Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
Researchers developed a novel computational algorithm to track pediatric sepsis epidemiology, providing more accurate data on outcomes and incidence over time. The algorithm showed an increasing incidence of sepsis among hospital encounters and mortality rates remained stable.
The Roberts Individualized Medical Genetics Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has developed a centralized genetic testing model that has improved diagnosis and patient outcomes. The center's success highlights the importance of standardizing genetic testing across different clinical disciplines.
The Vaccine For Children (VFC) Program has increased vaccination rates and reduced social disparities among Medicaid-insured children. Pediatricians value the program for its ability to provide free vaccinations regardless of payment status, leading to improved overall vaccination rates.
A novel elective program for pediatric residents has increased time spent at home with newborns, leading to improved income and academic outcomes. The four-week rotation provides up to four weeks of paid leave, benefiting breastfeeding establishment and fetal health.
Caregivers and pediatricians identify transportation, childcare, and financial stress as key barriers to attending scheduled well-child visits. The study suggests that addressing these social determinants of health could improve attendance rates.
A multi-center study has identified a research-based ultrasound screening method that can predict which children with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk for advanced liver disease. The test shows promise in identifying patients who could benefit from targeted therapies to prevent the development of this life-threatening condition.
A new study finds that fewer than one in four gay, bisexual and questioning teenage boys have ever received an HIV test, despite high risk of transmission. The study identified factors that increase the likelihood of testing, including frank conversations with doctors about sexual health and testing.
A new study led by pediatric cardiologist Brett Anderson aims to uncover the reasons behind health inequities in poor children who undergo heart surgery. The research will analyze data from 11 hospitals across New York state to identify mechanisms driving disparities in outcomes.
The CHICA system, developed by Regenstrief Institute and IU School of Medicine, increased autism screening rates from zero to 100% at 24 months of age. The computerized decision support tool improved health inequities by automating the screening process, making it more accessible for underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities.
Treating childhood obesity is associated with improved psychological outcomes, including enhanced self-esteem and body image. Losing weight appears to be less crucial for improving self-esteem, but still important for bettering body image.
Gary M. Shaw, DrPH, receives the SPR's Douglas K. Richardson Award for his significant contributions to child health research. He has made substantial contributions to understanding genetic and environmental risk factors for human birth defects.
A comprehensive study of congenital heart disease found lower predicted long-term survival, higher remission rates, and lower prevalence in low-income countries compared to high-income nations. The study revealed a significant disparity in CHD mortality rates between countries, with most deaths occurring in infants under one year old.
Dr. Lindsay Burrage receives the SPR's Young Investigator Award for her research on urea cycle disorders, a paradigm for understanding rare diseases and developing new therapies.
Dr. Susan Furth is recognized for her exceptional mentorship and leadership in pediatric research, training dozens of post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty. She is also the principal investigator of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology.
A new study found that less than 5% of children and teenagers who tested positive for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) had been previously diagnosed with the illness. The prevalence of pediatric ME/CFS was found to be higher among African American and Latinx youth.
Dr. Anna Penn, a leading researcher in preterm brain injury, receives the award for her outstanding work and commitment to training the next generation of translational researchers. She has conducted groundbreaking research on placental function and fetal brain development.
Dr. Dani Dumitriu, a pediatrician and neuroscientist, has been honored with the SPR's New Member Outstanding Science Award for her high-quality scientific research and contributions to pediatric academia. She is recognized for developing innovative avenues for retaining physician-scientists in basic research.
A team of researchers created the first cellular model of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a rare genetic condition that causes severe infections. The study's findings suggest that restoring NADPH oxidase function in defective cells could help develop new and more effective treatment strategies.
Commercially insured children in the US see pediatricians less often, with primary care visits decreasing by 14% and problem-based visits declining by 24%. The trend may be driven by higher out-of-pocket costs and changes in healthcare behaviors, including increased use of telemedicine and urgent care.
A study of over 4 million Medicaid claims records found that less than a third of adolescents and young adults who survived nonfatal opioid overdoses received timely follow-up addiction treatment. Only 1 in 54 youths received standard-of-care counseling and medications recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Sallie Permar, a pediatric researcher focused on neonatal viral infections, has been recognized with the SPR Award in honor of E. Mead Johnson. Her research has led to significant breakthroughs in understanding neonatal viral infections, including the development of vaccines for prevention of vertical virus transmission.
As demographics change, spina bifida patients' needs are evolving, highlighting the need for research on quality of life and social determinants. The article discusses emerging trends in spina bifida care and the importance of addressing health disparities among minority populations.
A new treatment protocol at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reduced albuterol use in infants with bronchiolitis without compromising care. The protocol change prevented over 600 unnecessary treatments and did not impact patient admission rates or length of stay.
Researchers found that prehospital epinephrine administration was associated with improved return of circulation in pediatric patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, there was no significant improvement in 1-month survival rates. The study suggests that prehospital epinephrine administration should be included in interna...
A new program has been shown to reduce abusive behaviors among middle school male athletes towards their female peers. The Coaching Boys Into Men program, which trains coaches to speak frankly with their male athletes about stopping violence against women and girls, was found to increase positive bystander behaviors by over 50% in part...
A new report from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center highlights the emotional toll of pediatric chronic conditions on families. The Roadmap Initiative, launched in 2017, provides a set of tools and resources for pediatricians to improve emotional health support, including strengths-based cognitive-behavioral therapy and mind...
Researchers at the University of Rochester found that parents' consistent bedtime enforcement is associated with longer sleep duration and better mental health outcomes for teenagers. The study suggests that even without pre-bedtime conflict, parents' role in setting bedtimes yields positive results.
A study examining childhood weight and obesity in adolescence found that excess weight at age 3 was associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese at age 15. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity in mothers was also a significant predictor of this outcome.
Colombian infants exposed to Zika virus in the womb showed neurodevelopmental delays despite having normal brain imaging and head circumference at birth. The study found a link between subtle brain injuries and impaired neuromotor development in Zika-exposed children, emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up.
A new study published in Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that many 'high-risk' donor hearts can be transplanted with similar survival rates as 'low-risk' donor hearts. The researchers, led by Dr. David Morales, used a risk-based matching system to match donors with recipients and found that the results were promising.
A small wildfire in San Diego County in 2017 resulted in a significant increase in children visiting the emergency room for breathing problems, according to new research. The study found that children under the age of 12 were more likely to develop breathing issues leading to an ER visit.
Clinicians are advised to screen, counsel and treat youth for vaping using well-studied models and youth-friendly terminology. The guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying relapse, providing positive reinforcement and revisiting treatment plans for effective cessation.
A team of researchers has identified the ADAMTS19 gene as a key player in aortic valve disease, a common congenital condition affecting two percent of the population. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind the disease and could lead to more effective treatments.
A new study found that only 24.5% of child care center directors reported having a flu vaccine requirement for children, and even fewer for adult caregivers. However, states with laws mandating flu vaccination for children in day care were more likely to have requirements.
A recent study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that a telehealth program increased primary care physicians' accurate diagnosis of skin conditions by nearly 84% for adult cases and 72% for pediatric cases. The program provided expert recommendations through videoconferencing sessions with dermatologists, redu...
A study published in Anesthesiology found that children in low-resource countries are 100-200 times more likely to die after surgery. The pediatric surgery demand is growing, with over 50% of children requiring surgery before their 16th birthday.
A large clinical trial has found that fresh red blood cell transfusions do not reduce the risk of organ failure or death in critically ill children. The study included 1,461 patients and showed similar outcomes between fresh and older red cells.
Cinnarizine and sodium valproate show promise as preventive agents for pediatric migraine, reducing headache frequency by over 50% compared to placebo. The study suggests these medications may be a new option for children and adolescents with migraine, but long-term safety concerns need further investigation.
A new study finds that transfusions using fresh red blood cells are no more beneficial than older red blood cells in reducing the risk of organ failure or death in critically ill children. The results indicate that current standard blood-bank practice of dispensing older red cells is just as safe and effective.
The National Institute of Nursing Research has awarded Wake Forest Baptist a five-year grant worth $2.97 million to investigate the reasons for attrition in pediatric weight-management programs and develop a predictive model to reduce dropout rates.
A study found that almost 60% of eligible young travelers were not vaccinated due to clinician decision or guardian refusal, despite recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for greater awareness of MMR vaccination benefits for international travelers.
Researchers have found that abatacept significantly reduces severe acute GvHD in high-risk patients, with a one-year survival rate of 85%. The drug suppresses effector T cells, which can also trigger infections or relapse in cancer patients.
A study of 1,480 children found that limited TV time and low ultra-processed food consumption are associated with lower obesity risks. High physical activity, sleep duration, and plant-based food consumption also contribute to a reduced likelihood of developing overweight or obesity.
Dr. John V. Williams is recognized for his leading research in respiratory virus biology, particularly human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and significant contributions to pediatric science. He has published molecular epidemiology studies establishing the importance of HMPV and developed candidate vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
The article sheds light on Käthe Beutler's life, from her early days as a pioneering female doctor in Berlin to her family's perilous emigration from Nazi Germany. Her story highlights the challenges faced by women, particularly Jewish ones, under the National Socialist regime.
A national approach for pediatric sepsis surveillance has been developed, utilizing electronic health records to facilitate widespread tracking of rates and outcomes. The proposed approach includes a preliminary case definition adapted to address specific differences among infants and children.
A research team identified that several types of highly aggressive pediatric brain tumors originate from stalled development of progenitor cells in the pons and forebrain. The findings represent a significant advance in understanding these diseases, which are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.
A recent study found that most 2- and 3-year-old children fail to meet recommended daily screen time limits. Maternal screen time and home care were associated factors for non-compliance at younger ages, while only maternal screen time was significant at 3 years old.
A research team discovered that several types of highly aggressive and fatal pediatric brain tumors originate from stalled development of progenitor cells in the pons and forebrain. The cells' progress is arrested, and they transform into malignancies while retaining features of the original cells.
The American Pediatric Society (APS) has announced 45 new members, including leading experts in pediatric research, education, and clinical practice. These individuals are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of child health.
A new study finds that integrating behavioral health services into pediatric primary care increased visits by children with mental health diagnoses without raising Medicaid costs. This integrated model, called TEAM UP, has measurable value and potential for long-term cost savings.
Recent studies highlight the benefits of bariatric surgery in adolescents, showing significant improvements in musculoskeletal pain, physical function, and quality of life after three years. Additionally, researchers found that patients may be at risk for iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies years after surgery.
A pre-clinical study suggests that bisphenol-s (BPS) and bisphenol-f (BPF), structural analogues of bisphenol-a (BPA), have less impact on heart electrical function, making them potentially safer for vulnerable populations. This finding could lead to the development of alternative medical products.
A pilot study at Children's National Hospital found that direct-to-patient telemedicine cardiology follow-ups can safely reduce the need for in-person visits. The virtual care approach enabled doctors to extend their reach and improve patient care without unnecessary transport or lost time from work.
A new model predicts children likely to go into septic shock, allowing for earlier treatment and potentially saving lives. The study analyzed 2,464 visits and found the model accurately predicted 90% of cases.
A study of 6,980 pediatric solid organ transplant recipients found that 15.6% were hospitalized with a vaccine-preventable infection within the first five years after transplant, 87 times higher than in the general population. The researchers call for improved immunization rates to reduce this risk.
Despite small gains, women make up only 18% of medical school deans and 26% of chairs in pediatrics; researchers argue that basic scientific principles can foster gender equity. Initiatives have failed due to lack of institutional support, and diversity task forces risk widening inequities.
A recent study by the American College of Allergy and Asthma found that most pediatric allergy patients are satisfied with telemedicine visits for allergies and asthma. Among surveyed parents, 37% were more satisfied, while 63% reported equal satisfaction, indicating a positive experience with telemedicine appointments.
Researchers found that allergy shots significantly improved PFAS symptoms in 11 out of 20 surveyed children, with no reported worsening. The treatment showed promise for kids receiving allergy shots and suffering from PFAS.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with increased infection events in children. Genetic testing can help identify patients at risk, allowing for tailored treatment and reduced side effects.