Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A new study found that pediatric opioid deaths increased nearly 3-fold over 18 years, with the Midwest experiencing a four-fold increase and the West a two-fold increase. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the growing public health problem of fatal pediatric opioid poisonings.
A new study reveals that HPV vaccine coverage is far behind other infant vaccines, with only 13 and three US states reaching above 60% coverage by 2016. The study tracked over 7.5 million children from 2003 to 2016 and found increased uptake among girls and boys, but still fell short of the Healthy People 2020 goal of 80%.
A new study examining opioid fill patterns among Medicaid-enrolled children in the US revealed that prescriptions for these age groups were relatively rare, with an adjusted rate of 0.8% by 2016. The study also found that opioids were most frequently prescribed in combination with other pain relievers.
A new study reveals that vaccination in immunocompromised children is suboptimal due to lack of knowledge and concern for triggering a disease flare. The majority of patients received vaccines from their primary care physician or health department, but there were significant barriers to completing vaccines.
A national survey of pediatricians and family physicians reveals substantial progress in recommending HPV vaccination to adolescents over the past five years. However, significant areas for improvement exist, including physician communication style and practice-based delivery methods.
Researchers analyzed plasmablasts in children with Kawasaki Disease to identify potential causes of the condition. The study found massive expansions of specific antibodies, supporting an infectious disease etiology for KD. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches targeting these clones.
A new study found that text message reminders significantly improved timely HPV vaccine series completion among eligible adolescents. The study showed that even when compared to historical controls, those receiving text message reminders had higher rates of completing the full vaccine series.
A study found that state-run PDMPs, pain clinic legislation, and opioid prescribing guidelines significantly decrease pediatric opioid exposures. The analysis of NPDS data from 2005-2017 showed a notable reduction in opioid exposures among children following the implementation of these policies.
Researchers identify antigens targeted by the antibody response of children with Kawasaki Disease, strongly suggesting a new human virus is etiologically related. The study found that monoclonal antibodies from these patients recognized peptides from a hepacivirus non-structural protein.
A new AAP PROS study assesses influenza vaccine hesitancy among caregivers of children who received the first dose. Researchers found that over 90% of caregivers believed their child would be 'protected with only one flu shot,' and 12% had moderate/high vaccine hesitancy.
A new study in Massachusetts aims to improve health and social outcomes for maternal-infant dyads impacted by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) through sharing best practices, educational materials, and data collection. The initiative resulted in significant increases in skin-to-skin contact and decreases in pharmacologic therapy.
Despite available safety and effectiveness, HPV vaccine coverage rates remain suboptimal. Pediatricians and nurse practitioners report using various strategies, including prompts, communication tools, and performance feedback, to improve HPV vaccination rates.
A new study found that rapid whole genome sequencing can identify etiology and direct therapy in neonates with unexplained seizures. The analysis revealed six molecular diagnoses out of 19 patients, leading to changes in management for four patients, including targeted seizure medications and dietary supplements.
Despite the availability of a safe and effective HPV vaccine since 2006, coverage rates remain suboptimal. Pediatricians and nurse practitioners reported using various strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates, but still face challenges such as parent refusal and lack of training. The study suggests that more work is needed to overco...
A recent study by Children's National Hospital found that firearm injuries disproportionately impact African American youth in Washington D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8. The majority of these injuries (64%) were accidental, and nearly all patients (94%) were African American.
A new study explores the history and resurgence of milk sharing practices, tracing them back to ancient times. The research highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context and advocating for safe sharing practices.
A new quality improvement tool called Eat, Sleep and Console (ESC) has been shown to improve care of opioid-exposed newborns in NICUs. The ESC approach uses non-pharmacologic interventions and reduces hospital stays and medication exposure.
A new study found that personal gun access is associated with depression, suicidal ideation, and perceiving school as unsafe. In contrast, attending a school with common gun access is linked to lower odds of perceiving school as unsafe. The findings suggest complex associations between gun access and adolescent health.
A new genetic test accurately identified over 200 disease-causing gene variations in the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities. The test could help reduce morbidity and mortality by detecting asymptomatic newborns with rare genetic disorders.
A new study from Kaiser Permanente suggests that adolescents with access to SBIRT services have sustained reductions in mental health conditions and lower healthcare utilization over a period of three years. The study found that those with access to SBIRT were less likely to have mental health or chronic medical conditions after one year.
A machine-learning system using clinical natural language processing and genome sequencing diagnose rare genetic diseases in record time, providing critical information to intensive care physicians. The automated pipeline achieved significant time-savings and concurred with expert manual interpretation in 97% of cases.
A study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children finds that dual-using parents are more likely to quit smoking, plan to quit in the next six months, and have attempted to quit in the past three months. However, they may not be getting the necessary help, as few pediatric offices deliver evidence-based tobacco control treatments.
Children with chronic constipation exhibit heightened sensory sensitivity, particularly in oral processing, leading to feeding problems and avoidance behaviors. This association could transform clinical practice by incorporating sensory considerations into treatment plans.
New lead screening recommendations from the USPSTF conclude that current evidence is insufficient to assess benefits and harms. NYU researcher Michael Weitzman emphasizes the need for environmental interventions to prevent lead exposure, particularly in homes with lead-based paint.
Joanne Kurtzberg, MD, has been awarded the 2019 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for her groundbreaking work in pediatric hematology and regenerative medicine. The award recognizes her clinical trials that have led to positive results in treating adult ischemic stroke patients with cord blood therapy.
A new study identifies four key factors influencing transgender youth's decision on fertility preservation, including family values, cost, and concerns about worsening gender dysphoria. The findings highlight the need for standardized protocols in primary care counseling and support for young adults navigating this complex issue.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that adolescents with cognitive impairments and intellectual disabilities have similar weight-loss outcomes after bariatric surgery as those with typical cognitive function. The study's authors recommend a case-by-case approach to determining eligibility for weight-loss surgery.
A new study in JAMA Pediatrics found that intimate partner homicide among teens is a serious public health issue, with 90% of victims being girls. The study analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System and found that guns were the most common weapon used in these homicides.
A recent study estimates that 4 million children worldwide develop asthma each year due to exposure to nitrogen dioxide pollution. The study found that urban areas account for 64% of these new cases, and cities with high NO2 concentrations also experience high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
Annual ED visits for child suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts increased significantly between 2007 and 2015. The proportion of these visits among pediatric encounters also rose, emphasizing the need for improved physician preparedness and community mental health initiatives.
A new study found that children who had telemedicine visits for acute respiratory infections were more likely to receive antibiotics than those who visited primary care offices or urgent care centers. The use of unnecessary antibiotics during these visits may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, vaccine allergies are extremely uncommon, affecting only one in 760,000 vaccinations. Most side effects from vaccines are not allergic reactions, but rather minor responses that can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery found that post-operative success rates for pediatric thyroid patients correlate with institution patient volume. The study showed extremely low complication rates, underscoring the importance of high-volume centers with specialized pediatric surgeons.
The ACMG Foundation has recognized six next-generation fellows with the Takeda/ACMG Foundation Genetics and Genomics Residency Fellowship Program. Dr. Elizabeth Jalazo will focus on pediatric genetics, while Dr. Joshua Baker will work on lysosomal storage disorders research.
The Pediatric Cell Atlas will create a high-resolution data reference for child development, benchmarking healthy and abnormal tissues at the level of single cells. This will provide a standard tool for researchers to better understand childhood illnesses and develop precision treatments.
Pediatric patients in a hospital bed explore virtual environments through scuba diving, snowboarding, and safaris, reducing anxiety and improving outcomes. The study found that 80% of parents reported their child's virtual reality experience calmed them.
Researchers discovered a key regulator of IGF-1 bioavailability in children with severe growth disorders. Electronic health records can help identify patients who could benefit from genetic testing to diagnose undiagnosed short stature.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that parents and toddlers interact less with electronic books compared to print books, leading to reduced verbalization and quality of interactions. Parents tend to focus on technology rather than the story, hindering parent-guided conversation.
Researchers propose anticipatory waivers of consent for pediatric biobanking, allowing for efficient use of samples from minors. The authors also examine the inadequate response to the US Public Health Service's unethical experiments in Guatemala.
The I-ACQUIRE trial evaluates an intensive pediatric therapy to increase upper extremity skills, gross motor development, and cognition in infants with strokes under four weeks old. The study aims to transform clinical rehabilitation for thousands of newly diagnosed infant stroke victims annually.
A study found that anti-vaccination arguments center on four distinct themes: trust, alternatives, safety, and conspiracy. Researchers developed a framework to help clinicians open conversations with vaccine-hesitant parents and resist online misinformation.
A new assessment tool predicts the risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in college students six months after contracting infectious mononucleosis. The study found that those with more severe mononucleosis were over three times more likely to meet CFS diagnostic criteria.
Research has led to increased understanding of genetic changes in cancer, highlighting the potential for personalized care in children with cancer. Genetic profiling can inform prognosis and treatment decisions, providing critical information about tumor progression and response.
Two Boston University School of Medicine students have received a national award for their innovative project, which uses Uber Health to eliminate transportation barriers to healthcare access for urban OBGYN refugee women. The pilot study found significant decreases in patient no-show rates and improved patient satisfaction.
A study found that parents who use e-cigarettes are more likely to allow vaping in homes and cars than those who smoke traditional cigarettes. However, most parents reported having strict smoke-free policies in their homes, but these policies were not always enforced.
Researchers examine experiences of families with pediatric onset MS, finding complex diagnostic odyssey and high emotional toll. Disease-modifying treatments improve outcomes, but long-term emotional support needed for patients' families.
A study published in Pediatric Research found that having a TV in the bedroom at age 4 is associated with later physical, mental, and social problems. Children who spent more time watching TV in their room had higher body mass indexes, unhealthy eating habits, lower sociability, and increased emotional distress.
Researchers identified the first genetic defect linked to biliary atresia, a mysterious liver disease causing liver transplantation in children. The study found five patients with disabling mutations in the gene PKD1L1, which was also linked to heterotaxy and congenital heart disease.
Severe pediatric TBI affects approximately 7,000 childhood deaths annually, while survivors may suffer from long-term health conditions. The updated guidelines include eight new treatment recommendations to promote high standards of care and improve survival rates.
Researchers found that adults born with mild congenital heart defects are 13 times more likely to develop heart failure or atrial fibrillation and five times more likely to have a stroke. A heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk, but the exact reasons behind these increased risks remain unclear.
An international team of scientists has identified the cause of a devastating pediatric brain disorder by discovering mutations in the VARS gene. The findings suggest that children with this disorder may benefit from treatments to support protein synthesis in the brain.
Researchers developed a new protocol to rule out life-threatening bacterial infections in infants with fevers, avoiding spinal taps and antibiotics. The study found accuracy rates of 97% in ruling out serious bacterial infections.
Research by Thomas Boyce, a CIFAR Fellow, shows that children from lower socio-economic backgrounds have higher levels of cortisol in their saliva and more cavity-causing bacteria around their gums. His study aims to understand why some children struggle and how all can thrive, as explored in his new book The Orchid and the Dandelion.
A simulation training study found that blindfolding pediatric team leaders improved their leadership skills ratings by 11% compared to non-blindfolded leaders. The technique may help save lives by enhancing communication and reducing distractions during resuscitation scenarios.
A comprehensive study on ST3GAL5 deficiency, a rare genetic disorder affecting ganglioside synthesis, provides insights into its clinical characterization and natural course. Researchers hope to develop pre-symptomatic therapies using gene replacement techniques.
Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found opioid prescribing for pediatric patients declined in shorter treatment durations and lower doses between 2013 and 2017. The rate of prescribing remained consistent, however, with a bias towards females, ethnic minorities, and public insurance patients.
Research highlights the dangers of unsafe gun storage and calls for pediatricians to counsel families on safe handling practices. The authors advocate for innovative design features and childproofing technologies to reduce firearm-related injuries among young children.
For adolescents with obesity, weight loss medications may be an effective option that hasn't improved with lifestyle modification or surgery. Researchers recommend evidence-based guidance on medication use, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and further research.
Researchers developed a comprehensive care model, PEGASUS, to treat pediatric patients with severe head trauma. The protocol showed improved outcomes, including reduced disability and death, by adhering to key performance indicators such as maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure and early initiation of nutrition.
The study identifies key areas for improvement in pediatric patient care, including high-reliability principles and early-warning systems. Stakeholders, including parents, played a crucial role in shaping the research agenda.