Articles tagged with Pediatrics
Research reveals racial disparities in pediatric liver transplant survival, with higher graft and patient survival rates among white children. Socioeconomic differences also contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for further investigation and intervention.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have discovered two distinct subtypes of pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs), a type of brain stem tumor that is almost always lethal. The study found that these subtypes are associated with poorer overall survival rates, particularly for patients with histone 3 mutations.
Javad Nazarian, a Children's Research Institute researcher, has received a $99,979 grant to study pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) using proteomics and RNA sequencing. The goal is to understand the molecular biology of this lethal childhood cancer.
A study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that while minimally invasive nephrectomy is gaining popularity, it still accounts for less than 10% of pediatric kidney surgeries. The majority of procedures are performed on children under age one and those with benign conditions.
Researchers found a sharp downward trend in ear infection visits between 2004 and 2011, coinciding with the advent of PCV-13 vaccine in 2010. This trend was most pronounced in children under 2 years old. The study suggests that medical interventions, especially vaccines, have reduced the burden of otitis media in US children.
A new study published in Human Genetics found that 180 DNA variants predict tall stature in Europeans with an accuracy of 0.75.
A national survey of pediatricians found that many order few genetic tests, don't discuss risks and benefits, and take limited family histories. The study highlights the need for robust education, access to resources, and improved electronic health records systems to enhance integration of genetic medicine into routine primary care.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pregnant women exposed to phthalates are at a higher risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed urine samples from 130 women with preterm birth and 352 control participants, revealing an association between increased phthalate metabolite concentrations and higher odds of preterm birth.
The Child Health Improvement through Computer Automation (CHICA) system has improved autism screening rates by identifying at-risk children at the 24-month visit. This personalized and automated patient screening process prompts pediatricians to follow up in needed areas, leading to timely diagnosis and treatment.
A groundbreaking global study on preterm birth and disability has found baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. The study reveals that boys are 14% more likely to be born preterm than girls, with disabilities ranging from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems.
A multi-institutional study recommends cutting inpatient mortality for pediatric cardiac surgery patients by limiting clinical experience to less than two years. Nurse education preparation at the baccalaureate level or higher also improved mortality rates.
Diagnosing influenza with a rapid test reduces the need for unnecessary antibiotics, lab tests, and antiviral medications. It also increases the prescription of antiviral drugs, leading to more targeted and efficient care in emergency departments.
The Department of Defense has awarded Nemours a $3.9 million grant to evaluate how physicians use best practice guidelines and strategies to maintain clinical skills. The study will examine patterns in physicians' types of cases and their variability in practice for certain targeted medical conditions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is active in many difficult-to-treat pediatric brain tumors, offering a potential new target for treatment. Blocking this pathway with an experimental drug reduced tumor growth by up to 73% in laboratory studies.
A Swedish study found that birth before 32 weeks is associated with increased risks of retinal detachment in childhood, adolescence and young adult life. The research indicates the need for ophthalmologic follow-up in children and adults born extremely and very prematurely.
A telemedicine program called HEALTH-COP improved health outcomes for children with obesity in rural California. Clinicians learned how to better assess patients' weight, provide nutrition and physical activity counseling, and implement strategies to change lifestyle behavior.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that 17.9% of adolescent boys in the US are extremely concerned about their weight and physique, leading to increased risk of drug use and binge drinking. Boys focused on muscularity were more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors.
Dr. Noel's landmark study with the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition documented a drastic increase in cases of kids swallowing powerful neodymium magnets. His work led to recalls, lawsuits, and increased awareness about the dangers of these magnets.
Over 15 million children are exposed to intimate partner violence annually, with significant health consequences. Healthcare providers can mitigate this impact by screening for IPV and collaborating with community programs.
A Stanford-led study of pesticide exposure and hypospadias in male infants found only weak evidence of an association. The researchers analyzed thousands of birth records and commercial pesticide application records for eight counties in California's Central Valley, identifying 15 chemicals with possible associations with the condition.
A new smartphone-enabled otoscope attachment and app has been shown to accurately diagnose acute otitis media (ear infections) in children. The device provides high-quality video images of the ear drum, allowing for better understanding of the child's diagnosis and treatment.
The study found that children under 14 are four times more likely to be shot at home and are much more likely to arrive by ambulance than older teens. Older teens often walk in or are dropped off at emergency department entrances.
Research finds that early skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room significantly increases exclusive breastfeeding rates, particularly when mothers intend to breastfeed exclusively. Skin-to-skin contact and maternal intention are strongly associated with successful breastfeeding outcomes.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that different helmet brands and custom mouth guards did not reduce concussion risk in high school football players. The study tested various mouth guard brands, including custom-fit mouth guards, and new and older football helmets.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that young athletes who spend twice as much time in organized sports than free play are more likely to be injured. The study also found that those who specialize in a single sport for extended periods are at a higher risk of overuse injuries.
A study found that pediatricians can successfully promote safe driving agreements between teens and parents using a web-based Checkpoints TM program. Nearly 4,000 parents were reached, resulting in over 2,100 website visits and an average of 3.5 minutes spent on the site.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a collaborative team approach to help students recover from concussions. A gradual return to academics, with individualized adjustments as needed, is suggested to minimize disruptions and promote optimal learning and recovery.
Approximately 7,500 children are hospitalized each year due to gun-related injuries, with over 500 fatalities. A significant association was found between household firearm ownership and the percentage of gunshot wounds occurring in homes.
A recent study by Canadian researchers found a significant increase in magnet-related ingestions among children, with multiple magnet ingestion rates increasing most in the last three years. The powerful magnets are up to 10 times stronger than traditional magnets and remain available online despite product recalls.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that only 11% of children involved in bike accidents in Los Angeles County wore a helmet. Children over age 12 and from low-income and minority communities were less likely to wear helmets. The study highlights the need for targeted safety programs to address these disparities.
Pediatric patients with culture-positive Staphylococcus aureus infections saw a significant increase in methicillin-resistant MRSA cases, leading to longer hospital stays and more surgeries. MRSA-infected patients were also more likely to experience complications such as deep vein thrombosis and septic shock.
Researchers used next-generation sequencing to identify clinically relevant genetic variants associated with CAS. In eight cases, clinically significant variants were found, confirming previous reports and identifying novel associations.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that children with brain injuries are at a higher risk of developing depression. The research, which analyzed data from over 2,000 children with brain injuries, found a 4.9-fold increase in the odds of diagnosed depression compared to other children.
Researchers tested four portable vision screening devices on 108 pediatric patients and found that all four performed well, with comparable sensitivity and specificity ratings. The new devices, combined with updated guidelines and a reimbursement code, promise to improve early screening for amblyopia.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that patients with cystic fibrosis experience no rapid decline in pulmonary function or other significant health-related changes when transitioning from pediatric to adult care. The study's results contradict previous reports on negative health outcomes after transition for other chronic childh...
The special issue emphasizes a developmental viewpoint on the crucial problem of childhood obesity, highlighting newly identified factors affecting the risk of obesity in children and teens. Interventions such as spending time with peers, tailored motivational interviewing, and promoting healthy behaviors are also explored.
A study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that adalimumab significantly improved anterior/posterior chamber inflammatory activity in 85.7% of pediatric patients with refractory uveitis. The biologic agent was effective in reducing inflammation and showed a reasonable side effect profile.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that bottle feeding may play a role in the development of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), a form of stomach obstruction. The incidence of HPS decreased during the study period, while breastfeeding prevalence increased, suggesting a possible link between bottle feeding and HPS risk.
A Hopkins-led study finds that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of anemia in children. The research, which analyzed blood samples from over 10,400 kids, suggests that vitamin D's effects on red blood cell production and immune inflammation may play a role in the link between the two conditions.
Research finds that maternal smoking impairs infant immunity, leading to a broad range of respiratory and non-respiratory infections. Infants born to smokers are 50% more likely to be hospitalized or die from infectious diseases compared to those born to non-smokers.
A new national study found that children receiving solid-organ transplants have a high risk of developing advanced kidney disease. The study suggests the need for continued screening and preventive measures to slow or prevent disease progression.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that multiple courses of prenatal corticosteroids did not increase the risk of death or disability in children. The study included over 1,700 mothers and their children, with no significant difference in outcomes between those who received single vs. multiple courses of corticosteroid therapy.
A new study found that oral nutritional supplements provided to pediatric patients during hospitalization decreased length of stay by 14.8 percent and reduced hospital stay costs by $1,768 per patient. The study analyzed data from over half a million hospitalized pediatric cases.
A single gene mutation in the HPRT1 gene is linked to Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer
Researchers found that two HIV vaccine trials stimulated a critical immune response in infants, which has been linked to reduced HIV infection. The findings suggest that infant vaccination can elicit a robust anti-HIV envelope IgG immune response and highlight the importance of including pediatric populations in vaccine studies.
Pediatric atrial fibrillation is a rare but serious condition with substantial symptoms and a high recurrence rate. Researchers found that nearly 40% of patients experienced recurrence, with significant complications in three cases.
A study published by University at Buffalo found that early-term infants (born at 37-38 weeks) are more likely to experience low blood sugar, difficulty breathing, or require antibiotics, necessitating NICU admission. The risk is further increased if born via cesarean section.
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that nearly all pediatricians in Israel strongly support the vaccination of infants, with 92% agreeing it is in their best interest. However, 37% also agree that parents have a right to decide on medical care for their children.
A study found that bed sharing increased among black and Hispanic families, with black infants sharing beds most often. The percentage of black infants usually sharing a bed increased from 21.2% in 1993 to 38.7% in 2010.
A study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that traumatic brain injury during childhood can cause significant deficits in working memory. The authors propose identifying neuroanatomical biomarkers to detect early signs of impaired working memory.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has renewed a 10-year contract with the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development, providing up to $135 million in annual funding. The center will conduct basic research, clinical studies, and vaccine development to combat existing and emerging i...
A new study uses a computer-based decision support system to deliver personalized evidence-based recommendations for pediatricians, increasing the likelihood of accurate ADHD diagnoses. The system, CHICA, also prompts physicians to screen for anxiety and depression.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that blood transfusions were needed in less than 3% of pediatric non-cardiac surgeries. In many cases, unnecessary testing and supply waste occurred due to precautionary measures. The study suggests that surgeons should assess each patient's specific needs for blood screening instead...
The new guidelines provide standardized guidance and educate staff and volunteers on the principles of infection prevention to reduce the risk of infection for children and families in pediatric residential settings. The guidelines include practices such as standard precautions, health screening, and mandatory vaccination practices.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers reveals that the pancreatic protein Nkx6.1 is crucial for regulating insulin biosynthesis and secretion in beta cells. The study found that impaired Nkx6.1 levels contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, leading to rapid onset of diabetes in mice.
A large study found that 4% of head-trauma scans have unexpected results, ranging from benign to life-threatening cancers. Doctors should weigh patient rights against financial costs and anxiety when dealing with incidental findings.
A multi-institutional study found that a unique quality improvement methodology can effectively evaluate chest pain in children using minimal resources. The Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) algorithm identified cardiac causes of chest pain while reducing testing utilization, with only 1% of patients having...
Children's National Hospital has received a five-year NIH grant to identify reliable early signs of prenatal brain injury in congenital heart disease. The study aims to develop non-invasive methods to detect high-risk cases before birth, opening windows for new treatments to prevent impaired brain development.
Children's Mercy Hospital will assess the benefits of rapid genome sequencing in diagnosing acutely ill babies, with a focus on improving speed and cost-effectiveness. The grant aims to evaluate the use of STAT-Seq technology to help physicians make timely diagnoses and provide families with answers quickly.
A recent study at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital found that Pedi-Flite improved outcomes for pediatric diabetic patients, reducing the need for hospital admissions. The system also saved over $760,000 by avoiding 439 ED visits and 115 admissions.