Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
Using cardiac imaging during heart surgery can detect serious residual holes in the heart that may occur when surgeons repair a child's heart defect. Pediatric experts say this tool, called transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), improves outcomes for children with congenital heart disease.
A new report calls for improved healthcare systems to address congenital heart disease, saving millions of children's lives. Urgent action is needed to prioritize pediatric cardiac workforce development and data collection.
A survey of 393 hospital neonatal intensive care units found only 56% believe there are enough ophthalmologists to screen and treat retinopathy of prematurity. Screening can be done with telemedicine, but only 21% of respondents used retinal imaging devices, with half being unsure about its safety.
A national NIH initiative will use exercise to identify molecular changes that improve and preserve health in children. Researchers will analyze blood samples from over 360 children before, during, and after exercise.
A new study identifies four culturally sensitive mental health screening tools that can be used by pediatricians to screen Latino children. The tools assess emotional and behavioral problems and are available in Spanish, with one including pictorial cues. The researchers hope that these tools will increase primary care pediatricians' c...
A recent publication from the Medica Research Institute highlights the need for addressing workforce disparities in pediatrics. Young investigators and seasoned researchers discuss key challenges, such as racism and discrimination, and offer guidance on career development and mentorship.
The UA Steele Children's Research Center is studying autoimmune disease triggers with a $1.73 million NIH grant, focusing on dendritic cells and immune tolerance. The research aims to identify new targets for therapeutic approaches to restore tolerance in patients with autoimmunity.
A Stanford patient has become the first infant to receive an experimental drug that shows significant improvement in motor milestones and function. The drug, nusinersen, is being rapidly progressed through regulatory approval, with FDA approval expected within two months.
A team of scientists has unveiled a novel role for thymic dendritic cells in regulating T cell egress into the bloodstream. This discovery could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer by understanding how the body regulates lymphocyte trafficking.
Researchers from UH Rainbow presented data on improving clinical outcomes for pediatric hematologic disorders, including findings on acquired aplastic anemia treatment algorithms and red blood cell transfusions in critically ill children. The studies aimed to improve long-term outcomes and transplant options for these rare diseases.
The new guidelines developed by the NASPGHAN recommend regular screening for NAFLD in all obese children between 9-11 years old using a simple liver enzyme test. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity are also recommended as first steps in treatment.
A new study presents alarming data on chest injuries in pediatric patients after all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents. The study found that pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, and rib fractures were common, with 8 children dying from their injuries.
A new study found that pediatricians in the US underdiagnose hypertension and prehypertension in children aged 3 to 18 by as much as 95%, leading to inadequate treatment. The study analyzed electronic health records of over 400,000 children and revealed that only 6% of those with diagnosed hypertension received prescribed medication.
A study of 577 children living in Puerto Rico found that closer proximity to major roads was associated with higher levels of interleukin 31, a cytokine promoting allergic inflammation. This increase in IL-31 levels is linked to increased asthma risk and severity in genetically susceptible children.
A survey of 1,000 US parents found that 91.5% agreed use of placebo is vital for advancing new treatments, but only a majority accepted it for seven common conditions. The study highlights the need to refresh traditional pediatric therapeutic models to support parental decisions around placebos.
A study of over 3,900 US children who suffered cardiac arrest outside a hospital found that those receiving bystander CPR had better survival rates and neurological outcomes. Racial disparities in CPR provision were also noted, highlighting the need for education interventions to improve minority community access.
A new study found that intensive multidisciplinary treatment can eliminate dependence on tube feeding in 71% of children with pediatric feeding disorder at discharge. Treatment also leads to increased oral intake and reduced caregiver stress.
The program, launched in 2012, has generated over 506,000 customized prescriptions for an estimated 200,000 or more patients. More than 83% of participants reported the personalized referrals were 'very useful.'
The highly competitive residency matching process has become increasingly frenzied, driving up costs for students and disrupting the fourth year of medical school. Students are applying to an average of 30-45 programs, with some specialties requiring over 70 applications, leading to excessive travel and financial burdens.
The NYU Department of Pediatric Dentistry has received a $1.3M HRSA grant to develop a diverse and qualified cohort of pediatric dental faculty. The Growing Success program aims to improve oral health care for underserved populations through community-based rotations and mentorship.
A study published in Pediatrics found that daytime sleepiness and evening chronotype are more strongly associated with poor self-regulation in teens than sleep duration. The researchers suggest that aligning school start times with natural circadian rhythms may improve self-regulation and overall health.
The new expert consensus statement provides recommendations for patient monitoring and sedation administration during pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures. Key findings highlight the need for standardized practices to minimize anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a consistent association between bedtime media device use and inadequate sleep quantity, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness in children. Children who had access to but didn't use media devices at night also experienced similar sleep problems.
The Intermountain-Stanford grant program aims to accelerate research and improve patient care through seven seed grants focused on genomics, machine learning, biomarkers, and more. The grants will support innovative projects in research, education, and medical education.
A study found that most pediatric ICU physicians do not use current guidelines to diagnose acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill children. The prevalence of AKI among patients in pediatric intensive care units is rising, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Physicians can use strategies such as assessing illness acuity, depersonalizing the event, and validating the emotional experience to establish trust with families. The study found that immediate medical needs should be prioritized, and accommodating family requests may reinforce prejudicial thoughts.
A study highlights common and less common errors in pediatric chest radiography, emphasizing the importance of a systematic approach to image interpretation. The authors recommend clear understanding of a child's development and anatomy to avoid significant interpretive errors.
Children with postconcussion symptoms experience lower overall, physical, emotional, social, and school quality of life for at least 12 weeks. Persistent postconcussive problems affect up to 30% of children after a head injury.
A new study characterizes pediatric injuries onboard commercial airline flights, finding that lap infants are at greater risk for injury due to scalding burns from hot beverages or soups. Falls from the seat also contribute to in-flight injuries among this age group.
For the first time, fetal medicine experts have performed prenatal heart surgery to remove a life-threatening tumor, called intrapericardial teratoma. The patient is now a healthy preschooler after undergoing the operation at 24 weeks of gestation.
A Canadian study found a significant increase in emergency department visits for suicidal behavior among teenagers starting in June 2011, but not among younger children. The research suggests that this trend cannot be attributed to social media publicity surrounding the cyberbullying death of 15-year-old Amanda Todd.
A new study examines the effect of adverse childhood experiences on health and biological outcomes in children, finding associations with weight changes, asthma, and sleep disruption. Researchers highlight the importance of early detection to protect children's health and well-being before long-term adult outcomes occur.
Researchers emphasize the need for guidelines addressing digital footprints created for children, which can lead to unanticipated risks such as information theft or pedophile targeting. The authors propose public health-based best-practice guidelines for parents to protect their children's online identity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting digital media to one hour a day for children aged 2-5, while avoiding it in children under 18 months. Parents should also engage with their children during use, using devices as tools to support family connection and promote healthy habits.
A 10-year retrospective study at a level-1 trauma center found that competitive youth motocross athletes suffer life-threatening injuries despite wearing helmets and other safety gear. Most injuries occurred during competitions, with nearly half suffering concussions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics releases new recommendations for children's media use, encouraging families to create personalized Family Media Use Plans. The AAP suggests limiting screen time, prioritizing creative playtime, and monitoring online citizenship and safety.
Researchers found that 30% of summer camps use outdated 'no nit' policies, excluding campers with lice eggs despite being ineffective. Most camp staff lack training in recognizing or treating lice, leading to a challenging treatment process for kids with live lice.
Researchers found that states with higher unrestrained child rates and rural roads had higher mortality rates. A 10% improvement in child restraint use nationally could prevent over 1,500 child deaths over five years.
Pediatric emergency departments are experiencing a growing trend of children presenting with headaches, leading to increased hospital admissions. Researchers found that female patients were more likely to be admitted for headache pain, while the use of CT scans has decreased, reducing radiation exposure.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly half of concussion patients were playing football when they sustained their injury, and 71 athletes returned to play on the same day. Patients who immediately returned to play reported less severe symptoms initially, but these symptoms worsened over time.
New research finds children without health insurance are significantly more likely to be transferred to another facility after an ER visit compared to those with private insurance. The study challenges the effectiveness of EMTALA, a three-decade-old law requiring hospitals to make decisions on patient transfers independent of insurance...
A study of over 64,000 children aged 6-17 found a dose-dependent relationship between digital media exposure and decreased homework completion rates. Children who spent more time on digital devices had lower odds of finishing their homework, with those using devices for 4-6 hours per day having 49% lower odds.
A US survey found that while most adults agree e-cigarettes should not be used in places where smoking is prohibited, many are uncertain about the potential harms of e-cigarettes and allow use in one-third of households. Adults with lower education levels and those without children tend to be less aware of these risks.
A review article explores the ethics of discussing disease prognosis with terminally ill adolescents, emphasizing the importance of gentle but persistent conversation. Clinicians are advised to engage patients directly, allowing time for exploration of values and goals, while balancing the need for truth-telling with emotional distress.
A Johns Hopkins pilot program proves safe and effective in reducing sedation and boosting early mobility for children in intensive care units. The PICU Up! Early Rehabilitation and Progressive Mobility Program includes activities such as sitting, standing, and walking, resulting in increased rates of physical therapy consultations and ...
A group of pediatricians is urging the pediatric workforce to address opioid addiction among young people, highlighting the need for evidence-based treatment including medication-assisted treatment. Many young people continue to see their pediatric provider well into young adulthood, when they first struggle with opioid addiction.
A study published by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that treadmill hand burns are the second most common hand injury after stovetop burns, requiring greater and longer care. Children under 5 years old are most prone to these injuries due to curiosity and lack of understanding about potential dangers.
Researchers assess safety, tolerability, and clinical use of graded aerobic treadmill testing in young athletes with sports-related concussion. The study confirms physiological recovery in 63 patients and improves symptoms in most cases.
A study analyzing Medicaid-insured hospital discharges found that freestanding children's hospitals incurred the highest median Medicaid losses from pediatric inpatient care, at about $9.7 million per hospital. Non-children's hospital teaching and nonteaching hospitals had significantly lower losses.
A recent review found that over-the-counter head lice treatments have declined in effectiveness, likely due to widespread use leading to pyrethroid resistance. Prescription products such as malathion and spinosad are safer alternatives with proven efficacy.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that an intervention pairing caregivers with navigators to address family social needs decreased reported needs and improved child health status. Caregivers assigned to the intervention group reported fewer social needs and better overall child health compared to those in a control group.
A longitudinal study of extreme preemies born between 1977 and 1982 found that they are four times more likely to develop dysglycemia than normal birth weight peers. By their early 30s, 26% of ELBW babies have abnormal blood glucose levels.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that pediatric burn pain assessment can vary based on nurse clinical experience. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC) was used to rate pain in pediatric patients, with less experienced nurses demonstrating higher accuracy than more experienced ones.
A study found that outpatient bloodstream infections associated with central lines in pediatric transplant and cancer patients result in significant economic burdens. The median charges for treatment totaled $37,000 for a six-day hospital stay, highlighting the need to prevent these infections.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that nearly 70% of children with significant burns treated in low-volume hospitals were released without being transferred to a burn center. The researchers argue that current guidelines may be too broad and need clarification.
A new study found that children with a history of food allergy are more likely to develop asthma and allergic rhinitis, with rates roughly doubling in those with peanut, milk, and egg allergies. The study analyzed data from over 1 million urban and suburban children.
A new study found that high-magnitude head impacts in youth football are more common during practice sessions than games. Researchers identified specific tackling drills as contributing to these high-impact incidents and suggest reducing their duration to lower injury risks.
According to new guidelines, physicians and parents can ward off problems at both ends of the weight spectrum by avoiding focusing teens' attention on weight or dieting. Family meals protect against weight problems, while promoting a balanced diet and regular exercise can help teenagers develop a healthy body image.
A new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center highlights cultural differences in refugee developmental screening, including language barriers and differing beliefs about disability. Researchers found that establishing trust and using in-person interpreters improved engagement and milestone identification.
The new guidelines provide a more precise definition of documented prenatal alcohol exposure and offer guidance on evaluating facial and physical deformities characteristic of FASD. The updated criteria aim to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and lead to early intervention for affected children.