Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A new study of over 84,000 children found a significant association between screen time at age 1 and the presence or absence of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis at age 3. The research suggests that early exposure to screens may be a potential risk factor for developing autism.
Researchers have developed a personalized dosing regime for anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) to improve the success of stem cell transplants in children with leukemia. The new approach led to better immune recovery and higher survival rates compared to standard treatment.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia define a 3-tiered molecular classification system for pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer, where fusion oncogenes are associated with more invasive disease and lower remission rates. The study contrasts findings from adults, who have a two-tiered system based on BRAF mutations.
A Yale study found that child masking in child care programs reduced closure rates by 13-14%. Child masking was associated with a lower risk of COVID-19-related closures, keeping children in safe learning environments and allowing parents to remain employed. Masking rates were higher for staff members than children.
A study found that nearly 70% of pediatric patients missed an average of two five-day school weeks post-hospital discharge and half of their primary caregivers missed an average of eight workdays. This highlights the need for interventions to mitigate absenteeism and support families during and after pediatric hospitalization.
A study found frequent rates of respiratory infections and wheezing in young First Nations children due to poor housing conditions, including inadequate ventilation, mold, and wood smoke contaminants. The researchers urge action on improving housing and infrastructure in communities to benefit the overall health of First Nations peoples.
A single genetic test using RNA sequencing has been used for all children with cancer in the Netherlands since 2018, improving diagnosis and treatment in seven cases. The technique picked up 78 fusion genes, 23 of which led to a more accurate diagnosis or possible treatment.
Researchers report successful treatment of two young infants with PROS using breast cancer drug alpelisib, inducing rapid and significant clinical improvement in symptoms. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed promising results, supporting the use of low-dose alpelisib in these patients.
Researchers have developed a novel combination of two drugs delivered in nanoparticles that extend the survival of mice with medulloblastoma. The treatment targets the mTOR pathway and reduces off-target toxicity, making it a potential less toxic alternative to current treatments.
A national survey reveals that over 85% of primary care practices struggle to access pediatric medication advice and evidence-based psychotherapy. Policy changes may be necessary to address these barriers and improve child behavioral health treatment.
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that resuming non-contact physical activity 72 hours after a concussion is safe for children and youth. The study, which involved 456 participants, showed that early return to physical activity can reduce symptoms and delayed recovery.
A DNA sequencing study of 50 patients with cerebral palsy found a genetic cause in 26% of cases. The study identified 13 different genes associated with the condition. Genetic findings led to changes in patient care plans and urged clinicians to consider genetic causes for CP without known risk factors.
A national study by Boston Children's Hospital found that primary care practices caring for children reported significant difficulties in obtaining behavioral health services. The study, published in Annals of Family Medicine, highlights the pressing need for mental health support in children and adolescents.
A UC researcher is leading three projects to study the genetic workings of deadly pediatric brain tumors, including DIPG. The goal is to understand how genes regulate blood vessels and develop more effective treatments. Researchers are also exploring a new drug that targets a specific genetic mutation.
A new study reveals that over 85% of primary care practices face difficulties in obtaining evidence-based pediatric behavioral health care, including medication advice and family-based therapy. Policy changes are necessary to address these barriers and ensure comprehensive care for children's growing behavioral health needs.
The CHAMPS program, a multi-year quality improvement initiative in Mississippi, increased breastfeeding rates by 10 percentage points overall, with significant gains among Black mother-baby dyads. Rooming-in practices also improved, leading to reduced infant mortality and morbidity.
A study found frequent rates of respiratory infections in children under 3 years of age in isolated First Nations communities, related to poor housing conditions. High levels of mould and endotoxin were also detected, with 85% of houses lacking controlled ventilation.
UTSW researchers develop novel strategy to combat viral infections by inhibiting protein network. The approach has shown promise in preventing replication of RSV and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, a leading cause of pediatric deaths worldwide.
A new study found that hospitalized children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to develop neurological symptoms, including headache and altered mental status. The research also showed that these symptoms were more common in kids with MIS-C, a condition characterized by fever, inflammation, and organ dysfunction.
The WV Clinical and Translational Science Institute is leading a national study on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) among adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and develop effective treatments for this disabling complication.
A recent study by UCLA Health researchers found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through breast milk feeding. The study analyzed breastmilk samples from 110 lactating women and discovered that even when mothers had COVID-19, the virus was not present in their infants.
A new study has found that children in sub-Saharan Africa who are hospitalized with COVID-19 are dying at a rate far greater than children in the US and Europe. Children under 1 year old had nearly five times the risk of death compared to adolescents aged 15-19 years.
Researchers identified a mechanism by which two antiviral genes, SAMD9 and SAMD9L, promote childhood cancer when mutated. The study found that this protein region performs the toxic function through binding to nucleic acids.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research found no SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in breastmilk from mothers infected with COVID-19, ruling out transmission to infants. The authors analyzed 110 lactating women and did not find any clinical evidence of infection in breastfeeding infants.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) may be rooted in impaired and inefficient muscle tissue regeneration, which enables unwanted bone growth. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting both extra-skeletal bone formation and muscle function.
A CHOP study found that infants born via uncomplicated cesarean delivery have a low risk of early-onset sepsis and should not receive antibiotics at birth. The study's findings could help clinicians tailor antibiotic use in newborns, reducing complications and unnecessary treatment.
Research from the University of Virginia Health System found that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can lead to hardened kidney vessels. The drugs, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, were associated with damage in both lab mice and humans.
The Sanford Children's Genomic Medicine Consortium has initiated a whole genome sequencing research project to investigate undiagnosed illnesses in children with suspected inborn errors of immunity. The study aims to sequence the genomes of up to 25 patient genomes and learn information that can benefit patients and others.
Researchers analyzed hospital visits, admissions, and deaths for 50,393 children with asthma to track trends. The study used health information exchange data, revealing a significant increase in pediatric asthma death rates despite a decline in hospital admissions.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to an increase in kidney stone cases, even with mitigation efforts. Researchers predict a cost of $57-99 million to the US healthcare system over seven decades, with a steeper impact if no action is taken.
A new graft strategy has reduced chronic graft-versus-host disease in leukemia patients by depleting naïve T cells from donor blood. The approach has shown promising results, with only 7% of patients developing chronic GVHD compared to 30-60% with standard treatment.
A new UCSF study found that the neural connections of newborns with two different kinds of brain injuries were linked to significantly different developmental outcomes years later. CHD newborns had worse language function at 12-18 months and worse cognitive, language, and motor function at 30 months compared to HIE infants.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that responsive neurostimulation system reduced disabling seizures in 84% of children and young adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. The youngest patient to undergo RNS implantation was a 3-year-old child.
A new study estimates that nitrogen dioxide from traffic pollution contributes to nearly 2 million cases of pediatric asthma annually. Cleaner air in urban areas has led to a decline in these cases, but more work is needed to curb harmful emissions.
Researchers discovered that aberrant splicing of CD22 mRNA leads to decreased protein expression in pediatric B-lymphoblastic leukemia cells. This results in resistance to CD22-directed immunotherapies, making it challenging for oncologists to identify patients who may not respond to these treatments.
Researchers found that brain activity in children with arthrogryposis is different from healthy controls, with increased motor neuron activity and less precise movements. Non-invasive brain stimulation may be a possible rehabilitation strategy to help them start movements.
A team of researchers from Georgia Tech developed a 3D-printed tracheal replacement splint to treat Ramiah, a 4-year-old girl with tracheal agenesis. The Airway Support Device was used in her successful surgery and has improved her breathing capabilities.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several new clinical considerations in WAGR syndrome, including kidney issues, cardiometabolic health problems, and variations in eye issues. The study provides guidance for proper diagnosis, management, and potential treatment options, highlighting the need for individual...
Researchers found tumor risk varies among patients with Beckwith-Wiedmann spectrum, differing from classic symptoms. Traditional blood tests may not capture all cases, emphasizing the need for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.
A new consensus statement provides recommendations for the diagnosis, management, and care of individuals with achondroplasia across all life stages. The guidelines aim to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this genetic disorder.
The Medical University of South Carolina's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness offers a menu of wellness initiative options that schools can tailor to their needs. Schools with health professionals on the wellness committee implement 25% more initiatives, leading to a culture change and increased student participation.
Researchers analyzed 140 neuroblastoma samples to understand the genetic changes associated with the disease. They found that mutations can disappear and reappear, occurring in distinct sections or individual cells, making targeted therapy less effective.
A new study suggests that sun exposure may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis in children and young adults by up to 52%. Vitamin D levels are also found to be higher in individuals with increased sun exposure, which may play a role in protecting against autoimmune diseases.
A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is part of a $470 million RECOVER initiative studying post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) in children. The study aims to investigate long-term effects, symptoms and treatments for PASC, such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).
An experimental drug called NAP has been found effective in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms related to autism, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that NAP normalizes brain function in mice modeling ADNP syndrome, a rare disorder linked to these conditions.
Children with autism benefit from group-based weight management and family-centered nutrition education, which improves eating habits and exercise motivation. The program's success rate is higher among families who complete the entire program, indicating its potential as an adjunct or alternative to traditional interventions.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital found that COVID-19 vaccination-related myocarditis is usually mild and has a fast clinical recovery rate in adolescents and young adults. However, long-term monitoring of heart health is recommended due to potential cardiac complications.
Researchers found that most cases of suspected COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis in people younger than 21 are mild and resolve quickly. The study suggests that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination far exceed the rare risks of adverse events, including myocarditis.
A third of US kids lack good and consistent health insurance, with inadequate insurance driving the trend. Families with private insurance and children with special needs are disproportionately affected.
Research found a significant correlation between increased atmospheric temperature and asthma attacks in children. Lower SO2 levels during the state of emergency also contributed to reduced asthma exacerbations, suggesting that environmental factors play a crucial role in asthma management.
Researchers used next-generation DNA sequencing to detect residual disease in patients treated with CAR-T therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study found that DNA sequencing was more sensitive and accurate than flow cytometry in predicting relapse, enabling earlier intervention.
Researchers analyzed data from 2016 to 2020 and found no significant difference in new cancer diagnoses among Canadian children during the pandemic. The study suggests that cancer diagnosis rates were not delayed, unlike previous reports suggesting a decline.
A new study found that Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) programs increased referrals from primary care providers to these programs, particularly for patients with mood and anxiety symptoms. PMHCA programs provide training, consultation, and resource-referral support to PCPs, increasing children's access to mental health care.
A study led by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers used stem cells to implicate several genes involved in bodily functions associated with the hypothalamus. The findings could help clinicians identify potential causes of dysfunction for traits regulated by the hypothalamus, such as sleep and stress.
A recent study found that using consumer-grade wearable devices to track a child's heart rate and physical activity after surgery can help clinicians decide if at-home recovery is going as expected. The data from the wearables, coupled with parent reports, aids clinicians' decision-making and potentially prevents unnecessary ED visits.
The American Thoracic Society has published a clinical practice guideline on the use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to guide asthma treatment. The guideline recommends using FeNO in addition to usual care for patients with asthma whose treatment is being considered, suggesting this may be eligible for the measurement.
A novel gene therapy has shown sustained expression of clotting factor VIII, leading to a reduction or complete elimination of bleeding events in patients with hemophilia A. The trial demonstrated improved production of coagulation factor VIII over prolonged periods.
A survey study of 400 parents and 80 clinicians found that nearly one-quarter of parents reported challenges in the therapeutic relationship with their oncologist, highlighting the need for improvement strategies. Clinicians used these strategies more frequently when they experienced relationship difficulties.