. Rapid viral evolution complicates disease diagnosis and treatment.
A nationwide study of over 100,000 children found certain fertility treatments, including ovulation induction, IUI, and IVF, are associated with an increased risk of Kawasaki disease before age 5. The study's findings highlight the need for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying Kawasaki disease.
A cross-sectional study suggests that seeking emotional support from generative AI is a unique marker of psychological distress in children and adolescents. Clinical frameworks and digital literacy programs should distinguish between functional AI assistance and algorithmic interfaces as a digital refuge for emotional needs.
A new study examining 39,761 students in Ontario school boards found that 1 in 5 students used AI for emotional needs, with those who did being more likely to struggle with serious emotional problems and feel isolated. The study urges parents, educators, and clinicians to pay attention to why young people turn to chatbots.
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital is the first hospital in the US to implant an expandable heart valve, the Autus Valve, during the FDA review phase. The device is designed to grow with children and can potentially reduce the need for replacement surgeries.
Researchers identified a critical postnatal window in which excessive FGFR2 signaling drives coronal craniosynostosis by reducing GLI1+ progenitors and promoting abnormal osteogenesis. Restoring suture patency or RA signaling rescues structural and neurocognitive abnormalities.
A new study suggests that children with cerebral palsy born very preterm may need closer nutritional and rehabilitation monitoring due to higher risks of undernutrition and functional impairments. The study found that gestational age should be considered when assessing nutrition and rehabilitation needs in children with cerebral palsy.
A new study reveals a 3,307% increase in recreational drug ingestions among young children from 2000 to 2024, with most ingestions involving cannabinoids. The ingestion rate of marijuana edibles increased by 2,349% from 2015 to 2024, driven by the rapid growth of marijuana edibles and state legalization of cannabis.
A national study led by Lurie Children's Hospital finds that doctors may not always agree on common signs of pneumonia, such as crackles and decreased breath sounds, when examining the same child. The study suggests that a physical exam alone may not be enough to confidently diagnose pneumonia in children, highlighting the need for bet...
A study by Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing and listening skills in children with severe hearing loss, even at younger ages. The study showed that most children experienced meaningful improvements within a year after receiving a cochlear implant.
PCORI awards funding for new patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research, addressing key healthcare questions and generating evidence for better-informed decisions. The projects will focus on emergency, hospital, and surgical care, as well as mental and behavioral health, to improve health outcomes.
UCSF's new center aims to train 1,000 health care providers annually and develop screening tools to identify eating disorders. The center will also serve as a national hub for eating disorders research, connecting investigators across institutions and disciplines.
The 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference, 'Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy,' will explore strategies for preventing and treating childhood obesity, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and community leaders. The conference will feature keynotes, sessions, and poster presentations on emerging topics in pedi...
According to a national poll, many parents face challenges getting their kids to eat a healthy breakfast before school. Common barriers include picky eating, time constraints, and morning moods. Parents can make a difference by offering nutritious options and letting their child decide, even with busy school mornings.
A new research tool, PGS-TRI, analyzes family data to understand how genetics and environment contribute to autism risk. The tool provides a more precise look at how 'nature' and 'nurture' interact within families, allowing researchers to better understand the complex factors that shape a child's health.
A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a strong association between alcohol marketing exposure and increased drinking outcomes among youth. The study's findings suggest that reducing alcohol marketing can help mitigate the risk of youth drinking, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this public health con...
A nationwide quality improvement initiative led by UC Davis Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics increased screening and follow-up care for adolescent substance use and mental health concerns. Clinics implemented evidence-based strategies, including validated screening instruments, and reported significant improvements in pati...
Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough in gene therapy, restoring heart function in lab-grown patient heart tissue and mouse models with genetic heart disease. The therapy may also correct other genetic heart diseases, including those caused by the MYH7 gene and TTN truncating variants.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that decision support guidelines can safely reduce unnecessary endotracheal aspirate culture testing for children with respiratory complications. The study, funded by the NIH and AHRQ, found a 16% decline in EAC culture testing among patients without signs of respiratory tract infection.
Charles W.M. Roberts, a renowned physician-scientist, will lead St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in accelerating progress against childhood cancer and catastrophic diseases. With his expertise in cancer epigenetics and clinical research, Roberts aims to transform outcomes for children worldwide.
A cohort study found that excessive parental smartphone use is associated with slower language development in children, while digital device ownership is linked to lower concurrent language performance. The study highlights the importance of considering screen use in the broader family context when evaluating children's language develo...
A decade-long review of Kids First DRC shows how shared data expands research opportunities across diseases, institutions, and scientific disciplines. The resource has supported findings with potential to improve diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment in pediatric care.