Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
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.
Researchers found that prior and recent dengue virus infection was associated with protection from symptomatic Zika virus infection in a pediatric cohort. However, previous exposure did not affect the rate of total Zika virus infection. The study suggests that prior dengue virus immunity might cross-protect against symptomatic Zika.
A randomized clinical study found that a diet low in free sugars significantly improved nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescent boys. The study showed a reduction in NAFLD from 25% to 17% in the intervention group, compared to a 20% reduction in the usual diet group.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that pregnant women taking probiotics can change the complex sugars in human breastmilk, known as HMOs. This discovery could lead to future studies on how diet and other factors influence HMO composition and potentially prevent food allergies.
Breastfeeding initiation rates increased by 9% among African Americans, narrowing the gap with White women. CHAMPS program adoption led to improved maternity care and evidence-based practices.
Bronchiolitis, a common viral lung infection, is often treated with antibiotics in US emergency rooms, contradicting evidence-based guidelines. The study found that 25% of children under 2 years old with bronchiolitis received antibiotics between 2007 and 2015.
The Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium has partnered with University of Pittsburgh programs McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and sciVelo to develop medical devices for children. The consortium, based at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has received a five-year $5 million grant renewal from the FDA.
A study published in Pediatrics found that gay fathers and their children continue to experience stigma, with the most common contexts being religious environments. The presence of supportive laws and policies in states where they live reduces this experience of stigma.
A prospective cohort study found that adolescents with a sports-related concussion or fracture experience significant impairments in health-related quality of life, particularly in physical and cognitive functioning. The study suggests that early interventions can aid in the recovery process and optimize QOL.
Children with solid organ transplants are hospitalized due to vaccine-preventable infections at significantly higher rates than the general population. According to a new study, hospitalization among transplant recipients was up to 87 times higher than in the general population.
Researchers conducted a long-term study on rhesus monkeys and found that chronic exposure to methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed ADHD drug, did not increase cardiovascular risks in healthy children. The study's findings contribute important evidence to an ongoing controversy over the safety of stimulant therapy for ADHD.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that adults with cerebral palsy are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, particularly those without intellectual disabilities. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 adults with cerebral palsy and 5,100 adults without the condition.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that critically ill children develop muscle atrophy, with diaphragm thickness decreasing by 11% over six days. The study also found that older children experienced more pronounced muscle loss, particularly in their arms and legs.
The study analyzed data from over 69,000 ED visits for patients under 18 and found a decrease in opioid prescribing rates from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015. Regional and demographic differences were observed, with higher rates among white patients and those aged 13-17, as well as lower rates among Medicaid recipients.
Northwestern University scientists discovered two successful therapies that slowed pediatric leukemia progression in mice, according to recent studies. The research focused on stabilizing the MLL protein, which can slow cancer growth and increase survival rates.
Studies from Massachusetts General Hospital examine the presence of pediatric areas in EDs and use of telemedicine for pediatric emergency care. An intervention increased the appointment of Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators in Massachusetts EDs, a key step to improve pediatric emergency care.
A study funded by the American Heart Association aims to investigate whether pyruvate can enhance cardiac output in pediatric patients with low cardiac output syndrome following heart surgery. The researchers hope that this could lead to better recovery times, reduced hospital stays and improved quality of life for these children.