Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
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.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that high-quality photographs taken by parents with their smartphones can accurately diagnose pediatric skin conditions without an office visit. The results showed a 83% agreement between photograph-based and in-person diagnoses, paving the way for improved access to care through telemedicine.
The UC Davis Department of Pediatrics has received a $2 million grant to fund a new telemedicine program for children in remote communities. The program will provide physiatry care for kids with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other disabilities, improving quality of life and preventing complications.
A recent analysis by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that when low-income parents enroll in Medicaid, their children have a significantly higher chance of receiving annual well child visits. These visits are crucial for growth and development, immunizations, and proper nutrition and child behaviors.
A national survey of pediatric primary care physicians found that while most address at least one parental health issue during child health visits, fewer feel responsible for doing so. The study highlights the need to better understand how health systems can support current practices and improve parental health promotion in pediatrics.
A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that combination therapy with azithromycin is unnecessary in most cases of pediatric pneumonia. The study of 1418 children showed no significant differences in outcomes between patients treated with a single antibiotic versus a combination of antibiotics. The researchers argue t...
A new federally funded program aims to strengthen development of innovative pediatric medicines and devices by incorporating best practices and novel approaches. The Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials for Children will lead the initiative, which includes several other organizations committed to children's health.
Researchers are developing a universal influenza vaccine that would protect against all strains of flu globally. Current vaccines have varying effectiveness, with some years seeing only 10% effectiveness.
The US FDA has awarded a grant to I-ACT for Children to establish an alliance among leading institutions and health systems to address gaps in pediatric clinical trials. The network aims to improve the efficiency of trials through innovative design, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that e-cigarette users who vaped with higher nicotine concentrations were more likely to use combustible cigarettes and experience intense vaping. The research suggests regulatory policies addressing nicotine concentration levels may affect progression of smoking and vaping among adolescents.
A study published in Pediatric Blood and Cancer found proton therapy to be as effective as photon radiation while improving quality of life for pediatric head and neck cancer patients. The treatment resulted in similar rates of tumor control and lower rates of toxicity, with no severe side effects reported.
Childhood low-grade gliomas, the most common type of brain tumor in children, exhibit distinct biological differences driven by mutated genes. These findings may guide personalized treatments for individual patients and provide insights into developing more effective anticancer therapies.
A three-year trial will examine a new transplantation approach to cure patients with sickle cell disease using a matched related donor. The goal is to find a well-tolerated and safe cure for children with the disease.
Researchers developed a growth-accommodating implant that can expand in tune with a child's natural growth, decreasing the number of heart surgeries a child must endure. The novel design, inspired by nature, could also be adapted for other growth-accommodating implants throughout the body.
A new growth-accommodating implant designed for cardiac repair in children can reduce the number of surgeries needed over time. The implant, developed by researchers at Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, uses a biopolymer core that degrades predictably, allowing it to grow with the child.
The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium has awarded $50,000 in seed grants to Voxello and InfraScan for developing speech-generating systems and handheld scanners for detecting intracranial bleeding in children.
The committee's efforts focus on increasing the number of sites hosting research studies, expanding potential study volunteers, and reducing duplicated efforts. By leveraging public-private partnerships, they aim to develop effective medicines for children with kidney disease.
A randomized experiment found that children who watched a PG-rated movie clip containing guns played with a disabled real gun longer and pulled the trigger more often than those who saw the same movie without guns. Children who saw the movie containing guns also played more aggressively and sometimes fired the gun at people.
A large study found that families of children treated with ECMO for heart conditions report positive outcomes regarding health and physical limitations. However, a higher rate of medical and behavioral issues were revealed through more detailed questioning, including learning disabilities in over 50% of patients.
The study found that modifying diet or adding moderate exercise can improve chemotherapy efficacy independent of weight loss. Obesity is on the rise in pediatric cancer patients, with lower survival rates and higher relapse rates compared to non-obese patients.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its first clinical report on tattoos and piercings, providing guidance for pediatricians on body modifications. The report highlights potential risks and complications, including infection, and emphasizes the importance of proper care and caution when getting a tattoo or piercing.
A recent study found that nearly one-quarter of school nurses reported administering epinephrine shots, often by nonmedical staff or students without known allergies. The survey also revealed that 10.8% of students with severe allergic reactions required more than one dose before emergency responders arrived.
A study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found a significant rise in pediatric patients testing positive for opioid addiction or dependency in US emergency departments. The number of ED visits by children aged 21 and younger increased from 32,235 in 2008 to 49,626 in 2013.
New research highlights the dangers of sliding down playgrounds with young children on your lap. The study found that most injuries occur when a child's foot catches on the edge and twists while sitting on an adult's lap, resulting in leg fractures.
Pediatric emergency departments are more likely to use ultrasounds over CT scans to diagnose abdominal pain in children due to reduced radiation exposure. According to the study, general emergency departments still rely heavily on CT scans for this purpose.
A new study found that overall child passenger safety education programs are successful, with improved placement of infants and toddlers in car seats. The research reviewed trends in child safety practices from 2009-2015 and identified areas for improvement, such as increasing top tether use and booster seat use.
A new study finds that many pediatric emergency department physicians do not discuss firearm injury prevention when discussing overall injury prevention issues. Despite the importance of primary prevention, only half as many clinicians provide counseling on firearm injury prevention compared to other topics.
Research highlights the disparity in firearm injury rates among pediatric populations in urban and rural settings. Teenagers living in urban areas are disproportionately affected by firearm assaults, whereas children in rural areas face a higher risk of accidental firearm injuries. Accidental injuries were the leading cause of hospital...
A study by Nemours Children's Health System found that telemedicine visits for sports medicine appointments saved patients and families an average of $50 in travel costs and 51 minutes in waiting time. Each telemedicine visit also reduced the health system's costs by $24 per patient.
A new study found that female youth soccer players who participate in only one sport, such as soccer, experience worse mood, stress levels, fatigue, and soreness compared to those who play multiple sports. Despite getting similar sleep hours, specialized athletes reported lower sleep quality.
A study by Children's National Health System researchers found that regions with stronger firearm legislation had lower rates of Emergency Department visits for pediatric firearm-related injuries. The majority of these injuries were accidental, affecting children aged 6-10 most severely.
Research reveals that nearly half of colonia residents live in severely overcrowded environments with poor infrastructure, leading to chronic diseases and mental health issues. The study aims to raise awareness about the need for public policies and interventions to buffer the effects of poverty on these communities.
A study of 108 child patients found that 76% sustained at least one bone fracture, with skull fractures accounting for nearly half of all fractures. Children under 16 years old should not drive golf carts, and those using them should do so at cautious speeds.
The Asking Saves Kids (ASK) campaign has been shown to increase caregivers' comfort level in asking about guns in a home where their child plays. A study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found that after ASK education, 85% of caregivers felt comfortable asking about guns, up from only 44% before.
Girls are significantly more likely than boys to return to play the same day after a soccer-related concussion, with over half of female athletes resuming play within 24 hours. This finding highlights the need for improved education and awareness among parents, coaches, and medical staff to prevent premature returns to play.
A new study examines cell phone ownership among children in third to fifth grades and finds that they are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying. Cell phone owners, especially in grades 3 and 4, were significantly more likely to report being cyberbullied. The study suggests that continuous access to social media increases online in...
Researchers identified four key themes in mannequin design, including flexible vocal cords, realistic color change, step-by-step training, and more natural movements. The findings aim to improve clinical competency and optimal clinical outcomes for pediatric residents.
The presentation aims to help pediatricians understand that immigration-related issues can impact children's mental health and overall well-being. Clinicians can support immigrant children by understanding their unique needs, exploring legal options, and bridging from neutral starting points to clinical care.
A new study reveals that post-surgical painkiller prescriptions can become a pathway to continued, nonmedical opioid use in teens and young adults. The research found that nearly 5% of patients who underwent common surgeries had persistent opioid use after 90 days.
A new study found that immigrant parents reported fewer potentially health-harming adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, violence, or divorce, compared to native-born Americans. The researchers suggest that immigrants may experience different forms of stress early in life than those born in the US.
Research at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that green schoolyards improve heart health, mental health, weight management, ADHD, and stress among children. Green schoolyards provide opportunities for active outdoor play, relaxation, and community engagement.
Researchers found that regions with higher Brady Gun Law Scores, indicating stricter gun laws, had lower rates of firearm-related emergency department visits among children and teens. The Northeast region had the lowest rate of 40 injuries per 100,000 visits, while the South had the highest rate of 71 injuries per 100,000 visits.
A new genomic profiling study has identified genetic alterations in 96% of brain tumors in children, including genes that can be targeted with specific treatments. The study found distinct patterns of mutations between low-grade and high-grade gliomas, which could lead to more effective treatment options for these patients.