Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
Researchers used standardized reporting of clinical data to determine the most effective methods for controlling seizures in pediatric epilepsy patients. The study found that using telemedicine had no impact on seizure frequencies and that certain patient demographics were more likely to experience worsening seizures.
A new study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles aims to identify biomarkers of early-life stress using precision medicine. The goal is to improve early screening for adverse childhood experiences, which can increase a child's risk for developmental delays and health challenges later in life.
A predictive model has been developed to identify pediatric patients at risk of developing blood clots or venous thromboembolisms. The model includes 11 risk factors and has been validated on over 44,000 separate admissions. In a trial called CLOT, the model is being used to inform personalized prevention plans for high-risk patients.
A study published in Spine Journal reveals that most pediatric spinal fractures occur in motor vehicle accidents where seatbelts are not used. The majority of these injuries (63%) occur in teenagers aged 15-17, who are at highest risk for MVA-related spinal fractures. Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of death and spina...
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that older age, female sex, and higher comorbidities are associated with persistent opioid use in pediatric patients. The research aims to inform clinicians about risk factors for opioid dependence in this vulnerable population.
The study evaluates the validity of diagnostic criteria for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in children, revealing age-dependent symptom patterns. The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria were found to be high, with notable differences in presentation between pediatric and adult patients.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that surgically placing tympanostomy tubes in young children does not reduce recurrent ear infections compared to oral antibiotics. The trial also showed no increased bacterial resistance among children treated with antibiotics.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that child-targeted TV ads for fast-food meals often overemphasize premiums like toys and games, relative to the actual food being sold. This marketing practice is deceptive and violates industry guidelines aimed at preventing childhood obesity.
Researchers found that pediatricians are more likely to refer toddlers for evaluation if parents independently express concerns, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The Get SET Early program, a simple screening tool, has been linked to improved outcomes for children with ASD.
A new study by Children's Hospital Colorado found that lumacaftor/ivacaftor is safe and well-tolerated in children aged 2-5 with cystic fibrosis for up to 120 weeks. The treatment has also been shown to improve pancreatic function, reduce pulmonary exacerbations, and increase lung clearance.
A recent study has identified a genetic cause of a rare neurological disorder, ataxia, linked to mutations in the GEMIN5 protein. The discovery could lead to the development of diagnostic tests and treatments for affected individuals.
A consensus definition clarifies the characteristics of postbiotics, a category of non-living microorganisms with potential health benefits. The definition distinguishes postbiotics from probiotics and outlines their composition and application.
A hot topic symposium session will discuss a multipronged approach to addressing childhood adversity and promoting resilience. The effect of adverse childhood experiences on health outcomes is well recognized among pediatric practitioners.
The intersection of child poverty with race, immigrant status, and environmental threats is a critical issue that affects the health and development of vulnerable populations. Experts discuss the impact of systemic inequalities and environmental toxins on children's well-being.
The Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting predicts major child health legislative and policy changes over the next four years. The session will focus on five key areas, including health insurance coverage, pediatric drug development, and healthcare disparities/poverty, with experts estimating their impact on vulnerable populations.
The Pediatric Academic Societies meeting discussed prenatal environmental contaminants and childhood disease, highlighting epigenetic mechanisms associated with transgenerational disease. Three generational animal models demonstrated that fetal exposure to pesticides, dioxins, and other toxins leads to multigenerational diseases.
The Pediatric Policy Council explored the role of public health research in iterative policymaking to reduce gun violence in America. Gun violence has made headlines routinely, affecting young people and their families, and impacting local communities through daily occurrences.
The expert panel developed recommendations for mother's milk, donor human milk, and protein intake in very low birth weight infants. The existing literature is limited, and further investigation is needed to determine the optimal composition of preterm infant nutrition.
Researchers describe a rare case of atrial flutter followed by supraventricular tachycardia in a newborn with Turner syndrome. The study highlights the need for early and precise investigation of cardiovascular rhythm disorders in infants and children with Turner syndrome.
A study found that social factors like household income, language, and insurance did not impact families' acceptance of telehealth for their children's cardiac care during the pandemic. The study suggests telehealth is a feasible option for families, with higher acceptance rates among patients with certain diagnoses or Hispanic ethnicity.
A new wearable sensor can quantify itch by measuring scratching motions, providing a crucial tool for diagnosing and treating atopic dermatitis. The device's accuracy has been validated in pediatric patients, making it an exciting development for managing the condition.
A new study finds that non-invasive cell-free DNA tests can detect early rejection in heart transplant patients with high sensitivity and specificity. The assay is clinically viable, reducing the need for routine surveillance biopsies.
A national study found that only half of children with cardiomyopathy have undergone genetic screening, despite critical benefits for treatment and potentially curing the disease. Genetic screening can provide lifesaving information to families and prioritize children for a lifesaving cardiac transplant.
The Pediatric Academic Societies 2021 Virtual Meeting will showcase the latest clinical and scientific advances in pediatrics. The conference features a full scientific program with over 60 specialties presenting, as well as opportunities for networking and collaboration.
A recent study found that only 16% of male teenagers received the HPV vaccine, highlighting a significant gap in vaccination rates. The vaccine is essential for preventing oropharyngeal cancer, which affects 80% of male patients diagnosed with this condition.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago pediatric dentist Dr. Flavia Lamberghini tested asymptomatic pediatric dental patients and found a 2.3% SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate. The study suggests that PCR testing for COVID-19 in asymptomatic patients adds value to screening questionnaires.
A retrospective review found non-contrast pituitary MRI has a high concordance rate with original reports, excepting cases requiring contrast for definitive characterization. The study suggests saving time and costs in imaging pediatric pathologies.
A new visio-vestibular examination (VVE) has been found to enhance concussion diagnosis and management in young athletes. The VVE involves brief eye movement and balance tests identifying deficits in brain function involving the visual and vestibular systems.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that child vaccination rates declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with measles vaccination coverage remaining substantially reduced in many age groups. The decline was more severe and persistent in older children, highlighting concerns about vaccine-preventable diseases.
A refined screening tool called TEN-4-FACESp can improve earlier recognition of child abuse in young children with bruising. The tool reliably signals high risk for abuse when bruising appears on specific body regions.
Researchers developed guidelines to promote vaccines on social media, analyzing a grassroots campaign and finding that 78.9% of tweets were anti-vaccine despite the event's intention. The team recommends using personal narratives, partnerships, and inclusivity to create effective pro-vaccination campaigns.
A recent observational study found that demographic and clinical characteristics are significantly associated with severe COVID-19 illness among US pediatric patients hospitalized with the virus. The study analyzed data from over 1,100 children and adolescents to identify risk factors for severe disease.
Rates of prolonged pediatric mental health ED visits increased over a decade, from 16% to nearly 25%, with Latinx children facing longer wait times. The study emphasizes the need for policy solutions to address provider shortages and expand coverage for mental health services.
A systematic review of literature found that only 17% of quality improvement articles in PICUs met high standards, highlighting a need for better reporting practices. The study suggests that bringing the KAIZEN philosophy to kid healthcare can improve the timely delivery of medical care.
Researchers found that patients with public health insurance, a history of Child Protective Services involvement, and an unscheduled hospitalization during pediatric care were at higher risk for end-stage renal disease and death. Childhood-onset lupus patients face significant challenges as they transition to adult healthcare.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center developed a new framework to understand how a child's brain is wired to learn to read. The 'eco-bio-developmental' model identifies risk factors for reading difficulties in infancy, emphasizing the importance of early screening and intervention.
The FDA has approved supplements to biological license applications for Octaplas and fibryga, strengthening Octapharma USA's pediatric critical care product portfolio. The new labels provide results from post-marketing studies evaluating the products' efficacy, safety, and tolerability in newborns through age 20. Fibryga's indication i...
A national survey of parents found that only half of children under 8 years old used recommended child car seats or booster seats in ride-share vehicles. Parents reported lower rates of child car seat use in ride-share compared to their usual travel method, highlighting the need for education and enforcement
A new pediatric heart transplant procedure has been shown to be at least as effective as the traditional approach, with similar survival rates and fewer infections. The method, pioneered by Canadian doctors, has enabled twice as many organs to be available for type O infants born with heart defects.
Children's Hospital Colorado and STAQ Pharma developed pre-filled sterile injectables for pediatric patients, addressing drug shortages and medical waste. The partnership optimizes patient care by providing individualized medication concentrations and doses.
Researchers created growing heart valves using tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, which showed reduced calcification and improved blood flow function. The valves could prevent repeated surgery in children born with congenital heart defects and be stored for at least six months.
Scientists developed a tri-tube heart valve replacement that can regenerate and grow over time, addressing the need for long-term valve replacements in children with congenital heart disorders. The new design showed improved growth dynamics and reduced calcification compared to clinically used bioprosthetic valves.
The Crazy 8 Initiative aims to tackle major obstacles in pediatric oncology through collaborative research and innovative approaches. Grants will fund studies using cutting-edge technologies, such as targeted degradation and molecular glues, to develop new treatments for aggressive cancers.
The Medical University of South Carolina has enrolled children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in a trial of remestemcel-L, a novel cellular therapy. The treatment showed significant improvement within 24 hours for two patients, offering hope for better management of the rare but life-threatening condition.
A new multicenter study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine found significant reductions in pediatric emergency visits and hospitalizations for common illnesses like asthma and pneumonia. The trend is attributed to public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and handwashing instituted during the pandemic.
A five-day course of high-dose amoxicillin is an effective treatment for children six months to 10 years old with common pneumonia. The study found that 85.7% of those who received the short course were cured two to three weeks later.
A study analyzing verbal autopsies from 230 families found that almost 83% of infants experienced delays in care, including family decisions and transportation issues. Simple low-tech interventions can potentially save many infant lives by addressing these complex issues.
Researchers found highly activated T cells and vascular patrolling CD8 T cells in children with MIS-C, which subsided with clinical improvement. The study provides a broad immunologic foundation for understanding pathogenesis and recovery in this novel SARS-CoV-2-associated inflammatory syndrome.
A study published in Academic Pediatrics found that parents who reported more child car seat hassles were less likely to follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on child passenger safety. Parents who identified more hassles were more likely to have their children travel unrestrained or not use a car seat consistently.
A new study suggests that child abuse cases surged during the pandemic, despite initial declines in ER visits and hospital admissions. Researchers found little difference in the severity of injuries compared to pre-pandemic years, suggesting physical abuse may have decreased across all severity levels.
A research review recommends physicians conduct regular screenings, adopt a high level of suspicion, and intervene early with families at risk for pediatric Type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of addressing underlying factors such as weight issues, food insecurity, and stress to slow the youth diabetes epidemic.
A new study reveals unique immune features of severe pediatric COVID-19, including increased activation of killer T cells and prolonged B cell frequencies. These findings may inform treatments for severe COVID-19 in children.
Youth Medicaid enrollment in managed care increased from 65% in 2000 to 94% in 2017, but preventive care coverage fell short of the 80% goal. The study found significant increases in preventive care services in 17 states and decreases in six states, with Tennessee seeing the largest increase and North Carolina the largest decrease.
The article highlights the importance of pediatric nephrologists' involvement in caring for children with cancer, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Key findings include the increasing need for onco-nephrology expertise due to rising childhood cancer rates and advances in therapy protocols.
This study analyzed US pediatric patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) compared to those with severe COVID-19. The findings highlighted key differences in clinical characteristics, hospital and postdischarge outcomes, and complications between the two groups.
Researchers at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital studied the impact of face masks on heart rate and oxygen levels. The study found that wearing a cloth or surgical mask did not impair oxygenation in healthy adults, either at rest or during physical activity.
A new study by UT Southwestern scientists reveals distinct characteristics of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and autoimmune encephalitis (AE), which may enable better treatment outcomes for patients. Slight differences in clinical features, lab results, and imaging findings can help distinguish between the two conditions.
The article provides valuable insights into identifying signs of teen vaping, ways to prevent it, and strategies for supporting addicted teens. Parents can take proactive steps by understanding the warning signs and knowing how to approach their child about this growing concern.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia analyzed seven patients with MIS-C-associated rashes and found several common types, including small-to-medium annular plaques on the chest and back, and purpura in the center. The study aims to help doctors and parents identify suspicious rashes and seek further examination.
A NYU-led study shows that a first-of-its-kind parenting program significantly improves parent-child interactions in low-income families. The Smart Beginnings Project addresses early childhood development challenges, providing a comprehensive approach to promoting school readiness and equity.