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 found that irregular sleep patterns, including variability in timing and duration, are associated with lower receptive vocabulary and visuospatial memory scores in preschool-age children. Despite accounting for total sleep time, greater variability in sleep midpoint was linked to lower verbal performance.
A new study found that safe firearm storage can minimize children's exposure to lead, an environmental toxin. In homes where firearms are not stored or locked, dust lead levels are higher and blood lead levels in children increase by up to 20%.
A nationally representative survey of US adolescents and young adults found that a fifth used AI chatbots for mental health advice. Proactive discussion with parents and clinicians about chatbot use is necessary to promote safety and linkages to evidence-based care.
Research from Harvard Medical School confirms pediatric flu vaccines effectively reduce childhood flu cases, with fall-born children being more likely vaccinated and less likely to catch the flu. The study's findings provide additional support for flu vaccination, highlighting its public health benefits.
A nationally representative study found a nearly 4-fold increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence among US children and adolescents between 10 to 17 years old. The substantial rise is concerning due to the disease's lifetime risk of severe complications and premature deaths.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center have identified a potential way to reduce relapse in medulloblastoma by targeting tumor cells most likely to survive treatment and drive regrowth. The dual-pathway approach, focusing on CK1α, shows promise in preclinical models.
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that children who received early, tailored care experienced significant improvements in recovery from concussion. The intervention combined education, physiotherapy, and psychological support, resulting in a 62.5% full recovery rate compared to 37% for those receivin...
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has successfully eliminated months of postoperative pain for microtia patients through a minimally invasive nerve freezing procedure. The method, which lasts only 20 minutes, allows patients to enjoy natural ear sensation and appearance without prolonged pain or opioid use.
A study has mapped the development of lung damage in young children with cystic fibrosis, revealing that immune abnormalities begin early in life and persist despite current treatments. The research found that targeted anti-inflammatory therapies may be necessary alongside existing medications to prevent permanent lung damage.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have developed a new method to produce large, functional human gut organoids with nerve cells, growing them twice as fast as previous methods. These organoids can now be used for patching damage or restoring diminished functions of the small intestine, stomach, or colon.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that burosumab safely restored normal phosphate levels and improved physical function in patients with severe fibrous dysplasia. Key findings include reduced pain, fatigue, and mobility impairment, as well as significant improvements in children's mobility and independence.
Researchers found that iron deficiency may be more common and diagnosable earlier in U.S. school-aged children using a new method, detecting early stages of iron deficiency by looking at changes in red blood cells.
A cohort study found increased pediatric capability was not linked to differences in imaging use by insurance or racial/ethnic groups. Additional efforts are needed to improve quality and equity of care for children.
Researchers found that increasing ADAR2 expression in osteosarcoma cells forces them to differentiate, slowing growth and invasive capacity. The treated cells began producing mineralized matrix, a hallmark of mature bone tissue. In mice, ADAR2-restored tumors were smaller and less invasive.
A national study found that over one in 10 children with medical complexity experienced a reported incident, with medication and device errors being the most common types. The study calls for targeted interventions to keep these highly vulnerable children safe.
A study derived 'achievable benchmarks of care' (ABCs) using electronic health record data to set realistic performance goals for pediatric emergency departments. The new benchmarks highlight gaps between typical and top-performing clinician performance, particularly in domains such as pain reduction and asthma management.
Researchers discovered that children who take risks during play are quicker and more efficient at making safe decisions when crossing busy streets. This challenge traditional assumptions about letting children take risks, highlighting the importance of playful risk-taking in developing judgment skills.
A new study suggests that the specific sedatives used during critical illness in early childhood may have long-term implications for a child's neurocognitive development. The research found that treatment with dexmedetomidine, rather than opioids and benzodiazepines alone, was associated with better neurocognitive outcomes.
A new study found a steady rise in children's mental health concerns during routine primary care visits, with anxiety-related visits increasing by 300% over 10 years. The study highlights the growing role of pediatric primary care in addressing mental health needs and calls for more training and resources to support this shift.
A new study presents dual immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using RSVpreF and nirsevimab, showing reduced hospitalizations among infants in France. The study found that this combined approach demonstrates potential for enhanced RSV prevention and protection
A national poll reveals that most parents value private conversations between teens and healthcare providers during checkups, but few actually provide such opportunities. Experts suggest that these barriers can hinder young people from seeking care for sensitive issues like mental health and reproductive health.
Researchers developed a novel algorithm, FUSILLI, to detect gene fusions in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) using long-read RNA sequencing data. The tool achieves higher diagnostic yield from low-coverage, low-cost sequencing, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis of pediatric cancer.
A new study aims to make proton therapy available to more patients in Europe by planning five new centres across Romania, Greece, Italy, Northern Ireland, and Poland. Currently, 59% of European cancer patients have access to the treatment, but this can be increased to 87% with strategic location and expansion.
Two scientists, Dr. Anna Elizabeth Thalacker-Mercer and Dr. Rachel Whooten, receive awards for their groundbreaking research on micronutrients and muscle health in relation to aging and disease, as well as innovative approaches to childhood obesity care.
A multicenter clinical trial found that implementing ERPs improved outcomes for children undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, with reduced time to regular diet after surgery and decreased opioid use. Hospitals with strong quality improvement culture and commitment to ERPs saw the most success in implementation.
A new study found that a pediatric surgery program reduced opioid use during hospitalization by 56%. The program, which includes 21 best practices, also improved recovery outcomes for children, including faster eating, shorter hospital stays, and lower complication rates.
The study found substantial state-level variation in HPV vaccine uptake, with Northeastern states exhibiting higher rates and Southern states showing lower rates. Several sociodemographic factors were not significant predictors of vaccination rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve vaccine uptake.
Research suggests that exposure to environmental pollutants in early life can negatively affect bone development. A study of 88 healthy infants found associations between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and lower bone mineral density, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable windows during pregnancy and after birth.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that over one in four pediatric patients treated for malaria in the US had a delay in diagnosis, leading to more severe infection and longer hospital stays. The study emphasized the need for prompt diagnosis and prevention of imported cases to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have mapped the structure and mechanics of a critical cellular machine that malfunctions in people with rare genetic disorders. The discovery could lead to new treatments and faster diagnoses for children with conditions like infantile encephalopathy, corpus callosum hypoplasia, and Kenny-Caffey syndrome.
Children who need life-saving emergency surgery are nearly six times more likely to die if treated in poorer countries compared to wealthier ones. Major differences in care, including delayed hospital arrival and limited access to critical treatments, contribute to this disparity.
A study found that a prenatal and infant cash transfer program significantly reduced investigated allegations of maltreatment among infants. The program provided economic stability, which prevented child welfare system involvement.
Children who engaged in regular outdoor play had lower sedentary time and higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adulthood, while those experiencing exercise restrictions during childhood had lower adult physical activity levels. These findings support personalized lifestyle interventions for patients with CHD.
A new commercially available lithium coin-cell battery with protective features has been launched, marking a significant step forward in household child safety. The AAO-HNS applauds this innovation, calling on all manufacturers to follow and use the most advanced battery option available.
A new trial aims to test an AI-powered tool that detects signs of infection in children undergoing cancer treatment. The custom app, which utilizes Apple Watch data, may help clinicians intervene sooner and reduce hospital stays.
Researchers treated 75 children with peanut allergies using slow up-dosing and low maintenance dosing. After three years, 82% of the treatment group could eat at least 3.5 peanuts without an allergic reaction.
Dr. Lisa M. Satlin, a renowned pediatrician-scientist, has been awarded the ASPN Founders' Award for her lifetime contributions to pediatric nephrology through research, education, and clinical care. She has advanced understanding of kidney function and development, with significant implications for hypertension and kidney disease.
The Colorado Asthma-Friendly Schools initiative recognizes 221 schools for their comprehensive asthma management and student health efforts. Over 120,000 students have benefited from the implementation of evidence-based asthma management practices at school.
A new virtual reality intervention improved interactions between autistic teens and adults with law enforcement officers, reducing fidgeting and increasing positive behavior. The study showed significant improvements in the virtual reality group compared to a video modeling intervention.
A coordinated 10-year plan to improve long-term wellbeing and reverse child obesity trends is underway. The GenHEART program, spearheaded by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, targets heart health, diet, exercise, sleep, and more.
A new Northwestern University study found that 60% of paternal deaths in Georgia between 2017 and 2022 were preventable, resulting from homicide, accidental injury, suicide, or overdose. The study also revealed that fatherhood appears to be protective for men, with lower death rates among those who are fathers.
A study published in Pediatric Research demonstrated the safety of intranasal breast milk therapy in brain-injured newborns. The therapy was found to be effective in supporting nervous system regeneration without causing any adverse effects.
A new study reveals a sharp rise in water bead ingestions among young children, with a 6,532% increase from 2019 to 2023. The majority of ingestions occurred in residences and among children under 3 years old, highlighting the need for primary prevention and education.
A new national survey found nearly all parents (97%) felt stress related to parenting in the past month, with children's behavioral issues and emotional/mental health being top sources of that stress. The Kids Mental Health Foundation offers free resources to help parents build healthy homes and reduce stress.
A recent study found that lower vaccination coverage among infants born to unscreened mothers is associated with a substantial increase in HBV infections. The researchers used simulation modeling to examine the impact of different levels of newborn vaccination coverage and maternal screening on HBV infection rates.
Targeted birth-dose vaccine recommendation may increase neonatal HBV infections unless maternal screening improves or infant vaccination coverage increases. Universal screening and vaccination remain essential safeguards against these infections.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that excessive screen time may hinder children's language development. The research found a correlation between increased screen time and delays in vocabulary acquisition and communication skills.
Brief delays in hepatitis B vaccine initiation result in substantial increases in virus infections, adverse health outcomes, and healthcare expenses. Economic evaluations reveal the significant financial burden of such delays on individuals and society.
Advances in pediatric heart care have increased survival rates, but a shortage of donor hearts means many children still die waiting. Experts urge a shift from 'perfect' donor hearts to carefully selected organs and technological innovations to expand the donor pool.
A new study found that children with three or more complex chronic conditions had the highest annual prescription rates and frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. This highlights the need for targeted antibiotic stewardship efforts in this vulnerable population.
A large clinical trial involving thousands of patients across the US and abroad found that balanced crystalloid fluid resuscitation was as effective as saline solution in preventing major adverse kidney events after pediatric sepsis treatment. The study also revealed biochemical differences between the two fluids, including elevated bl...
A recent study found that states with stricter firearm laws had significantly lower rates of youth-perpetrated firearm homicides, with a 66% lower rate compared to those in weaker law states. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding how firearm laws shape youth-perpetrated homicides in prevention efforts.
A new study found that US children experience higher all-cause mortality than peers in other high-income nations, with a gap of over 800,000 excess child deaths between 1975 and 2023. The mortality disadvantage is now concentrated among older adolescents, particularly males.
Partial heart transplantation replaces only defective valves and related structures, eliminating need for repeat replacements. This procedure can provide thousands of additional valve transplants annually, benefiting young patients worldwide.
A new study examined measles vaccination coverage in a primary care network following a large post-elimination outbreak. The findings show that MMR coverage remained below herd immunity levels, highlighting the fragility of measles elimination.
A new CHOP study investigates the relationship between parenting and gaming disorder in young children with ADHD, finding that negative parenting behaviors are associated with an increased risk of problematic gaming. The study also highlights the importance of parental involvement in gaming and household limits on gaming consoles.
A recent study has found a significant link between ambient air pollution and an increased burden of respiratory infections in the first year of life. The Immune Development in Early Life (IDEaL) Rome Cohort study suggests that exposure to urban pollutants during infancy may fundamentally shape immune resilience, leading to a higher ri...
The study found that low influenza vaccination rates among children are associated with increased healthcare visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. Achieving a 70% immunization rate could prevent up to 2.2 million outpatient visits and 123 pediatric deaths during high-incidence flu seasons.
A new study examined geographic patterns in autism diagnosis by primary care providers among Medicaid-enrolled children in 29 states, finding significant variation between regions. The study found that 29% of children were diagnosed with ASD by a primary care provider, with rates varying from 20.0% in the Midwest to 36.4% in the West.
Researchers developed Plan & Protect, a technology-guided safety planning program for rural youth with suicidality seeking care in emergency departments. The program aims to enhance accessibility and usability of safety planning in resource-limited settings, supporting more effective crisis care for adolescents in rural communities.