Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A study found significant variability in pediatric DNR orders, with most clinicians limiting resuscitation to cardiopulmonary arrest, but actually varying their approach. Clinician attitudes and behaviors regarding DNR orders can impact patient care.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that pediatric readmission and revisit rates are limited in their usefulness as a quality indicator for pediatric hospital care. The study suggests that grouping patients with similar diagnoses could improve the accuracy of readmission rates as a quality measurement.
A new paper aims to educate pediatricians on recognizing and responding to caregiver-fabricated illness in children, which can include physical and psychiatric symptoms, and carries significant mortality rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a 3D computer model that analyzes a child's unique anatomy and pinpoints the best location for a defibrillator before implantation. The virtual heart model predicts optimal device placement in children with tiny or malformed hearts, reducing repeat procedures.
Recent studies suggest that HB-EGF can protect the intestines from various types of injury, including those caused by radiation therapy. The protein's ability to decrease harmful substance production and promote cell growth makes it a promising therapeutic option for treating necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns.
A recent study found that children with amplified chromosome 21 are at higher risk of treatment failure, but not worse outcomes, than those without the genetic abnormality. Recognizing this amplification could lead to improved cure rates in low-risk patients treated aggressively.
New study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine outlines top recommendations for improving healthcare value, including reducing unnecessary tests and procedures. The recommendations aim to lower costs and lead to better care for patients, particularly children and adults hospitalized with respiratory illnesses.
A new study from the University of Michigan researchers found that children with higher BPA levels had a higher odds of obesity and adverse levels of body fat. The study measured BPA levels in children's urine and found an association between high BPA levels and abnormal waist circumference-to-height ratio.
The study found that the proportion of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased, with virologic suppression rising from 35.5% to 63%, among perinatally infected HIV patients now approaching adulthood. However, older patients are more likely to experience higher viremia and advanced immunosuppression.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have decoded the genetic basis of chronic mountain sickness, a disease affecting Andean highlanders. They found two genes, ANP32D and SENP1, that are overexpressed in CMS individuals and may hold key to treating the condition.
A study published in Critical Care Medicine found that telemedicine consultations significantly improve the quality of care for seriously ill and injured children treated in remote rural emergency rooms. The research showed that patients' satisfaction and perception of their child's care are also improved when consultations are provide...
Cases of children ingesting magnets led to a quintupling of incidents between 2002 and 2011. Ingestion of multiple magnets resulted in more severe outcomes, including emergency surgery.
A new statistical model designed for children can accurately discriminate performance among hospitals and adjust for patient risk factors. The program has been tested with data from 46,281 patients under 18 at 43 institutions in 2011 and shows promise for improving surgical outcomes.
Children's perceptions of living with asthma may differ significantly from those of their caregivers, a new study shows. The study found that both children and caregivers should be interviewed during doctor visits to ensure accurate understanding of the child's condition.
A new study reveals that pressure ulcers in children are more common than previously thought, with medical devices such as facemasks and pulse oximeters identified as major contributors. Cincinnati Children's researchers developed a quality improvement initiative that reduced pressure ulcers by 50 percent.
A new study found that pediatric cancer patients who have central lines at home develop nearly three times as many bloodstream infections as those treated in the hospital. The research highlights the need for better understanding and designing infection-prevention strategies for at-home central line care.
A new review highlights recent advances in the scientific understanding of bitter taste to improve drug acceptance and compliance in pediatric populations. The paper focuses on applying this knowledge to formulate pediatric medications that are more palatable for children.
A study found that parents with established relationships with pediatricians often choose retail clinics for minor illnesses due to convenient hours and lack of office appointments. The most common reasons for using retail clinics were acute upper respiratory tract illnesses, such as sore throats and ear infections.
A study published in PNAS found that dampening a feedback loop between a DNA repair checkpoint and its controlling pathways may promote tumor growth in pediatric solid tumors. This discovery provides new insights into the cause of childhood cancers and offers a potential target for future therapies.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that over 25% of children with cerebral palsy suffer from moderate to severe chronic pain, limiting their activity. Pediatricians should focus on identifying and treating the underlying causes of pain to improve health and quality of life for these children.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named four outstanding young scientists to tackle cancers in children and young adults. The award provides funding for basic scientists and clinicians conducting research with the potential to significantly impact pediatric cancer prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
A Vanderbilt research program trains community pediatricians to diagnose autism, leading to a significant increase in diagnoses within their practices. The training improved diagnostic accuracy and shifted the comfort level of discussing ASD diagnoses with caregivers.
A study of 9,000 preschoolers found that those with shorter than average sleep times had higher rates of 'externalizing' behavior problems. The researchers recommend discussing steps to improve sleep habits for children with behavior problems.
Researchers from LSUHSC report that children sedated with meperidine and hydroxyzine experienced vomiting, prolonged sleep, and irritability, while those sedated with midazolam had fewer side effects. The study recommends educating parents on safe medication use and post-procedure care to improve child safety and comfort.
Dr. Gary Mathern, a pediatric neurosurgeon at UCLA, was honored with the Ambassador for Epilepsy Award for his significant work in improving clinical care for children with medically refractory epilepsy. His research has led to breakthrough discoveries on mechanisms of the disease process and how seizures develop in the brain.
The American Thoracic Society has released a statement on adult and pediatric controlled organ donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD), aiming to guide stakeholders involved in the process. The statement emphasizes respect for dying patients and their families, while promoting the recovery of viable organs.
The World Health Organization's new guidelines call for immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-infected children under five years of age. DNDi and Cipla are expediting the development of urgently needed 4-in-1 ARVs adapted for babies and toddlers with HIV, to be delivered by 2015.
Researchers found a 65% increase in IBD hospital discharges from 2000 to 2009, with specific increases seen in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study suggests an unclear reason behind the trend, with potential contributors including increased disease severity and co-existing conditions.
A study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children found that pediatric practices can effectively implement a smoking cessation program for parents, reaching nearly half of smoking parents. The program, CEASE, was trained in 20 practices and resulted in significant increases in tobacco control assistance and physician referrals.
Researchers aim to improve treatment and rehabilitation strategies for children with spinal cord injuries using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The study plans to enroll 100 children, including those with spinal cord injuries and healthy controls.
A large clinical trial shows that clopidogrel does not effectively reduce shunt-related blood flow issues in infants with congenital heart diseases. Aspirin alone may be effective in reducing the risk of clot formation, while switching to Plavix is not recommended.
Research by Dr. Robert Wyatt and his team provides insights into the molecular mechanism of IgA nephropathy, a common kidney disease in North America. The study's findings suggest noninvasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients.
A multidisciplinary approach combining preventive measures and regular monitoring significantly reduced ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) infections in pediatric intensive care patients. The initiative, implemented at Nationwide Children's Hospital, resulted in a 53% drop in VAT cases compared to pre-intervention rates.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels has awarded a $75,000 Hyundai Scholar Grant to Dr. Vivian Chang at UCLA's Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute to support her research on DNA sequencing technology for identifying cancerous genes in children. The grant will enable oncologists to design personalized surveillance programs using advanced to...
A study by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that educating pediatricians about appropriate antibiotics for common respiratory infections led to a significant decrease in broad-spectrum prescribing. This intervention improvedRx guideline compliance, resulting in better antibiotic use and potentially reduced resistance.
The use of CT scans in pediatrics has significantly increased over the last two decades, exposing children to higher doses of ionizing radiation linked to an increased risk of cancer. The study estimates that 4,870 future cancers could be caused by pediatric CT scans performed annually.
A new study reveals that medical devices contribute to complications in children with complex medical conditions. The research found that vascular access devices and nervous system devices were the most common types of devices associated with adverse events, which often affected young children under the age of 2.
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that most youth football player concussions occur during games, not practice sessions. Players aged 11-12 years were almost three times more likely to suffer a concussion than those aged 8-10 years.
A new study found that 9% of pediatric and adolescent heart transplant recipients experience non-adherence within two years of receiving their transplant. The risk of mortality among non-adhering patients is significantly higher, with a 26% chance of death within one year and 33% within two years.
A new study from the University of California - San Francisco found that African-American and Latino children are increasing their consumption of 100 percent fruit juice, which often has just as much sugar as soda. The study suggests that parents need more education on healthy beverages to replace sugary drinks with water or milk.
A new international study found that prolonged, intense initial treatment in children with multi-system Langerhans cell histiocytosis (MS-LCH) can achieve survival rates as high as 84 percent. The study also showed a significant reduction in disease reactivation rate compared to shorter treatment periods.
UCLA will study the use of videoconferencing technology to deliver integrated behavioral and mental health services to children in community primary care settings. The project aims to provide effective, efficient, and family-centered care to children in low-income communities.
A study found an increase in unintentional marijuana ingestions among children following Colorado's new drug laws, with most cases involving medical marijuana products. The authors recommend public health interventions and increased awareness among healthcare providers to mitigate this issue.
A study analyzing top box-office movies found that tobacco brand producer placements decreased significantly after the Master Settlement Agreement, but alcohol brand placements increased in movies rated for youth audiences. This trend has implications for teen drinking and substance use behaviors during adolescence.
Children with chronic conditions who missed more than half of recommended visits had three times the risk of hospitalization compared to those who attended most of their visits. Regular preventive care is crucial in identifying and managing health problems early.
A cross-sectional study found that bicycle helmet laws significantly reduced the risk of death and injury for children under 16 involved in bicycle-motor vehicle collisions. The study showed a 20% lower fatality rate in states with helmet laws, with an average annual reduction of 900 fatalities.
A global consensus statement establishes standardized definitions and measurements for drug-resistant tuberculosis in children. Research findings highlight the importance of colonization pressure as a predictor of healthcare-associated MRSA infections.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that men diagnosed with childhood ADHD were more than twice as likely to become obese as those without the condition. The study tracked the health outcomes of 207 white men diagnosed with ADHD and their comparison group over 33 years.
A study found that obese children have a unique breath pattern linked to potential complications like diabetes and fatty liver disease. Another study identified high-powered magnets as a common cause of severe digestive damage in children, requiring surgical interventions.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that giving small amounts of formula to infants experiencing high early weight loss can increase the length of time their mothers end up breastfeeding. This study provides evidence for the benefits of 'early limited formula' in some newborns.
A new study reveals that pediatric nurse staffing ratios are significantly associated with hospital readmissions for children with common medical and surgical conditions. Children treated in hospitals meeting a contemporary staffing benchmark of no more than four patients per nurse were less likely to be readmitted within 15-30 days.
A study published in PNAS found that a compound in breast milk may prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. Breast milk contains high levels of sodium nitrate, which is converted to nitrite by gut bacteria, producing the vasodilator nitric oxide.
A study of 120 high school football players found that one-quarter had suffered a concussion and more than half acknowledged continuing to play with symptoms. Most players knew common signs and symptoms but were reluctant to report them to their coaches.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that states with mandatory helmet laws have significantly lower rates of fatalities and incapacitating injuries among children. The research showed a 2-per-1-million-child difference in fatal and incapacitating injury rates between states with and without helmet laws.
A study by Dr. Ann-Marie Conn found that out-of-home placements can lead to significant improvements in mental health problems among school-age children who have been maltreated, with a decrease in symptoms for 6- to 10-year-olds. However, the benefits were not seen for younger or older children.
A survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly 90% of drivers engage in distracting behaviors while driving their children, leading to a higher risk of crashes. The study also highlighted the importance of using age-appropriate child restraints and finding internal motivations for safety seat use.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is associated with lower intelligence and hyperactivity in early childhood. The study, presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting, suggests that maternal exposure to PBDEs can disrupt thyroid hormone and cause learning problems.
A new study by Columbia University found that teenage girls who engage in regular physical activity are at a lower risk of being involved in violence-related behaviors. The study analyzed data from 1,312 students and found that exercise was associated with decreased odds of being in a gang, carrying a weapon, or participating in fights.
A study found that nearly one in five children and teens at risk for suicide report having guns in their homes, with 15% knowing how to access both. The research emphasizes the importance of parents understanding gun risks and encourages ED screening tools.
A study found that children living near toxic waste sites in lower and middle income countries have high blood lead levels, resulting in a loss of IQ points and higher incidence of mental retardation. The researchers estimated that 6 out of every 1,000 children could experience mild mental retardation.