Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that higher ultra-processed food consumption is associated with increased anxiety, fearfulness, aggression and hyperactivity in preschoolers. Replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed options may support healthier development and lower behavioural difficulties.
Dana Bledsoe, Ochsner Children's CEO, joins the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Board to further strengthen collaborative efforts to reach more children in need. The partnership has successfully granted 12 wishes and provided support to hundreds of patients and their families since its formal launch in April 2025.
A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a small correlation between daily screen use and later sleep onset in youth. However, short-term fluctuations in screen time had limited effects on sleep duration, efficiency, or quality.
A new national study assesses the readiness of EMS agencies to care for children, identifying key areas for improvement. Having a pediatric emergency care coordinator is crucial for higher levels of readiness and better outcomes.
A digital clinical decision support algorithm substantially reduced antibiotic prescribing in pediatric outpatient care in Rwanda, according to a non-randomized controlled trial. The study found no compromise in clinical recovery, suggesting the algorithm's effectiveness in guiding appropriate treatment.
Dr. Dennis Lal has been appointed as the new executive director of the Center for Innovation in Health Informatics at UT Arlington, succeeding Marion Ball. He will lead initiatives on precision health, clinical AI, and health care-scale informatics.
Researchers developed a tool to identify children with red flags for speech disorders, guiding therapy referrals. The study found that developmental speech errors are common in young children, but resolve by seven years, and that some errors take longer to outgrow.
The Pediatric Specialized Training and Advancement to Residency Track (Peds-START) program at UCSF aims to strengthen the pediatric workforce and improve childhood health outcomes. The program provides early mentorship, individualized training, and a clear pathway into the UCSF pediatric residency program.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have developed new guidelines for pediatric clinical trial reporting, incorporating child and youth-focused considerations. The SPIRIT-C 2026 and CONSORT-C 2026 guidelines aim to improve the quality, transparency, and usefulness of pediatric RCT protocols and final reports.
Exposure to alcohol-related social media content is associated with increased desire to drink among young adults, regardless of prior alcohol use. Social media influencers may contribute to normalization of alcohol consumption among this age group.
The ESE and ESPE have launched a landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance to support structured and effective transition of young people with endocrine conditions. The Guidance provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to ensure continuity, safety and quality of care during this critical phase in a patient's life.
A new study has mapped the structure and function of healthy children's bone marrow cells, revealing age-dependent differences in blood cell formation. The atlas provides a valuable resource for researchers to better understand childhood leukemia and other blood disorders.
A new study from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital found that parental concern is a significant medical indicator, identifying most children with sudden and severe illness. Clear or strong concern from parents correctly identified as many as 91% of seriously ill children.
A new study sheds light on the complex factors driving rising suicide rates among Black youth, identifying protective factors such as anxiety and religiosity that may help mitigate this risk. Timely assessment and follow-up after deliberate self-harm are also crucial in decreasing suicide risk.
A study found that 13.4% of young adults with complex medical conditions were disenrolled from Medicaid at age 19, compared to 35.6% without such conditions. The study highlights the significant impact of coverage disruptions on health outcomes for medically complex patients.
Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new guidelines for Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcomas, highlighting the unique characteristics of this childhood cancer. The guidelines focus on rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a subtype with varying genetic changes that influence treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that ultrasounds performed too early during hospitalization were more likely to produce false positives, leading to additional invasive testing. Waiting until a fever resolved and closer to discharge did not prolong the hospital stay, but reduced unnecessary tests and added stress for families.
A nationally representative study found that 1 in 5 US households have a parent-perceived mental health treatment need for their children. The study also revealed significant difficulties in accessing care, with 21.8% citing it as the reason for unmet needs.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that one in five US households reported a child needing mental health treatment, yet nearly a quarter didn't receive it. The study also found disparities among families with single parents, multi-child households, homeschooling families, and uninsured households.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that simultaneously displays heart tissue and blood flow, enabling precise planning for surgical repairs. This innovation provides high-quality flow images without radiation, making it essential for repeated imaging in children.
A retrospective study found that higher initial MP dose is associated with improved neurological outcomes in children with ANE. This suggests a potential benefit of more aggressive treatment for this rare but fatal condition.
Researchers studied 434 children for signs of autism or neurodevelopmental problems, finding no link between mRNA vaccine and autism. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy to protect maternal and infant health.
Scientists have developed a novel computational framework for real-time, personalized heart rate variability monitoring. The framework provides robust, adaptive alerts and improves the accuracy of HRV analysis by excluding artifact-prone periods.
Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 participants to understand parent experiences with in-home medical devices. The study highlights the critical role of device user experience in designing medical devices for children with complex medical needs.
A new study identifies the most infectious strains of Staphylococcus aureus in neonatal intensive care units and suggests specific strategies for prevention and control. The research provides a critical blueprint for precision surveillance and aims to reduce infections in vulnerable newborns.
A meta-analysis of childhood food allergy risk factors reveals a combination of major and minor factors, including genetics and antibiotic exposure. The study provides insights into the complex interplay of these factors in the development of food allergies in infants and children.
Research highlights increased mortality risks among individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or cerebral palsy compared to the general population. The study's findings can inform public health strategies to address health disparities and excess mortality associated with developmental disabilities.
A study found that nearly a quarter of young people taking psychotropic medications were prescribed multiple medications with serious interaction risks. The greatest increases in medication use were seen among children and young adults, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and research on long-term safety.
A Mass General Brigham-led study found that integrating feedback and personalized palliative care can improve the quality of life for children with advanced cancer. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms and well-being for patients who received the intervention, highlighting the potential benefits of early palliative care.
A large study of over 12 million people in Ontario found that psychosis rates are increasing in more recent generations, with higher rates among younger individuals. The study suggests that factors such as substance use, socioeconomic stress, and negative childhood experiences may contribute to these rising trends.
A recent study found significant changes in post-COVID respiratory infections among children, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae experiencing a surge after restrictions were lifted. The study also revealed strong interactions between pathogens, including negative correlations and pathogen interference.
A cohort study found that stronger family connections during adolescence can lead to improved social connections in adulthood. The study suggests that increasing family connection may help mitigate the effects of adult social disconnection.
This study found that universal pre-kindergarten may help mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in child protective services involvement. Reductions in child neglect associated with UPK could benefit children's health and well-being in the short- and long-term.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital finds that similar to older children and adults, about one fourth of children under six years old who experience a concussion will develop prolonged symptoms. Younger children are more likely to sustain brain injuries due to their size differences and weaker muscles.
A comprehensive review of childhood stress effects on physical and mental health, cognitive functioning, and developmental outcomes. The study highlights the critical importance of early intervention and supportive policies to mitigate adverse health outcomes.
A rare diagnosis of a giant solitary neurofibroma in a 13-year-old boy was successfully treated with microsurgery. The tumor's location deep within the thigh along the sciatic nerve made it challenging to diagnose and treat, but careful surgical technique and postoperative care ensured optimal outcomes.
Researchers developed a SMaRT Score to predict shunt failures and need for revisions in children with hydrocephalus, based on analysis of medical records from 1,167 neurosurgical consultations. The score assigns points to various symptoms, with higher scores indicating a higher likelihood of shunt failure.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that loss-of-function in epicardial proteins leads to left ventricular noncompaction, or spongy heart, causing pediatric-onset heart failure. A new therapeutic approach may prevent babies from being born with this life-threatening disease.
A national poll found that only half of parents believe children should never swear, with many acknowledging their own kids' occasional use of curse words. Peers are the top source of profanity, followed by popular media and home language.
The use of next-generation sequencing in newborn screening can detect a wide range of genetic disorders, some of which are not currently testable through traditional means. This approach enables earlier disease detection and long-term health planning.
Kristie Ross, MD, MS, is promoted to Chief Medical Officer of UH Rainbow Babies & Children's, bringing over two decades of experience in leadership and clinical expertise. Dr. Ross has made significant contributions to research, education, and quality improvement initiatives.
Researchers have identified five classifications of youth who have died by suicide, highlighting the importance of earlier detection and interventions. These classifications will improve primary care providers' understanding of specific risk factors and warning signs, enabling targeted prevention efforts.
Dr. Gang Hu, a leading expert in chronic disease epidemiology, has been appointed to the NIH Reproductive, Perinatal and Pediatric Health Review Group. He will evaluate studies on reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric health, with a focus on lifestyle factors and their impact on chronic diseases.
A cohort study of students in grades 4-12 found that social media use varied by age and sex, with heavy use linked to poorer well-being. The study's findings suggest that abstinence from social media may not always be beneficial for adolescents.
From 2022 to 2025, US counties saw a population-level decline in child poverty rates overall. However, Black and Hispanic children continued to experience disproportionately higher poverty rates compared to white children.
A study found that vaccinating pregnant women increases protection for infants against whooping cough, a highly contagious disease. The research team also showed that whole-cell pertussis vaccines provide longer-lasting protection than acellular vaccines, and recommends vaccination during pregnancy as a double-layered defense.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has received an $8.5 million NIH grant renewal to continue groundbreaking research on long-term outcomes for children with congenital heart disease. The project will unite clinical leaders and registry data from all 25 congenital heart surgical centers across four states to study how differences in health care ...
The American Pediatric Society has reinstated the APS Howland Visiting Professor Program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, enabling renowned pediatric leader Bonnie W. Ramsey, MD, to share her expertise and engage with academic professionals.
The CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making for some childhood vaccinations, allowing parents to choose or skip certain vaccines. However, a survey found that many Americans are unclear about what this means and who can be included as health care providers in the discussion.
Researchers discovered that sevoflurane impairs neurogenesis and cognitive function by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation in neural stem/progenitor cells. Enhancing FAO activity in NSPCs attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis impairment, suggesting a new mechanism of sevoflurane neurodevelopmental toxicity.
A multi-center observational study found that households facing food insecurity and challenges like low social support had a significantly higher risk of long COVID. Healthy diets may protect against the risk, highlighting the need for addressing adverse social factors in disease prevention.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine has identified a combination of statins and phenothiazines that shows promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma. The drug combination was found to impede tumour growth and improve survival rates in laboratory trials with mice.
A meta-analysis found nirsevimab to be associated with reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits for lower respiratory tract infections in young children. This suggests the potential of nirsevimab to decrease respiratory-related morbidity in this population.
A population-based surveillance study found both maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab effective in protecting infants from RSV hospitalizations. The studies results show that these products reduced RSV-associated hospitalization rates in newborns and infants under 11 months by up to half compared to previous seasons.
Gracie Greenlaw, an 11-year-old patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, undergoes the world's first pediatric heart and liver dual organ transplant at Children's Hospital Colorado. The groundbreaking procedure, performed by Dr. Megan Adams' team, aims to improve her quality of life by addressing long-term complications from her h...
A new study found that most parents are aware of the importance of introducing peanuts to babies early, but lack clarity on details. Researchers recommend a consistent and timely approach, starting with peanut-containing foods as soon as solids begin, and continued exposure twice a week.
A new Ontario-based study suggests that children aged three months to two years are more likely to visit the emergency department within three days of a virtual primary care appointment compared to an in-person visit. In-person appointments may be preferable for young children with acute concerns.
Researchers discovered that certain gut bacteria are essential for building immune defenses during infancy, and a probiotic fix may be available. Administering a specific probiotic during antibiotic treatment could restore normal MAIT cell development and maintain healthy immune function.