Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A recent $5 million NIH grant has funded a research consortium at Michigan Medicine to address firearm-related fatalities among children in the US, known as the second leading cause of death. The five-year effort aims to develop evidence-based solutions through an interdisciplinary group of scientists and stakeholders.
A new study suggests that adolescents and young adults with acute leukemia have a survival advantage when receiving treatment at pediatric cancer centers versus adult centers, particularly those affiliated with the National Cancer Institute. This is due to the more experienced care teams in these settings.
Children's National Hospital is leading a $5 million NIH grant to develop solutions for reducing pediatric firearm-related injuries. The project, called the Firearm-Safety Among Children & Teens Consortium (FACTS), aims to identify effective strategies and policies to lower pediatric deaths and injuries due to firearms.
Researchers worldwide can now access the world's largest public repository of pediatric cancer genomics data via St. Jude Cloud. The platform offers accelerated data mining, analysis, and visualization capabilities, enabling faster progress toward cures for catastrophic diseases of childhood. By harnessing collective power, global rese...
Nina Gummadi, a third-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to conduct research on mental health issues in orphaned children in India. Her project aims to characterize barriers to mental health care and develop screening protocols for this at-risk population.
Dr. Judith G. Hall, a pioneering geneticist, has been awarded the David L. Rimoin Lifetime Achievement Award for her groundbreaking research and teaching on human growth and connective tissue disorders. She is recognized for helping establish medical genetics as an accredited clinical specialty.
Researchers found primary care providers and pediatricians are less confident in evaluating irritability than child and adolescent psychiatrists, leading to over-reliance on medication. Increasing education and training may help improve diagnosis and treatment.
Families with elevated psychosocial risks, including parent mental health issues and child behavior problems, are more likely to drop out of weight management treatment. Psychosocial screening early in treatment may improve outcomes for children with obesity.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation has awarded grants to support pediatric cancer research and novel immunotherapies for childhood cancers such as medulloblastoma and osteosarcoma. The funding will enable researchers to study the immune system's response to these tumors and develop targeted immunotherapy techniques.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that an expert panel of pediatric injury experts can reliably identify injuries in young children as abuse or accidents. The panel achieved nearly perfect reliability and accuracy, both individually and collectively.
A new cancer drug has proven safe and effective in treating pediatric patients with tumor-specific gene mutations, particularly those with TRK fusions. The study found encouraging anti-tumor activity in all patients with solid TRK fusion-positive tumors, achieving sustained tumor regressions in over 90% of cases.
A clinical trial, TAKE-IT, combines electronic medication monitoring and coaching to encourage adherence behavior in adolescent kidney transplant recipients. The study shows a 66% higher adherence rate among participants who used the digital health medication management solution with coaching.
A global survey found nearly a third of antibiotics prescribed to hospitalized children were for preventive use, contradicting current guidelines. The study highlights the need for improved antibiotic prescribing practices and education for health professionals.
Pediatric cardiovascular disease research highlights modifiable factors predicting mortality after prolonged critical illness following congenital heart surgery. Smaller aortic isthmus size is associated with earlier surgical timing in complete common atrioventricular canal defects, indicating potential for improved outcomes with tailo...
Researchers have created a new tool to help clinicians diagnose appendicitis in children, reducing the use of CT scans and healthcare expenditures. The calculator uses data from ten pediatric emergency departments and independently validated results using data from a single children's hospital.
A new study reveals young patients with type 2 diabetes experience worse blood sugar control and loss to follow-up when transitioning to adult care. Healthcare systems must address these unique needs to support the growing number of youth-onset type 2 diabetes cases globally.
Rick D. Wilkerson, DO is the recipient of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2018 Humanitarian Award for his humanitarian efforts abroad. He has made significant contributions to orthopaedic care in countries such as Haiti, Iraq, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, and Uganda.
A study of 1213 Italian adolescents found that nearly half exceeded the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended daily caffeine intake. Coffee was the main contributor to daily caffeine consumption, highlighting the need for awareness campaigns to reduce caffeine intake among adolescents.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified gaps in the US healthcare system that make it inadequately prepared for a surge in pediatric patients during a pandemic. The study proposes a structured and coordinated response with specific protocols addressing children's unique needs.
A new study published in Hospital Pediatrics shows that improved pediatric asthma care can be achieved through the use of personalized inpatient assessments and streamlined patient care decision tools. The study found that clinicians who used these tools had a significant improvement in the accuracy of prescribed medication, with an in...
A review in Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics outlines the severity of opioid use among children and teenagers undergoing surgery, with nearly one-fourth of US high school seniors having exposure to prescription opioids. Strategies for reducing opioid prescribing include education, standardized practices, and legislation to shift presc...
Richard Martin, MD, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to neonatal health through basic and translational research. He is recognized as an internationally respected authority in neonatology and a dedicated educator of pediatricians and neonatologists.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of childhood cancer reveals that children and adults have different mutated genes driving their disease, underscoring the need for pediatric-specific precision therapies. The study found that only 45% of the mutated genes 'driving' cancer in children are the same as those in adults.
This special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine presents significant contributions from the Third World Congress on Spina Bifida Research and Care, covering topics such as regenerative medicine, genetics, trauma care, and self-management. The goal is to improve healthcare for individuals with spina bifida, includ...
A meta-analysis of 39 studies found that 1 in 7 young people under 18 send sexts, while 1 in 4 receive them. The study aimed to inform policy and future research on sexting among this age group.
A national study of over 86,000 kids with congenital heart disease found that children from low-income neighborhoods had a higher mortality rate and higher hospital costs after heart surgery compared to those from higher-income neighborhoods. The disparity persisted even after accounting for race, insurance, and disease severity.
The use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) among pediatric patients increased between 2005 and 2015, with a corresponding decrease in mortality rates. The median adjusted cost per admission was $158,740, but increasing off-label use of iNO is associated with decreased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs.
Researchers studying a rare genetic disorder in children have discovered insights into biological mechanisms that drive the disease, including abnormal autophagy. They also identified a urine test as a biomarker for the disorder, which may help monitor response to treatment and develop precision medicine.
A new drug, larotrectinib, has been shown to be effective in treating cancers with specific genetic mutations. The study found that 75% of patients with TRK fusion-positive cancers responded to the treatment, with 13% achieving a complete response.
A study of 348 preschoolers who survived cardiac surgery found hearing loss in 21.6% of children, associated with language and cognitive problems by age four. Researchers recommend early hearing evaluations between 24-30 months to increase timely medical intervention.
A new study has found that safe-sleep recommendations for infants have not reduced sudden deaths in the first month of life. The researchers identified factors that may contribute to the persistent risk of sudden death during the early weeks of life, including suffocation and asphyxiation.
Researchers found that outcomes for alternatives to whole liver transplantation, such as splitting a liver or using a part from a living donor, have improved for pediatric patients. These findings suggest opportunities for an increased organ supply and better use of those organs, potentially saving more lives.
Research reports cases of shingles developing at original vaccination site after chicken pox immunization, highlighting the importance of recognizing vaccine-associated shingles. The condition is rare but may correlate to the vaccination site.
A new, simplified Braden QD Scale better predicts pressure-related skin injuries in pediatric patients. The scale identifies combined immobility- and device-related risks, allowing for more effective prevention strategies.
Researchers at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School developed a two-minute questionnaire to detect autism in toddlers. The Psychological Development Questionnaire (PDQ-1) correctly identified children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from all socioeconomic communities.
Nemours has received a grant of $825,000 from the Toy Foundation to develop trauma-informed patient care and play-based interventions. The project aims to reduce traumatic stress in hospitalized children and their families by emphasizing physical and emotional safety through play.
A study of US insurance claims found that children whose families visited a doctor in the previous year were less likely to experience complications from appendicitis. The research suggests that establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor can lead to prompt emergency care and lower complication rates.
A study of 30,000 patients found that narrow-spectrum antibiotics performed equally well or better than broad-spectrum ones in treating common respiratory infections. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics had fewer adverse events and disruptions to family routines, while treatment failure rates were not significantly different.
Researchers have found that PD-1 inhibitors can be effective in treating supratentorial pediatric ependymoma, a type of brain cancer with poor prognosis. The study identified RELA-fusion as a genetic cause and showed that these tumors express high levels of PD-L1, which can be targeted by PD-1 inhibitors.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics reports the use of pyridostigmine to reverse complications from botulinum toxin therapy in pediatric patients. Early treatment with pyridostigmine can alleviate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, and patients may regain normal function within days.
Dr. Alex Huang's research aims to understand how macrophages support osteosarcoma growth in lung tissues and develop effective therapeutic options for pulmonary osteosarcoma metastasis.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have developed T-cells that can resist tumor-induced immune suppression, leading to sustained clinical responses in patients with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma. The study shows promise for treating other types of immune-evading tumors.
A study published in Pediatrics found that black children are more than twice as likely to die after surgery, with increased risks of ventilator use, oxygen support, and wound infections. The authors developed race-specific models to predict surgical outcomes and suggest interventions to reduce mortality rates
A new study found that most NIH grants awarded to pediatric researchers in the past five years have been limited to senior physicians at a few institutions. This downward trend in funding affects early-career physician-scientists, potentially hindering research discoveries and patient treatments.
The Hall Family Foundation and Sunderland Foundation donated $150 million to accelerate pediatric research, increasing space by nearly six times. The new research institute will house top researchers and enable precise diagnoses and treatments for complex childhood diseases.
Researchers developed an implanted robotic system that applies traction forces to stimulate tissue growth in stunted hollow organs. The device was tested on pigs and showed a 77% increase in esophagus length, promoting cell proliferation without disrupting organ function.
Patients react negatively to doctors explicitly stating uncertainty of diagnosis, while implicit language is preferred. Explicit expressions of uncertainty lead to decreased trust, confidence, and adherence to advice.
A new study finds that girls with autism often struggle more than boys with performing routine tasks and making small talk, even when standardized tests are normalized for sex. This suggests that girls with autism may be 'camouflaging' their symptoms, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
A new study suggests that pediatricians can improve mental health screenings in children by receiving training and support. The screening rates soared 73 percent during the 15-month study, showing potential for better outcomes.
Severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) is a rare, deadly condition that can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment. A new review provides guidance for pediatricians and doctors on identifying and treating SCID, aiming to save lives and prevent suffering.
A Canadian study found that children who regularly eat meals with their family experience long-term physical and mental health benefits. Family meals are associated with better fitness, lower soft-drink consumption, and improved social skills.
New fMRI applications help researchers map verbal and visual memory in children with epilepsy, demonstrating the potential for non-invasive fMRI to assess and diagnose pediatric epilepsy. A second study showcases the ability of resting-state fMRI to assess language laterality, paving the way for expanded use as a clinical tool.
A study found that 92% of pediatric oncology providers are willing to help children with cancer access medical marijuana, but lack of standards is a major barrier. Providers were more cautious about recommending it due to federal prohibition and institutional policies.
A Pediatric Pulmonology study of 376 infants found that increasing hair nicotine levels were associated with prior parent-reported smoking exposure and potential increased risks of wheeze and asthma. Higher levels of hair nicotine were also linked to smoking in pregnancy, although associations at older ages were non-significant.
Researchers detected massive changes in how sensations from hands are represented in a child's brain before and after a successful double hand transplant. The brain remapping is thought to have begun six years before the transplant and reverted toward a more typical pattern after receiving transplanted hands.
A risk score identifies children at low risk for submersion-related injury who can be safely discharged from the emergency department. The Pediatric Submersion Score is a proposed guideline developed using sophisticated statistical methods, providing valuable information for future management of low-risk childhood submersion.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia highlighted racial disparities in bystander CPR methods and found that children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at risk for sudden cardiac death. Targeted training may increase bystander CPR rates and improve outcomes.
Researchers have identified a promising new target for treating highly aggressive brain tumors like atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor and medulloblastoma in children. The experimental PLK4 inhibitor was shown to shrink tumors and increase survival in an animal model, crossing the blood-brain barrier to target cancer cells.
A study found that PDA stent placement offered better outcomes than traditional BT shunt operation for infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, particularly in experienced centers. Patients who received stents had fewer complications, shorter ICU stays, and larger, more symmetric pulmonary arteries.
A new study found that 1 in 20 children received codeine after tonsil and adenoid removal surgeries, despite the FDA warning on significant safety risks. The researchers recommend increasing efforts to eliminate inappropriate prescribing and encouraging non-opioid medications.