Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A new research network, led by CHOP and Penn Medicine, aims to identify strategies to prevent kidney stone recurrence. The PUSH study tests personalized fluid goals, financial incentives, and health coaching to reduce stone recurrence over a two-year period.
A study of nine young athletes found that contact drills involving multiple players led to the highest number of head impacts, while open-field tackling resulted in high-magnitude impacts. The study suggests modifying or eliminating certain drills from practice sessions to reduce injury risks.
A Massachusetts law restricting ORV use to 14-year-olds led to significant reductions in emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The study found ORV-related ED visits dropped 50% among children aged 10-13, while hospitalizations decreased by 41% for all children under 17.
A multi-center study found significant racial and ethnic differences in antibiotic prescribing for viral acute respiratory tract infections in pediatric Emergency Departments. Non-Latino white children were nearly twice as likely to receive antibiotics, while Latino and black children received lower rates of unnecessary prescriptions.
The Childhood Solid Tumor Network offers a vast collection of pediatric solid tumor samples, drug-sensitivity data, and related information to researchers worldwide. This resource has significantly expanded scientific resources for pediatric solid tumor research, enabling the study of rare cancers like osteosarcoma and retinoblastoma.
The Southern California Consortium for Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP) has awarded $165,000 in seed grants to accelerate projects improving the safety and delivery of care to infants and children. The funded projects focus on developing innovative medical devices to address unmet needs in pediatric care.
A new study found that flu vaccination rates for children may have decreased due to the unavailability of a nasal spray vaccine. The study, published in Vaccine, analyzed data from 9,591 pediatric patients and found that without the option of the nasal spray, total influenza vaccination rates were 1.6% lower in 2016-17 than in 2015-16.
A clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) for treating osteoid osteoma, a benign but painful bone tumor in children. The procedure eliminates incisions and ionizing radiation exposure, offering a faster treatment option with improved outcomes.
The new guidelines offer a series of evidence-based recommendations for pediatricians, including routine blood pressure measurements only at annual wellness visits and using ambulatory blood pressure monitors. The report also removes obese patients from normal blood pressure calculations, replacing them with average-weight kids to prev...
A new framework allows physicians to tailor radiation dose to achieve optimal image quality for pediatric patients. The framework considers the interdependency of quality, dose, and size, providing a basis for optimizing individual scan parameters.
A new study from McGill University Health Centre highlights significant gaps in transition care services for young adults with diabetes in Quebec. Pediatric care providers reported lack of standardized policies and limited communication between settings, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve the transition process.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will lead a collaborative effort to discover causes of childhood cancer and structural birth defects using big data. A centralized database and discovery portal will be created to share well-curated clinical and genetic sequence data from dozens of cohorts, comprising thousands of patients.
Researchers found that age and tumor type are key factors in initial denial, with cancers outside brain/spine denied 4.5 times more frequently. Despite this, 97% of cases were overturned on appeal, highlighting the need to streamline the appeals process.
A new automated system for measuring nighttime oxygen levels could help diagnose sleep apnea in children who snore. The approach was most accurate for children with severe apnea and detected 90% of those with severe disease. The test is simple, inexpensive, and can be performed at home using a pulse oximeter.
Alex Huang, MD, PhD, receives funding to continue fighting childhood cancer with a focus on immune system activation and tumor evasion strategies. The award supports breakthrough research at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the National Cancer Institute's 'moonshot' initiative.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded four young pediatric cancer researchers with nearly $1 million in funding. The award supports innovative research into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of one or more pediatric cancers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends focusing on clusters of cardiometabolic risk factors, such as high blood sugar, hypertension, and obesity, to identify overweight or obese children at highest risk for cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Pediatricians should target youth with multiple component risk factors for more...
A new study found that civil unrest after Freddie Gray's death led to a significant spike in maternal depressive symptoms and concerns about daily routines. The research suggests chronic stress may undermine young children's health and well-being, highlighting the need for policies to protect mothers and children from community violence.
A comprehensive treatment framework is presented to guide the management of children with PANS/PANDAS, focusing on psychiatric interventions, infection prevention, and immunomodulatory therapies. The guidelines aim to improve symptom relief, functioning, and adherence to therapeutic interventions.
A large study of executive function and adaptive behavior in females with autism spectrum disorders reveals unique challenges in diagnosis and intervention. The study found that girls with ASD struggle more with independence skills despite having better social and communication skills.
John J. Mulvihill, MD, receives the ASHG Mentorship Award for his sustained pattern of exemplary mentorship at various academic ranks. He has founded successful genetics training programs and mentored trainees across fields and career stages.
A recent study found that babies who were large at birth had an increased likelihood of being obese when they were in kindergarten to second grade. Children who were heavy as infants remained heavier than those born at normal birthweight, highlighting the importance of early lifestyle interventions to prevent obesity.
Edward R.B. McCabe, MD, PhD, received the ASHG 2017 Advocacy Award for his extensive efforts to integrate genetics into health systems and promote funding for biomedical research. He has worked on various initiatives, including Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act and Zika virus public education.
A new study found that Conversation Cards can help families prioritize key challenges regarding pediatric weight management and create treatment plans with health care providers. The most popular card choices reflected families' readiness to make healthy changes, preference for involving children and adolescents in clinical discussions.
The infant mortality rate for black infants decreased from 14.3 to 11.6 per 1,000 births from 2005 to 2012, then plateaued before increasing again from 2014 to 2015. In contrast, white infant mortality rates declined steadily over the same period. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly reducing preterm b...
A recent study highlights the significant healthcare burden of mitochondrial disease in the US, with high medical costs and mortality rates among patients. The study found that hospitalizations for these disorders result in disproportionately higher costs and mortality rates compared to patients without mitochondrial disease.
Research found that children with early Lyme symptoms resolve rapidly, usually within one to three days, regardless of treatment timing. However, those with knee pain and swelling take longer to recover, typically between two to four weeks. The study suggests that patients with late symptoms should seek medical attention promptly for p...
Elimination communication (EC) uses an infant's cues to recognize when they need to pee or poop, promoting early toilet training and protecting child health. By introducing EC at 6 months, caregivers can reduce the frustration and work associated with traditional toilet training.
A new study found that only one in four young adults with opioid use disorder receive life-saving medications for treatment. The study highlights a critical gap in addiction treatment for teens and young adults, emphasizing the need for increased access to effective medication-based care.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that pediatric nurses who work in poor environments and have high patient loads are more likely to miss required care. The study, published in Hospital Pediatrics, revealed that over half of pediatric registered nurses reported missing at least one care activity, with those in...
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescents with ADHD are licensed to drive less often, increasing their crash risk. The study analyzed over 18,000 patients and discovered a 35% lower licensure rate among those with ADHD.
A new electronic sepsis alert protocol has been implemented in pediatric emergency departments, reducing missed diagnoses of severe sepsis by 76 percent. The protocol uses a combination of vital signs, risk factors, and physician judgment to identify children at high risk of developing sepsis.
Dasatinib demonstrated significant benefits in a phase II clinical trial for pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with 75% of patients experiencing progression-free survival after treatment. The study also showed minimal toxicities and improved quality of life for patients.
A new study found that two interventions, one providing enhanced primary care and the other coaching, improved BMI and parents' sense of empowerment. Both programs also increased parents' confidence in addressing their child's weight problem.
A recent study investigates the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and child craniofacial shape at 12 months, emphasizing the need for safe drinking habits during pregnancy. The research underscores the risks of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and provides guidance for pregnant women and their families.
The American Association for Cancer Research has published its first set of consensus screening recommendations for children with common cancer predisposition syndromes. The guidelines provide standardized approaches to surveillance and facilitate appropriate monitoring of children affected by these conditions.
Researchers found that babies who shared a room with parents after the first four months had poorer sleep quality and more unsafe sleeping practices. The study suggests that the American Academy of Pediatrics should reconsider its recommendation to room-share for the entire first year.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that engaging with children while reading books gives their brain a cognitive boost. The study shows that 'dialogic reading,' where the child is encouraged to actively participate, can improve literacy skills and comprehension.
A review article highlights the prevalence of pediatric firearm-related injuries in the US, with approximately 20,000 children transported to Emergency Departments each year. Pediatricians can play a pivotal role in reducing these injuries by asking patients about access to firearms, encouraging safe storage, and supporting research in...
A new review of child-related auto fatalities found that the South had the highest number of fatalities and the Northeast the lowest, with a national mortality rate of 16%. Improper restraints and crashes on rural roads were common causes of deaths.
Researchers found that 20% of children involved in fatal crashes were unrestrained or inappropriately restrained. A 10% improvement in child restraint use could avert approximately 232 pediatric deaths per year.
A new study finds that severe obstructive sleep apnea is most common among African-American inner-city children from low-income families in Washington D.C. These children are also more likely to have a delayed diagnosis, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education to identify and treat the condition.
A new Penn study found that early-maturing girls are more likely to experience physical or sexual violence in dating relationships if their friend group contains more boys. The research, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 3,800 girls and confirmed that girls who developed earlier have a 14% increased risk of dating abuse.
A CHOP study reveals that adolescent males of color treated for violence-related injuries prioritize mental health services, including therapy and legal aid. Participants overwhelmingly identified safety needs, such as addressing peer relationships, after being discharged from the emergency department.
Dr. Douglas C. Wallace received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science for his groundbreaking research on mitochondrial genetics. His work defined the genetics of DNA within mitochondria and reconstructed patterns of human evolution.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics suggests that genetic mutations and family history are common risk factors for children diagnosed with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis before age 6. Researchers analyzed 342 children and found that 71% had at least one pancreatitis-associated gene mutation.
A new position paper provides consensus recommendations for ionizing radiation dose optimization in pediatric patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. The guidelines focus on strategies to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining effective imaging procedures.
Children with MRSA bacteremia have a low mortality rate of 2%, but experience high complication rates that increase with each passing day. The risk of treatment failure is associated with infections in muscles, bones, or blood vessels, and concurrent critical illnesses, highlighting the need for optimized vancomycin dosing and monitoring.
A five-year national study found that regions with stronger gun laws had significantly fewer firearm-related pediatric emergency department visits. The study suggests an association between regional gun laws and firearm-related injuries in children, with stricter laws linked to lower incidence rates.
Research suggests that online health information can compromise the parent-doctor relationship, leading to delayed treatment. Parents who view conflicting symptoms may question their doctor's diagnosis and seek a second opinion, highlighting the importance of discussing concerns with patients.
A recent clinical trial found that buprenorphine is as safe and effective as morphine in treating newborns with withdrawal symptoms after prenatal drug exposure. The study showed a 42% decrease in treatment length compared to standard morphine, with an average treatment duration of 15 days versus 28 days.
Researchers analyzed 369 teen interviews to identify common symptoms of pre-depressive symptoms, including increased anger, irritability and loss of interest in activities. The study suggests that primary care providers should probe with sensitive questioning to identify feelings of depression.
A study by Northwell Health pediatrician Dr. Andrew Adesman reveals nearly one-quarter of grandparents don't know proper sleeping positions for babies, a major risk factor for SIDS. Grandparents may also struggle with limited socialization and emotional health due to their parenting responsibilities.
Research at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting found that nearly a quarter of children hospitalized with sepsis experience significant decline in quality of life lasting several months after discharge. Sepsis severity is strongly associated with deterioration of health-related quality of life.
Reading to infants as early as six months can have a lasting impact on their language and literacy skills, with higher vocabulary and reading abilities recorded four years later. The study found that the quality and quantity of shared book-reading during infancy and toddlerhood are strongly tied to later emergent literacy skills.
Electronic tracking devices can significantly reduce the frequency of children with autism wandering away from adults, decreasing parent anxiety and improving quality of life. Parents who used these devices reported a significant reduction in concerns about their child's safety, enabling them to participate in activities without worry.
Colorado hospital ER visits for teen marijuana-related issues increased fourfold after legalization, with 66% of patients exhibiting mental illness symptoms and 65% requiring psychiatric consultations. The study suggests targeted education and prevention strategies are needed to address the public health impact on adolescent populations.
Research presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting suggests that handheld screen time use is associated with increased risk of expressive language delay in infants. Children under 2 years old who spend more time playing with smartphones, tablets, and other handheld screens are more likely to begin talking later.
A Kentucky study highlights the harms from disruptions in children's Medicaid coverage, finding that children who lose coverage for at least 45 days are more than three times more likely to visit an emergency department and nearly five times more likely to have unmet health care needs compared to those with continuous coverage.
Research at Pediatric Academic Societies 2017 Meeting reveals racism harms children's health, with exposure tied to ADHD, anxiety and depression, as well as decreased general health. Low-income, minority children particularly affected.