Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A new study suggests that mRNA COVID-19 vaccination may protect against post-COVID condition symptoms in children. The findings support the benefits of vaccination beyond acute protection, encouraging increased pediatric uptake.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
Researchers found significant disparities in behavioral flag incidence among racially and socioeconomically marginalized pediatric patients. Black or African American patients younger than 8 years were disproportionately affected.
A retrospective natural history study of 30 patients with single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes (SLSMD) reveals a broader clinical presentation than previously thought. The study identifies key molecular details, including a recurrent deleted region in the MT-ND5 gene and elevated levels of biomarker GDF-15.
Kimberly Stegmaier appointed as Chair of Pediatric Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Associate Chief of Division of Hematology/Oncology at Boston Children's Hospital. She will focus on acute leukemias and pediatric solid tumors, pioneering genomic approaches to identify new therapies for childhood cancer.
The joint venture aims to build the world's preeminent pediatric cancer center, increasing access to care and clinical trials. Collaborative operations will launch in early 2026, featuring a focus on new facilities with latest medical technology.
The joint venture will unite the nation's largest comprehensive pediatric system with a top pediatric cancer program and the nation's leading comprehensive cancer center. The collaboration aims to accelerate improved outcomes for patients in Texas and around the world, increasing access to clinical trials and innovative treatments.
The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.
A new study found that children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) are at a higher risk of developing intellectual disability, autism, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, epilepsy, and chronic lung diseases. They also experience more medical diagnoses and require longer hospital stays than other children.
The Damon Runyon-St. Jude Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship aims to address a funding gap for pediatric cancer research. The program supports innovative projects that could significantly impact the diagnosis or treatment of one or more pediatric cancers.
A new study found that white children were nearly twice as likely to have completed genetic testing, despite similar rates of test requests. The study also showed that insurance coverage for genetic testing was denied at higher rates for Black children, with disparities that could not be fully explained by socioeconomic factors.
Children exposed to low to moderate levels of prenatal alcohol showed characteristic facial changes that persisted until age 6 or 8. No linear association between alcohol exposure and facial shape was found, suggesting other factors at play.
A new study led by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found that children with high-threshold peanut allergy can be treated with a safe and effective approach, allowing them to tolerate larger doses of peanut butter. The treatment involves gradually increasing doses over 18 months, resulting in sustained unresponsiveness to peanuts fo...
A recent study found that from 2009 through 2020, child victims in mass shootings were most likely to be killed by parents or family members. The research highlights the often-overlooked role of domestic violence in these tragic events.
Researchers report that eating increasingly higher doses of peanut butter enabled 100% of children with peanut allergy who initially tolerated half a peanut to consume three tablespoons without an allergic reaction. The therapy could potentially fulfill an unmet need for about half of children with peanut allergy, who already can toler...
A comprehensive review explores metronomic chemotherapy's potential to improve survival prospects for children with high-risk and relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. Early studies report promising results, including disease control rates up to 45%, particularly in high-risk patients.
Two comprehensive datasets from the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program explore childhood cancers and congenital disorders. The new datasets aim to identify genetic causes and links between these diseases in children, ultimately supporting the development of improved treatments.
The partnership aims to accelerate discoveries and develop life-changing therapies for children with cancer and rare diseases. By combining expertise in pediatric care and cutting-edge technology, the organizations hope to make significant strides in understanding and treating devastating childhood diagnoses.
Eleven scientists will be recognized for their individual exceptional professional achievements and contributions to stroke care and research. Four groundbreaking scientists are devoted to stroke research, while six others will be recognized for their new research findings presented during the meeting.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that post-COVID condition (PCC) continues to affect US children with significant activity limitation. The research highlights the importance of examining PCC severity and its impact on school attendance, emphasizing the need for continued investigation into this ongoing issue.
A recent study found that half of US adolescents spend at least 66 minutes per day on their smartphones during school hours, with the majority using messaging and social media apps.
A multi-institutional study identified the specific milk protein triggering a patient's case of eosinophilic esophagitis, an inflammatory disease of the esophagus. The findings represent the first time any research team has described molecular details of food antigen recognition in EoE.
A new clinical trial found that a self-guided family-based treatment approach is as effective as traditional clinician-led approaches in helping children with obesity. This approach requires fewer contact hours, is more flexible, and significantly reduces costs.
The BP-CATCH trial found significant racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric counseling for children with high blood pressure, but no disparities were observed among those with or without obesity. The study highlights the need to address these disparities to provide equitable care to all patients.
Researchers from Notre Dame and a Mexican hospital created a cooperative cancer monitoring tool to track children's health in low-income communities. The SaludConectaMX system aims to alleviate the challenges faced by families with pediatric cancer, including fragmented healthcare systems and limited access to resources.
Researchers found large pediatric centers achieve low rates of delayed diagnosis with low CT use, likely due to high-quality ultrasound capabilities. The study aims to drive diagnostic improvements by promoting adherence to best practices and coordinated care.
New research from VCU and Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU shows a decline in infant mortality rates by 24.2% between 1999 and 2022. However, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) mortality rates have risen significantly, with the highest rates among Black, Native Hawaiian, and Native American infants.
A recent study found that infant mortality from sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) has increased significantly in the US, affecting Black infants disproportionately. The analysis suggests possible explanations for this trend, including COVID-19 and maternal opioid use.
Researchers developed a method to detect H3K27M-mutant droplets from circulating tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of leptomeningeal disease. This approach improved survival rates for patients with diffuse midline gliomas.
A study by Italian scientists has identified a distinct protein signature in the blood plasma of pediatric patients with Long COVID, characterized by increased inflammation and endothelial damage. The discovery could lead to the development of a simple diagnostic test based on a blood sample.
Research reveals that normal term birth triggers a cellular process involving glutamine metabolism in neural stem cells, which is impaired by preterm birth. This process affects postnatal neurogenesis and may contribute to worse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found elevated suicide risk in children as young as eight years old, emphasizing the importance of universal screening. The study suggests that children with neurodevelopmental differences have comparable risks to their peers, highlighting the need for inclusive screenings.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that childhood obesity treatment can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in young adults. However, it did not have a lasting impact on depression and anxiety, which remained unchanged regardless of treatment outcomes.
A recent study found that effective pediatric obesity treatment is associated with lower incidences of mortality in young adulthood. The treatment was also linked to reduced long-term morbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.
A new study published in Cell reveals significant differences in the immune response of children and adults to cancer, with potential implications for targeted therapies. The research shows that children's tumours are generally less inflammatory and have fewer mutations, making them appear less foreign to their immune system.
The University Hospitals fundraising campaign, Because of You, has received over $1.5 billion in community support towards its ambitious $2 billion goal. This milestone marks a significant commitment to advancing healthcare services and care for patients across the country.
A study published in Pediatric Investigation found that microbial cell-free DNA testing predicted infectious organisms consistent with traditional culturing tests in 26.9% of pediatric patients, but its utility was variable due to factors like antibiotic exposure and contamination.
Dr. Jennifer Jao has been selected as Co-Chair of the International Maternal Pediatric and Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) Network to guide critical work in improving HIV health outcomes globally. Dr. Jao's research focuses on pregnant individuals, children, and adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV.
A recent population-based study indicates that among children with cancer, those with obesity at the time of diagnosis may face an elevated risk of dying. The study found a significant negative impact of obesity on prognosis, particularly in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors.
A new UC San Francisco study found that most 11- and 12-year-olds use TikTok and other social media platforms against the rules, showing signs of addiction. The study also revealed a quarter of children reported elements of addiction while using social media, linked to depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and disruptive behaviors.
A new AI system analyzed electronic health records of long-COVID patients to identify four sub-populations with specific needs, including those with asthma or mental health conditions. The study found that these sub-populations require more specialized care and pointed toward updated profiles for hospitals to better address their needs.
Researchers document five cases of parvovirus B19-induced myocarditis in preschoolers from northern Greece, highlighting the virus's unique impact on endothelial cells. The study emphasizes the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in children.
A report by the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health calls for new laws to test chemicals for safety and toxicity before they enter markets. The authors propose a more precautionary approach to prioritize health protection over unconstrained production of synthetic chemicals and plastics.
A cross-sectional study found that maternal use of certain antidepressants and anti-inflammatory medications can lower protein and fat levels in breast milk. This may impose health risks on infants who are breastfed by mothers taking these medications, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the clinical implications.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and colleagues reveals that less than 0.1% of privately insured US adolescents receive puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones. No TGD patients under age 12 were prescribed hormone treatment, indicating low access to care among this population.
A longitudinal cohort study reveals that early-life infection burden may continue throughout childhood, increasing the risk of future infections and antibiotics use. The findings suggest that high infection burdens in early life are independently associated with later antibiotic treatments.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found an inverse association between fluoride exposure and children's IQ scores. The findings suggest a dose-response relationship between fluoride levels and IQ across multiple countries, highlighting the need for comprehensive public health risk-benefit assessments of fluoride exposures.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a non-invasive nasal swab test that diagnoses specific asthma subtype, or endotype, in children. The test, published in JAMA, shows promise for improving asthma treatment outcomes and paving the way for better treatments for lesser-studied asthma types.
A case-control study found that flu vaccination protects children from all levels of severe influenza illness, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for this population. The findings suggest that vaccine should be administered to pediatric patients to prevent severe influenza.
According to a new survey, over half of U.S. adults believe the RSV vaccine is effective in protecting infants from the virus, up from 42% last year. The rise in perceived effectiveness comes as several politicians have cast doubt on the vaccine's safety and efficacy.
US youths experience disparities in firearm and motor vehicle crash fatality rates across different age groups, sexes, races, and ethnicities. A multipronged approach is necessary to address these leading causes of death, focusing on individual, community, and policy levels for high-risk groups.
Between 2020 and 2023, buprenorphine dispensing to adolescents increased, while prescribing declined among young adults. These changes are attributed to improved outreach, telehealth prescriptions, and elimination of waiver requirements.
Early treatment with TNF inhibitors has been shown to prevent complications in kids with Crohn's disease, reducing the risk of perianal fistulas by 82%. The study found that anti-TNF drugs are specifically effective in preventing these debilitating complications, making them a recommended first-line therapy.
A new multicenter study design utilizing impulse oscillometry successfully assessed lung function in premature children, showing high technical acceptability and research-quality data. The study's protocol may provide a framework for future research on lung health in former preterm patients.
A recent study published in Journal of Dental Research examined the relationship between early childhood fluoride exposure and cognitive development. The research found that there were no significant effects of fluoride exposure on cognitive neurodevelopment, with the hypothesis of non-inferiority tests also supporting this conclusion.
A new University of Minnesota Medical School study highlights how children ages 4 to 12 interpret common medical phrases, revealing surprising misunderstandings. The research team recommends that healthcare professionals avoid jargon and use developmentally appropriate language to improve child patients' experiences.
A study by UCSF researchers found that language, education, and age affect someone's ability to engage with digital health tools. Young English speakers are most comfortable using digital health tools, but others face barriers due to limited education or language proficiency.
Researchers discovered a novel combination of plasma-based biomarkers that can predict liver fibrosis in Latino adolescents with obesity. The study found that dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly associated with fibrosis, suggesting a potential low-cost, noninvasive screening tool.
A new blood test reveals heart transplant patients at risk of rejection by analyzing DNA fragments in their blood. This non-invasive test is comparable to existing US tests and could save millions in public healthcare costs.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Stanford University have developed a new immunotherapy platform called TRACeR-I, which can more accurately recognize a wide variety of surface proteins expressed by cancer cells. This improved recognition enables the body's own immune system to target cancer cells more effectively.