Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
Researchers found that a triple combination therapy of elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor improves lung function and reduces inflammation in patients with cystic fibrosis. The treatment's positive effects last over 12 months, offering hope for better management of the disease.
A recent study found that LGB youth experience more interpersonal discrimination and are four times more likely to attempt suicide. Structural stigma also plays a significant role in their mental health burden. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions against discrimination and awareness of structural stigma
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
Researchers discovered that using fat-free mass for gentamicin dosage calculation yields more effective results than traditional methods. This method is particularly beneficial for premature babies, who have weaker kidneys and require adjusted dosing.
Researchers tested 25 active agents in a small animal model and found seven substances more effective than standard therapy. Caffeine proved to be the most effective in reducing brain damage, with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
A Virginia pediatric hospital eliminated central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) among its most vulnerable patients for 300 days during 2021 and 2022. The hospital's success is attributed to a multidisciplinary team that focused on environmental cleaning, line access, and auditing practices.
Researchers investigated premature senescence in biliary atresia and assessed senotherapies. They found that human allogenic liver-derived progenitor cells reduced early markers of senescence and improved liver disease in a preclinical model, providing encouraging results for pediatric biliary cirrhosis treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pediatrician and family collaboration can address obesity. The study showed that three times as many children in the treatment group had a clinically meaningful reduction in body mass index (BMI), resulting in improved cardiometabolic outcomes.
The inaugural issue of CHEST Critical Care focuses on clinically relevant research and patient management guidance for critical care medicine. The journal accepts submissions of original research, case series, and research letters, covering topics such as intensive care medicine and diverse populations.
The hospital-onset MRSA rate decreased by 41% and the MRSA bacteremia rate dropped by 54% among critically ill neonates after implementing nasal decolonization. The intervention was cost-effective, with a significant reduction in length-of-stay.
A new study by Mass General Brigham found an association between increasing receipt of plant-based food packages and decreased BMI in children. The research suggests that providing healthy foods can help prevent childhood obesity, especially among families dealing with food insecurity.
A new study shows that newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) has significantly increased the survival rate of children after bone marrow transplantation from 73% to 87%. Children diagnosed at birth have a 92.5% survival rate without infection, while those diagnosed later have lower rates.
A recent survey of caregivers found that most support education efforts and technology use to reduce heatstroke risk, but negative attitudes towards those who put children at risk may hinder mitigation efforts. The study aims to inform the development of pediatric vehicular heatstroke prevention strategies.
Researchers developed outcome indicators to measure health issues in children with cancer, allowing for improvement in care and treatment. The indicators consider physical, psychosocial, and neurocognitive outcomes, providing a clear and comparable measurement of quality of survival.
Researchers found female babies with CDH have a 32% higher risk of dying within 30 to 60 days of birth compared to males. The study, using medical records from an international registry, suggests that lower birth weights for females may be linked to the disparity in survival rates.
A recent single-hospital study found that among 82 transgender and gender-diverse adolescents treated between 2016-2018, only three chose to discontinue gender-affirming hormone therapy. The reasons for discontinuation were often due to external factors, not re-transitioning to the assigned sex at birth.
A recent study published in Behavioral Sciences demonstrates the effectiveness of ACQUIRE Therapy in improving functional outcomes for children with various motor impairments. The framework provides a standardized approach to intensive therapy, emphasizing the importance of therapists' dynamic awareness and adaptability.
The study found that fathers who supported their partners' breastfeeding goals had higher rates of successful breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Fathers were also more likely to implement safe sleep practices when they received guidance on infant sleep safety. However, racial disparities in safe sleep practices persist, with Bl...
Children and teenagers with diabetes frequently employ inaccurate CGM alarm settings, which may lead to reduced usefulness of these devices. Research highlights the importance of following recommended alarm best practices to ensure patients receive real-time glycemic data while minimizing alarm fatigue.
A community-wide program in Washington, D.C., supports adolescent mothers, caregivers, and community members, addressing barriers to childcare and education. The 'collective impact' model has improved access to essential programs, including housing and food security, for over 550 young parents.
A new study found that food allergy affects all racial and ethnic groups, but is most prevalent among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and Asian individuals. Food allergy rates are also lower in households with higher incomes.
A new family-based treatment approach for childhood obesity has been successfully implemented in pediatric primary care settings, leading to improved weight outcomes over 24 months. The treatment's effectiveness was found to extend beyond the treated child, with siblings also experiencing improvements in weight.
CHOP researchers have developed stable, universal MHC-I molecules that can be produced rapidly at scale, allowing for the development of effective and universal immunotherapies. These engineered MHC-I molecules promote peptide exchange across multiple HLA allotypes, covering various forms.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the quality of life and self-esteem of children with short stature are associated with coping skills and social supports, rather than their height. The researchers suggest that addressing short stature through a broader, psychosocial approach might have a more positive impac...
The new scientific statement highlights the importance of identifying the root cause of pediatric cardiomyopathy to develop effective treatment strategies. Genetic testing is recommended for all children with cardiomyopathy, which may lead to financial and emotional cost savings.
A new study found an association between lower extremity spasticity and cryptorchidism treatment in boys with cerebral palsy. Boys with more severe spasticity were especially likely to have had the surgery, suggesting a potential link between affected muscles and testicle development.
The study found that only 28% of US youth-serving mental health facilities offered LGBTQ-specific services, highlighting the need for expansion of these services, particularly in underserved areas. Public mental health facilities were less likely to provide such services due to cost concerns.
CHOP researchers used deep sequencing to discover several previously undescribed genetic variants in vascular anomalies, capturing low-frequency mutations that were missed by conventional methods. The study found significant improvements in symptoms for over 63% of patients, enabling targeted therapies and improved quality of life.
A randomized clinical trial suggests that low-dose atropine may provide a treatment option for childhood myopia progression. The study observed a significant reduction in myopia progression over 3 years.
A recent study found that adolescents across various ages, genders, and geographies are aware of and concerned about the potential impacts of abortion restrictions. The study, led by Dr. Bianca A. Allison, used a nationwide text message poll to gather responses from over 800 adolescents between 14-24 years old.
Researchers have created an open-source, reproducible analysis platform for pediatric brain tumors, providing a cloud-based resource for comprehensive data on the disease. The platform contains genomic and clinical data from over 1,000 pediatric brain tumors and 22 patient-derived cell lines.
A special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores the treatment and management of cerebral palsy, including spasticity management and pain relief. The articles discuss various approaches to managing spasticity, such as enteral baclofen use and botulinum neurotoxinA injections, aiming to improve care and quali...
A study of 8,269 pediatric patients reveals persistent disparities in central line–associated bloodstream infection rates for Black patients and those who speak a language other than English. Stratifying outcomes to assess for disparities may inform targeted interventions to improve equity.
The prevalence of depression among adolescents increases with age, affecting up to 1 in 4 youths during the pandemic. More than 60% of adolescents with MDD also have co-occurring mental health conditions, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
Researchers found variability in IgA levels between blood and gut samples, suggesting IgA regulates commensal microbes to prevent immune dysregulation. Patients with normal fecal IgA were less likely to develop symptoms, while those deficient in both blood and fecal IgA showed elevated inflammatory cytokines.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are investigating the role of fibrin and fibrinogen in traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock. The four-year grant will fund Phase II of a stem cell clinical trial evaluating whether mesenchymal stem cells reduce chronic neuroinflammatory response to traumatic brain injury.
Researchers found that distant cancers alter liver function by inducing fat accumulation and inflammation in liver cells. The process involves secretion of extracellular vesicles containing fatty acids, which reprogram the liver to resemble fatty liver disease.
A national study published in Sleep Health found that screen habits linked to better sleep include keeping devices out of the bedroom and avoiding screens before bedtime. The study analyzed data from 10,280 preteens aged 10-14 and found that 15.5% reported trouble falling or staying asleep in the past two weeks.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found an association between evaporated alcohol from incubator disinfectants and alcohol absorption in premature infants. They introduced a new practice to reduce alcohol exposure, which was associated with decreased alcohol levels in infants' blood and air.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that repeated soccer headers equivalent to a throw-in did not cause immediate neurophysiological deficits for teens. However, oblique headers resulted in higher levels of angular head motion, suggesting proper training is necessary to reduce the risk of injury.
Researchers have found that craniospinal radiation can control metastasis in diffuse midline gliomas, leading to improved treatment options for patients. The study suggests that this approach may lead to long-term survival and potentially curative effects for these children.
A new study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers and others finds that the M-CHAT-R/F screening tool is effective in identifying children with autistic traits, but it also flags many children incorrectly. The study highlights the need for clinical judgment and clear communication with parents about the limitations of the tool.
A decision analytical model found that increased uptake of bivalent booster vaccination among eligible age groups decreased pediatric hospitalizations and school absenteeism. The benefits of booster campaigns for children may be substantial, suggesting a focus on younger populations is crucial.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that breastfeeding duration increased by an average of 18% among U.S. women during the pandemic, with white and high-income women experiencing the largest gains. The study suggests that a national paid family leave policy could improve breastfeeding rates and reduce health inequities.
Research found that occasional cannabis use during early pregnancy can significantly reduce birth weight, even if continued use is not observed. Continued exposure results in largest deficiencies, with newborns exposed to marijuana throughout gestation being nearly 200g lighter and having smaller head circumferences.
Gene therapy is being tested for rare skeletal dysplasia, affecting 1 in 200,000. Patients will receive a one-time infusion of viral vector containing correct gene sequence.
Research found that children of obese or diabetic mothers developed epigenetic alterations that predisposed them to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Longitudinal follow-up revealed persistent effects on health status and metabolic condition beyond childhood.
Clinical studies with children as participants often require more time, people, and resources than initially budgeted. The study found that pediatric clinical studies cost 59% more on average than the initial proposal, highlighting a need for accurate budgeting.
Research from Children's National Hospital found that maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic altered placental structure and function, which may influence fetal health. The study suggests a link between maternal mental health and the development of the placenta.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that pro-inflammatory cell types dominate the intestinal mucosa of children with inflammatory bowel disease, while protective cells are underrepresented. The results provide new insights into the immunology of IBD and may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
Fentanyl-related pediatric deaths increased substantially from 2013 to 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating this public health crisis. Annual deaths peaked in 2020 and 2021, indicating a more than 6-fold increase among children under 5 years.
A recent study found that exposure to antibiotics before age 5 triples the risk of pediatric IBD, while a Western diet high in sugars and ultra-processed foods increases the risk, and lower socioeconomic status provides protection. Conversely, having more siblings, being exposed to pets, and consuming vegetables reduce the risk.
A new study found that young adults with advanced heart disease desire to be actively involved in their medical care decisions, despite their parents' preference for a shared decision-making approach. The research highlights the importance of understanding individual preferences and personalizing communication methods with each patient.
A new study has provided insight into the mysterious evolution of DNA rings in tumors, revealing that nearly one-third of all tumors have these genetic structures. The researchers used a technology to trace the path of DNA ring development in neuroblastoma cells, finding that large rings contain cancer genes spurring cell growth.
The MUSC Hollings community health van has increased access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in South Carolina's underserved communities. The vaccine is linked to six different kinds of cancer, including cervical, throat, anal, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
Researchers used human liver organoids to study fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare childhood liver cancer. They found that different genetic mutations underlie different degrees of aggressiveness in the tumors, and uncovered the probable cell-of-origin as hepatocytes.
Over the past decade, pediatric emergency department visits related to mental health concerns have significantly increased, with a 5-fold rise in suicide-related cases. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced crisis and emergency mental health services for young people, particularly those experiencing suicidal symptoms.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers have identified a disruption in early kidney progenitor cell development linked to the formation of Wilms tumor. The study found that these cells can reproduce the original tumor and are aggressive, drug-resistant, and metastasize like cancer cells.
Researchers found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' (ESC) care approach is more effective than Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST) in assessing and managing opioid-exposed newborns. Newborns cared for with ESC were medically ready for discharge approximately 6.7 days earlier and 63% less likely to receive medication.