Research on the medical care of infants and children. Covers pediatric emergencies, blood-pressure thresholds, infectious disease, kidney injury, and developmental health.
A new assessment tool, KSPHI, measures physical traits associated with Klinefelter syndrome, linking them to psychosocial function in children. The study found that boys with more physical traits reported worse quality of life, highlighting the need for early intervention and hormonal therapy.
A study found that delayed administration of epinephrine was associated with a decreased chance of 24-hour survival and survival to hospital discharge among children with cardiac arrest. The researchers analyzed data from the Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation registry and included U.S. pediatric patients who received at least one d...
A new study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that nearly all parents who use e-cigarettes are not aware of the risks to their children, including lethal ingestion and skin exposure. The researchers emphasize the need for pediatricians to ask about nicotine use and discuss safe storage practices.
A recent study found that labeling a child's symptoms as 'pink eye' can mislead parents into wanting antibiotics, even when they're not necessary. The study suggests that physicians should be aware of the effect of words on parents' expectations for treatment.
Children's hospitals have reduced CT scan usage for 10 common childhood diagnoses, opting for alternative imaging methods like ultrasound and MRI instead. This shift is attributed to growing evidence linking ionizing radiation from CT scans to increased cancer risk and the adoption of electronic health records.
A national survey of EMS providers identified airway management skills and personal anxiety as key factors contributing to pediatric safety events in out-of-hospital care. The study supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation for pediatric physician involvement in EMS training and policy development.
A new study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society finds that US chickenpox cases have declined by 93% since the introduction of the vaccine in 1995, thanks to increased vaccination coverage. This decline is attributed to herd immunity, which protects those who are not immunized themselves.
A new study documents a substantial increase in US children's pulmonary hypertension hospitalizations over 15 years, resulting in significant cost increases. The study also found that hospitalizations are now more common among children without congenital heart disease.
A meta-analysis of integrated care for youth found that children and teens who receive combined mental health and medical treatment are 66 percent more likely to have a good outcome. The study also revealed that the likelihood of a positive outcome increases when primary care and mental health providers work together closely.
An analysis of pediatric primary health care accessibility and availability in multiple states found systematic disparities between and within states. The study reveals that rural and urban communities, as well as public versus private insurance groups, face varying levels of accessibility challenges.
A study by the University of Utah Health found that households with children are more likely to experience viral infections throughout the year. On average, people in childless households were infected for 3-4 weeks, while those with one child were infected for 18 weeks, and those with six children were infected for up to 45 weeks.
A recent study from Saint Louis University found that over 90% of hospital physicians fail to identify or address weight issues in children. Despite the importance of BMI calculations and universal screening, only a small percentage of physicians documented weight concerns or took action to address them.
Charles R. Scriver is receiving the Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award from ASHG for his work in human genetics, particularly in discovering and addressing inherited metabolic diseases. He has also made significant contributions to public health through pediatric genetic screening programs and education.
Researchers verified the accuracy of PoopMD, a free smartphone app that reads stool color to detect biliary atresia, a rare pediatric liver disease. The app correctly identified 27 normal stools and all acholic stool samples, providing reassurance for parents.
A new study found that 53% of children with sports-related head injuries receive CT scans, but only 4% have traumatic brain injuries. Researchers recommend using evidence-based prediction rules to decrease unnecessary CT scan use and promote injury prevention in high-risk sports.
A pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center warns that recycling older electronic equipment poses a lead poisoning risk to children. Elevated blood lead levels have been detected in two cases, highlighting the importance of preventing take-home exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances.
Patrick Hines, a Wayne State University School of Medicine professor, was selected for the Aspen Institute's inaugural class of Health Innovators Fellows. He founded Functional Fluidics, which provides diagnostic platforms to predict bleeding and clotting disorders.
A study by Northwestern University found that new fathers experience significant weight gain, averaging 3.5 to 4.5 pounds, which can lead to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Pediatricians are in a unique position to counsel dads on maintaining their health due to the lack of personal physicians among new fathers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published new Choosing Wisely recommendations for reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in newborn care. The guidelines focus on avoiding routine use of antibiotics, anti-reflux medications, x-rays, MRIs, and overnight lung activity monitoring to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
Research by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children hospitalized for bronchiolitis and pneumonia tend to live in areas with less optimal socioeconomic conditions. The study identified specific inner-city neighborhoods as 'hot spots' for hospitalization, suggesting targeted prevention and cost containment efforts.
Research by Linda Pagani suggests that excessive early childhood TV viewing is linked to social skill deficits and increased risk of victimization by peers. Daily screen time exceeding 1-2 hours may lead to poor eye-contact habits and decreased social interaction.
The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition recommends that children with inflammatory bowel disease should not be switched to biosimilar products without long-term studies. Post-marketing surveillance programs are also essential to confirm efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of new biosimilars.
The foundation named four young scientists to tackle cancers in children and young adults. The fellowship award will provide nearly $875,000 to support their research over four years.
The American Society of Human Genetics has honored Dr. R. Rodney Howell with the first-ever Advocacy Award for his dedication to leveraging biomedical advances to improve public health. He received the award at ASHG's 65th Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that multiple courses of commonly used antibiotics in children can have significant effects on their development. The study showed that antibiotic-exposed mice gained more weight and developed larger bones than untreated mice, while also disrupting the gut microbiome.
Research suggests that most pediatric and neonatal nurse practitioner programs have vacancies due to low interest, even with decreasing class sizes. Experts emphasize the need for greater awareness about employment opportunities for graduates.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that cancer-driving mutations in neuroblastoma can be targeted with existing MEK inhibitors, offering hope for improved treatments. The study identified specific mutations on the RAS-MAPK pathway that are sensitive to these drugs.
A recent UC Davis study highlights the need for improved primary care support structures to address high pediatric asthma rates in California. The research found that nearly 10% of state children suffer from asthma, with low flu vaccination rates and limited access to primary care providers contributing to these rates.
A new study found that daily bathing of pediatric patients with antiseptic cuts can reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) by 59 percent. The practice also saved approximately $300,000 in one hospital over a six-month period.
A pilot program at a pediatric long-term care facility achieved significant reductions in antibiotic use, with a 59% decrease in topical antibiotics and an 83% decrease in orders without proper documentation. The program improved antibiotic prescribing practices through increased staff support and electronic medical record system changes.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that cystic fibrosis is more deadly for Hispanic than non-Hispanic patients, with almost three times the mortality rate. Despite equal access to CF specialty clinics, genetic differences may be contributing to this disparity.
Dr. Steven Douglas has made significant contributions to the understanding of HIV infection through his work on immune cells and mechanisms of infection. His research has led to the identification of potential targets for treating HIV, including a pathway involving substance P and a cell receptor.
Researchers found that short boys are 2-3 times more likely than short girls to receive recombinant human growth hormone treatment for idiopathic short stature (ISS). This gender bias may lead to overzealous treatment in healthy boys and delayed diagnoses of underlying diseases in short girls.
A new study found that infants who can resettle themselves after waking up are more likely to sleep for prolonged periods at night. By three months of age, most infants develop this ability, which is associated with longer sleep durations and reduced crying at night.
A randomized trial tested an intervention to improve hesitancy about early childhood vaccines, but found it had minimal effect on mothers and doctors. The intervention, called Ask, Acknowledge, and Advise, aimed to encourage respectful dialogue with parents while recommending vaccination.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego developed a novel facial pattern recognition software to assess pediatric pain levels. The software achieved good-to-excellent accuracy in assessing pain conditions and performed equivalent to parents but better than nurses.
A new study by CHOP Global Health explores the scope and patterns of cerebral palsy in southern Africa, revealing high rates of comorbidities and motor impairments. The research aims to design better prevention and treatment strategies for this lifelong condition in low-resource settings.
A new study suggests that obese male mice produce higher levels of white blood cells that encourage inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, female mice exhibit a mild inflammatory response to obesity, indicating differences in immune system responses between sexes.
A four-year follow-up study of 263 children found that delayed cord clamping (DCC) was associated with improved fine motor skills, particularly in boys. The study did not find a significant impact on IQ or overall development.
A nationwide survey shows a significant growth in pediatric proton therapy patients, with 56% under age 10. Proton therapy offers precise treatment for various tumor diagnoses, including ependymoma and medulloblastoma.
Researchers at UC Davis found that pediatric telemedicine consultations with rural emergency departments save an average of $4,662 compared to telephone consults. The study also revealed significant savings from reduced transfers between hospitals and lower costs for urban hospitals.
CHOP's Dr. Michael Levine has received the Master of the American College of Endocrinology (MACE) Award for his distinguished career in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes research. He is a world authority on the genetics of parathyroid disease and has published over 250 manuscripts, chapters, and reviews.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cooling children after cardiac arrest does not provide any significant survival-with-quality-of-life benefits. The study, which included nearly 300 participants, compared two groups: one cooled to a lower body temperature and the other maintained normal temperat...
A retrospective study found that Caucasian and Hispanic children who undergo lung transplantation are at greater risk for developing chronic kidney disease. The study also identified high tacrolimus levels and acute kidney injury as risk factors for CKD in pediatric lung transplant patients.
The Motivating our Mothers (MOM) program uses pediatricians for diagnosis and coaching mothers to seek additional help. The intervention showed a remarkable impact, with 74% of mothers in the intervention group seeking help compared to 54% in the control group.
Parents of children with drug-resistant epilepsy describe their arduous journey to get referrals for surgery, highlighting delays and frustration. The study calls for interventions to target these barriers, aiming to improve access to specialty care.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that administering neuregulin from birth can stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation and improve heart function in infants with congenital heart disease. The study suggests that early treatment may prevent long-term damage and symptoms of heart failure later in childhood.
A study found girls with ASD were diagnosed at a mean age of 4 years compared to 3.8 years for boys, while girls with Asperger's syndrome were diagnosed at 7.6 years versus 7.1 years for boys. Girls struggled more with social cognition and had less severe mannerisms.
A new computerized vision-screening test, the Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS), has been developed to identify children with subnormal visual acuity. The test uses a set testing algorithm to minimize subjective tester bias and provides simple pass/fail results for four age groups.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many teens who have experienced child sexual abuse engage in sexting, receive online solicitations, and meet with strangers they met online. This increases their risk of revictimization.
Researchers found that victims of bullying fare worse in the long run than maltreated children, with those who experienced both facing increased risk of depression and self-harm. The study suggests a need for more efforts by schools and policymakers to address bullying.
Research reveals that detection rates of critical congenital heart disease before birth have improved, but disparities remain in poor and rural communities. The study found that those living in these areas are less likely to receive a diagnosis before birth due to limited healthcare resources.
A new study found that technology can reduce distracted driving among teen drivers when cameras and cell phone blocking programs are in place. The study showed that teens who used these systems had lower cell phone use and fewer high-risk driving behaviors.
A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that rates of eye injuries from air guns increased by 511% between 2010 and 2012, with most cases occurring among minors. The authors suggest regulations and stricter marketing guidelines to prevent these preventable injuries.
A study at Children's Mercy Hospital demonstrates the potential of rapid whole-genome sequencing in diagnosing genetic diseases in critically ill infants. The STAT-Seq test improved diagnosis rates to over half, leading to refined clinical care and improved treatment outcomes.
A two-phase intervention at an inner-city school increased purchases of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and plain white fat-free milk by 20-62%. The study suggests using emoticons and small prizes to entice students to make healthier choices in school cafeterias.
A study found that 7% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) resolved their symptoms, but most continued to struggle with social and emotional challenges. The children who showed improvement had normal cognition, but residual learning and behavioral issues persisted.
The American Academy of Pediatrics celebrates seven significant research achievements that have led to prevention and treatment strategies for diseases such as rotavirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, SIDS, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. These advancements have saved millions of lives and improved child health worldwide.
Researchers found that kindergartners who watched 1-2 hours of TV daily were 50-60% more likely to be overweight and 58-73% more likely to be obese compared to those watching less than an hour. The study suggests limiting childhood TV viewing could help combat childhood obesity.
Researchers found that males living in Philadelphia with supportive adult connections were significantly less likely to report involvement or witnessing violence. Supportive relationships with parents and other adults were common among youths, with nearly 70% saying they had at least one supportive adult in their life.