Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
Researchers identified optimal recipients for split liver transplants, including children weighing under 10 kilograms and those with rare diseases. Split liver transplants were found to have similar outcomes as whole liver transplants when adjusting for variables such as donor age and recipient health.
Research from Boston Children's Hospital finds that engaging families in hospital communication can significantly reduce harmful medical errors. The intervention, Patient and Family Centered I-PASS, improves patient experience while maintaining safety and efficiency.
A new study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children finds that breastfeeding mothers are more likely to quit smoking when they have access to evidence-based assistance. The CEASE program, which trains pediatric office staff to screen and support smoking families, provides nicotine replacement prescriptions and referrals to state quitlines.
Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 children, finding a significant association between obesity and increased asthma incidence. Obesity was identified as a modest risk factor for asthma, with 23-27% of new cases directly attributable to obesity.
A Swedish study of 64 children with obesity found that approximately 30% achieved a lower weight category, with some progressing from severe to normal weight over four years. The program included regular advice on diet, physical activity, and sleep, with detailed dietary guidance and follow-up calls.
A new study found that only about a third of mandatory pediatric post-marketing drug studies were completed within seven years, leading to a lack of child-specific information on medication labels. This perpetuates off-label prescribing that may be unsafe or ineffective for children.
The American Pediatric Society has recognized Dr. David K. Stevenson with the 2019 APS John Howland Award for his significant contributions to advancing academic pediatrics through clinical care, scientific discovery, mentorship, leadership, and service. Dr. Stevenson's pioneering work in neonatology has led to the development of new t...
Parents and adolescents largely agree on preventive care and confidentiality, but doctors have a different opinion. The study suggests that providing opportunities for private conversations with a doctor can lead to better health outcomes.
Stephen Christiansen, MD, received a Senior Achievement Award for his significant contributions to ophthalmology and pediatrics. Babak Eliassi-Rad, MD, was awarded an Achievement Award for his research and clinical work on glaucoma and cataract.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends light physical activity and allows electronic device use during concussion recovery. Young athletes should stop playing immediately after a suspected concussion but can engage in brisk walking and academic workloads with reduced intensity.
A new surgical home pathway for spinal fusion surgery reduces opioid pain medication need and shortens hospital stays, achieving sustainable benefits over two-and-a-half years. The study, published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, demonstrates improved care value and patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a miniature pacemaker design that enables less painful, faster recovery times, and reduced medical costs. The innovative approach uses a tiny incision to implant the device, cutting down on surgical time.
Research from Children's HealthWatch highlights the importance of access to and effectiveness of programs enabling low-income families to afford basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. The study found that living in a hardship-free family was associated with good overall health for children and caregivers.
A new study finds Transarterial Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 (TARE-Y90) effective and feasible in children with difficult-to-treat liver cancer. The treatment offers a less toxic alternative for patients who have not responded to chemotherapy.
A USC study found that e-cigarette users are just as likely to start smoking tobacco as non-users, and may even be more likely to continue using both. The study surveyed over 6,200 high schoolers and found that vaping did not reduce the likelihood of smoking initiation, contradicting previous assumptions.
A multi-year review of all pediatric emergency response records in Houston found that Black infants comprised a significantly larger proportion of cardiac arrests than expected. The study suggests that genetic differences in risk based on race, environmental or socioeconomic factors, or a combination of factors may contribute to the di...
A new study found that youth TBI laws lead to an increase in head injury evaluations in emergency departments, particularly among boys and children ages 10-14. The laws also contribute to increased awareness of youth TBIs, prompting athletes and parents to seek evaluation for suspected or actual injuries.
Researchers found that pediatricians rarely addressed high blood pressure in overweight children during well-child visits. In fact, only 16.6% of visits included clear information about the condition, while 66.7% did not discuss it at all.
A new study from UT Southwestern found that nearly a third of children with epilepsy had a change in diagnosis based on new data, leading to more effective treatments. The research calls for regular reviews of gene tests to ensure diagnoses and treatments are based on the latest discoveries.
A culturally tailored multilevel strategy increased HPV vaccination rates among low-income, mostly Chinese American adolescent girls and boys. The intervention, which engaged pediatricians, parents, and adolescents through various channels, showed a significant increase in vaccine uptake compared to control groups.
A new study at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found that protagonists in superhero films engage in more violent acts than their villainous counterparts. The research analyzed 10 films and classified characters as either hero or villain, with protagonists averaging 23 violent acts per hour compared to 18 for villains.
Research at the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children can lead to increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as headache, depression, and mental or intellectual disorders. The study analyzed data from over 1260 children with TBI and found that 39% d...
A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found that microwavable instant soups and noodles are responsible for over 9,500 scald burns in children between 4-12 years old annually. The most common age group affected is 7-year-olds, with the torso being the most frequently injured area.
Research suggests that physical activity levels should be considered a vital sign to monitor children's overall health. The study found that most US children do not meet the recommended daily exercise guidelines, with only 5.2% meeting the standards.
A new study published at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that young athletes with good sleep quality after a sport-related concussion recover quicker, with symptoms resolving within two weeks. Those with poor sleep quality often take longer to recover, sometimes greater than 30 days.
A study at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that children's TV shows often portray academics in a negative light, with teachers being shown as mean and students being stereotyped as nerdy or socially-awkward. As recommended viewing age increased, overall portrayal of academics became more negative.
A survey found that nearly three-quarters of parents keep leftover antibiotics and give them to others, including siblings and unrelated adults. The practice, called prescription diversion, increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Research suggests that the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion helped low-income families access more comprehensive care, leading to a significant drop in emergency department visits by uninsured patients in Illinois. The study found a 40% reduction in uncompensated care in emergency departments between 2009 and 2015.
A study finds that children under 12 are more likely to be shot by accident, while those aged 18-21 are more likely to be victims of firearm-related injuries due to assault. Firearm-related injuries remain a leading cause of injury and death among U.S. children.
A recent study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that children with a family history of ACL tears are more likely to experience complications requiring additional surgical repair. The research examined data from 425 childhood patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction and foun...
A study found that only 41% of children aged 7-17 correctly identified both real and toy guns. The researchers emphasize the need for safe firearm storage in homes where children live or play, especially among gun owners who were more likely to let their children play with toy guns.
A study presents findings on pediatric firearm-related injuries, revealing unintentional injuries were the most common among children presenting to emergency departments. The research suggests that effective strategies should focus on age and intent to prevent firearm-related injury in children.
Research suggests that over 10 million US children live more than 60 miles from the nearest pediatric surgeon, with significant implications for treatment delays and added costs. The study aims to provide a framework for regionalization efforts based on patient location using publicly available data.
A study found that US children and adolescents' mental health diagnoses have increased by 78.5 emergency department visits per 100,000 children between 2012 and 2016. Non-Latino black children faced the highest rates of mental health-related diagnoses, at nearly double the rate of non-Latino white children.
A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that over 230,000 children under 5 are treated in hospital emergency departments each year for soft furniture-related injuries. Children under 1 year old were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized and boys accounted for 56% of cases.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found a strong correlation between state-level gun legislation and pediatric firearm mortality rates. States with stricter gun laws had significantly lower firearm-related fatalities among children, even after adjusting for poverty, unemployment, and education rates.
Children's hospitals will use electronic health records and DNA samples to identify genetic markers for severe pediatric growth disorders, enabling early diagnosis and targeted treatments.
A study found that nearly all smartphone and tablet apps targeted at toddlers and preschoolers have commercial content, using distracting features and potentially manipulative approaches. The research suggests that designers and app stores could take steps to develop higher-quality apps for children.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has received a $2 million gift from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to establish a permanent research fund focused on pediatric ophthalmology. The fund will leverage the IRIS Registry to uncover optimal approaches to prevention and treatment for common and rare eye diseases affecting children.
Pediatric kidney transplant recipients face worsening long-term survival disparities, despite overall improvement in patient survival from 1995 to 2014. Racial/ethnic differences persist, with Black children at highest risk of death compared to White and Hispanic counterparts.
A new $3.3 million grant will fund a high-resolution reference map of pancreatic cells to identify molecular changes leading to type 1 diabetes.
Among pediatric patients aged 20 or younger, there was a notable increase in vertical sleeve gastrectomy and a decrease in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures between 2005-2014. The use of adjustable gastric bands also decreased during this time period, reflecting trends seen in adult metabolic bariatric surgery procedures.
Families participating in pediatric advance care planning experienced a better understanding of their child's end-of-life care choices, leading to alleviated physical symptoms. The study found that patients and families who received these sessions had significantly reduced HIV-specific symptoms up to 12 months later.
A new drug, OMX-CV, has been developed to deliver oxygen only to oxygen-starved heart tissue, bypassing systemic side effects. The treatment has shown promising results in an animal model of global hypoxia and could have applications for treating cardiovascular diseases and pediatric conditions.
A comprehensive national registry for pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) is essential to improve lifespan and quality of life. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying children at risk, with high mortality rates among those requiring renal replacement therapy.
A new definition of PARDS, issued by the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference, has been validated through an international study. The study found that two-thirds of children with mild and moderate PARDS would not have been accurately diagnosed using adult definitions.
A new study published in Pediatric Research found that children with asthma growing up in polluted NYC neighborhoods need emergency medical treatment more often. The study suggests that these areas may have other environmental factors affecting urgent asthma treatment.
Whole genome sequencing and exome sequencing identified clinically relevant variants in 79% of patients, guiding diagnosis, risk assessment, or drug targets. The study's comprehensive approach enables rapid analysis within 40 days, making it a promising tool for pediatric cancer treatment.
A study highlights strategies to help teens with type 1 diabetes manage high cholesterol and blood pressure, including offering realistic guidance, encouraging regular exercise, and promoting healthy eating habits. The research emphasizes the importance of personalized approach and team effort in addressing these conditions.
The FDA awarded $5 million to the National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation, co-led by Children's National Hospital and the University of Maryland. The consortium aims to develop medical devices designed specifically for children's unique needs, with a focus on asthma, heart disease, and neonatal health.
Researchers have devised a novel method to block abnormal biological signals driving the rare and fatal disease Fanconi anemia. Inhibiting a regulatory protein called Sh2b3/Lnk restored bone marrow cell function and improved genome integrity in animal studies, providing hope for better treatments for children with the disease.
A team of researchers has created an automated program to screen for malnutrition in hospitalized children, using existing patient data in electronic health records. The study found a high prevalence of malnutrition among pediatric oncology patients, with 42% overall and varying levels of severity.
A new clinical practice guideline emphasizes the importance of early identification and referral to physical therapy for infants with CMT. Early intervention can result in excellent outcomes, including full passive neck rotation and zero surgical interventions.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the home environment plays a crucial role in determining whether children with a genetic predisposition to obesity become overweight or obese. The study's main finding was that genetic influences on BMI depend on home environment.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has released new best practices for verifying the correct placement of nasogastric tubes in pediatric patients. These guidelines aim to improve patient safety by standardizing education, tube verification methods, and radiographic evaluation.
The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline provides recommendations for promptly diagnosing and treating CAH throughout a patient's life. It emphasizes shared decision-making among patients, families, and healthcare professionals for the management of the disorder.
A study of 477 pediatric patients found that survival rates were not associated with the time to first defibrillation attempt. Most pediatric patients had a quick response to CPR, but the delayed response did not impact outcomes in this age group.
A Loyola Medicine study shows that an educational curriculum for physicians improves their emotional intelligence, stress management, and overall wellness. The study suggests that teaching emotional intelligence skills may improve stress management, promote wellness, and prevent burnout in resident physicians.
Researchers identified a neuronal BRAF somatic mutation causing intrinsic epileptogenicity in pediatric brain tumors, leading to a potential new therapeutic target. The mutation arose from neural stem cells and was found to alleviate seizures in animal models treated with the BRAF inhibitor Vemurafenib.
The partnership aims to develop and conduct collaborative clinical research studies on young children with various immune system disorders. The collaboration provides joint training opportunities for physician-scientists and offers comprehensive pediatric clinical support.