Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that maternal involvement is the greatest contributor to long-term neurobehavioral development in preterm infants, with a single-family room NICU allowing for greater and most immediate opportunities for maternal involvement.
Obstructive sleep apnea and low nighttime oxygen are linked to NAFLD progression in children. Researchers found a correlation between severity of sleep-disordered breathing and oxidative stress, which promotes the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
A recent study found that nearly half of pediatric clinical trials are either discontinued early or remain unpublished in the medical literature. The research suggests significant inefficiency and waste in the field, with more than 8,000 children participating in unfinished trials and over 69,000 enrolled in completed but unpublished t...
A new study finds that a child's home address can identify families at risk of severe asthma due to socioeconomic hardships. The address is linked to zip code and census data to target resource allocation.
Symptom spikes, also called exacerbations, were found to be common in children after concussion, with about one-third experiencing them. The study suggests that returning to full activities too quickly increases the risk of a symptom spike, but these events may not be clinically significant.
The University of Utah School of Medicine's Data Coordinating Center has been awarded a $25 million grant to form one of three Trial Innovation Centers (TICs) to improve clinical research. The TICs aim to streamline trial protocols, eliminate bottlenecks, and support randomized drug trials.
A new web-based software program helps reduce ADHD behavioral symptoms in children by coordinating care and ensuring patients get effective ADHD medications. This improvement leads to better treatment outcomes, with children treated by pediatricians using the technology experiencing significantly less ADHD symptoms than those without it.
Researchers developed a measurement called cumulative burden to capture chronic disease in childhood cancer survivors, showing that Hodgkin lymphoma patients have more cardiovascular conditions and severe heart problems than adults without childhood cancer. This method should aid efforts to reduce and better manage late effects of canc...
A survey of 628 US physicians reveals that shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma are widely accepted diagnoses among medical professionals. The study found that 88% of respondents acknowledged the validity of shaken baby syndrome, while 93% affirmed abusive head trauma as a diagnosis.
The Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship Award provides funding to promising young scientists working on high-impact translational research. The award supports research into childhood and adolescent cancers, which often receive limited funding compared to adult cancer research.
Children exposed to parental substance misuse are at risk of developmental delays, mental health problems, and substance use disorders. Pediatricians can assess risk and intervene with families, providing access to resources and breaking multigenerational cycles of abuse.
Researchers will assess treatment of asymptomatic babies born with congenital CMV and investigate frequency of neonatal herpes infections in the US and Peru. Early detection and close follow-up can lessen the effects of congenital CMV in infants.
Researchers found significant differences in hospital practices for treating children with asthma, including varied costs and resource use. The study's template matching tool enabled a more refined comparison of hospitals' resource use at the patient level.
The BMC Vital Village Network has received a $500,000 strategic planning grant to develop infrastructure supporting children entering kindergarten at a healthy weight. The project aims to promote healthy growth and development through a two-generation approach, involving community settings from preconception to age 5.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that Medicaid status has little effect on inpatient costs, length of stay, and use of intensive care units for children hospitalized for asthma. The study analyzed over 17,000 pairs of pediatric asthma patients from 40 major US children's hospitals.
National experts recommend steps to integrate genomics into clinical practice, addressing challenges such as interpreting DNA findings, patient education, and sharing data across centers. The recommendations provide guidance for clinicians and patients on how to use genomic testing results in making health care decisions.
Elaine H. Zackai, a renowned pediatric clinical geneticist, has been awarded the ASHG's inaugural Mentorship Award for her exceptional mentorship skills. The award recognizes her commitment to guiding students towards successful careers in human genetics.
A study by CHOP researchers found gaps in knowledge and communication about ASD treatment choices, leading to difficulties in sharing treatment decisions. The authors suggest using tools like decision aids and practice guidelines to foster effective communication between families and pediatricians.
The Zika virus outbreak has highlighted the need for new paradigms in child health, requiring mobilization by pediatricians and healthcare providers to address the growing number of cases. The article suggests revisiting the response to HIV/AIDS 30 years ago to inform a new approach.
Black children who undergo urologic surgery are more likely to experience postsurgical complications and hospital-acquired infections. The study analyzed data from nearly 12,000 patients and found that hospitals and policy makers should expand efforts to reduce postoperative adverse events and health disparities in children.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends specific sleep hours for children and teenagers to avoid health risks. Sleeping within recommended hours is associated with better health outcomes, while insufficient sleep increases risks of accidents, injuries, and mental health problems.
A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that common pediatric diseases impact the healthy intestinal microbiome, reducing bacterial diversity. The study suggests that prolonged antibiotic treatment and disease process are responsible for changes in intestinal flora.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has announced the selection of five early-career cancer researchers, who will receive four years of flexible funding to conduct their work. The selected scientists aim to unravel the mysteries of cancer by studying medulloblastoma recurrence and developing new immune therapies against pancreatic cancer.
A new study from CHOP and CDC found that 82% of concussions among 0-17 year olds were diagnosed at primary care sites, while only 12% were in the emergency department. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for concussion recovery, and targeted training can help primary care providers diagnose and treat most cases.
A new study found that pediatric end-of-life care requires improvement, with 62% of parents' wishes for their child's death location not being fulfilled. Siblings also need more support after a family member's death, and healthcare staff experience logistical barriers to providing adequate bereavement care.
A recent study found that mothers who consumed more fruit during pregnancy gave birth to children with better cognitive development. The study, led by University of Alberta researcher Piush Mandhane, discovered that increased prenatal fruit intake was associated with higher IQ scores in one-year-old infants.
CHOP researcher Dr. Douglas Wallace was inducted into the Italian Academy of Sciences for his work on mitochondria and metabolic diseases. He is a pioneer in the field of mitochondrial medicine, which he founded 40 years ago.
A study of adults born premature and low-birth-weight found they were less likely to be employed, have children, or earn higher incomes compared to their normal-birth-weight counterparts. Despite these differences, many of these individuals are living independently and contributing well to society.
Two new studies investigate an association between phototherapy and pediatric cancers, finding a possible increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) among children with Down syndrome. The research suggests that clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits of phototherapy for infants at risk of brain damage or hearing loss.
A new study by Children's Minnesota found that children treated at Level I pediatric trauma centers have lower risks of complications and adolescents face greater odds of death compared to adult trauma centers. Pediatric trauma centers provide conservative care approaches, leading to better outcomes for injured children.
A comprehensive review found that refugee children can perform similarly to their peers academically with adequate support, despite experiencing behavioral and emotional issues. Key factors for success include high academic ambition, parental support, and language proficiency.
A new long-acting cardioplegia solution has been shown to reduce cardiopulmonary bypass times and aortic cross-clamp durations, leading to faster recovery times and shorter ICU stays. The study found improved postoperative cardiac function and reduced morbidity in pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery.
The study found significant improvements in up-to-date vaccination rates, with a 7% increase from 75% to 82%. Over-immunization for adolescents also decreased significantly. The data exchange allowed clinicians to easily access patient immunization information, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary vaccinations.
New research reveals a disproportionate increase in chronic health conditions among US children living in poverty. Children with asthma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and autism are more likely to have co-existing medical conditions, such as developmental delays or depression.
A new study found that households with less than three months of savings have children at higher risk of obesity, chronic illnesses, and worse overall health. Children in families living in asset poverty are more likely to be obese and have a chronic illness.
A new study suggests that breastmilk consumption can promote brain development in premature infants, leading to better developmental outcomes. The research found a positive correlation between the amount of breastmilk consumed and increased brain volume and cortical surface area in preterm babies.
New research by American Academy of Pediatrics finds stronger state policies reduce alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths among teens. States with tougher regulations on drinking and driving have fewer fatalities, particularly when targeting the general population rather than youth specifically.
New research suggests that more time spent by parents with their newborns during treatment eases withdrawal symptoms and shortens hospital stays. The study found that skin-to-skin contact plays a role in reducing NAS symptoms, supporting the importance of parental engagement in care.
A large-scale study found that children who exercised within seven days of a head injury had nearly half the rate of persistent post-concussive symptoms a month later. Researchers suggest this may shift concussion management guidelines towards more active physical rehabilitation recommendations.
A study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting found that children living with smokers more frequently need medical care. The research analyzed data from the National Survey on Children's Health and showed a significant impact of tobacco smoke exposure on demand for health care services.
A new study found that nearly all small children riding in taxis lack proper car safety seats, putting them at risk of serious injury or death. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends secure child restraint systems for young children in motor vehicles.
A study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting finds that universal screening for autism at 18 and 24 months significantly reduces diagnosis age, affecting all ethnic groups. This shift has critical implications for early intervention and outcomes.
A new study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting found that teens in Washington State reported no increase in ease of accessing marijuana after its recreational use was legalized for adults. Despite this, adolescents reported increased difficulty in accessing other illicit substances.
A study found that many products marketed as first finger foods for babies do not meet American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, posing a risk of choking. The study tested nine products and found only two to meet the criteria, raising concerns about four others.
Researchers found that increased asthma-related tweets correlated with higher rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The study used real-time Twitter data to predict asthma emergencies, suggesting a potential tool for early intervention and prevention.
A new study reveals that nearly three-quarters of teen smokers report being intermittent smokers, with many smoking only a few cigarettes per day. These teens are less likely to identify as smokers and face comparable health risks to heavier tobacco users.
A new study shows that teens who experience both face-to-face and cyber-bullying are more than twice as likely to engage in aggressive behaviors. Victims of multiple forms of bullying have over twice the odds of showing hostile behavior, such as verbal hostility, physical fighting, or damaging property.
A new study found that one in six infants and toddlers admitted to a Colorado hospital with bronchiolitis tested positive for marijuana exposure. Non-white children were more likely to be exposed than white children, suggesting secondhand marijuana smoke may pose a child health risk as marijuana use becomes more widespread.
Researchers found a strong correlation between prominent alcohol brands on TV shows and underage youth's drinking behavior. Underage youth who watched more TV shows with prominent brand placements reported higher levels of problematic drinking behavior.
New research presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting shows a significant increase in fireworks-related injuries and severity among children under 21. Hospital stays for these burns rose from 29% in 2006 to 50% in 2012, highlighting growing concerns about child safety.
A recent study found a significant rise in mental health diagnoses among military-connected children, with anxiety and suicidal ideation experiencing the largest increases over the past 15 years. Diagnoses for other disorders also rose, with treatment visits doubling during the same period.
A study of 1,420 autistic children found that one-third had wandered away within the past 12 months. The researchers identified behavioral traits that increase the likelihood of elopement, highlighting the need for effective strategies to prevent such tragedies.
A new study suggests that stress and depression play a significant role in whether a woman with human papillomavirus (HPV) can clear her infection or not. Women who reported self-destructive coping strategies and those who were depressed were more likely to develop an active HPV infection.
A study of 732 gay fathers found that they rate their children's self-esteem, peer relationships, and other measures of well-being similarly to parents in the general US population. The findings suggest that children of gay fathers do as well in every way as children whose parents are heterosexual.
A new study suggests certain family, social and community assets can boost a child's chances of flourishing in the face of adversity. Researchers found protective factors such as access to medical care, mothers' mental health, fathers' mental health, and community supports like trustworthy adults and good neighborhood amenities.
A mobile phone app providing supportive texts and an online community increased breastfeeding rates among new mothers, with 95% continuing to breastfeed three months postpartum. The app also boosted confidence in breastfeeding issues, leading to higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
Dr. Stansfield received a Clinical Science Young Investigator Award for his studies of cardiovascular risks associated with being a low- or high-birthweight baby. His research shows that extreme birthweights increase the risk of visceral adiposity and heart disease.
A new study by Northwestern Medicine reveals that low-income families spend 2.5 times more on emergency department and hospitalization costs for children with food allergies, highlighting a significant gap in preventive care and access to special foods and epinephrine auto-injectors.
Research from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago conducted in mice shows the drug hydrocortisone can prevent lung damage and reverse BPD's harmful effects on the heart, providing a promising treatment for premature babies.
Research published in Pediatrics found that a high body mass index (BMI) at 2 months is a strong predictor of obesity at age 2. The study, which analyzed nearly 74,000 infants, showed that BMI outperformed weight-for-length measurements in predicting early childhood obesity.