Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A new computerized vision-screening test, the Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS), has been developed to identify children with subnormal visual acuity. The test uses a set testing algorithm to minimize subjective tester bias and provides simple pass/fail results for four age groups.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many teens who have experienced child sexual abuse engage in sexting, receive online solicitations, and meet with strangers they met online. This increases their risk of revictimization.
Researchers found that victims of bullying fare worse in the long run than maltreated children, with those who experienced both facing increased risk of depression and self-harm. The study suggests a need for more efforts by schools and policymakers to address bullying.
Research reveals that detection rates of critical congenital heart disease before birth have improved, but disparities remain in poor and rural communities. The study found that those living in these areas are less likely to receive a diagnosis before birth due to limited healthcare resources.
A new study found that technology can reduce distracted driving among teen drivers when cameras and cell phone blocking programs are in place. The study showed that teens who used these systems had lower cell phone use and fewer high-risk driving behaviors.
A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that rates of eye injuries from air guns increased by 511% between 2010 and 2012, with most cases occurring among minors. The authors suggest regulations and stricter marketing guidelines to prevent these preventable injuries.
A study at Children's Mercy Hospital demonstrates the potential of rapid whole-genome sequencing in diagnosing genetic diseases in critically ill infants. The STAT-Seq test improved diagnosis rates to over half, leading to refined clinical care and improved treatment outcomes.
A two-phase intervention at an inner-city school increased purchases of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and plain white fat-free milk by 20-62%. The study suggests using emoticons and small prizes to entice students to make healthier choices in school cafeterias.
A study found that 7% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) resolved their symptoms, but most continued to struggle with social and emotional challenges. The children who showed improvement had normal cognition, but residual learning and behavioral issues persisted.
The American Academy of Pediatrics celebrates seven significant research achievements that have led to prevention and treatment strategies for diseases such as rotavirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, SIDS, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. These advancements have saved millions of lives and improved child health worldwide.
Researchers found that kindergartners who watched 1-2 hours of TV daily were 50-60% more likely to be overweight and 58-73% more likely to be obese compared to those watching less than an hour. The study suggests limiting childhood TV viewing could help combat childhood obesity.
Researchers found that males living in Philadelphia with supportive adult connections were significantly less likely to report involvement or witnessing violence. Supportive relationships with parents and other adults were common among youths, with nearly 70% saying they had at least one supportive adult in their life.
A recent study found that electronic cigarette use among teenagers is increasing rapidly, with 10% of teens using e-cigarettes in 2012 rising to 11% in 2014. The study also showed that e-cigarette use was more prevalent among older youths and males.
A summer feeding program in California has served over 33,000 meals to 1,200 children and adults, significantly reducing food insecurity. The program, established in 2013, provided breakfast and lunch to kids, lunch to adults, and take-home meals for families.
A new game app was tested on kindergartners to assess its effectiveness in teaching safety behaviors around dogs and while bicycling. The results showed that children who used the app learned significantly more safety strategies than those in a control group, and their behavior improved accordingly.
A study of 35 parents/guardians reveals high tension regarding technology use, with many worried about their children's screen time affecting social skills. Parents also expressed concerns about addiction and the creative benefits of mobile media, highlighting the need for guidance from pediatric providers.
A recent study found that health food stores across the US recommended and sold over-the-counter dietary supplements to minors, despite "adults-only" labels. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against using such products for males and females under 18.
A large-scale study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that therapeutic hypothermia did not improve neurological outcomes in pediatric cardiac arrest patients. The study compared two treatment groups: therapeutic hypothermia and active normothermia therapy.
A study found that many magazine images and stock photos of infants show them sleeping on their stomachs or with soft objects, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Only about half of the stock photos and a third of magazine pictures depicted safe sleep environments according to AAP guidelines.
A recent study found that exposure to books and stories in early childhood is associated with differences in brain activity. Greater home reading was linked to stronger activation of areas critical for oral language and later for reading. Visualization also plays a key role in narrative comprehension, allowing children to 'see' the story.
A recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that teenagers who survive self-poisoning are at a significantly increased risk of dying by suicide in the following decade. Half of all suicides among these teens occurred more than three years after their initial episode, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
New research shows that state laws banning texting while driving led to a significant reduction in teens using their cell phones behind the wheel, but 30% of teens still admitted to texting. Experienced drivers, especially those over 16, were more likely to use their phones while driving.
A new study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found that providing students with a collection of self-selected books at the end of the school year can improve reading achievement, particularly for low-income students. Results showed no significant difference in reading scores between intervention and control ...
A large-scale study showed that emergency body cooling does not improve survival rates or reduce brain injury in infants and children with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia, however, has been shown to be effective for adults and newborns after cardiac arrest.
A study found that babies as young as 6 months are being exposed to mobile devices, and by 1 year, one in seven toddlers is using them for at least an hour a day. Most 2-year-olds were also using mobile devices regularly.
Research reveals that children aged 14 and younger are treated in US emergency rooms for playground-related injuries over 200,000 times annually. When caregivers are distracted by electronic devices, including cell phones, their children are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors on the playground.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that two interventions combining up-to-date guidelines and family support reduced one-year weight gain in obese children. Clinicians who received clinical decision-support tools had better outcomes, while families who received coaching showed significant improvements in BMI.
Researchers found statistically elevated rates of pediatric cancers in urban areas within the Miami metro region and an area just west of the Everglades. The clusters showed differences in cancer types, racial composition, and timing, but not a clear link to environmental exposures.
A recent study found that an obesity intervention program with computerized clinical decision support and health coaching resulted in significant improvements in body mass index (BMI) among children. The greatest improvements were seen in children whose families and pediatricians were most faithful to the program.
Over 7,000 pediatric leaders will attend the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting, showcasing original research on child health topics. The meeting features a wide range of presentations, including sessions on bullying, teen texting and driving, and health care for immigrant children.
Margaret Foti, AACR CEO, will receive the Children's Champion Award for her outstanding pediatric cancer advocacy efforts. The award recognizes her leadership in advancing research and treatment for children with cancer.
A recent study found that US emergency departments have improved their pediatric readiness, with a median weighted pediatric readiness score of 68.9, up from a previous score of 55. This improvement is attributed to the implementation of a comprehensive assessment by a national coalition.
A new study found that nearly 50% of emergency departments have a pediatric coordinator, leading to improved readiness and a 70% national score increase since 2003. The assessment identified areas for improvement, including disaster plans and equipment availability.
A study by the University of Louisville found that children with neurological disorders experience a higher risk of flu complications, yet vaccination rates remain suboptimal. Parents and healthcare providers often have misconceptions about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.
Researchers found a decrease in pediatric melanoma cases in the US from 2000-2010, with an overall decline of 12% per year. The number of new cases decreased in boys and adolescents, particularly those with good prognostic indicators.
A study by CU researchers found that brain activity affects the development of insulating sheaths on axons, promoting neural connections. The findings have implications for understanding psychiatric disease and tie into current conversations about the adolescent and teenage brain.
Pediatric cholesterol guidelines recommend statin treatment for individuals with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Using these guidelines for teenagers aged 17-21 would lead to an additional 400,000 young people being prescribed statins compared to adult guidelines.
Training pediatric primary care providers improved their confidence and knowledge of adolescent depression, increasing screening frequency. The study found that providers who received training were more likely to identify early signs of depression and discuss treatment options with patients.
Dr. Mindy H. Li, MD, received the 2015 ACMG Foundation/PerkinElmer diagnostics Travel Award for her groundbreaking research on phenotypes and electronic health record systems in pediatric individuals with intellectual disability. The award recognizes her scientific merit and supports medical genetic researchers.
A new study reveals that adults treated with ECMO have better survival rates when cared for at hospitals that use the treatment frequently. The research analyzed data from over 56,000 patients across 290 hospitals worldwide, finding significant variation in survival rates between centers.
A majority of new general pediatricians are satisfied with their first job, with lifestyle and family considerations being the most important factor. The study found that over 80% of new pediatricians were very satisfied with their first jobs, with many wanting to spend more time in patient care and less in administrative tasks.
Researchers at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital implemented Lean Six Sigma to reduce pediatric patient discharges without affecting readmission rates. The intervention significantly sped up discharges by 93 minutes, reducing ED boarding hours and financial losses.
Researchers identified high blood pressure, protein loss, and anemia as predictors of disease worsening in children with mild to moderate CKD. Intervening on these modifiable risk factors may change the long-term course of the disease, preventing kidney failure and delaying dialysis or transplantation.
Pediatric dysphagia affects 35-80% of newborns with neurodevelopmental disorders, leading to malnutrition, choking, and infections. The GW researchers will develop fundamental understanding of the disorder through three projects, aiming to define pathology, developmental origins, and prevention strategies.
The new quality measures aim to improve detection and treatment of childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by tracking the quality of services provided by clinicians. The measures, endorsed by the American Association of Sleep Medicine, focus on five desirable processes for pediatric patients with suspected OSA.
A study published in PLOS Genetics has identified a gene, ISL1, associated with classic bladder exstrophy, a rare congenital anomaly of the urinary tract. The discovery is significant for understanding the disease's development and may lead to preventive measures during pregnancy.
A study published in Pediatrics found that the rate of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) utilization in American NICUs increased by 23% between 2009 and 2013, with nearly half of all iNO users being preterm neonates. This trend has significant economic implications, estimated to be $153 million in 2013.
The International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) has issued a guideline outlining the use of 3D computed tomography-based radiation therapy planning and volumetric image guidance to treat pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma. The guidelines aim to reduce radiation dose to normal tissue and decrease the risk of late side effects.
A 10-year-old boy developed seizures and hypertension after consuming excessive licorice sweets. The case study highlights the dangers of overconsumption of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice, a risk particularly high for children with low body weight. Manufacturers are urged to state recommended daily limits as a safety measure.
A study found that almost all pediatricians encounter requests to spread out vaccines, with increasing numbers agreeing to do so despite risks. Most physicians feel tension between building trust and prioritizing child safety.
A study led by the University of Vermont found that most doctors prescribe antipsychotics for kids with major mental illness, following guidelines. However, there is room for improvement in lab tests and access to evidence-based therapies.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics assessed cardiovascular risks among adolescents with severe obesity undergoing weight-loss surgery. The study found that nearly 95% of participants had at least one CVD risk factor, with high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels common among the group.
Pediatric cancer patients who receive antibiotics within 60 minutes of reporting fever and neutropenia have decreased intensive care consultation rates and lower mortality. The study shows that timely antibiotic delivery can lead to significant reductions in hospitalization and fatalities among pediatric cancer patients.
A randomized trial using Colorado Immunization Information System found that children in the centralized notification system received at least one contact, with documentation rates of 26.9% compared to 21.7% in the practice-based group. The study concludes that a collaborative centralized approach can increase immunization rates and is...
Research found a link between altered gut bacteria and liver disease in adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests that targeting the gut microbiome may help prevent advanced liver disease.
The study assesses the value of care provided by Partners for Kids, a pediatric Accountable Care Organization (ACO), from 2008 to 2013. Results show that PFK reduced growth in healthcare costs compared to Medicaid fee-for-service programs and managed care plans.
Research at Cardiology 2015 Conference highlights key findings on brain injury in infants with critical congenital heart disease, reduced radiation exposure in pediatric cardiac cath procedures, improved survival rates with goal-directed CPR, and no link found between pre-operative enteral feeding and NEC in newborn cardiac surgery.
A preliminary study found that 55% of parents met PTSD criteria and 24% met all criteria after their child's stroke. Children also showed signs of clinical anxiety, which may interfere with treatment. Researchers aim to screen families for potential PTSD and develop targeted interventions.
A recent position paper from the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee recommends bariatric surgery for carefully selected young children with severe or morbid obesity and associated medical conditions. The procedure can strongly reduce the risk of adulthood obesity and obesity-related diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium awards $25,000 grants to Little Sparrows Technologies, OtoNexus, and Ras Labs to develop medical devices for children. These companies are working on projects to treat neonatal jaundice, diagnose middle ear infections, and improve prosthetic limb interfaces.