Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A major European study published in PLOS One found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to die from congenital anomalies, with the risk increasing after infancy. The research highlights the influence of social and economic factors on health outcomes, particularly in countries with lower GDP per capita.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have found distinct genetic architecture in pediatric-onset rheumatic and inflammatory diseases compared to adults. The study identified 39 genome-wide significant variants associated with immune responses, including previously unreported variants.
Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can help clinicians assess uncertain variants in prenatal genetic testing, providing more accurate diagnoses and clearer information for families. The approach uses tissue-agnostic episignatures to overcome limitations in epigenetic testing.
A nationwide study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that early antiviral treatment with oseltamivir reduced ICU admissions and shortened hospital stays for children hospitalized with influenza. The study of over 7,000 pediatric hospitalizations showed a 31% lower likelihood of ICU admission among treated children.
A study found that Nirsevimab was associated with a substantial reduction in respiratory syncytial virus-lower respiratory tract infection hospitalizations during the first year. It was not linked to reduced hospitalizations due to non-RSV infections or asthma, nor during the second year of follow-up.
A Japan-wide study found that growth hormone therapy improves adult height in childhood stem cell transplant survivors with short stature. However, treatment responses were highly variable and influenced by transplant-related factors such as total body irradiation and chronic graft-versus-host disease.
A cross-sectional study examines state-level type 1 diabetes burden and pediatric endocrinology resource distribution in the US. The study found that type 1 diabetes incidence has increased over time, while pediatric endocrinology resources are not evenly distributed across states.
A study found that telemedicine is commonly used for problem-based primary care, particularly for children with endocrine or behavioral health issues. The availability of telemedicine may help increase appointment volume, making more patients accessible to care.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that inhibiting sensory neurons with a nerve blocker can reduce abnormal bone growth in cartilage after childhood bone injuries, potentially improving recovery. The study found that the treatment reduced unwanted bone growth by up to 60% in mice.
A randomized clinical trial found that dexamethasone eye drops reduced the progression of retinopathy of prematurity to severe disease requiring invasive treatment in preterm infants. However, no differences in adverse events were observed.
A cohort study of 2771 male children found no evidence that neonatal medical male circumcision is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. The study also examined the effects of acetaminophen use during and after the procedure, but found it to be uncommon.
A study of 3786 children found no significant associations between screen use and developmental difficulties, except for very high use of electronic games. Early high screen use was associated with greater difficulties at 10 years old, but not sustained at 15 years.
A new study found that children preparing for stem cell transplantation already have subtle respiratory abnormalities, including increased small-airway resistance and greater lung stiffness. These abnormalities are likely related to their underlying disease or previous therapies rather than the transplant itself.
A study published in Pediatric Neurology found that Botox injections significantly reduced headache frequency and disability in children and young adults with chronic migraine. The treatment improved daily functioning and quality of life for these patients.
This new section in JMIR Pediatrics & Parenting explores the modern shift to data-driven parenting with digital technology guiding parental planning. Research topics include the impact of wearable devices, AI-powered apps, and tracking on child health outcomes, parental well-being, and the parent-child bond.
A new study found a national mass drug administration (MDA) program drastically reduced scabies cases in Solomon Islands and Fiji by over 80%. The MDA, which involved ivermectin treatment, also decreased rates of skin infections and moderate-to-severe scabies.
A new study published in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease found that high-dose niacin therapy can improve survival outcomes in children with NAXD deficiency, a rare genetic disorder. The treatment has been shown to halt significant deterioration and reduce life-threatening complications.
A national poll reveals that nearly one in six parents say their young adult child doesn't handle basic healthcare tasks independently. Parents attribute the gap to a lack of knowledge and experience, with most reporting they've done enough to prepare their child for health responsibility.
Researchers analyzed over 600 tumors from 544 patients and found distinct genomic signatures of DNA changes linked to different chemotherapies. These patterns appeared as early as 91 days after treatment began, allowing clinicians to track treatment-resistant tumours and potentially reduce toxic effects. The study could lead to a more ...
A new genetic framework, Behçet's spectrum disorders (BSD), maps out diverse inflammatory conditions united by shared immune pathways. The two-tiered classification aids in early recognition and genetic screening for children with unexplained fevers and gut inflammation.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have been awarded $25.8 million in ARPA-H funding to develop a scalable gene editing platform for treating rare genetic vascular diseases. The VESSEL program aims to create durable, potentially one-time treatments for severe genetic vasculopathies.
Clesrovimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, demonstrates safety and efficacy in reducing severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in high-risk infants over two RSV seasons. The study supports the use of clesrovimab in children at increased risk for severe RSV disease during their second season.
Researchers have identified a sensitive isotopic biomarker for early anemia detection using copper stable isotope ratios (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum. The study also uncovered distinct serum metallomic patterns linked to body mass index (BMI), including a strong positive association between serum lead levels and increasing BMI.
The Lurie Children's Mood, Anxiety, ADHD Collaborative Care (MAACC) program prepares pediatricians to manage mental health conditions on their own. This enables more children to access care despite the shortage of pediatric mental health professionals.
A study of 88,037 Japanese children found exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months associated with a higher prevalence of food allergy and atopic dermatitis. However, it also showed lower rates of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Researchers found subtle patterns in brain activity while children listened to speech linked to verbal communication abilities in autistic youths. Altered brain signals suggested the brain may process speech less efficiently, with noisier signals associated with lower scores on everyday verbal communication.
Researchers developed a new allergen-specific IgE test to detect functional antibodies capable of triggering immune responses in food allergies. The improved AlphaCL method overcomes limitations of conventional tests, maintaining strong signal responses even with serum components present.
Dr. Rui Yang receives a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists to uncover genetic causes of life-threatening immune disorders and identify new treatment paths. The research aims to advance diagnosis and understanding of rare diseases while fostering the next generation of scientists.
Researchers identified a new biological vulnerability in KMT2A-rearranged B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which could lead to more effective treatments. Blocking the interaction between two proteins slowed leukaemia progression and enhanced conventional treatment efficacy.
A national study found that pediatric mental health treatment patterns rebounded and exceeded pre-pandemic levels, driven by new patients seeking care. Antidepressant prescriptions rose significantly among girls, with a notable increase in the youngest children.
A new study finds that fully virtual applied behavior analysis (ABA) services delivered by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are a feasible alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Children with autism who received focused ABA services showed improvements in adaptive skills, behavior outcomes, and family quality of life.
A survey of Illinois emergency departments found that many hospitals lack pediatric mental health specialists and struggle with timely access to evaluation by a mental health professional. The study proposes practical solutions, such as investing in mental health staffing, therapeutic activities, and real-time bed tracking to improve c...
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly half of infants with severe heart defects were born in hospitals without cardiac surgery. Transferring these babies to a cardiac surgical center sooner was associated with shorter hospital stays compared to those transferred later.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago identified a subtype of eosinophilic esophagitis associated with hypermobile joints and autonomic symptoms, including chronic light-headedness. Simple treatments for these symptoms can significantly improve quality of life in affected children.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that longer sleep is linked to more stable blood sugar levels in healthy 18-year-olds, even among those with no previous health issues. The researchers tracked participants over two weeks and found a two-way relationship between sleep duration and blood sugar stability.
A fatal rabies case in an 11-year-old boy underscores the risks of human contact with bats, even without visible bites or scratches. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial to prevent death from rabies if administered promptly after exposure.
The study, conducted by Stanford Medicine scientists, found that family-based therapy and psychoeducational motivational therapy can effectively treat ARFID in children. Family-based therapy empowers parents to manage their child's food and nutrition, while psychoeducational motivational therapy puts the child in charge.
A nanosensor developed to study cardiovascular disease successfully distinguishes autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from intellectual disability (ID), even when both conditions share the same genetic mutation. This method measures real-time nitric oxide production in patient-derived stem cells, offering a new diagnostic pathway for ASD.
A nationwide Japanese study of over 82,000 children found that exclusive breastfeeding for six months significantly reduces the risk of short sleep duration at one year of age. The study also suggests that breast milk's adaptability to infant needs and its melatonin content help regulate healthy sleep rhythms.
Global newborn mortality from birth asphyxia and trauma has declined, but progress is slowing in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries with lower scores on human development indices experienced slower mortality declines, highlighting the need for targeted investments to close the equity gap.
A study of 193 countries finds that armed conflict leads to more measles cases, even a year after fighting ends. Socioeconomic decline is the strongest connection between conflict and measles, as it erodes health foundations and population vulnerability.
A newly developed open-source tool called Talos is highly effective at detecting new rare disease diagnoses. The tool automates the reanalysis process of stored DNA data, integrating monthly updates of new knowledge about genes and variants to identify potential new diagnoses.
A team of researchers has identified a distinct blood protein pattern that can accurately diagnose pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and differentiate between its two main forms. The discovery, using proteomics technology, showed high accuracy in identifying IBD and distinguishing ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found that combining lifestyle treatment with obesity medications resulted in significant short-term weight loss and improved body composition in adolescents. Health behavior remained crucial to effective weight management.
A study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found nearly one in five caregivers reported experiencing food insecurity during their child's hospital stay. Children whose caregivers faced food insecurity stayed in the hospital about a third longer on average, with higher rates of readmission within 30 days.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a novel method using decellularized cartilage with patient-specific cells to enlarge pediatric airways narrowed by severe subglottic stenosis. The new technique is faster, more effective, and better tolerated than current standard grafts.
A team of researchers at CHOP has created a novel method to engineer personalized cartilage grafts for infants with severe subglottic stenosis. Using decellularized meniscal cartilage with patient-specific cells, the new technique overcomes issues associated with standard grafts, such as donor site morbidity and delayed timelines.
Adolescents who spend at least two hours a day on social media are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and poorer wellbeing, with the strongest effects seen in girls aged 12–13 years. The study, which followed almost 1,200 children from age nine to 19, highlights the need for policies that reduce excessive screentime.
Baylor College of Medicine researcher Dr. Jimmy Holder and his team will join the ARIA IMPACT Network to accelerate clinical trial readiness and implementation for promising therapies on autism. The collaboration aims to better understand how autism develops and changes over time in children with profound autism.
Researchers describe a novel disorder caused by biallelic loss-of-function variants in the TMEM63B gene, resulting in severe lung disease. The disorder presents with early onset respiratory distress, lung abnormalities, and developmental delay but no epilepsy.
Researchers at Texas Children's Hospital identified a set of dysfunctional genes and specific cell types that are vulnerable to genetic changes in female mice modeling Rett syndrome before symptoms appear. They found that even healthy cells with normal MECP2 gene had changes in gene activity due to neighboring defective cells.
The PediQEESI is a new pediatric adaptation of the QEESI questionnaire to assess chemical intolerance in children. It can help identify patterns among symptoms, exposures, and daily functioning, enabling parents and clinicians to avoid future exposure and trigger symptoms.
Hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infections often have underlying chronic conditions that require intensive care. The study found that these patients are at a higher risk of severe disease and death. Understanding the epidemiologic profile of this population can help optimize outcomes for pediatric patients.
Researchers identify key mechanisms and molecular targets to prevent tumor progression in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer affecting young children. Two new treatment possibilities have been highlighted, targeting the IRE1α-XBP1 signaling axis and protein TAK1.
A study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 141 minutes of moderate screen time per day can lead to quicker recovery from concussion in youth. Screen time type also matters, with smartphone and TV use associated with faster symptom resolution.
A study found that implementing earlier egg introduction guidelines resulted in measurable decreases in egg allergy cases. The updated guidelines, based on randomized trial evidence, may contribute to a reduction in food allergy prevalence when effectively implemented.
A cohort study found that smartphone acquisition at age 13 was linked to increased risk of insufficient sleep at age 14. Excessive smartphone use was also tied to higher odds of depression and obesity. Limiting screen time may protect adolescents from these outcomes.
A systematic review of 73 studies found that early diet may shape cognitive performance and academic outcomes in adolescents. Unhealthy dietary patterns in infancy have lasting consequences for intelligence in adolescence, according to the study.
A multinational clinical trial found that balanced crystalloid fluid and 0.9% saline are equally safe and effective for treating septic shock in children. The study enrolled over 9,000 children and showed no difference in outcomes between the two IV fluids.
A new handheld probe using broadband optical spectroscopy (BOS) reliably identifies early stages of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. The noninvasive device measures infrared light reflecting off the intestines and detects color changes indicative of threatened tissue.