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Study shines light on impact of environment on neurocognitive outcomes

A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children with supportive environments fared better than those living in neighborhoods with economic hardship. Higher EHI scores were associated with lower cognitive abilities and greater decline after treatment, especially in math skills.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

Integrating mental health services into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers improves mental health care engagement for children, study finds

A new study found that integrating mental health services into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) can improve access to and engagement in mental health care for Medicaid-enrolled children. The TEAM UP model of integrated behavioral health care was shown to increase mental health-related primary care vi...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateApr 26, 2023

Study finds stool transplants more effective than antibiotics for treating recurring, life-threatening gut infections

A new Cochrane Review found that stool transplantation can increase the number of people recovering from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection by 77%, compared to 40% with standard antibiotic treatment. The study also showed a decrease in side effects with stool transplantation.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2023

Pediatric TB may affect lung functioning, growth later in life

A new study reveals that young children diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis are at an increased risk of subsequent wheezing, poor lung function, and reduced height and weight. The study found that children who developed PTB before six months old had more than double the risk of wheezing after 6 months.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 18, 2023

Researchers find earlier intervention leads to greater improvements in young children on the autism spectrum

Researchers found that starting early intervention coaching at 18 months old led to greater gains in language, social communication, and daily living skills compared to waiting until 27 months. The study provided high-quality evidence for earlier intervention and highlights the importance of screening for autism at 18 months.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAutism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 2023

COVID-19 increased weekday screentime for children: study

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant increase in weekday screen time among school-aged children, with boosts of up to 1.35 hours per day. This finding suggests that children used screens to fill time previously spent at school or participating in extra-curricular activities.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 12, 2023

Impact of coronavirus on states’ fertility rates tracked with economic, social, and political divides

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to steeper declines in fertility rates in some US states than others, with factors like income inequality, racial composition, and political leaning playing a significant role. States with stronger social distancing responses and liberal politics experienced larger fertility rate declines.

Physicians should be on alert for group A strep as cases experience historic rise, study finds

A study published by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found a historic increase in group A strep infections among young children in Houston. The researchers identified three main types of group A strep diseases and found that emm12 strains were disproportionately represented, compared to emm1 strains.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 6, 2023

Privately sponsored refugees likely to receive better prenatal care than government-assisted refugees in Canada

A new study published in CMAJ found that privately sponsored refugees were more likely to receive adequate prenatal care than government-assisted refugees in Ontario. The study analyzed data from over 5000 pregnant women and found a significant difference in the use of prenatal care services between the two groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

New study reveals thousands of prenatal supplements fail to provide adequate nutrition for pregnant women and babies

A new study reveals that only one affordable prenatal supplement meets nutritional guidelines, but its high cost and complex dosing regimen make it inaccessible to many. The study calls for improved nutritional care during pregnancy and more research on nutrient-dense foods.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 3, 2023

Researchers announce findings from landmark clinical trial for pediatric Crohn’s disease

Researchers from the University of North Carolina Health Care announce that patients receiving anti-TNF biologic treatments combined with methotrexate had better outcomes than those treated with adalimumab alone. The study, published in Gastroenterology, provides clear results that can immediately impact patient care.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 3, 2023

Childhood asthma declines during COVID-19 pandemic

A new Rutgers study finds that childhood asthma diagnoses decreased by 52% in the US during the first year of the pandemic compared to previous years. Researchers attribute this decline to fewer colds and the practice of wearing masks, which may have reduced the risk of asthma triggers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRespiratory Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2023

Beneficial bacteria in the infant gut uses nitrogen from breast milk to support baby’s health

Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered that beneficial microbes in infant gut use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development. The study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of these processes, which could lead to improved infant health around the world.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2023

Children with autism far less likely to have vision screening despite high risk of serious eye disorders

Young children with autism spectrum disorder are less likely to undergo vision screening than their peers, despite a high risk of developing serious eye disorders. A recent study found that only 36.5% of children with ASD had completed vision screenings at well visits, compared to 59.5% for children without ASD.

SourceNemours·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2023

CHOP researchers find strong adolescent-parent relationships lead to better long-term health outcomes in young adults

CHOP researchers found that adolescents with strong relationships with their parents have improved mental and physical health, lower substance use, and higher relationship satisfaction. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 participants and controlled for various factors.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2023

Researchers study the impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers

A recent review article highlights the significant impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers, citing communication barriers, financial difficulties, and sociocultural issues. The study estimates 126,000 new cancer cases diagnosed yearly in Hispanics, placing a substantial burden on family members and friends.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalCancers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

Vitamin A may reduce pancreatitis risk during ALL treatment

Researchers found that consuming vitamin A or its analogs can help prevent painful pancreas inflammation in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during chemotherapy treatment. The study revealed that only 1.4% of patients developed pancreatitis when taking vitamin A, compared to 3.4% without it.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 15, 2023