A new study by University of California - San Francisco-led researchers found that tweens who spend more time on screens have a higher likelihood of developing disruptive behavior disorders. Social media was most likely to be linked to conduct disorder, while other forms of screen use were associated with oppositional defiant disorder....
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children who grow up near green spaces have better lung function. The research suggests that increasing exposure to vegetation close to home can improve lung health, especially when combined with other factors such as physical activity and reduced air pollution.
A multicenter study found that preterm children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who attend daycare are more likely to visit the emergency department, use systemic steroids, and experience chronic respiratory symptoms. The risk of these complications is highest in infants under 1 year old and may persist until 36 months of age.
A new study estimates that exposure to PFAS chemicals may result in $5.5-63 billion in lifetime health costs due to conditions like low birth weight, childhood obesity, kidney cancer, and hypothyroidism. The study supports the EPA's decision to lower safe allowable levels of these substances.
Researchers at WVU are conducting a four-year study to investigate long COVID's impact on pediatric patients, exploring questions like prevalence, symptoms, and treatment options. The study will enroll children from infancy to 25 years old and analyze biomarkers for long COVID susceptibility.
Researchers found associations between census-tract measures of social determinants, such as educational attainment and violent crime, with pediatric asthma morbidity rates. These findings suggest opportunities for community-based interventions to reduce pediatric asthma morbidity.
Researchers found that mothers who didn't transmit HCMV to their infants had higher levels of antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis, suggesting a non-neutralizing immunity mechanism. This finding has implications for the development of effective HCMV vaccines.
A new study from Dartmouth Cancer Center re-examines claims of high pediatric cancer rates in New Hampshire, revealing the Northeast region has a statistically significantly higher incidence of cancer compared to all other U.S. regions. Within the Northeastern states, no single state is an outlier, with significant variations in incide...
Researchers found that children with autism process brain waves differently when focused on body movements versus colors, highlighting a key challenge in communication.
A new blocking antibody therapy targeting placental growth factor (PlGF) has shown promise in treating advanced, treatment-refractory pediatric brain cancer. The therapy, called TB-403, was well-tolerated and induced stable disease in some patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Black children who have stroke after heart transplant are more than three times as likely to die compared to their white counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from 8,224 children who received cardiac transplants between 1994 and 2019.
A study of preterm infants found that those who received more maternal milk in early life had better academic achievement, higher IQs, and reduced ADHD symptoms. Higher intake of maternal milk was also associated with improved reading and math scores.
A large-scale study analyzing 29 studies and 139,624 participants found that people who viewed tobacco content on social media are more likely to report using tobacco. The study also identified susceptible individuals who may be influenced by pro-tobacco content.
Researchers propose a theory on how SARS-CoV-2 infects the body, leading to hyperactivation of the immune system and post-COVID syndromes. The hypothesis suggests that molecular motifs on the spike protein interact with immune cells, causing an overreaction and mistakenly attacking organs.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Research on Children found that both gun-owning and non-gun-owning parents are receptive to discussions about gun locks and firearm safety measures with their child's pediatrician. The study, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, shows promise for reducing f...
A comprehensive study found that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. The researchers measured 45 chemicals in pregnant women and found elevated levels of biomarkers indicating risk for liver disease in children who were more highly exposed.
A multicenter study found that radiologists can accurately diagnose rickets and classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs) with high interobserver agreement and diagnostic performance. The study highlighted the importance of considering age factors in diagnosis, as CMLs mostly occur in children younger than 6 months.
A multicenter study found that traditional Chinese medicine Yupingfeng was as effective as allopathic drugs in treating recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. The study showed a substantially greater reduction in RRTI events and similar safety profiles across all three groups.
A new study found that hospitals can reduce excessive opioid prescribing by implementing an evidence-based default setting for opioid prescriptions written in electronic health records. The study showed that patients who received a standard prescription size with a lower default dose of opioids had similar pain control, but took home f...
A three-year study found that telehealth consultations with a pediatric infectious disease specialist reduced antibiotic usage in 8 Texas nurseries serving rural and medically underserved areas by 32%. The consultations helped healthcare providers make more informed decisions about when to use antibiotics, ensuring the proper balance b...
A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.
A Rutgers study found that parental depression affects about one in five US families and can have severe consequences on children's health. The research suggests that increased screening for parental depression across a wider age range has the potential to identify families in need of resources.
Researchers found multiple gene variants contributing to pediatric NAFLD risk and disease severity, including novel SNPs associated with liver fibrosis. These genetic associations may guide future therapeutics for pediatric NAFLD, a chronic childhood disease linked to increased cardiovascular risk and mortality.
A study found that young adolescents who were targets of cyberbullying were more likely to report suicidal thoughts and attempts, distinct from traditional offline bullying. Cyberbullying was associated with an independent risk factor for youth suicidality, highlighting the need for online screening and interventions.
Researchers will evaluate COVID-19 vaccination safety in 1,800 pregnant participants and monitor immune response. The study aims to provide information on vaccine efficacy for mothers and babies.
A study found that over 60% of parents of children with kidney disease or hypertension are unsure or unwilling to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. Effective vaccines exist to protect children from COVID-19, and the findings highlight the need for clear communication to address parental concerns.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its safe-sleep guidelines, recommending babies sleep on their backs on flat, level surfaces to reduce SIDS risk. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of breastfeeding, pacifier use, and avoiding drugs and alcohol exposure.
A new study published in CMAJ found that youth hockey players with more years of bodychecking experience had a significantly higher risk of concussion than those with less experience. The researchers collected data on 941 players aged 15-17 and found that concussion was the most common injury, making up over one-third of all injuries.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic children are more likely to develop asthma, even in well-resourced neighborhoods. Neighborhood characteristics at birth and race/ethnicity-based inequities may play a role in the development of childhood wheezing and asthma.
Researchers found significant decrease in national Kawasaki disease cases in 2020, coinciding with school closures and masking mandates. KD cases rebounded after lifting of masks and return of in-person schooling, hinting at respiratory portal of entry as trigger.
A new study published in iScience found that the co-development of the gut microbiome, immune system, and respiratory system is correlated with a baby's respiratory health. Disruption of any of these systems resulted in greater respiratory morbidity for infants, highlighting the importance of timing in intervening with therapies.
A new pediatric obesity program, Guided Self-Help (GSH), was developed to provide a less intensive and more accessible way to treat childhood obesity. The study found that GSH was similarly effective as traditional Family-Based Treatment (FBT) in supporting pediatric weight loss, but with higher attendance rates.
A world-class team led by Dr. Catherine Bollard aims to develop novel immunotherapy treatments for children with solid cancers, aiming to improve survival and diminish lifelong toxicities. The team will receive $25m funding to tackle the challenging issue of solid tumors in children.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that a super-pulsed thulium fiber laser system improved stone-free rates and reduced residual fragments in pediatric patients with urinary stones compared to standard low-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers. The study, which evaluated 125 procedures in 109 patients, showed ...
Children are at higher risk of health changes due to air pollution and climate change impacts, including increased asthma rates and vector-borne diseases. Caregivers can take steps to minimize exposure by making personal and family changes such as using electric cars, reducing meat consumption, and improving indoor air quality.
A new study at 21 US children's hospitals found that patients with limited English proficiency are less likely to question their child's hospital care due to language barriers. The researchers called on hospitals to ensure that families who speak languages other than English have an equal opportunity to speak up and potentially interce...
A new study has found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, revealed that among 892 children with NAFLD, 6.6% developed type 2 diabetes, with the incidence rate rising by 3% annually.
Most U.S. states have laws addressing teen dating violence in secondary schools, but these laws vary in content and comprehensiveness. The study highlights the need for improved legislation to prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
A new preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers shows that naturally-produced IgG antibodies in breast milk can protect infants from infection-induced diarrheal illness. These antibodies enhance infant immunity against bacterial pathogens causing gastrointestinal diseases.
A new study found that patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who were identified through newborn screening had lower financial costs compared to those identified after symptoms arose. Early treatment also resulted in reduced costs, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.
A systematic review of U.S.-based pediatric guidelines reveals frequent misuses of race that can exacerbate health disparities. The study highlights the need for more equitable and evidence-based approaches to patient care.
A new study reveals that combinations of multiple genetic factors determine the risk and severity of symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Researchers analyzed 37,375 individuals from 11,213 families to understand how rare mutations and common genetic variation contribute to ASD.
A study by CHOP researchers found similar diagnostic rates for telemedicine and in-person visits, but challenges persist in collecting genetic samples. Lower rates of telemedicine use among families from historically marginalized backgrounds indicate possible disparities in care.
The number of US children suspected to have attempted suicide by poisoning increased by 26.7% between 2015 and 2020, according to researchers at the University of Virginia Health System. The majority of these cases involved girls, and the age group with the largest increase was children aged 10-12.
A new mobile app provides effective support for children with obesity by tracking their weight development in real-time and offering personalized care. The app achieved twice the weight loss results compared to conventional care, particularly benefiting adolescents who were previously difficult to reach with behavioral therapy.
St. Jude researchers will present novel treatments for pediatric brain tumors, including a response rate of 86.8% for high-risk neuroblastoma patients. The hospital will also share findings on disparities in survival rates and improve childhood cancer outcomes worldwide through the World Health Organization Global Initiative.
Between 2017 and 2019, more than 1 million US youth aged 14 to 17 years became new daily tobacco users, with three-quarters of them vaping e-cigarettes daily. The majority of these young users were introduced to JUUL products, which had high nicotine concentrations and youth-appealing flavors.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT designed an oil-based gel system, oleogel, to deliver medications to children with swallowing difficulties. The system has been shown to be compatible with most drugs and can facilitate drug uptake at levels comparable to solid tablets.
Children previously infected with COVID-19 or MIS-C are not protected against the newer Omicron variant. However, vaccination shows protective effects, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
Children from marginalized groups and those with public insurance had poorer five-year survival rates, even when receiving standardized treatment. The study highlights the need for healthcare delivery and supportive care interventions to mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer.
A new study found that unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for nonhospitalized children resulted in 2.8 million cases of avoidable infections, costing the US at least $74 million. Children prescribed inappropriate antibiotics were up to eight times more likely to develop complications such as diarrhea and skin rashes.
Pediatric pathologists have discovered a new, aggressive subtype of liver cancer in children, characterized by molecular features that don't fit existing classification models. The tumors are less responsive to chemotherapy and have poor outcomes, prompting the development of a diagnostic algorithm to guide specialized treatment.
A study published in PLOS ONE identified a biomarker panel that could help predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy, potentially reducing its impact on mother and baby. Researchers found distinct expression of microRNA genes in extracellular vesicles isolated from maternal blood samples taken during the first trim...
A study led by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals a common mechanism underlying genetic mutations associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. The discovery points to an experimental drug developed by the team as a potential treatment for these conditions.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that e-cigarette use costs the US $15 billion annually in healthcare expenditures, with each user paying around $2,000 extra per year compared to non-users. The study, published in Tobacco Control, highlights the growing concern over health care costs associated with e-cigarette use.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics examines the association between patient race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic disadvantage with missed telemedicine visits for pediatric patients during COVID-19. The findings suggest that these factors disproportionately contribute to higher no-show rates among disadvantaged populations.
A new study by McGill University researchers has shed light on the complex relationships between concussion symptoms and brain damage in children. The findings suggest that certain combinations of brain injury can lead to specific symptoms, such as attention difficulties and sleep problems.
A recent cohort study found that previous cardiovascular conditions, including heart surgery and heart failure, were associated with increased COVID-19 severity in US pediatric patients. The study highlights the importance of pre-existing medical conditions in determining COVID-19 outcomes in children.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a devastating rise in adolescent mental health crises, with 60% of admitted patients exhibiting suicidal ideation or attempting suicide. Mental health admissions increased for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance-related disorders, particularly among girls.
A new perspective published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recommends strategies to prevent future shortages and regain public trust. Strategies include a thorough, public process to instill confidence in safe production, assessment of supply system factors, and evaluation of business practices.