Articles tagged with Pediatrics
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.
Researchers found that synthetic turf football fields have a greater impact deceleration compared to natural grass, increasing the risk of injury and concussion. The study's findings suggest that considering safety in sports requires widening our view to include playing surfaces.
A 20-year review of bicycle injuries found over 1 million US children fractured a bone while riding a bike, with most being boys between ages 10-15. The study also showed that nearly 87% of patients with skull fractures were not wearing helmets at the time of injury.
The study attributes the uptick in injuries to disruption of family routines and stay-at-home orders during pandemic, resulting in decreased helmet use and increased head injuries. The research found a 37% increase in pediatric injuries from 2018 to 2020, with most problematic for publicly insured patients.
Research at LAC+USC Medical Center found a 11% decrease in exclusive breastfeeding and a 4% decrease in any breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic rates. Hospital staffing changes and access to breastfeeding training may have contributed to these declines.
A study tracking pediatric body mass index (BMI) before and during the pandemic found a significant increase in BMI rates, with girls experiencing an 11% mean rise. The study also linked increased screen time and family time together to rising BMIs.
Research found that pre-existing illnesses and residence in the South region were most often associated with severe outcomes in children. Vaccination was significantly protective across all age groups, with infants having more severe illness than older children. Persistent health disparities across racial and geographic lines were also...
Between 2011-2020, e-scooter injuries in children increased, with over 10% of patients sustaining head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and internal bleeding. Hospital admittance for e-scooter injuries rose from 4.2% to 12.9%, highlighting the need for helmet safety.
A study found pediatric firearm-related injuries at a hospital ED increased during the first two years of the shutdown, with significant increases in African American and mentally ill patients. The total number of firearm-related injury cases rose from 88 in 2019 to 118 in 2020 and remained elevated in 2021.
Research at the 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found disparities in pediatric household preparedness for wildfires, particularly among less educated caregivers. Households with children having breathing issues were more likely to be prepared for wildfires.
A Texas study found that accidental firearm injuries in children most commonly occurred in their own homes or those of friends and family members. The majority of these accidents involved a child shooting themselves or another child. To prevent such incidents, researchers recommend safe gun storage and education for school-aged children.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona and the PCCB have created a genetically tractable model of Ewing sarcoma using Drosophila flies expressing a mutant version of the human oncogene EWS-FLI. This model allows for the identification of critical proteins required for EWS-FLI's oncogenic function and potential therapeutic targets.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that teen drivers engage in risky behaviors such as speeding and handheld cellphone use. The study tracked the driving habits of 165 adolescents in Pennsylvania and found that these behaviors occurred in approximately 40% and 30% of trips, respectively.
The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased waiting list times for pediatric heart transplants, but did not affect graft and recipient survival rates. Waiting list mortality remained unchanged during this period.
The Critical Path Institute has launched a pre-consortium collaboration with the FDA's CBER and CDER to accelerate medical product development in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The collaboration aims to define unmet needs in drug development and lay the groundwork for specific solutions.
A new clinical trial found that the bionic pancreas device was more effective at maintaining blood glucose levels within normal range than standard-of-care management among people with type 1 diabetes. The device requires minimal user input and provides more automation, resulting in improved glycemic control.
A new study analyzes the benefits and harms of prior authorization policies in Medicare Advantage, highlighting their impact on patients and clinicians. The researchers propose several measures to improve the use of PA in Medicare, including electronic-based processes and enhanced transparency.
Researchers attribute low vaccination rates in children to misconceptions about vaccine safety and Covid-19 vaccines. Misinformation about vaccine safety predicts reluctance to vaccinate both adults and children.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 25% of hospitalized children and has a high mortality rate. Experts have identified key issues and set a research agenda to improve diagnosis, prevention, and care for AKI in kids. The goal is to develop evidence-based guidelines and quality care for these vulnerable patients.
A new study shows the first-of-its-kind program led to significant declines in anxiety for those with food allergies and improvements in quality of life. The Food Allergy Bravery (FAB) program provides individualized, cognitive behavioral treatment that encourages children to take small steps towards facing allergen-related fears.
Pediatricians and primary care physicians can identify and treat pediatric post-COVID-19 symptoms using new guidelines. The guidelines include best practices from Kennedy Krieger's Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic.
A novel study in Virginia uses state all-payer claims data to accurately assess and predict future primary care workforce needs. The approach differentiates physicians with primary care training from those who practice true primary care, providing a more accurate estimate of U.S. primary care capacity.
A successful collaboration implemented pediatric early warning systems (PEWS) in 36 Latin American hospitals, training over 11,100 clinicians and improving cancer outcomes. PEWS use was maintained for up to 18 months after implementation, with high-quality results.
A new study found that children infected with COVID-19 have a substantially higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes, with a 72% increase in new diagnoses in the six months following COVID diagnosis. Pediatricians and families should be alert for symptoms of diabetes following COVID.
A recent study has found an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset type 1 diabetes among pediatric patients. The study analyzed data from electronic health records and found that children who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to develop new type 1 diabetes compared to those with other respiratory infections.
UC Riverside engineers develop low-cost robotic clothing to help children with cerebral palsy. The soft machine garments contain sealed regions that inflate to provide force for movement, enabling natural limb functioning.
Researchers have discovered that a type of pediatric brain tumour, medulloblastoma, develops in a pre-malignant form during human fetal brain development. This finding suggests that medulloblastomas could be preventable by identifying the genetic variations that cause them and acting before they develop.
Researchers developed a new 3D organoid model that replicates the unique disease process of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (APRKD). The model identified potential therapeutic targets, including FOS and RAC1, and showed therapeutic effects with FDA-approved drugs.
A peer-reviewed study detected PFAS in all 'stain-resistant' school uniforms tested from nine popular brands, with concentrations as high as those in outdoor clothing. The presence of PFAS in school uniforms poses a risk to children's health through skin absorption and inhalation.
A recent study published in Radiology found persistent lung damage on MRI scans in children and teens who recovered from or have long COVID. Lung function and structure show signs of dysfunction, with V/Q matches indicating impaired air and blood flow.
Numerous gaps between dietary intake and recommended guidelines are found, particularly among vulnerable families, with race and ethnicity disparities persisting. A unified plan can improve nutritional outcomes by strengthening federal policies and programs.
A rat study found that excessive blue light exposure is associated with earlier puberty onset, reduced melatonin levels, and increased reproductive hormones. This suggests a potential risk for childhood development and future fertility.
A recent study found that telemedicine is a viable option for many patients, especially those with epilepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, barriers remain, including limited access for socially vulnerable families and racial/ethnic minorities.
Non-traditional lifestyle interventions, such as physical activity, sleep habits and nutrition, can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents. These interventions are cost-effective, versatile, and can be implemented by both licensed and non-licensed providers.
Researchers found no significant difference in pain levels between children who received ibuprofen and those who received a placebo before stent removal. Only 7% of pediatric patients reported severe pain following the procedure, compared to 55% of adults.
Researchers developed assistive devices to streamline ear reconstruction surgery, minimizing tissue waste and operating time. The tools use 3D manufacturing to precision-cut rib cartilage, enabling a faster, more accurate process with better outcomes.