Articles tagged with Pediatrics
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a pediatric soft-tissue cancer characterized by two distinct genotypes. The disease was found to have a relatively low number of somatic mutations compared to birth DNA alterations. Key genes, such as NRAS and KRAS, were identified with frequent mutations.
A new study reveals substantial geographic variation in waiting times for children needing kidney transplants, with local organ supply and demand affecting outcomes. The findings suggest that a broader geographic sharing of kidneys is necessary to address these disparities.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found a new way to boost survival of pediatric patients whose hearts stop while hospitalized. The new training approach, which includes everyone who responds to a pediatric code event, resulted in a 60% increase in survival rates compared to the national average.
A study found that most pediatric primary care practitioners are reluctant to prescribe antidepressant medications to adolescent patients, even in severe cases. PCPs who had access to on-site mental health care providers and were more knowledgeable about depression were more likely to prescribe antidepressants.
A study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduced headache frequency and disability in children with chronic migraine. CBT was more effective than headache education, with 86% of participants experiencing a 50% or greater reduction in headache days.
A new study from Boston Children's Hospital found that a quality, payment initiative positively impacted pediatric care by improving preventive and acute care quality for the sickest pediatric patients. The study showed that children with chronic illness experienced higher quality gains.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) have identified a new technique that reduces postoperative pain in children following high-risk urology surgeries, resulting in less need for pain medicine. The study evaluates continuous infusion of local anesthesia using the ON-Q pain relief system and shows promising results.
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges consumption of only pasteurized dairy products, citing bacterial infections risks. Studies show equivalent nutrient levels in raw and pasteurized milk, but pasteurization prevents severe illnesses.
A new analysis found that children aged 6 to 11 years on the waiting list have similar mortality rates to older candidates, contradicting earlier data suggesting higher death rates. The study helps inform ongoing discussions about potential changes to the US lung allocation policy.
A Johns Hopkins study found hospitalized children are at high risk of life-threatening blood clots, particularly those with multiple medical conditions or central venous catheters. The research highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and preemptive treatment to prevent these clotting risks.
A pilot program using telehealth technology found that pediatric patients were satisfied with their virtual appointments, considering them just as good as in-person visits. The program also showed positive outcomes in BMI scores and blood pressure normalization, making it a promising tool for overcoming barriers to care.
The study aims to determine the prevalence of pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome in over 20,000 Chicago area youth ages 5 to 17. Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness affecting close to 1 million Americans, causing significant impairment in physical functioning and daily activities.
The Philadelphia Pediatric Device Consortium, led by CHOP and Drexel University, aims to address the shortage of medical devices designed for children. With a $1.5 million FDA grant, the consortium will provide expertise, seed funding, and business support to translate innovative ideas into practical devices.
Research analyzed top-grossing children's movies from 2006-2010, finding 70% included weight-related stigmatizing content. The study also reveals that 26% of movie segments showed exaggerated portion sizes and 51% depicted unhealthy snacks.
A nationwide study led by Children's Mercy researcher found that adding a monoclonal antibody called gemtuzumab to standard chemotherapy significantly reduced the risk of relapse and increased disease-free survival rates in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment was most effective in patients at high risk of relapse.
A new guideline recommends most immunocompromised patients receive annual influenza shots, while those with cancer or undergoing chemotherapy should not. The guideline aims to provide 'one-stop shopping' for clinicians caring for immunocompromised patients.
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