Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 800,000 children aged 3-17 found that youth with higher BMI were at a 26% increased risk of developing hypertension. The study highlights the importance of preventing hypertension in young people to avoid irreversible organ damage.
Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.
The pediatric death rate in the US sharply rose between 2019 and 2021, offsetting years of progress in medicine and public health. The alarming spike is primarily due to deaths from homicide, accidental drug overdoses, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among those ages 10-19.
Recent review article discusses clinical development in long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) therapy, which mimics natural GH release patterns. LAGH therapies reduce daily injection burden, improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.
Researchers say parents' well-intentioned efforts to protect children from harm have inadvertently deprived them of independence and opportunities for self-directed play. This decline in 'child's play' is linked to rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among school-aged children.
A novel rare mutation in the ABCA12 gene was identified as a cause of Harlequin Ichthyosis through BGI genetic tests. The mutation leads to a severely dysfunctional protein responsible for the disease's serious phenotype.
A seven-component treatment program, including prompt medical assessment and co-constructing a formulation with the child and family, has been successful in managing FND in children and adolescents. Most healthcare professionals can easily add an FND-informed skill set to their current clinical practice.
Adolescents with blood pressure above 130/85 mmHg are at risk of premature heart damage, which doubles in prevalence over a 7-year period. The study found significant differences in heart damage risks between males and females.
More than half of all reported poisonings affect children ages 5 and younger, with opioids responsible for over half of fatal poisonings. Opioids have contributed to a significant increase in child poisoning deaths despite regulation measures.
Researchers detected and targeted a type of childhood leukemia that becomes resistant to treatment by focusing on a process called splicing. The study suggests a new approach to detecting and targeting therapy-resistant leukemia stem cells, offering hope for improved treatments.
A review highlights the impact of paternal diet, nutrition, and lifestyle on future generations, with strong evidence suggesting a western diet leads to imbalances in nutrient intake. Advanced paternal age is linked to genetic, psychiatric, and metabolic disorders in offspring, emphasizing the need for men's healthcare.
A new consensus statement calls for routine radiological screening of contact children in suspected child physical abuse cases to prevent further harm. Siblings are at risk of experiencing physical abuse, with a strong association between index and contact children.
A new study published in BMC Public Health suggests that problematic social media use in preteens is linked to both positive and negative alcohol beliefs. Researchers found that 97% of social media posts display alcohol in a positive context, contributing to positive perceptions among adolescents.
A recent study found that Black infants in the US were disproportionately affected by necrotizing enterocolitis, with higher mortality rates compared to White infants. Despite overall improvements in NEC-related deaths between 1999 and 2020, racial disparities persisted.
Primary care physicians recommend screening adolescents and young adults for cyberbullying and social media misuse, citing the need for timely intervention due to underreported incidents. Screening tools like R-OBVQ, CBVS, CABS, and MARC can help identify potential risks.
A study reports successful nonsurgical correction of congenital ear malformations in infants using a custom-made splint made from paper clips. The best results were achieved when treatment was initiated before six months of age.
Researchers created a novel approach to deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to brain tumor sites in children, targeting specific locations while sparing normal brain regions. This targeted delivery method enhances the efficacy of existing treatments and reduces adverse side effects.
A clinical study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers found that oral verapamil can improve pancreatic beta cell function in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes, with a 30% increase in insulin secretion over the first year. The trial involved 88 participants and was published in JAMA.
Children with autism may not process visual illusions in the same way as their peers, indicating a potential issue with predicting and filling in missing visual information. This finding has implications for understanding and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.
A study of 11,633 children aged 9-11 found that increased screen time was associated with a higher risk of developing suicidal behaviors two years later. Each additional hour of screen time led to a 9% higher risk of reporting suicidal behavior.
Researchers developed a microfluidic model of vascular malformation caused by PIK3CA mutation, allowing them to study disease mechanisms and test treatment efficacy. The model successfully replicated the disease's manifestations and responded to alpelisib, a newly approved PIK3CA inhibitor.
CHOP researchers have identified variants of a chaperone molecule that can enhance the loading of peptides across different HLA types, which could be used in cell therapy and immunization applications. The study found that chicken-derived TAPBPR proteins can react with multiple HLA allotypes and stabilize the empty MHC-I groove, boosti...
A phase 3 clinical trial found that oral empagliflozin provided clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in glycemic control in young people with type 2 diabetes. The study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in this population, while linagliptin did not show significant effects.
Researchers found better survival rates at all points in time for pediatric patients with more serious heart disease, thanks to improved immunosuppression therapies, techniques, and postoperative care. A multidisciplinary team approach also contributed to the better outcomes.
A new clinical trial has shown safety and tolerability of oral GABA and reduced serum glucagon levels in children with recent onset Type 1 diabetes. The study focused on the potential of GABA and GAD to preserve insulin-secreting beta cells and attenuate excessive glucagon release.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed two new zebrafish models for studying SURF1 mitochondrial disease, a major cause of Leigh syndrome. The team identified two drugs, cysteamine bitartrate and N-acetylcysteine, that showed potential in preventing neurological decompensation in patients with Leigh syndrome.
A new study explores the complexity of parents' decision-making processes regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for their children. The research highlights the importance of individualized discussions with healthcare providers to help interpret evidence and provide tailored recommendations.
A study published in CANCER found that children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia living along the US-Mexico border had a lower five-year survival rate compared to those in non-border areas. The research highlights existing disparities in pediatric cancer outcomes, particularly among Hispanic and Black communities.
A recent study from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago suggests that paid family caregiving can be a viable answer to the healthcare worker shortage. The study, which compared children with medical complexity cared for by family-CNA caregivers versus traditional non-family CNAs, found no significant difference in hospi...
The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found that the M-CHAT(-R/F) autism screener performs well when used as intended, with high sensitivity and specificity rates. The study analyzed 50 studies published between 2001 and 2020 and found variability in performance depending on factors such as sample size and confirmation strategies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disparities in childcare disruption and missed preventive checkups among low-socioeconomic status families. Research highlights the need to investigate the association between delayed appointments and child health outcomes.
A study of 37,000 pediatric head and neck cancer patients found significant decreases in care receipt and survival time with increasing social determinants of health vulnerability. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address social vulnerabilities in pediatric cancer care.
A team of international experts has established new criteria for diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), a condition causing inflammation and potential damage to the brain and spinal cord. The proposed guidelines, published in The Lancet Neurology, provide an important framework for distingui...
Pediatric patients with LEP face challenges in emergency rooms, but a CHOP study shows that implementing quality improvement measures can increase the use of medical interpreters and improve documentation of language needs. The research team introduced new processes to identify language needs and offer interpreters as needed, leading t...
Researchers found that an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention significantly improved pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing a blood draw. The IVR group showed better outcomes compared to the control group.
A study published in Pediatrics found that youth suicides increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher-than-expected rates among certain subgroups. The study highlights the importance of suicide preventive interventions tailored to address racial and ethnic disparities.
A recent study by researchers at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine found that daily reading improved language development in infants 12 months and younger. Infants who received consistent daily reading started showing improvements in language scores as early as nine months of age.
A NYU school dental program using silver diamine fluoride and sealants prevented 80% of cavities in a randomized trial. The study suggests an efficient and cost-effective approach to improving children's oral health through school-based care.
A new study found that high physical activity does not offset obesity risk among preteens with high screen time, highlighting the importance of limiting screen time. Parents are advised to encourage physical activities, such as sports and outdoor play, to help combat childhood obesity.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique revealing abnormal circulation patterns of brain fluid in developing brains. Disruptions to cerebrospinal fluid flow may underlie cognitive deficits and developmental delays in conditions like hydrocephalus.
A recent study by Crystal Lim found that obesity prevention programs combining nutrition and exercise components over an extended period had the most success in changing students' daily behaviors. Successful programs also included evidence-based strategies like goal setting, problem solving, and self-regulation techniques.
A single dose of azithromycin has been shown to decrease sepsis and death by half in women in labor, making it an important tool for keeping mothers safe before, during, and after delivery. The antibiotic was found to be beneficial for vaginal childbirth as well, reducing mortality rates and the risk of developing sepsis.
A comprehensive registry study found that infants whose mothers used snus during pregnancy were three times more likely to experience sudden infant death. Quitting snus early on lowered the risk, highlighting the need for women to avoid all types of nicotine products during pregnancy.
Researchers identified a higher rate of clonal hematopoiesis in pediatric cancer survivors compared to age-matched controls. Treatment-induced STAT3 gene mutations were also found at a higher prevalence among survivors of certain childhood cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma.
A pediatric trauma team at Golisano Children's Hospital significantly reduced unnecessary CT scans, minimizing radiation exposure and healthcare costs. The team's efforts, which included adapting existing guidelines and developing new ones, resulted in a 45% reduction in non-indicated scans.
A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.
Researchers analyzed electronic health record data from over 7.1 million children to identify risk factors associated with a faster decline in kidney function, including disease origin, proteinuria, hypertension, and younger age. The study found that certain attributes are linked to a more rapid decline in kidney function, providing va...
A new study found that financial coaching for parents of infants in a pediatric primary care setting reduced missed well-child care visit rates by half and improved vaccination receipt. The intervention, which connected parents to public benefits and cost-saving services, also increased monthly household income.
A new study found that massage therapy significantly reduces pain, stress, and anxiety in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer or sickle cell disease. The study published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer reports clinically significant benefits from massage therapy, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacologic treatment o...
A 20-year study reveals that recent advances in surgical and clinical care have significantly reduced brain injuries in babies with congenital heart disease. Infants who received higher postoperative blood pressure had a 20% lower risk of brain injury compared to those in earlier stages.
Eleni Tomazou's project aims to create in vitro and in vivo models of pediatric sarcomas to accelerate drug discovery and precision medicine. Her work could lead to a significant impact on the treatment of these deadly cancers.
Disparities in access to pediatric ophthalmological care have increased over the past 15 years, with lower socioeconomic status being a significant factor. Online sources can lead to inaccurate databases, highlighting the need for accurate publicly available information.
Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.
Researchers have solved an 80-year-old medical mystery that causes kidney damage in children and can be fatal in babies. They discovered a gene mutation is the primary cause, but found that around 10% of patients without the mutation still experience symptoms.
Researchers seek to reduce medical errors among patients with limited English proficiency by implementing three different translation approaches. The goal is to compare the effectiveness of telephone interpreter-based and in-person interpreter-assisted communication in reducing errors.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a custom-built application to automate the determination of engraftment after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The tool has been shown to improve accuracy of reported engraftments, reducing errors in neutrophil and platelet engraftment reporting.
A study of 104 Polish children found that higher daily physical activity levels were associated with reduced symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Children who engaged in more sports and took longer walks experienced fewer days with respiratory tract infection symptoms.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed ESPRESSO, a new computational tool that can accurately discover and quantify RNA molecules from error-prone long-read RNA sequencing data. This will enable better diagnosis of rare genetic diseases and discovery of potential therapeutic targets in cancer.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that an early return to school is associated with better outcomes for children who have suffered a concussion. The study found that children who returned to school within two days of their injury had lower symptom burdens and faster recoveries compared to those who stayed home longer.