Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A new study from University of Alberta researcher Sunita Vohra examines the use of alternative therapies among pediatric cardiac patients in Canada. The study found that 64% of patients at Stollery Children's Hospital reported using complementary and alternative medicine products, with most having no regrets about their choices.
A parent coaching intervention, known as the PLAY Project approach, brings benefits for preschool-aged children with autism-spectrum disorders. The program yields improved parent-child interactions, along with other key outcomes, and is associated with reduced stress and increased mental health for parents.
Research identifies two genes, FOXC1 and PITX2, that cause cerebral small vessel disease, a condition increasing stroke risk up to tenfold. Mutations lead to impaired vascular stability, ultimately resulting in long-term stroke risk.
The IU-Regenstrief CHICA system significantly increased the number of children screened for developmental delay at ages 9, 18, and 30 months. The system also improved developmental delay surveillance by eliciting concerns from parents during visits.
Researchers at Rice University created patches infused with conductive single-walled carbon nanotubes to overcome limitations in current patches, which hinder the transfer of electrical signals between cardiomyocytes. The patches can serve as full-thickness repairs without inducing abnormal cardiac rhythms.
A prospective, longitudinal study found that single family room NICUs provide optimal levels of maternal involvement, developmental support, and staff involvement, leading to better medical and neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants. Infants cared for in single family rooms had improved weight gain, fewer medical procedures, l...
ApoE3 helps repair blood vessels, while apoE4 prevents this process, leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers discovered a potential preventive treatment using NO donors for individuals with the apoE4 variant.
A study published in Nature Medicine has identified a receptor that promotes vascular growth and may prevent blindness in premature babies. The researchers found that activating this receptor can inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth, which is a major cause of retinopathy of prematurity.
Researchers found that a combination of delayed walking and cognitive delays in boys can be an early warning sign for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This combination may prompt pediatricians to conduct further testing, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that primary care physicians struggle with providing genetics assessments due to insufficient knowledge and time limitations. The researchers emphasize the importance of practical guidelines, point-of-care tools, and tailored education to address these barriers.
A nationwide team of experts led by UT Southwestern hematologist Dr. George Buchanan developed the first comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for managing sickle cell disease from birth to end of life. The guidelines consist of over 500 specific directions for physicians caring for patients with sickle cell disease.
A new study found that poverty, not biased reporting, is the primary cause of racial and ethnic disparities in child abuse and neglect. States with more minority children living in poverty show greater differences in abuse and neglect rates.
A nationwide study found significant declines in central line-associated bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonias among critically ill neonates and children. The rates of these infections decreased by 61% in NICUs and 76% in PICUs, resulting in estimated cost savings of $131 million.
Pediatric leukemia patients admitted on weekends had a higher risk of respiratory failure and a slightly longer length of stay compared to those admitted on weekdays. The study found that weekend admissions were associated with a 1.4-day increase in hospital stay and a 0.36-day delay in starting chemotherapy.
A review of bronchiolitis treatment reveals a tendency to prioritize oxygen saturation levels over other clinical assessment tools. Clinicians are often less likely to admit patients with falsely high oxygen saturation levels, highlighting the importance of considering all available data.
A national online survey of 802 parents found that parents who viewed informational material highlighting direct benefits to their own child were the most likely to indicate that they would have their baby vaccinated for MMR. Combining details about societal benefits had a similar impact on vaccine intentions, with mentioning direct po...
A new hospital screening tool, Pediatric Nutrition Screening Tool (PNST), has been found to be effective in identifying children at nutritional risk. The PNST identified 37.6% of patients as being at nutritional risk, compared to 34.2% with the existing pediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment (SGNA).
A new algorithm has been developed to diagnose pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis, reducing the need for computed tomography (CT) scans. The study found that CT utilization decreased by over 50% after implementation, without affecting diagnostic accuracy.
A new study finds that consolidating recommendations and clear language are key to converting pediatric preventive care guidelines into computerized prompts. The guidelines currently lack organization to easily translate into electronic prompts, leading to missed or delayed visits.
A study found that an electronic screening tool can effectively assess teenagers' substance use and identify those at risk. The tool, which asks only one question, shows high sensitivity and specificity in identifying substance use disorders.
Scott Armstrong, M.D., Ph.D., has made significant contributions to the field of hematology with his research on leukemia and cancer stem cell biology. His work has led to new therapies for patients diagnosed with devastating leukemias, according to the American Society of Hematology.
A recent national poll found that most parents seek healthcare providers' guidance on circumcision but don't want a specific recommendation. Only 23% of respondents wanted their pediatrician to make a decision for them.
The ESPGHAN statement provides practical guidance on PEG tube placement and care, emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of this procedure for children with feeding and nutrition problems. The decision to insert a PEG tube should be made by a team experienced in carrying out the procedure.
A study by Saint Louis University found that parents of children with disabilities often have unrealistic expectations and lack empathy, increasing the risk of abuse. Parents who expect more from their children and don't empathize with their needs may become stressed and frustrated, leading to abusive behavior.
Children with pacemakers who experience lower levels of self-competence tend to have a poorer quality of life, according to a new study. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing self-competence could help improve the lives of these young patients.
A study found a link between hot days and an increased risk of patients presenting with kidney stones over the next 20 days. Higher temperatures contribute to dehydration, leading to a higher concentration of calcium and other minerals in urine that promote stone growth.
The Mayo Clinic is leading a collaborative effort to standardize safe imaging protocols for children, proposing three child-centered measures for accreditation: The Right Exam, The Right Way, and The Right Radiation Dose. These protocols aim to reduce harm and improve the quality of care for pediatric patients.
A new study confirms that increasing outdoor time after school boosts moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in youth. Youth who spent most of their time outdoors had three times more chances to meet daily MVPA guidelines and higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital researchers found that an immune marker can predict which critically ill children with traumatic injuries are at risk of developing a hospital-acquired infection. The study suggests that immune system function plays a critical role in preventing infections in these patients.
A Saint Louis University pediatrician is developing an educational video game to train military physicians on pediatric emergency room cases. The game-based tool aims to improve physicians' skills in treating life-threatening emergencies, with potential applications for humanitarian missions.
Pediatric patients with intestinal failure often need gastrostomy tubes for long-term nutrition. Researchers found that prolonged tube use is associated with an increased risk of persistent fistulas. Early intervention may be necessary to prevent complications.
A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that children undergoing simple emergency surgeries on weekends are more likely to suffer complications and die than those treated during the week. The researchers analyzed 22 years' worth of surgical records involving nearly 440,000 pediatric admissions nationwide.
Pediatric researchers identified gene variants that affect a child's need for pain-control drugs, suggesting personalized medicine for pain control. The study found associations between specific gene variants and increased postoperative pain in children.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that young teens who received sexts were six times more likely to report being sexually active. Young teens who send over 100 texts a day also showed increased likelihood of sexual activity.
A recent study by UC Davis found that videoconferencing with family and friends significantly reduced patient stress among pediatric patients. The study showed that access to video conferencing technology improved outcomes for children during long hospital stays.
A new study of nearly 1 million California births found that women who are obese before becoming pregnant face an increased risk of delivering a very premature baby. The risk was highest at the earliest gestational ages and for non-Hispanic, white first-time mothers in the most obese category.
The guidelines provide healthcare providers with standardized recommendations for diagnosing and managing concussion in children, from initial assessment to recovery. The resources also include tools and instructions for parents, coaches, and school officials to recognize concussion and ensure safe reintegration into activities.
A large US study finds that nearly one in 25 babies are born too soon through elective cesarean sections and induced labor without medical indication. This increases the risk of respiratory distress, ventilation, and longer hospital stays for newborns.
A new study found that working parents often turn to urgent care visits when their sick children are excluded from child care due to strict health rules. The study suggests that these exclusions create a socioeconomic emergency for many families, especially single/divorced parents and African Americans.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named three outstanding young scientists to receive the prestigious Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship Award, committing nearly $625,000 to support pediatric cancer research. The fellows, Ly Vu, David Woessner, and Mark Zimmerman, will conduct research with the potenti...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a new driver of atherosclerosis, a molecule called 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), which exacerbates the condition and may be a promising therapeutic target. Blocking 27HC or inhibiting its actions could provide a complementary approach to preventing vascular disease.
Researchers developed a new design for preventive health care from birth to age 3 in low-income communities, focusing on family-centered, effective, and efficient care. The study suggests two working groups improved well-child visits by providing longer visit times, trained health educators, and online resources.
A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that lorazepam and diazepam are equally effective in treating seizures in children. The study, led by Dr. Prashant V. Mahajan, compared outcomes in 273 seizure patients and found no significant differences between the two medications.
According to a Yale University study, nearly 12% of American children experience confirmed maltreatment by age 18, affecting over 5.6 million children between 2004 and 2011. Black and Native American children are disproportionately affected, with one in five and one in seven experiencing maltreatment respectively.
Pediatricians face financial and data risks due to ICD-10 code conversions. Researchers found 26% of pediatric ICD-9 codes have complex mappings, potentially causing reimbursement issues and lost clinical information.
A study found that physician contributions to federal elections increased significantly, with most shifting towards Democratic candidates, particularly among female physicians and solo practitioners. The shift away from Republicans was driven by an influx of new donors more likely to support Democrats.
A comparative study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found a 72.1-fold higher discharge rate for PBD in youth in the US compared to England. The disparity remains significant even after controlling for length of stay.
Improper placement of nasogastric feeding tubes can have serious and potentially fatal consequences in pediatric patients. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommends universal best practices, including standard approach to bedside verification, to improve patient safety.
A comprehensive study found that children who consistently received less than the recommended hours of sleep during infancy and early childhood had increases in both obesity and adiposity at age 7. Lower sleep scores were associated with higher levels of all body measurements reflecting obesity and adiposity, including abdominal fat.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that technology can improve the transition of adolescents with chronic diseases into adulthood. Patients in an intervention group received a secure web site and automated text messages to help them perform various tasks, resulting in improved...
Dr. Beverly Lange, a retired CHOP oncologist, is honored with the ASPHO Distinguished Career Award for her groundbreaking research on pediatric leukemia. Her contributions have significantly improved treatment outcomes, increasing survival rates to over 55%.
A recent study published in JAMA found that lorazepam, a commonly used but not yet FDA-approved drug for children, is no more effective than an approved benzodiazepine, diazepam, in treating pediatric status epilepticus. The study enrolled 310 children and found both medications successfully halted seizures in 70 percent of cases.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that nearly one-fourth of children diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can recover normal size and function of their hearts within two years. Dr. Steven Lipshultz's team found that appropriate medical treatment and management can lead to...
Dan Granoff, a CHORI scientist, has been recognized with the prestigious Maurice Hilleman/Merck Award for his work on developing vaccines against serogroup B meningococcus and an affordable serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine for Africa.
Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique (ASIR) lowers estimated radiation doses for pediatric brain CT exams compared to traditional methods. The study found significant reductions in brain and salivary gland doses, but no differences in thyroid gland, skeleton, or eye lens doses.
A new NIH-funded study provides evidence that treating children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with long-term low-dose antibiotics reduces the risk of frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Children with VUR who received antibiotics were 50% less likely to develop recurrent UTIs.
A recent study reveals that black and Hispanic children with autism are more likely to experience developmental regression, losing language, motor, or social skills. This phenomenon is observed at a rate of 27%, with black children being twice as likely to regress compared to white children.
Research demonstrates a clear link between screen violence and increased aggression in real life, highlighting the importance of minimizing exposure to violent media. Leading pediatricians and researchers will discuss ways to address public health implications of media violence at the Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting.
Children with ADHD experience higher rates of trauma than those without ADHD, according to a new study. Researchers found that 17% of children with ADHD had four or more adverse childhood experiences, compared to 6% of children without ADHD.
A study found that pregnant women who watched TV during meals were five times more likely to expose their infants to TV during feeding. Younger mothers and those not exclusively breastfeeding also faced this increased risk. The study suggests that reducing mealtime TV viewing during pregnancy may help prevent childhood obesity.