Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A study by Northwell Health pediatrician Ruth Milanaik found that parents tend to choose 'health halo' products when only viewing package images, leading to a lack of nutritional label scrutiny. The research also reveals that popular children's TV shows influence kids' food choices and expectations.
A new study found that alcohol brand placements in popular movies nearly doubled over the past two decades, especially in movies rated for children. Alcohol brands were shown in 44% of all movies and characters drinking was portrayed in 87% of all movies, with child-rated movies showing a high frequency of brand placements.
Research reveals that over 5,800 US youth were hospitalized for firearm injuries in 2012, resulting in 16 children per day. The study found that most injuries among 15- to 19-year-olds were the result of assault, while nearly 90% of gunshot patients were male and over half were Black.
A new study found that adolescents who consume high amounts of salt exhibit measurable changes in their blood vessels, including increased arterial stiffness, which is a known risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that excessive salt consumption in youth may put them at higher risk for future cardiovascular disease.
New research presents findings that adolescents with mental health issues or past suicide attempts are more likely to have easy access to firearms, either in their own home or a friend's. This increases the risk of violent behavior and accidental death by guns.
Researchers found that infants taking antacids had a higher risk of fractures during childhood, especially those who started treatment under 6 months old. The study suggests that antacid medications should only be used for severe symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease in young children.
Research suggests a simple saliva test can predict which children will experience prolonged concussion symptoms, providing a more accurate prognosis than standard survey questions. The study found that salivary miRNA levels were significantly more effective in predicting prolonged concussion symptoms than SCAT-3 surveys.
A new study found that lead exposure has a negative impact on cognitive and language development in preschoolers, with poverty amplifying these effects. The research analyzed data from the Bellevue Early Language and Education Project and showed that even low levels of blood lead above 5 micrograms per deciliter can cause reduced cogni...
Researchers propose a novel approach to treating newborns with opioid exposure based on their ability to eat, sleep, and be consoled. This alternative method significantly reduces the length of hospitalization without increasing readmission rates.
A study published at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting found that children's hospital admissions for suicidal thoughts or self-harm more than doubled between 2008 and 2015, with significant increases in all age groups. The study also identified seasonal variations in cases, with most occurring during spring and fall.
Researchers found higher rates of brain abnormalities in children with single-ventricle disease as staged surgeries progressed. Cerebral blood flow measurements showed a potential link to brain lesions, but more investigation is needed to confirm causality.
Health promotion advocates in pediatric emergency rooms identify young people experimenting with substances and connect them with necessary resources and treatment. Over four years, advocates screened 2,149 patients for risky behaviors and referred 81% to substance use disorder treatment services.
Disparities in pediatric readmission rates for chronic conditions such as asthma, depression, diabetes, migraines, and seizures have been found to vary by condition and race. The study highlights the need to personalize care and address socioeconomic factors to reduce these disparities.
A team of neurosurgeons, engineers, and Hollywood special effects experts created a realistic 3D simulator for practicing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) procedures. The simulator's effectiveness was evaluated in early tests, showing improved accuracy and safety compared to traditional cadaver-based training.
A new study by SDSU researchers found that providing brief behavioral therapy in pediatric primary care settings can significantly improve anxiety and depression symptoms among young people. Latino youth saw the most significant improvement, with over three-quarters showing improvement.
A survey by Nemours Children's Health System found that 64% of parents plan to use telemedicine for their child's care within the next year. Parents cite convenience and immediacy as top reasons for using telemedicine, with most rating the experience superior to in-office visits.
Dr. Beverly Davidson has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a testament to her outstanding contributions to neuroscience. Her research focus on understanding molecular basis of neurodegeneration in inherited brain disorders has made significant impact.
A new online genetic study called SPARK is enrolling thousands of people with autism and their families to identify the hundreds of autism genes at play. The study seeks to connect these individuals and families to research opportunities that advance the understanding of autism.
The 'handshake stewardship' program, led by Sarah Parker, MD, reduced antibacterial use by 10.3%, antifungal use by 12.1%, and overall antimicrobial use by 10.9%. The program's success is attributed to daily pharmacist-physician reviews and in-person advice on antibiotic usage.
A worldwide survey found 16% of critically ill children have acute neurological conditions with brain damage, highlighting the need for transformational ideas to improve outcomes. The study revealed that cardiac arrest was the most common cause of these conditions, followed by traumatic brain injury and central nervous system infection.
Scientists at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have discovered a promising target to treat AT/RT, a highly aggressive and therapy-resistant brain tumor, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The PLK4 inhibitor has been shown to stop tumor growth while sparing normal cells.
A study published in Pediatrics found that obesity significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure in Hispanic adolescents, with a prevalence rate nearly six times higher than in non-Hispanic peers. Researchers attribute this disparity to lack of data on health risks for Hispanic youth.
A video analysis study by Christopher P. Bonafide and colleagues investigated factors influencing nurse response times to bedside monitor alarms. The research found that nurse experience, alarm type, and hospital environment all played significant roles in shaping response times.
A team of researchers from UTHealth will increase low vaccination rates among pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students in the Houston Independent School District. The project aims to achieve immunization rates as high as those in major school systems in the US, particularly among children with limited access to medical care.
A new study analyzed the biomechanics of head injury in pediatric patients with concussions, using physical and computational models to simulate impacts. The researchers found that youths are at higher risk of concussive injury at lower event severities, but no clear predictors for persistent symptoms were identified.
A meta-analysis of 404 pediatric patients found that antibiotic treatment was successful in 90.5% without increasing the risk of complications, but failure rates were higher in those with appendicolith; surgery is preferred for cases with this condition.
A survey of over 17,000 parents of hospitalized children found variability in quality of care across US children's hospitals. The study highlights opportunities for improvement in communication, family engagement, and patient safety.
A new study found that pediatric opioid exposures have been steadily decreasing since 2009, except for buprenorphine. Researchers call for changes to prescribing practices and increased education on safe storage at home.
According to a large international study, one out of four children in ICUs develops delirium. The prevalence nearly doubles after five days, highlighting the need for routine monitoring.
David A. Spiegel, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, has spent over 20 years providing humanitarian care to children with clubfoot conditions in Nepal and internationally. He introduced the Ponseti method for treatment, which has benefited over 4,000 feet at the Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children.
A new Loyola study reveals that physicians-in-training possess a high level of emotional intelligence, scoring in the high range on an emotional intelligence survey. The study found that pediatric and med-peds residents scored highest in empathy and social responsibility, but lowest in assertiveness.
The study provides recommendations to optimize decision-making for medical imaging in pediatric orthopedic care, highlighting the risk of cancer and genetic defects from radiation exposure. Best practices to reduce radiation include limiting precise collimation, fluoroscopy bursts, and utilizing low-dose CT protocols.
Researchers found no improvement in mid to long-term outcomes for children who received bone morphogenetic proteins during spinal fusion surgeries. The study suggests caution when using BMPs in pediatric patients, as they may not provide additional benefits or improve safety.
A Rutgers study finds that an estimated one in six US children have development disorders, but only 1,000 developmental pediatricians exist nationwide. The study also reveals a lack of programs offering accommodations for non-English speaking families, resulting in extended wait times and delayed diagnostic evaluations.
A study found that children who don't get enough sleep between 3-7 years old are more likely to have attention, emotional control, and peer relationship issues. The research also showed a higher risk of poor neurobehavioral function at age 7.
Research from Children's Hospital Colorado found that wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding lowers the risk of sustaining severe head injuries. The study also discovered that nearly twice as many local Colorado children wear helmets compared to out-of-state visitors.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found a molecule that stops the growth of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a fatal pediatric brain tumor. The study, published in Nature Medicine, reveals the molecule detaches proteins that enable cancer cells to grow, offering new treatment options for children under 10.
A systematic review of PDE-5 inhibitor use in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension found improvements in oxygenation, hemodynamics, and clinical outcomes. The evidence suggests that low- and moderate-dose sildenafil are safe regimens for children, outweighing the risks associated with long-term use.
Children's Mercy has developed a groundbreaking app called CHAMP to monitor single-ventricle babies, reducing mortality rates and improving patient care. The program uses Microsoft devices and services to track vital signs and trigger alerts for instant evaluation.
Research at Boston Medical Center found that stronger alcohol policies in states reduce the number of young people who die in crashes caused by drunk driving. The study used an alcohol policy scale to assess 29 policies across the US, correlating them with the number of underage deaths in alcohol-related crashes.
A recent NICU study found that preemies are exposed to noise levels higher than recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, while also lacking essential language stimulation. The researchers recommend engaging parents in providing sensory exposures to promote healthy development.
A nationwide study published in JACS found that critically ill children can now undergo liver transplantation and achieve similar survival benefits as stable children. Survival rates have improved significantly since pediatric critical care was recognized as a specialty area of medicine, with one-year survival increasing from 66% to 92%.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that high levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are associated with lower arterial stiffness in 6-8-year-old children. Children who engage in at least 68 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per day have better arterial health.
The new e-tool has strong potential to encourage parents to make healthy lifestyle changes for their children, improving their diet and activity habits. Almost half of participating parents said they used the resources they selected from the tool.
The Endocrine Society has issued a new clinical practice guideline for pediatric obesity, emphasizing the importance of family-centered lifestyle modifications. The guideline provides recommendations for assessing, treating, and preventing childhood obesity, including genetic testing for rare causes.
A group of medical experts has issued new clinical guidelines for managing children and adolescents with growth failure, recommending hormonal treatments for certain conditions but cautioning against routine use in cases of unknown cause. The guidelines aim to balance medical needs with potential risks and long-term consequences.
A recent clinical trial found that controlling critically ill children's blood sugar levels within a usual care range does not offer significant benefits. In contrast, lower targets increased the risk of hypoglycemia without providing extra advantages.
Pediatric experts warn that consumer-use baby monitors may cause undue alarm to parents and have no evidence of medical benefits for healthy babies. The devices, marketed aggressively to parents, promise peace of mind about their child's cardiorespiratory health but have been shown to be inaccurate and potentially harmful.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed new diagnostic screening and treatment recommendations for high-risk pediatric patients with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL). The study identified three genetic alterations that can predict treatment success, enabling personalized medicine approaches.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that genetic abnormalities can guide patients' treatment for pediatric brain tumors. The study analyzed over 200 tumor samples, revealing clinically relevant genetic changes in 56% of cases, which can impact diagnosis and treatment with approved drugs or agents.
The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium awarded $50,000 grants to three companies developing innovative medical devices for children. These devices include a powered orthotic arm brace, a hand-operated rapid blood delivery system, and an ear reshaper designed to correct deformed ears in babies.
A 9-day-old baby who suffered a normally fatal stroke was saved after Dr. Alexander Drofa removed the clot by combining mechanical and medicinal therapies. The infant's coma made the case particularly challenging.
Research reveals that top-grossing PG-13 movies have more frequent and graphic gun violence than comparable R-rated films, with little attention to consequences. The study suggests that Hollywood prioritizes action-oriented films over responsible portrayals of gun violence, raising concerns about its impact on children.
The American Psychological Association emphasizes the importance of psychologists in patient-centered medical homes, highlighting their role in improving health outcomes, decreasing costs, and enhancing patient experience. Behavioral health problems are prevalent among medical patients, compounding care delivery and effectiveness.
Pediatric tuberculosis remains a concern in Canada, particularly among Aboriginal communities and children from endemic countries. Effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, including clinicians, nurses, and social workers.
A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine reports a case of a 6-year-old child who ingested liquid nicotine from an e-cigarette, requiring intubation and ICU admission. The patient's mother had mixed the liquid herself, resulting in a highly concentrated substance that caused severe symptoms and altered mental status.
Researchers found that consuming zinc-enriched foods can reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage in humans. The study suggests a new strategy for measuring the impact of zinc on health, with implications for mitigating micronutrient deficiencies worldwide.
Healthcare spending on children in the US grew from $149.6 billion in 1996 to $233.5 billion in 2013, with the highest expenditures on well-newborn care, ADHD treatment, and dental care. The study highlights the need to analyze driving factors behind increased healthcare spending to determine its impact on processes and outcomes.
Researchers identified gene mutations associated with steroid resistance in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, leading to poor clinical outcomes. A new therapeutic approach targeting individual signaling proteins restored steroid sensitivity in leukemic cells from patients.
A study of 3,063 children and adolescents with acute concussion found that physical activity within 7 days of injury was associated with reduced risk of persistent postconcussive symptoms. Engaging in early physical activity was linked to a lower risk of PPCS, regardless of intensity or exercise type.