Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A review of 18 studies found that health professionals' knowledge of female genital mutilation (FGM/C) varies greatly according to their work setting. FGM/C is a harmful practice affecting 100-140 million women worldwide, with long-term complications including recurrent urinary infections and psychological problems.
A study analyzing DNA from over 1200 CHD patients found overlapping genetic influences during early childhood development, suggesting a link between heart defects and neurodevelopmental delays. The research identified 21 genes harboring protein-damaging mutations in more than one patient, which may lead to targeted therapies.
A pediatric chemotherapy regimen significantly improved outcomes for young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with a three-year overall survival rate of over 70%, according to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists.
A study of over 99,000 children found that weight increase during the first year of life is associated with a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The average change in weight from birth to 12 months was linked to an increased risk, while length gain showed no association.
A study conducted by Penn researchers found that teens understand the risks of distracted driving and cellphone use, but still engage in these behaviors. The study also revealed that context plays a significant role in how teens differentiate between texting and social media use.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that hospital-to-home transitions can cause mental exhaustion, emotional toll, and uncertainty among family caregivers. The researchers identified a need for in-home follow-up visits, telephone calls from nurses, and enhanced care plans to improve the transition.
A recent study found a significant increase in infant deaths and injuries caused by crib bumpers, with 48 deaths specifically attributed to the bedding accessory between 1985-2012. The researchers recommend a nationwide ban on crib bumpers due to their role in suffocation and strangulation incidents.
Children in low-income families experience greater access to preventive medical and dental care under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) than those with private insurance. Despite this, accessing specialty care remains a challenge for all types of insurance coverage.
A 2-year-old girl was diagnosed and treated for XDR TB, the first detailed account of a young child in the US. The successful treatment highlights the need for better understanding and creative approaches to pediatric tuberculosis.
Researchers developed a novel 3D computer modeling system to assess compatibility of potential donor hearts with children receiving heart transplants. The new system uses MRI and CT images to predict the best donor body weight for pediatric transplant recipients, improving size matching and potentially reducing mismatched organs.
A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation shows that new policies could increase pediatric lung transplants by twice as much. The research team tested alternative allocation models to improve pediatric access to donor lungs and found two models resulted in significantly more transplants for pediatric patients.
Research by University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty found that one in five pediatricians dismiss families who refuse vaccines. The study suggests that states with philosophical exemption laws and easier exemption processes have lower vaccination rates and higher rates of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Pediatric researchers have developed new growth charts for U.S. children with Down syndrome, providing a tool for pediatricians to evaluate growth patterns and nutritional status. The new charts show improvements in weight gain and height for children under age three, while also creating BMI charts to screen patients for excess body fat.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends increasing the minimum age to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21 nationwide. The AAP also urges regulations to reduce youth access, increase prices, and promote smoke-free environments to mitigate the risks of tobacco and nicotine use.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a policy statement linking climate change with the health of children. The statement highlights the unique vulnerability of children to climate-related threats, including heat stress, air quality issues, and increased infectious diseases.
A new study examines the effectiveness of a shaken baby syndrome prevention program, Period of PURPLE Crying, which was implemented in North Carolina from 2009-2012. The program, teaching parents about normal infant crying, resulted in a decline of calls to nurse advice line but no significant change in AHT rates.
A statewide shaken baby prevention effort implemented in 2007 reduced crying-related calls to a nurse advice line by 20% for children under 3 months and 12% for those ages 3-12 months. However, the study found no association between the intervention and state-level rates of abusive head trauma.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that youth football leagues enforce proper tackling techniques, expand non-tackling leagues, and provide skilled athletic trainers to reduce injuries among young athletes. The AAP aims to balance the recreational benefits of the game with the health risks associated with tackling.
Research shows that skin-to-skin snuggling between mothers and babies can decrease maternal stress levels, improving parent-child bonding and breastfeeding rates. The study found a significant reduction in maternal anxiety, feeling helpless, and stress related to NICU experience.
A study by Eric J. Peng found that each extra inch of adult height correlates with an average increase in yearly income, with men earning $1,660 more per year for every inch above 64 inches and women earning $1,186 more per year for every inch above 59 inches.
A new study reveals that high school female athletes are most likely to experience ACL injuries while playing basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. The rate of injury per exposure is higher in girls than boys, particularly in these high-risk sports.
A new rule restricting full-contact tackling during high school football practices has been shown to significantly reduce concussion rates among players. The American Academy of Pediatrics study used data from over 16,000 adolescent athletes and found a nearly twofold decrease in concussions after the rule change.
More than two-thirds of health food store sales attendants recommended creatine to a researcher posing as a 15-year-old athlete, despite American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations against use in minors. Sales attendants were also more likely to recommend creatine to male athletes.
A survey of over 6,000 schools found that nearly 22% of anaphylactic events occurred in individuals with no previously known allergies. The majority were treated with epinephrine auto-injectors, and the most common triggers included food and insect stings.
Urban teens identify improving employment opportunities, after-school activities and a cleaner city environment as key solutions to reduce violence. The study found that 61% of youths reported having a family member killed in an act of violence, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly 1 in 6 advertisements for children's products in top parenting magazines conflicted with health and safety recommendations. In over half of these cases, ads promoted messages that could put a child's life at risk, such as unsafe sleep positions and choking hazards.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that only 2% of commonly searched websites for firearm storage guidance correctly identified all four safety practices. The four measures include keeping guns locked and unloaded, and storing ammunition in a separate location.
Babies born to mothers traveling to the US for birth have significant medical complexities, longer hospital stays and increased re-hospitalization. The study found an average maternal age of 4 years older, doubled median hospital stay length and higher mortality rate compared to control group.
A new study found that hands-on training with chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth ventilation increased students' willingness to perform CPR on actual victims. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an effective way to teach large groups of people lifesaving skills and increase their willingness to use them if they witness...
A new study suggests that a mother's use of marijuana during pregnancy may indicate the use of other illicit drugs. The study found that 26% of mothers or their newborns tested positive for THC, with concurrent detection of opioids (12%), amphetamines (11%), and cocaine (6%) also common.
A study analyzed 15,613 pediatric ED visits due to legal interventions between 2008 and 2010. Most injuries resulted from blows or manhandling, affecting mostly males and teenagers. The issue comes with significant financial costs, including $16.3 million in total ED charges.
A new study reveals that nonpowder firearms like airsoft and paintball guns can cause severe injuries in pediatric patients. Twenty-nine percent of the children treated for nonpowder gun injuries required surgery, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on muzzle velocities to prevent such incidents.
A study found that over 40% of coaches and 50% of parents believe it's acceptable to let young athletes back into the game before receiving medical clearance, despite guidelines recommending caution. The research aims to raise awareness on safe return-to-play protocols to ensure child athletes receive proper attention after head hits.
A new study has identified 28 barriers to mental health services for US adolescents affected by bullying, including inadequate screening and counseling by medical providers. The findings highlight the need for improved communication between medical providers, school officials, and parents to ensure access to mental health services.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly three-quarters of mothers and fathers start developing vaccine preferences for their newborns before they know they are having a baby. Parents who were more educated and had previously discussed vaccines with their partner were more likely to form these early preferences.
A multi-center trial found that therapy dogs can reduce anxiety levels and improve heart rate stability in children with cancer, as well as their parents. The study provides the first solid data on the psychosocial benefits of animal-assisted interventions for pediatric cancer patients.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in ACL tears among youths, particularly high school students, over the past two decades. The incidence rose by 2.3% per year, with females experiencing most ACL tears at age 16 and males peaking at age 17.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all children for food insecurity and refers families to community resources. Lack of adequate healthy food can impair concentration, lead to behavioral problems, and increase risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Families with children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience significant nonmedical financial burdens, including out-of-pocket expenses and emotional stress. The study also found that low-income families bear the highest burden of these costs.
A nationwide study in Pediatrics found 159 children under 18 with Autoimmune Hepatitis in Canada, with fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain as common presenting symptoms. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent worsening symptoms, and the study provides evidence-based data for family physicians and specialists to refer patients earlier.
Researchers warn that the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and alternative tobacco products among young adults poses a significant public health risk. Studies have shown that use of these products can lead to a 2.5 times increase in later cigarette use, with nicotine being the most addictive substance.
The Harry Winston Fellowships support research to prevent, treat and cure disease in children. The three new Fellows are Dr. Claire Baldauf, studying intra-uterine growth restriction, Dr. Jina Lim examining aortic valve disease, and Dr. Emily Whang investigating inflammatory bowel disease.
A 3D printed model of a fetus's face helped doctors at the University of Michigan determine the severity of a life-threatening airway mass in a baby. The model was created using an MRI and allowed doctors to visualize the soft tissue mass, ultimately leading to a scheduled C-section instead of a risky lifesaving procedure.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital for Children found significant discrepancies between pediatric residents and their supervising physicians regarding after-hours situations that require immediate consultation. The researchers suggest balancing autonomy with supervision to ensure safe patient care.
Research found that physician care has the largest impact on overall pediatric patient satisfaction in outpatient specialty care, while nursing care was valued as most important in inpatient settings. Personal concern and ease of scheduling were also key factors in primary care.
Researchers found significant differences in hospital care for children with medical complexity, including variation in intensive care unit days and diagnostic tests. The study highlights the need to identify best practices to improve quality and reduce costs in care for this growing patient population.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals disparities in outcomes for children with retinoblastoma, a rare eye tumor, suggesting unequal access to primary care. Hispanic children and those from disadvantaged areas were more likely to lose an eye due to late diagnosis.
A new study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found no increased risk of cardiovascular side effects or death in children with ADHD and severe heart conditions treated with stimulants. The medication also showed significant improvements in ADHD symptoms. Researchers are next studying the effect on electrocardiograms.
Researchers have developed an informatics platform to crowdsource data on pediatric asthma triggers, combining air quality and environmental exposure data with clinical information. The system aims to help doctors tailor recommendations for patients based on real-time pollutant exposure.
Researchers at Children's Mercy Kansas City have achieved a 26-hour turnaround time for rapid whole-genome sequencing and genetic diagnosis in critically-ill infants, known as STAT-Seq. This technology can identify mutations associated with approximately 5,300 known genetic diseases.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that an admission hematocrit can identify pediatric patients at high risk for bleeding after injury. The study showed a reliable screening tool with low false negative rate and high specificity.
A new study published in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases found that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy resulted in significant weight loss in obese pediatric patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome. The surgery showed no apparent negative impact on growth, offering a promising treatment option for these patients.
A recent study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that nearly one-third of families with children undergoing cancer treatment experience food, housing, or energy insecurity. The research also revealed that many adults who support their families lose their jobs or take leaves due to their child's illness.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) has significantly reduced the average wait time for pediatric patients experiencing severe pain from sickle cell disease from 56 minutes to 23 minutes. The hospital's quality improvement initiative also improved care by reducing the time to administer pain medication and increase patient-controlled analgesics.
The introduction of both pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and rotavirus vaccines (RVs) led to a significant reduction in hospital admissions for winter diarrhea and respiratory infections. Within <5 years post-vaccine introduction, hospital admissions dropped by 78% for rotavirus diarrhea and 46% for pneumonia.
The grant will support the Leadership Executive Academic Development (LEAD) curriculum, which focuses on communications, ethics, cultural competency, and patient safety. All Children's Hospital is the first recipient of this national grant from the Hearst Foundations.
Daejeon-based researcher Jeong Ho Lee of KAIST has been awarded the 2015 Pediatric Epilepsies Research Award for his groundbreaking study on brain somatic mutations as a novel cause of childhood intractable epilepsy. The award grants $250,000 in funding to support his research efforts.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics has revealed a significant association between e-cigarette use and the progression to traditional cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults. The study found that nearly 70% of e-cigarette users progressed towards smoking, while only 18.9% of non-users did so.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has redefined pediatric malnutrition to include five domains: anthropometrics, growth, chronicity, etiology, and impact on functional status. This revised definition aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition in pediatric patients.
A new study found that childhood cancer survivors have double the risk of suffering a second stroke compared to non-cancer stroke survivors. Cranial radiation therapy, hypertension, and older age at first stroke are key predictors of recurrent stroke.