Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that an early return to school after a concussion can lead to better outcomes. The study found that returning to school sooner was linked to lower symptom burdens in youth aged 8-12 and 13-18, potentially due to therapeutic benefits from normal activities.
Most children in the continental US have adequate access to pediatric cancer care, but disparities exist among racial and ethnic groups and in rural areas. Reducing these disparities requires innovative approaches such as expanding local facilities and partnerships with adult oncology centers.
A recent study found that genomic testing can identify genetic causes of childhood hearing loss and provide critical information on its clinical characteristics. The researchers detected variants responsible for hearing loss in 43 different genes, and the severity of hearing loss varied by gene.
Researchers found that inhibiting HSF1 signaling reduces hepatoblastoma growth and induces apoptosis, suggesting it as a viable pharmacologic target. The study also identified HSF1's role in tumor aggressiveness and its potential association with mortality.
Pediatric hospitalizations for cannabis poisonings increased significantly in provinces with legal edible cannabis sales compared to those without. The study highlights the need for regulatory measures to mitigate risks associated with recreational cannabis legalization.
A study by University of Missouri-Columbia researchers found a significant increase in pediatric firearm injuries during the pandemic, with Black and low-income children being most at risk. The monthly injury rate increased by 51.5% during the pandemic, leading to a 29% increase in pediatric firearm deaths.
Research on COVID-19 variants reveals that infants and toddlers with co-infections are significantly more likely to need oxygen therapy and ICU-level care. Co-infection rates were highest during the delta variant, followed by omicron and alpha.
Researchers have discovered that vaping might not be a healthier alternative to smoking, especially in adolescents. EVALI symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Pictorial questionnaires can help identify e-cigarette products used.
The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...
Pediatric mental health emergency department visits are rising, driven by markers of disease severity and healthcare access issues. Targeted hospital and community interventions can help mitigate recurrent visits and improve mental health care delivery.
A recent study found that 1 in 5 children and teens who visit emergency departments due to mental health crises will still be there after 12 hours. Another 1 in 13 will remain after a full day, with over 60% being suicidal or having self-harmed.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found significant cost savings by eliminating sedation during pediatric brain MRI examinations. The analysis calculated costs for sedated, nonsedated, and limited MRI exams at three US hospitals, revealing that labor costs were the largest expense category.
A new gene therapy treatment has shown promising results in a clinical trial for Artemis-SCID patients, improving their immune function and reducing treatment complications. The treatment involves adding a healthy copy of the Artemis gene to the patient's own cells, resulting in improved T-cell and B-cell immunity.
Research found that common anti-inflammatory drugs taken by children can alter the formation of dental enamel, leading to defects. The study's authors suggest potential harm from widespread use of these medications and plan to conduct a clinical trial to confirm findings in humans.
Rates of pediatric firearm injuries increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, persisting through 2021. Non-Hispanic Black children and those with public insurance were disproportionately affected, highlighting a pressing need for gun safety measures.
Researchers at the Princess Máxima Center found that concentrating surgery for children with neuroblastoma resulted in shorter operation times and reduced blood loss. The study also showed a decrease in side effects, although further research is needed to confirm improved survival rates.
The AVID college preparatory program has been shown to have a positive effect on students' social networks, psycho-social outcomes, and health behaviors. Students who participated in the program had lower odds of using substances and associating with substance-using peers compared to those in usual school programs.
Researchers analyzed COX-2 levels and segmental chromosome aberrations in pediatric neuroblastoma tumor samples. Positive correlations between pre-CT Ch 7q gain and COX-2 expression were found, as well as negative correlations between Ch 7q gain and Ch 11q deletion.
A new study found that only 23% of US neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) screen for social determinants of health, despite AAP recommendations. Clinical leaders believe addressing SDH is feasible and beneficial for infants and families, but lack resources and inadequate referrals are major barriers.
The Children's Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, introduced by the American College of Surgeons, improved efficiency in treating children with traumatic injuries. The program reduced surgical wait times and hospital stays by over a day and decreased narcotics use in pediatric patients with femur fractures.
The 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline shows higher levels of proteinuria in children with hypertensive range blood pressure. Clinicians should re-calculate BP percentiles using the new guidelines to accurately diagnose and treat hypertension in pediatric chronic kidney disease.
The Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society has published a supplement issue focusing on past, current, and future diversity and inclusion issues affecting pediatric infectious diseases. The collection examines the legacy of health disparities and their impact on the response to COVID-19.
A recent study found that frequent mobile device use for calming young children may displace opportunities for learning emotion-regulation strategies. Pediatric health care professionals may need to encourage alternative calming approaches to support healthy development.
A new national study found that excessive screen time, especially video gaming and watching videos, is linked to an increased risk of developing OCD in US preteens. The study, led by UCSF researchers, suggests that intrusive thoughts about video game content can develop into obsessions or compulsions.
A new treatment protocol has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of aggressive childhood leukemia returning after chemotherapy. The ALL-11 protocol, which includes an extra year of maintenance chemotherapy for children with specific genetic mutations, has improved five-year survival rates and quality of life for these patients....
Research reveals stark racial and ethnic differences in swimming skills, with Black and Latine parents less confident in their abilities and fewer children taking swim lessons. Culturally tailored water-safety programs are crucial to eliminating these disparities and reducing child drownings.
A study of 510 children with chronic kidney disease found that declining hemoglobin levels were associated with significant growth impairment even when above guideline-targeted levels. Lower hemoglobin values are linked to poorer growth, independent of kidney function and age.
A WVU study found that children from non-traditional family structures, such as single-parent households and multi-generational families, face difficulties accessing healthcare. The research highlights the need for providers to be aware of the unique challenges faced by these families and to adapt their services accordingly.
A systematic review of 23 studies found COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-associated myopericarditis is rare in adolescents and young adults with a low incidence rate. The condition generally has favorable early outcomes, but continued follow-up is recommended.
A study using spatial single-cell transcriptomics reveals the spatial organization of cancer cells in patient tissues across ages and locations. The research highlights age- and location-dependent differences in tumor biology, suggesting that kids and adults with diffuse midline gliomas may need different treatments.
A case of a 14-year-old girl who had a cardiac arrest at an overnight camp emphasizes the need for preparation and training for rare but often fatal events. The survival of the patient is attributed to the quick response of emergency medical services and bystander CPR.
The Máxima Butterfly program offers 28 PhD positions in pediatric oncology, focusing on international collaboration and multidisciplinary exchange. Researchers will receive training from leading experts and gain access to innovative techniques and insights.
Researchers developed an efficient engineered pathogen capture method to quickly identify infectious microbes in tiny blood samples. This advanced technology could significantly improve clinical outcomes for children with bloodstream infections and sepsis.
Researchers have found that experimental vaccines, including a protein-based vaccine candidate with an adjuvant, provide superior protection against lung disease and higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to mRNA vaccines. The results inform the optimization and development of COVID-19 vaccines for young infant populations.
A new driver training program has been shown to reduce the frequency of long, distracted glances away from the road among teen drivers with ADHD. The FOCAL+ training program improved teen drivers' attention to the roadway and reduced crash risk by 40% compared to a control group.
A new study reveals that children who survive firearm injuries are more likely to develop mental health diagnoses, particularly stress-related conditions and substance misuse issues. The research found that 35% of firearm-injured kids received a new mental health diagnosis in the year after the incident.
CHOP researchers identified a gain-of-function variant in SCN1A that leads to an earlier onset of epilepsy, with clinical features distinct from other epilepsies. The study found that patients with this recurrent variant responded favorably to oxcarbazepine, a readily available anti-seizure medication.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk in children with non-chromosomal birth defects. The study found that these variants were more commonly found in genes related to birth defects and cancer, suggesting a potential basis for early detection.
A low-cost prenatal intervention benefits mothers’ mental health up to eight years later. The eight-week class intervention supported healthier stress responses in their children, and cut their short-term risk of depression and diabetes.
Researchers propose six competency domains for AI use in primary care: foundational knowledge, critical appraisal, medical decision making, technical use, patient communication, and awareness of unintended consequences. These competencies aim to harness AI's potential for patient and societal benefit.
A study published in Pediatric Research found that Zika-exposed children may exhibit differences in motor skills, readiness for school, and parental distress, suggesting the need for additional support as they age. However, cognitive function scores were not significantly different between groups.
The EPCD model, leveraging care team nurses, pharmacists, and social workers, improved diabetes care quality by increasing patients' adherence to treatment guidelines. Staff clinician practices saw significant improvements in glycemic control and patient outcomes after EPCD implementation.
The introduction of a waiting room concierge service has led to significant improvements in patient satisfaction scores, rising from 60% to almost 90%. Patients report feeling more respected and informed while waiting, contributing to the positive changes.
Primary care clinicians are more likely to prescribe CGM when closer to specialized endocrinologists and serving more Medicare patients. Expanded insurance coverage and consultation on CGM issues can support increased use of the technology.
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.