Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A large study found that surgery for sleep apnea significantly improves asthma control in children, with a 30% reduction in acute asthma exacerbations and a 38% decrease in severe asthma attacks. The study suggests that early identification and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may help reduce asthma severity and improve outcomes.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that infant dietary patterns are influenced by mothers' socioeconomic backgrounds and racial identities. Babies whose diet included more breastfeeding and solid foods adhering to international guidelines were associated with higher household income and mothers with higher education levels.
A multi-center trial found similar survival rates in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received one or two units of partially matched cord blood. The study revealed improved recovery rates and lower risks of complications when using a double cord blood approach.
Efforts to roll back school nutrition standards could jeopardize gains made in the fight against childhood obesity. The authors argue that the current standards have improved meal quality and reduced waste of fruits and vegetables.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that both agave nectar and a placebo were more effective than no treatment for young children's cough symptoms. The study suggests that giving children something to drink, like sugar water or honey substitute agave nectar, may help alleviate their discomfort.
A consensus statement from leading clinicians and researchers recommends a systematic approach to evaluating youngsters with sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. The guidelines aim to clarify diagnostic boundaries, develop evaluation strategies, and identify urgently needed studies.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine have made significant breakthroughs in whole exome sequencing, confirming a molecular diagnosis in 25% of patients and identifying rare genetic events as major contributors to disease susceptibility. The technology is expected to revolutionize the field of pediatrics and medicine.
A study published in Practical Radiation Oncology evaluated the use of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) in treating pediatric cancers. The results show that IGRT is commonly used to improve localization and precision in radiation delivery, particularly for tumors near sensitive structures or organs.
A program providing guidance on antibiotic prescribing for children is effective but loses its benefits after auditing and feedback cease. Continued feedback to clinicians is crucial to maintaining proper usage.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is revisiting its policy on toddler screen time as technology advances. Pediatricians Dr. Dimitri Christakis and Dr. Donald Shifrin will debate the topic at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, with both agreeing that hard rules are challenging to implement.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announces the launch of the American Academy of Pediatrics' updated early literacy toolkit, Books Build Connections. The toolkit aims to help doctors talk with parents about early communication, reading, and singing to promote young children's brain development and vocabulary building.
A recent study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting found that diphenhydramine-containing medication inhibited cough reflex sensitivity more effectively than dextromethorphan or placebo. The new Dr. Cocoa for Children medicine combines trusted ingredients with a natural cocoa flavor to make dosing easier.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 93% of splints used on children were applied incorrectly, causing skin irritation and poor healing. The most common errors included direct application of elastic bandages to the skin and improper positioning of the splint.
A study of 267 families found that nearly all parents made at least one critical error in using a car safety seat, putting their newborns at risk. The most common errors included loose harnesses and incorrect installations.
Research by high school students found that high media multitaskers outperformed low multitaskers when filtering out distractions, while struggling to focus on single tasks without distractions. The study suggests that digital natives may develop enhanced working memory and perform better in distracting environments.
A new web-based system can track illness trends and improve public health response to outbreaks by allowing child care centers to report illnesses to local public health departments. The system was tested at four early learning centers in Michigan and found to detect disease outbreaks more quickly than traditional methods.
Researchers found improper splinting led to swelling, skin problems, and poor immobilization of fractures. Improper placement occurred in 77% cases, often due to direct bandage on skin.
Two studies presented at a pediatric sports medicine symposium found that many parents lack knowledge about concussions, leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. The studies reveal common misconceptions about concussion symptoms and diagnosis, emphasizing the need for education and proper evaluation.
A study found that while most youth baseball coaches are familiar with pitch counts, only a small percentage consistently use them to limit pitches and monitor athlete safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting pitches for young athletes to prevent overuse injuries.
A survey of over 50,000 US mothers aged 18-50 found that the top reasons for extended breastfeeding were nutritional benefits, social bonding, and enjoyment. The American Academy of Pediatrics presented this study to highlight the importance of breastfeeding beyond infancy.
Researchers developed a web-based surveillance system to track illness trends and improve public health response. The system uses data from preschools and child care centers to detect early warning signs of disease outbreaks, enabling quicker mobilization of resources.
A study found that thousands of youth caregivers in the US face significant challenges, including school failure and poor health. The caregivers, who are often girls between 12 and 15 years old, spend up to 4 hours per day caring for family members with physical or mental illnesses.
The UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute has named three recipients of the inaugural Harry Winston Fellowships, supporting young pediatric physician-scientists conducting research to prevent, treat, and cure diseases in children. Dr. Kristina Adachi, Dr. Leslie Kimura, and Dr. Edward Talya will receive funding for their p...
A new study reports significant ocular injuries from liquid laundry and dishwasher detergent pods. The bursting pods can cause severe corneal abrasions, bloodshot eyes, and other complications.
A new study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that teenage sexting may precede and predict future sexual activity. The research suggests that sexting is becoming a normal part of adolescent sexual development, rather than strictly linked to at-risk teens.
Overuse of medical tests and treatments can cause unnecessary harm to children, says a pediatrician. The Choosing Wisely campaign has identified over 250 procedures that are considered overused or inappropriate in pediatrics.
Researchers from Einstein-Montefiore will present their latest research on neonatal lung disease, reducing wrong-patient errors in the NICU through electronic medical record identification re-entry function. They also explore oral health initiatives and global health delivery science projects.
Scientists have identified a novel heart and gut disease, named Chronic Atrial Intestinal Dysrhythmia syndrome (CAID), caused by a rare genetic mutation. The disease is characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and intestinal pseudo-obstruction, with patients often requiring invasive treatments and surgeries.
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.