Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A cohort study of students in grades 4-12 found that social media use varied by age and sex, with heavy use linked to poorer well-being. The study's findings suggest that abstinence from social media may not always be beneficial for adolescents.
From 2022 to 2025, US counties saw a population-level decline in child poverty rates overall. However, Black and Hispanic children continued to experience disproportionately higher poverty rates compared to white children.
A study found that vaccinating pregnant women increases protection for infants against whooping cough, a highly contagious disease. The research team also showed that whole-cell pertussis vaccines provide longer-lasting protection than acellular vaccines, and recommends vaccination during pregnancy as a double-layered defense.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has received an $8.5 million NIH grant renewal to continue groundbreaking research on long-term outcomes for children with congenital heart disease. The project will unite clinical leaders and registry data from all 25 congenital heart surgical centers across four states to study how differences in health care ...
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.
The CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making for some childhood vaccinations, allowing parents to choose or skip certain vaccines. However, a survey found that many Americans are unclear about what this means and who can be included as health care providers in the discussion.
Researchers discovered that sevoflurane impairs neurogenesis and cognitive function by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation in neural stem/progenitor cells. Enhancing FAO activity in NSPCs attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis impairment, suggesting a new mechanism of sevoflurane neurodevelopmental toxicity.
A multi-center observational study found that households facing food insecurity and challenges like low social support had a significantly higher risk of long COVID. Healthy diets may protect against the risk, highlighting the need for addressing adverse social factors in disease prevention.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine has identified a combination of statins and phenothiazines that shows promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma. The drug combination was found to impede tumour growth and improve survival rates in laboratory trials with mice.
A meta-analysis found nirsevimab to be associated with reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits for lower respiratory tract infections in young children. This suggests the potential of nirsevimab to decrease respiratory-related morbidity in this population.
A population-based surveillance study found both maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab effective in protecting infants from RSV hospitalizations. The studies results show that these products reduced RSV-associated hospitalization rates in newborns and infants under 11 months by up to half compared to previous seasons.
Gracie Greenlaw, an 11-year-old patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, undergoes the world's first pediatric heart and liver dual organ transplant at Children's Hospital Colorado. The groundbreaking procedure, performed by Dr. Megan Adams' team, aims to improve her quality of life by addressing long-term complications from her h...
A new study found that most parents are aware of the importance of introducing peanuts to babies early, but lack clarity on details. Researchers recommend a consistent and timely approach, starting with peanut-containing foods as soon as solids begin, and continued exposure twice a week.
A new Ontario-based study suggests that children aged three months to two years are more likely to visit the emergency department within three days of a virtual primary care appointment compared to an in-person visit. In-person appointments may be preferable for young children with acute concerns.
Researchers discovered that certain gut bacteria are essential for building immune defenses during infancy, and a probiotic fix may be available. Administering a specific probiotic during antibiotic treatment could restore normal MAIT cell development and maintain healthy immune function.
Research shows that 77% of severely injured children are transported or transferred to pediatric trauma centers, highlighting the need for improved access and evidence-based strategies. Variability in access exists across Canadian provinces, with some areas having higher access than others.
A national poll reveals that many parents struggle to provide guidance on healthy eating habits for their teens, particularly during the holiday season. The poll found that only half of parents report their teen eats three meals a day, and nearly a third report their teen snacks throughout the day.
The study found that behavioral health care accounted for $41.8 billion of overall health spending in 2022, with families paying an average of $2.9 billion out-of-pocket. The costs have grown more than twice as fast as other types of medical care, with telehealth visits increasing by 99% per year.
Pediatric behavioral health spending surged to $41.8 billion in 2022, representing 40% of total children's health expenditures, and families faced mounting out-of-pocket costs, increasing at more than twice the rate of other medical expenses.
Behavioral health spending in the US increased significantly between 2017 and 2022, reaching 40% of child health spending. This shift is associated with high family financial burdens due to expanded access to services and supports through insurance coverage and clinician availability.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that only 24% of public insurance patients and 30% of private insurance patients received primary care follow-up within one week of ICU discharge. Younger, healthier children were more likely to receive timely care. The lack of guidance led researchers to investigate this issue.
A phase two trial found that adding dinutuximab beta to chemotherapy improves the best objective response rate and overall survival time for children with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. The treatment resulted in a significant increase in patients' tumors shrinking after six cycles of treatment.
A large study found that a family history of cardiometabolic diseases increases the risk of progressive heart damage in adolescents, with increased glucose levels partly explaining this association. The study suggests that early intervention and healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent premature heart damage in children.
A study published in JAMA found that expectant management resulted in higher survival rates compared to active treatment for patent ductus arteriosus in extremely preterm infants. The protocol-defined study showed no significant difference in mortality or bronchopulmonary dysplasia between the two groups.
Children who spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms experience a gradual decline in their ability to concentrate. The study found no association between TV watching or video game playing and attention symptoms.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
A new study reveals that a hand-held, wireless intraoral scanner paired with AI-assisted software can identify early childhood tooth decay as accurately as visual exams. The technology creates a detailed 3D model of a child's mouth within minutes, providing a comprehensive picture of their dental health.
A new study by researchers in Canada and Italy suggests that young adolescents who participated in organized sports between ages 6 and 10 are less likely to defy authority figures. The study found that structured extracurricular activities can promote behavioral resilience and reduce the burden of disruptive behavior disorders.
Preliminary results from trials of gene therapy exa-cel suggest the therapy offers an effective cure for beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease in children younger than 12. The therapy's potential to prevent irreversible complications makes it potentially more beneficial in children than adults.
A recent study suggests that adverse childhood experiences may increase the risk of obesity in Latinx and Hispanic youths. The study found that promoting resiliency-focused skills may help improve pediatric weight trajectories among these populations, potentially mitigating the impact of adverse experiences on health outcomes.
A multi-site study led by CU Anschutz researchers found that people with cystic fibrosis who start triple-drug therapy elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) can safely reduce many daily lung treatments while maintaining good health for years. The study showed a steady decline in the use of chronic respiratory therapies, including hype...
A new study explores the potential of long-acting injectable treatments for HIV-positive breastfeeding women, finding that they can prevent up to 160 infant infections per year. The research suggests that these formulations could be cost-effective and widely available globally to reach those who need them most.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute are developing tools to gather high-quality brain function data during infancy, enabling studies on brain development and potential risk factors for disorders. The study aims to capture real-time brain activity during natural social interactions.
The study found that children with at least one complex chronic condition now account for more than two-fifths of pediatric bed days and nearly three-fifths of hospital charges. The concentration of these children in urban teaching hospitals has real implications for where care happens, who delivers it, and how it is paid for.
A recent study found that more adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer received palliative care between 2018 and 2022 compared to previous studies. However, the researchers also noted challenges in providing quality palliative care, including stigma and high-intensity end-of-life care.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in boosting infection recovery in critically ill patients with respiratory viral infections. Maintaining a rhythmic meal schedule can mitigate the effects of disrupted light cycles and improve outcomes.
A new study suggests that expanding seasonal immunization access could minimize off-season RSV epidemics, with higher rates of hospitalizations in urban areas compared to rural communities. Providing year-round access to RSV immunization would be more risk-averse and minimize risks of large seasonal outbreaks.
A new electronic application highlights discrepancies between parents and children's views on the child's well-being, providing powerful insight into how children truly cope. This approach has broad implications beyond transplant medicine and may reshape patient-reported outcomes for pediatric chronic illnesses.
A substantial prevalence of avoidant/restrictive food intake was found in the general pediatric population, with affected children at risk of developmental difficulties across multiple domains. The study suggests a need for broad support interventions and advances understanding of the genetic underpinnings of this condition.
Researchers at UCSF found distinctive brain patterns in children with sensory processing disorder, which could help clinicians refine treatments for tantrums and emotional volatility. The study suggests that over-responsive children's brains dial up inward-focused networks to gain self-control.
A new study found that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can be used to estimate the risk of early-onset sepsis in preterm babies, but not in term babies. In healthy, uninfected babies, CRP levels increased naturally after birth, peaking between 24 and 32 hours, and were especially pronounced in term babies.
The University of Cincinnati has received a $985,000 grant to test Healthy Eating for My Infant (HEMI), a community-based intervention promoting healthy eating and feeding practices for children 0-12 months. HEMI aims to address specific risk factors and barriers faced by low-income families. The NIH-funded study will enroll 60 infants...
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified four genes linked to osteoblasts and their ability to mature, which can affect bone mineral density. A polygenic risk score called genetic quantitative ultrasound speed of sound (gSOS) was also found to be associated with higher bone mineral density and reduced odds of ...
Research shows that infants of stressed mothers have an earlier and faster tooth eruption, with more teeth by six months of age. Cortisol levels during late pregnancy are associated with this accelerated process.
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.
Over the past two decades, nearly half of US states have reported firearm mortality as the leading cause of death in children aged 1-19. Gun violence has become the primary cause of death for this age group, with Alaska being the first state to report this trend in 2004.
Despite government initiatives, UK children's dental health remains poor, with 26.9% of five-year-olds experiencing tooth decay and disadvantaged areas facing higher rates of tooth extractions. The Child of the North initiative highlights the need for scaled-up and strengthened schemes to address this issue.
A large sample of first-time mothers in the US reported informal human milk sharing, with 1 in 27 participants feeding their infants shared milk. Pediatric practitioners should be aware of this trend and counsel families on risks and recommended risk-reduction strategies.
A recent study analyzed data from 4,348 pediatric patients with congenital heart disease to identify key predictors of prolonged ICU stays. The research highlights the importance of patient-specific and post-operative management factors in reducing extended care.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at a higher risk of developing persistent hypertension as they grow. The study suggests that NICU admission itself may contribute to the increased risk, and highlights the need for early hypertension screenin...
The study found that patients with anxiety preferred non-drug treatments, such as cognitive reframing and breathing techniques. Pediatric integrative medicine services were shown to fill gaps in care for pediatric patients with complex conditions like long-COVID, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and obesity.
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.
The Louisiana ECHO program, which focuses on pre-, peri- and postnatal outcomes, obesity, and other areas, will continue its efforts to expand access to clinical trials for Louisiana children. The grant renewal supports the collaboration between researchers from Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health System, as well as two free-stand...
The Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource Center has released its 37th study on extracranial germ cell tumors, a rare group of childhood cancers. The dataset comprises information from 393 children and young adults, including inherited genetic data and tumor-specific changes.
A new tool, WatDAT, measures vision equally precisely in younger toddlers by asking them to point out different shapes at progressively smaller sizes. This test can lead to earlier detection and treatment of vision problems in children under three, such as amblyopia or farsightedness.
Dr. Bruce D. Gelb, MD, is selected as recipient of the 2026 APS John Howland Award for his groundbreaking work on congenital heart disease (CHD) and related developmental disorders. His research has significantly expanded the scientific understanding of CHD and opened new avenues for diagnostic approaches.
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.
Youth opioid use in Canada is increasing, with emergency department visits and deaths rising by 369.2% from 2013 to 2021. Effective treatments such as opioid agonist therapy, psychological therapy, and substance use disorder programs are scarce due to long wait-lists and private funding.
A new analysis reveals that spinal anesthesia can be safely performed on premature infants, minimizing risks associated with general anesthesia. The findings highlight the potential benefits of this technique in reducing healthcare costs and improving recovery for high-risk newborns.