Articles tagged with Pediatrics
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified an ultrapotent IgM antibody that neutralizes the Zika virus and prevents infection in preclinical models. The discovery could lead to the development of therapies to protect babies from birth defects caused by Zika.
A new study using human brain organoids reveals that prenatal alcohol exposure impairs brain cell development and functioning. The findings confirm the harm inflicted by alcohol on the developing fetus, with effects including faulty brain architecture and impaired electrical activity patterns.
Research reveals significant regional disparities in parental incarceration rates, with children of color and those living in impoverished households more likely to experience it. The study also highlights the need for tailored strategies to address health inequities in remote or under-resourced communities.
The USC+CHLA Alpha Clinic will advance clinical trials of new cell and gene therapies, engaging underserved communities and training the workforce that conducts them. This program complements existing efforts to translate discoveries into new therapies for better health outcomes.
A new study by CHOP researchers found that antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus enhances C. difficile virulence by modulating the gut environment, increasing toxin production and nutrient supply. This interaction supports increased colonization and persistence of C. difficile in the gut.
The Princess Máxima Center has been awarded a Marie Sklodowska-Curie COFUND grant to train 28 PhD students from around the world in pediatric oncology research. The program aims to advance the field and promote international collaboration.
A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...
A study of 18,364 children hospitalized with COVID-19 found that pediatricians prescribed medications in accordance with guidelines in only 55-82% of cases. The use of recommended medications quickly increased after national guidelines were released in 2020, but compliance remained lower than expected.
Global immunization efforts have made polio a rare disease, but healthcare workers still need to be vigilant for acute flaccid paralysis. Dr. Marina Salvadori emphasizes the importance of alerting healthcare workers to this diagnosis as elimination is within reach.
A study in Japan reveals that universal screening methods for biliary atresia, a rare and severe lung condition in infants, are cost-effective. The research found that stool color card screening and direct bilirubin testing gained significant clinical benefits and saved lives.
A recent study published by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found significant disparities in the completion of follow-up concussion care among pediatric patients. Non-Hispanic black patients and those with public insurance were less likely to adhere to providers' recommendations compared to their white and privately insured peers. ...
Pediatric sleep apnea can be detected with high precision using a unique gene signature that distinguishes children with OSA from healthy children. A recent study found that obstructive sleep apnea induces changes in immune cell diversity, leading to elevated levels of certain white blood cells.
A study by CHOP researchers found that financial stress during the pandemic contributed to depressive symptoms in adolescents across all income groups. The effect was most pronounced in low-income adolescents, but also affected those with lower pre-pandemic household income.
A novel surgical procedure has shown promising results in addressing incontinence in children with Hirschsprung disease who underwent the pull-through operation. Four of six patients have achieved normal bowel function, reporting improved quality of life and increased freedom.
A study found that ER visits for suicidal thoughts among youth aged 5-19 increased by 59% from 2016-2017 to 2019-2021, with hospitalizations rising by 57%. The research highlights the need for improved mental wellness support and training for healthcare providers.
A new tool predicts the risk of hospital readmission for children before discharge, utilizing electronic health record data. This comprehensive prediction model can be implemented in real-time during a hospital stay to tailor discharge planning, potentially reducing readmission rates and freeing up scarce pediatric beds.
A new study finds no significant difference in overall survival or complete remission rates between children and young adults with different levels of poverty exposure, regardless of their neighborhood opportunity. CAR T-cell therapy is equally effective for those from disadvantaged households as it is for those from more socioeconomic...
According to a new study published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, parental reporting of racism experienced by children in minority groups in the USA increased from 6.7% in 2016 to 9.3% in 2020. Indigenous and Black children were particularly affected, with rates ranging from 10.8% to 15.7% and 9.69% to 15.04%, respectively.
A fetus with infantile-onset Pompe disease has been successfully treated in utero using enzyme replacement therapy, resulting in normal cardiac and motor function. The child is now thriving as a toddler, meeting developmental milestones after receiving postnatal enzyme therapy at a pediatric hospital.
The West Texas Pharmacology Core laboratory at TTUHSC will focus on two primary areas: drug development and pediatric cancer. The core aims to address obstacles in drug development, including limited pharmacology expertise for small biotech companies and low profitability for pediatric cancer drugs.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination results in higher antibody concentrations compared to natural infection, providing robust protection for mothers during pregnancy. The study also suggests optimal vaccine timing can maximize the transfer of antibodies to babies.
Urban-living Indigenous children and young people in high-income countries are disproportionately affected by atopic dermatitis and bacterial skin infections, which can lead to serious complications. This systematic review highlights the need for co-designed research with Indigenous communities to address these health inequities.
A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.
A significant increase in COVID-19 pandemic-related demand for adolescent eating disorder (ED) care was observed, outstripping available resources. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced ED prevention strategies and improved workforce and program capacity to address this growing concern.
A new study found that children with four copies of the SMN2 gene who received pre-symptomatic treatment showed no symptoms, while untreated patients developed irreversible symptoms. The researchers recommend encouraging early intervention in childhood for these patients to avoid potential deficits.
Screen time increased by 52% during the pandemic, with significant increases for individuals ages 12-18 and handheld devices/personal computers.
A team of researchers from Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and Northern Illinois University are developing an open source system called FLASH to objectively measure children's screen-viewing behaviors. The five-year grant includes funding for three long-term studies on the impacts of screen use on young children.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that women with inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of giving birth prematurely, particularly if they have microscopic inflammation in their intestinal mucosa. This association was not seen for other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as growth restriction.
A large clinical trial found that administering steroids during infant heart surgery did not improve post-operative outcomes compared to placebo. However, secondary analysis revealed a small net benefit for some infants, with lower odds of bleeding requiring another operation.
A multicenter clinical trial showed that combining brentuximab vedotin with standard chemotherapy reduced event-free survival by 10%, decreasing relapse risk. This targeted therapy approach may set the stage for FDA approval and improve cure rates without adding significant long-term toxicity.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide, an approved obesity drug for adults, also helps adolescents with obesity lose weight and have healthier hearts. After 68 weeks, 72.5% of participants who received semaglutide had achieved at least 5% weight loss compared to just 17% on placebo.
Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, a renowned pediatrician, has been awarded the 2023 APS John Howland Award for her groundbreaking work in advancing child health and infectious diseases. Her tireless advocacy has led to significant improvements in preventing perinatal HIV infection and vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Scientists have discovered that leukemia cells can change their DNA read-out to evade treatment, making them harder to treat. The study identified key genetic changes that allow cancer cells to survive and relapse.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new hearing screening system using low-cost earbuds and smartphones, which performed as well as commercial devices and correctly identified patients with hearing loss. The tool can be used in countries where screening is not accessible due to high device costs.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Resuscitation Science Symposium 2022 found that ICU evaluations prior to cardiac arrest improved survival rates by 15% among Black adults. This study analyzed data from over 28,000 adults who experienced cardiac arrest between 2000 and 2021.
A study found that just 9% of US-based pediatrics research included non-English-speaking children or families, leading to concerns about health equity. Researchers are calling for greater inclusion of diverse languages in studies to better represent the community.
A new study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago highlights the variation in Medicaid programs for children with complex medical needs across states. The research reveals that these disparities can lead to delays in care and impact health outcomes for these vulnerable children.
Survival rates for in-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest events have increased significantly between 2000 and 2021. Children with a history of cardiovascular disease showed slower improvement in survival rates compared to those without a history of CVD.
A study by Uppsala University has identified a stem cell protein, SOX9, that makes tumor cells resistant to radiation treatment, leading to recurrence and increased mortality. The research found that SOX9 protects resting cancer cells against radiation, promoting their survival and resistance.
According to a review by Petra Zimmermann and Nigel Curtis, children under 8 are at higher risk of complications from monkeypox disease. The authors emphasize the need for smallpox vaccination as an effective way to prevent the spread of monkeypox among young children.
Researchers identified a new clinical syndrome, Neuro-Ocular DAGLA-related Syndrome (NODRS), in children with termination variants in the diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLA) gene. The study found that enzymatic activity was preserved despite mis-localization of the truncated protein.
A team of Rutgers physicians successfully treated a 5-year-old girl with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare brain disorder, using blood plasma exchanges. The treatment, which involved nearly a dozen exchanges, led to the child's full recovery, highlighting the potential for late-stage treatment.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that developmental-behavioral pediatricians can diagnose most autism cases in young children without ADOS testing. In 90% of cases, the ADOS results did not change the original clinical diagnosis, suggesting that DBPs can accurately assess ASD symptoms.
A new exercise-testing approach detects asymptomatic cardiovascular abnormalities in pediatric cancer survivors, highlighting the need for routine monitoring before symptoms appear. The method assesses exercise data through a combination of peak and submaximal parameters simultaneously.
Researchers at UVA Children's will use a sophisticated computer model to better understand and treat Crohn's disease, which can have lifelong consequences for young patients. The team hopes to identify biological markers or metabolic signatures that can be used for early diagnosis and personalized medicine.
Newborn screenings for cystic fibrosis are less effective for non-white babies, leading to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes. Genetic panels used vary by state, excluding common mutations in non-white populations.
A new study reveals that genetic panels used in newborn screening programs favor white populations, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes for non-white babies. Researchers call for more diverse panels to address these disparities.
Researchers analyzed S. lugdunensis isolates from pediatric patients and found that skin infections were a common source (68%), while CNS infections linked to VP shunts were also significant. Flucloxacillin was identified as effective against the bacterium.
Research found that blood transfusions following solid tumor removal in pediatric oncology patients are associated with higher rates of post-surgery infectious complications, shorter disease-free intervals, and tumor recurrence. The study aims to inform thoughtful use of blood transfusion and encourage multi-center data collection.
Researchers found that adult heart cells have fewer communication pathways called nuclear pores, which may protect against harmful signals but prevent regeneration. This discovery sheds light on why adult hearts do not regenerate like newborn mice and human hearts.
A Rutgers study found that infants who died unexpectedly in the first week of life had different risk factors compared to those who died later. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2015 and found that mothers of infants dying in the first week showed less evidence of common risk factors such as smoking during pregnancy.
A deep learning algorithm trained on adult populations shows improved sensitivity for diagnosing thyroid nodules in children, with higher accuracy than traditional ACR TI-RADS. The study suggests the potential benefits of this new approach for evaluating thyroid nodules in younger patients.
A pilot study found that a firearm safety program may not reach all parents equitably, with disparities affecting girls and some racial and ethnic minorities. The program aims to reduce suicide deaths by securely storing firearms.
A substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds with severe COVID-19 illness are reporting long-term complications. The study found that pediatric patients with private health insurance were 66% less likely to report long COVID symptoms versus those with government insurance.
Ruben van Boxtel's research focuses on understanding the origins of late treatment effects in children with blood cancer, exploring the role of stem cells. His work aims to find solutions to prevent these effects and predict their likelihood.
Only half of European hospitals have a policy in place to identify children who are being neglected or abused. Hospitals with such policies use effective strategies like screening tools and staff training. However, many staff lack the necessary tools and knowledge to spot maltreated children.
Researchers developed an alternative method of immunotherapy delivery, intraventricular treatment, to administer multiple therapeutic doses in mouse models of human metastatic medulloblastoma. This approach significantly extended survival and reduced toxicity compared to direct tumor inoculation methods.
A new study found that electronic gaming can precipitate life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in susceptible children with previously unrecognized predispositions. The most common underlying causes were catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and congenital long QT syndrome types 1 and 2.
Children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia are diagnosed earlier and have higher untreated LDL-C levels than adults, while those not identified early miss out on decades of life-saving treatment. This study emphasizes the need for universal screening to identify children with HoFH or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
The AAP recommends a public safety approach, including research, education, and legislation, to prevent firearm-related injuries and deaths in children and youth. The organization cites alarming increases in homicides and suicides, especially among teens aged 15-24.