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 led by Stanford University and UCSF found that adolescents with atypical anorexia nervosa can have normal body weights yet be dangerously ill. The research showed that large, rapid weight loss is the best predictor of medical and psychological problems in these patients.
A school-based telehealth program has been shown to reduce emergency department visits for children with asthma living in a rural and underserved region of South Carolina. The study found that children with access to the program were 21% less likely to visit the ED for their asthma.
A new study published in the Obesity journal found that adolescents and teens experience biliary side effects after weight-loss surgery at a rate similar to adults. Pediatric patients are more likely to manifest symptoms as pancreatic inflammation or acute pancreatitis, whereas adults are more likely to develop gallbladder issues.
A two-minute questionnaire has been shown to identify over 2,000 patients who may benefit from mental health treatment and resources. The tool, known as the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ), was implemented in pediatric ERs six years ago and has since become a standard of care.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends greater access to weight-loss surgery for children and adolescents with severe obesity. The ASMBS has endorsed the new policy, which aims to increase access to evidence-based treatments that reduce the burden of severe obesity-related diseases.
The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement examines the existing data on nonnutritive sweeteners in children, highlighting gaps in evidence and recommending further research. The AAP suggests listing nonnutritive sweetener content on product labels to better understand consumption and potential health effects.
A new study by University of Utah Health finds that doctors are less likely to ask routine gun safety questions in the home after mass shootings. Pediatricians added questions to screenings, but frequency dropped following incidents.
A USC study found that teens who vape candy- or fruit-flavored e-cigarettes are more likely to stick with the habit and vape more heavily. The study suggests that regulations reducing youth exposure to flavored e-cigarettes may aid in preventing young people from becoming long-term e-cig users.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends increased access to metabolic and bariatric surgery for children and adolescents with severe obesity, citing the growing public health crisis. Studies show that surgery is safe and effective, but underutilized due to barriers such as insurance coverage and limited centers.
A study of social workers found that leaving a child under 12 years old home alone for four hours is often considered neglect, regardless of injury. The research suggests the need for uniform guidelines and safety laws to protect children from harm.
Research suggests that administering antihistamines for anaphylaxis symptoms can delay seeking medical care, with a majority of families experiencing delays after using these medications. Experts stress the importance of immediate treatment with epinephrine to prevent fatal outcomes.
A new study reveals that many emergency medical services (EMS) responders lack recent training in newborn resuscitation techniques and experience caring for newborns. The researchers analyzed simulated 911 calls to a home birth in progress, highlighting the need for EMS-specific neonatal training and equipment.
Research reveals that nearly 1 in 10 hospitalized children with drowning injuries die despite comprehensive medical care. The study identified demographic factors such as being under 5 years old, male, and Caucasian, as well as complications like cerebral edema and cardiac arrhythmia, as significant predictors of mortality.
Researchers found that drones arrived faster than ambulances in Brooklyn during peak rush hour, with average response times of 6.48 minutes and 9.54 minutes respectively. The study suggests that drones could be used to deliver life-saving medications or interventions in emergency situations.
A study found that white children are more likely to receive intravenous fluids and be admitted to the hospital for dehydration than black and Hispanic children. Children from non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and other racial groups were also less likely to receive these treatments.
Trampoline-related fractures among children increased by an average of 3.85% from 2008 to 2017, with most injuries occurring outside the home at places of recreation or sport. The study suggests that trampoline parks and gyms may be contributing to the rising incidence of trampoline fractures.
Research suggests that families with high levels of resilience can reduce their child's risk of being bullied, while also protecting them from becoming bullies themselves. The study analyzed responses to the National Survey of Children's Health and found a significant association between family resilience and lower rates of bullying.
A decision support tool has been shown to reduce unnecessary referrals of low-risk patients with chest pain, potentially saving $4 million annually in healthcare costs. The tool uses evidence-based red flags to help primary care pediatricians accurately assess cardiac conditions.
New research shows that rural areas have a nearly five-fold higher rate of lawn mower injuries, especially among young children. Injuries in rural areas require longer hospital stays, have higher rates of surgical complications, and are more likely to result in amputations.
Women are increasingly turning to informal milk-sharing due to cost and quality concerns, but this practice is discouraged by the AAP due to potential disease transmission and medication exposure. The study aims to understand parental motivations and concerns regarding breast milk donation options.
Pediatrician Lenore Jarvis is advocating for clinicians and parents to discuss safe gun storage and ask about unlocked firearms to prevent childhood injuries. Unsecured guns are a leading cause of death among children and youth, and families should feel comfortable making informed decisions.
A new study finds that bariatric surgery is a safe option for young adolescents with morbid obesity, with low rates of complications and readmissions. The research analyzed over 3,700 cases and found no deaths in the first 30 days after surgery.
Researchers found that younger elementary school-age children are at significantly greater odds than those older than high school to suffer a skull or facial fracture while participating in snow sports. Middle school, high school, and post-high school age groups were more likely to experience intra-abdominal injuries.
UVA Children's Hospital is expanding a home monitoring program to enhance follow-up care and communication between families and their care team. The Building HOPE app, developed in collaboration with Locus Health, enables real-time monitoring of children's vital signs and health information.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified biomarkers that predict poor treatment response in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by analyzing bone marrow metabolomes. Central carbon metabolism pathways were found to be associated with minimal residual disease after treatment.
A McMaster University study found that teens who spend more time on TV and electronic devices consume more sugared and caffeinated drinks. The research suggests that counseling or health promotion could help address this issue, which is linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
Beverly Davidson, a leading neuroscientist and gene therapy expert, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding neurodegeneration in inherited brain disorders and developing novel molecular medicines.
Stephan Grupp, a leading pediatric oncologist, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine for his groundbreaking work in cell and gene therapy. He is recognized for developing an entirely novel therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and leading the first global engineered cell therapy trial.
Firearm injuries were more likely to require ICU admission and have higher severity, longer hospital stays compared to cut/pierce injuries in children under 18. Bullets inflict greater force than other weapons causing cuts or pierces.
A new study from Boston Medical Center demonstrates that hematologists can identify patients' specific needs through universal screening, connecting them to local resources. Two-thirds of patients screened positive for at least one unmet socioeconomic need, most commonly food insecurity and difficulty paying utilities.
Researchers found decreased utilization among patients enrolled in a comprehensive care coordination model for Medicaid-covered children and young adults with chronic health conditions. Despite this, the mean cost of care remained nearly identical between groups, limiting savings from care coordination.
Experts discuss the importance of vaccination in preventing serious complications from diseases like measles, influenza, and cystic fibrosis. The panel emphasizes that vaccines are effective in keeping disease rates low when majority of people are vaccinated.
Researchers found the widely used M-CHAT/F screening tool is less accurate in real-world settings than shown in previous studies. The study also revealed disparities in detecting early autism symptoms in minority, urban, and low-income children. Despite these findings, experts recommend continuing universal screening for all toddlers.
A study found that only 4% of adolescents with nicotine use disorder received counseling, and 1.2% were prescribed medications to help them quit. Medical professionals are largely missing opportunities to intervene and prevent long-term health consequences of nicotine use disorder.
A study conducted at 26 Malawi government hospitals found that the national adoption of rugged, low-cost neonatal CPAP devices improved survival rates for newborns admitted with breathing problems. The study showed a 10% improvement in survival after CPAP was available for babies with respiratory distress syndrome.
A new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that treatment solely based on sleep studies is unreliable in children with sleep apnea. Resolution of airway obstruction measured by a sleep study after adenotonsillectomy does not correlate with improvement in sleep apnea symptoms.
Researchers at CU School of Medicine have developed a new imaging method called 'fast MRI' that can effectively identify traumatic brain injuries in children without exposing them to ionizing radiation or anesthesia. The study found that fast MRI was completed successfully in nearly all cases, with accuracy similar to CT scans.
Research finds that pediatricians in many countries do not meet the needs of adolescents, who face complex health burdens including chronic conditions and mental health disorders. The study suggests that investment in adolescent health training is necessary to improve care and address global health disparities.
Researchers found that female athletes had longer recovery trajectories and experienced more symptoms than males due to delayed presentation to specialist care. The study suggests that inequities in medical and athletic trainer coverage on the sidelines may contribute to these delays.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that CAUTI rates decreased significantly after the implementation of value-based incentive programs, but not due to improved patient outcomes. The change in definition likely led to artificial inflation of hospital performance scores.
A study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that physicians' delivery and communication practices must improve to boost HPV vaccine completion rates. Pediatricians who strongly recommend the vaccine have higher acceptance rates, and optimizing HPV delivery through standing orders and alert systems can also help.
A recent study found no long-term negative effects of time-outs on children's emotional and behavioral health. Despite previous alarming claims, researchers did not find a relationship between reported use of time-outs and increased behavior problems.
A Vermont study reveals a declining proportion of rural children receiving care in family medicine practices, shifting instead to pediatric clinics. The trend is attributed to national declines in prenatal care by family physicians and limited capacity for new patients.
Hospitals with lower pediatric readiness scores have significantly higher mortality rates among critically ill children, highlighting the importance of preparedness in emergency care. The study suggests that efforts to improve hospital preparedness could save lives and guide policy responses.
A new report by pediatrician Dr. Robert D. Murray supports the inclusion of 100% juice in a healthy diet, citing positive attributes such as retaining key nutrients and bioactives. The study also found that consuming both whole fruit and juice is essential for meeting daily-recommended fruit servings and improving overall diet quality.
This special issue in the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in managing cerebral palsy. The articles cover various topics, including scoliosis care, goal setting, exercise programs and nutritional care, to improve outcomes for individuals with CP.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that brief parent-targeted interventions can increase parent-teen communication about sexual and alcohol-related behavior. Parent-reported frequency did not differ by group.
A study published in JAMA finds that measuring carbon dioxide levels through an artery is more accurate than using end-tidal capnography for pediatric brain trauma patients. The protocol developed by the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center has been widely used at Harborview Medical Center.
A randomized clinical trial found that interventions targeting parents in primary care pediatric settings can improve communications between parents and teens about sexual health and alcohol use. The study showed an increased frequency of parent-teen communications about these topics in intervention groups compared to the control group.
A study of 4,524 children found that those who didn't meet Canadian guidelines for sleep and recreational screen time were more likely to exhibit impulsive behavior. The research suggests that meeting these guidelines is associated with better decision-making and less impulsivity.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pediatricians can significantly impact parents' ability to quit smoking. The 'CEASE' program, developed by Dr. Jonathan Winickoff, shows a 2% decline in smoking rate per year among all patients, not just those who try quitting. This intervention, implemented at family practice offices acr...
A new palliative care intervention at Children's National Hospital has shown success in helping families discuss potentially challenging medical decisions before a crisis occurs. The tool, which includes two evidence-based modules and caregiver needs assessments, aims to strike the right balance of relatability and knowledge for families.
The soft and conformable monitor can broadcast ECG, heart rate, respiratory rate, and motion activity data up to 15 meters. It avoids signal issues created by traditional metal-gel electrodes, providing accurate signals even during movement.
A Rutgers study found a sharp decline in cough and cold medicine recommendations for children under 2 after the FDA's 2008 advisory, with an increase in antihistamine use instead
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that 15.5% of in-flight medical emergencies involve children, with one in six cases requiring additional care. Parents can take steps to avoid emergencies by carrying their child's medicine on the plane and being mindful of potential health issues.
A study found a statistically significant association between BRCA2 mutations and increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children. Additionally, BRCA2 mutations were not associated with an increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma.
A preclinical study examines the role of plastic exposure on heart rhythm disruptions and arrhythmias. Exposure to mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), a metabolite from Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), slows atrioventricular conduction and increases the atrioventricular node effective refractory period.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that 79% of preschoolers with ADHD symptoms have impaired school readiness, compared to 13% of their peers. The research highlights the need for early identification and intervention strategies to support these children's educational success.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named four outstanding young scientists as recipients of the prestigious Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Fellowship Award, committing nearly $1 million to address a critical shortage of funding for pediatric cancer research. The award provides four-year funding totaling $231,000 and su...
A single-center study of 453 children with multiple sclerosis found a significant association between obesity and increased risk of pediatric MS. The study also explored the response of first-line therapy in obese children with MS, but no conclusive findings were reported.