Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
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.
A 20-month-old girl's tumor regression shows promising evidence of the potential for LOXO-101 to provide significant benefit for pediatric patients with NTRK gene fusions. The patient achieved a 90% reduction in tumor size after receiving an experimental treatment.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found no differences in penile sensitivity between circumcised and intact men. The researchers also challenged the notion that the foreskin is the most sensitive part of the adult penis. No differences were observed in sexual functioning between the groups.
Dr. Peter Adamson, a pediatric oncologist at CHOP, joins the Blue Ribbon Panel of scientific experts advising the VP's initiative on cancer research goals and approaches.
A new University of Iowa study shows that telehealth can help parents with children on the autism spectrum address challenging behavior at a lower cost. Specialists can train parents in applied behavior analysis via computer, reducing travel expenses and staff hours.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine are establishing an interdisciplinary center to define the systems biology of antibiotic resistance, a pressing global medical challenge. The program aims to develop new strategies for treating antibiotic-resistant infections by combining experimental and computational methods.
The supplement tackles childhood poverty from various angles, including its impact on cognition, health, and socioeconomic outcomes. Experts offer insights on defining poverty, international comparisons, and interventions in the US to address child poverty.
A pediatric oncologist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has received a $1 million grant to develop new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through immunotherapy. The goal is to identify specific proteins on AML cells that can be targeted by the immune system.
A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that many pediatric surgeons perform rare and complex procedures infrequently, risking skill loss and patient outcomes. The research suggests that high-fidelity simulation-based training can improve surgical skills and reduce error risk.
A new national study by Children's Hospital of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine researchers shows that chronic heart disease caused by cardiomyopathy is a family disease. The study suggests including the entire family in the treatment plan may be more effective for many pediatric heart disease survivors.
Researchers have identified rare genetic changes that significantly increase bone density in girls, which may protect against osteoporosis and fractures in women. The study highlights the importance of promoting bone health during childhood and adolescence to reduce future risks.
Researchers analyzed six years of dental claims data to evaluate the longevity of restorations in primary molars. Sealants showed better survival rates when applied to children under three years old, while one-surface composite had similar longevity to one-surface amalgam.
A new nursing care needs assessment model has been developed for pediatric patients with complex medical conditions, aiming to quantify long-term care needs and improve healthcare coordination. The N-KICS tool measures 40 factors on a scale from one to four, assessing vital signs, observation, bathing, ambulation, and respiratory support.
Researchers at the University of Granada have developed a non-invasive method to detect celiac disease in children aged 2-4. The test uses capillary blood and detects disease markers, allowing for early diagnosis without the need for blood extraction or intestinal biopsy.
Dr. Bianca Russell has been awarded the David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award for her groundbreaking research on a novel skeletal dysplasia caused by homozygous mutations in BMPR1A. This achievement recognizes her dedication to advancing medical genetics and genomics.
Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital has reduced the average length of stay for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) from 28 days to 8.5 days through non-pharmacological care, resulting in $5.4 million savings. Morphine treatment was also decreased from 98% to 44%.
A new study by Hasbro Children's Hospital reveals Rhode Island has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the US. The nationwide trend suggests a need for more research into IBD causes and targeted treatments.
A new study by University of Miami researchers identified a potential connection between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and increased academic expectations in young children. The study found that rising academic demands since the 1970s may have contributed to the doubling of ADHD diagnoses over the past four decades.
Researchers studied the 2014 EV-D68 outbreak, finding that confirmed infections grossly underestimates the true burden on children's hospitals. The study highlights the importance of resource utilization monitoring in future unexpected outbreaks.
A recent study found that 53% of lawn mower injuries to children require amputation. The most common injury sites were the lower extremity and collisions with mower blades. To mitigate these risks, researchers recommend increased education campaigns for parents on how to keep their children safe from lawn-mower injuries.
A small study found significant associations between difficult child behavior and mobile technology use to calm kids down. Parents with less control over their children's behavior were more likely to turn to devices like phones and tablets as a coping strategy.
The hospital will facilitate collaborations among researchers and make genomic data available to accelerate discovery of the genetic mechanisms of congenital heart defects. The goal is to uncover genetic mutations that affect both heart and brain development in children with severe heart defects.
A new study demonstrates that pediatric patients with asthma who received their medications in hospital are more likely to avoid emergency department visits. The 'Meds-in-Hand' program, which provides on-site pharmacy delivery, significantly reduced ED visits and improved patient outcomes for discharged children with asthma.
Children discharged from hospital infrequently receive home health care (HHC) and facility-based post-acute care (PAC), according to a national study. HHC is most commonly used for neonatal care, while PAC facilities treat non-neonatal respiratory, musculoskeletal, and trauma-related problems.
Early screening is crucial for detecting autism in toddlers, as it can diagnose symptoms around the second birthday, compared to a fourth birthday without screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal screening, which has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and reduce disparities in diagnosis.
The Medical University of South Carolina is developing a statewide telehealth network for children's hospitals, which aims to provide quick access to specialized pediatric care. The network, supported by a $1 million grant, will help equip smaller medical centers with resources and expertise.
A survey of medical specialists found significant variability in the definition of reasonable medical certainty, with experts citing different probabilities and settings for interpretation.
Involving patients, families, and healthcare professionals in clinical trial design has been shown to increase recruitment rates by 30% and retention rates by 27%. This approach ensures that the needs of all stakeholders are considered, resulting in more accurate and relevant study outcomes.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that immigrant children with special health needs are more likely to lack a true 'medical home', despite growing popularity of the model. The disparity affects even American-born children whose parents are foreign-born, highlighting the need for family-centered care coordination.
A multicomponent intervention including reminders, swim shirts, and read-along books increased sun-protection behaviors among young children, while also reducing changes in skin pigment. The study found that the intervention was more effective than usual information provided during well-child visits.
A recent study evaluated the impact of a pay-for-performance program on pediatricians under a full-risk Medicaid accountable care organization (ACO) for children. The results show that the program was partially responsible for higher performance on quality measures, with significant improvements seen in independent incentivized provide...
A study of Italian sixth- to eighth-graders found a high rate of gambling, which was associated with substance use and other risk-taking behaviors. The study suggests that parents and healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential risks of gambling in early adolescence.
A powerful three-way mechanism driving childhood brain cancer growth has been discovered by scientists. The MYB-QKI gene fusion is found in rare pediatric glioma subtype angiocentric glioma and drives tumor formation through abnormal expression, disruption of tumor suppression, and activation via a positive feedback loop.
A recent study identified the genetic mechanism causing angiocentric gliomas, a rare type of low-grade glioma in children. The discovery revealed an unusual DNA abnormality that triggers three different mechanisms to produce a tumor, leading to the development of a diagnostic test.
Dr. Sing Sing Way, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases, has made significant contributions to understanding pregnancy complications and infection susceptibility in newborns. His research has the potential to develop vaccines that protect against pregnancy complications.
Researchers have identified an abnormal fused gene that drives pediatric brain tumors through three distinct biological mechanisms. This finding may advance diagnosis and treatment by identifying the MYB-QKI fusion gene as a defining event in angiocentric glioma, allowing for targeted therapies.
A delegation of US pediatricians, led by Dr. Stephen Berman, will meet with their Cuban counterparts in Havana to collaborate on improving child health. They will share advances in early brain development and responsive parenting, while learning about Cuba's success in community-based primary care.
The iCat study successfully used clinical genomic sequencing to recommend therapy or diagnose changes in children with solid tumors. The findings support the use of personalized treatment based on tumor genetic characteristics, fueling potential drug development for pediatric and rare adult tumors.
A three-year study funded by PCORI investigates the safety and patient preferences of discharge strategies after chemotherapy for children with acute myeloid leukemia. The study aims to gather data on bloodstream infections and chemotherapy delays to inform better care for these vulnerable patients.
The first FDA-approved immunotherapy for pediatric cancer, dinutuximab, has been shown to be equivalent to the commercially produced version and can be made available to all patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated improved event-free survival and overall survival in children treated with the treatment.
The study found that 7.7 million deaths occurred globally in 2013, with lower respiratory tract infections, preterm birth complications, and malaria being the leading causes of death among children under 5. The report highlights the need for effective interventions to prevent these preventable causes of death.
Researchers discovered normal p53 gene action restrains transposons, mobile genetic elements that can lead to genomic instability. Disabling p53 allows transposons to erupt, causing disease.
Research by Peter Kriz found that less physically mature male ice hockey players took an average of 54 days to recover from concussions compared to more physically mature peers. The study recommends age-based grouping in youth sports leagues to reduce the risk of prolonged concussion symptoms.
Researchers identified the NLRP3 inflammasome's role in activating Interleukin 1 beta, triggering inflammation and BPD development. Testing FDA-approved drugs showed promise in reducing lung damage.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found an association between obesity and the formation of blood clots in children and adolescents. Obesity was a statistically significant predictor of blood clot formation in juveniles, contributing to increased incidence of pediatric venous thromboembolism.
A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that preventative treatment with omalizumab reduces fall exacerbations in a high-risk group of allergic asthma subjects. Increasing inhaled steroid treatment levels offered little to no additional benefit.
The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium awards $50,000 seed grants to Actuated Medical and ENTvantage Diagnostics to improve bone biopsies and diagnose sinus infections in children. This funding aims to reduce pain and unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
A study from Northwestern University found that many parents are unaware of how to use an epinephrine auto-injector and have a written emergency food allergy action plan. The guidelines for treatment are not being followed, highlighting the need for improved communication between doctors and parents.
A team of researchers is exploring the use of the NAO robot in a new approach to pediatric rehabilitation based on social interaction between robots and humans. The robot can read moods, recognize family members, and learn preferences, providing personalized interventions for children with motor disabilities.
A team of healthcare workers developed guidelines for treating Ebola-infected children, recommending an aggressive approach that includes fluid therapy, highly fortified food, and increased bedside care. The protocol aims to improve survival rates among young patients and provide a basis for future outbreaks.
Two studies found that recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis in children has a high disease burden, with 42% rate of rehospitalizations and estimated annual healthcare costs of $40,000. The studies highlight the need for information and research to prevent suffering and reduce costs.
The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has developed ProteinPaint, a web application and dataset that provides an interactive tool for researchers worldwide to advance their understanding of pediatric cancer mutations. The tool offers critical information unavailable with existing visualization tools, allowing users to see the impac...
A new meta-analysis found that psychological therapies can reduce IBS symptoms for at least six months after treatment ends. The study analyzed 41 clinical trials involving over 2,200 patients, revealing no significant difference in effectiveness between different types of psychotherapy.
A new study found that 95% of families made at least one error in car seat use, and 91% made a serious error. The most common mistakes included loose harnesses, incorrect installations, and low chest clip positions.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nonoperative management with antibiotics was an effective treatment strategy for children with uncomplicated appendicitis, resulting in fewer disability days and lower healthcare costs. The study also showed no difference in health-related quality of life at one year.
A recent study at Rush University Medical Center found acupuncture to be a safe and effective adjunctive integrative medicine treatment for chronic pain in pediatric patients. The study included 55 children aged 7-20 who experienced chronic pain conditions, with significant reductions in pain levels and related health issues.
A study found that earlier intervention leads to better weight recovery in young children with multiple household risk factors, such as poverty and single parenthood. The pioneering use of video recordings helps families establish healthy habits and mealtime routines.