Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A study found that states with stricter school meal nutrition standards had better weight status among students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, compared to those without such standards. The association was particularly strong among low-income students.
A physician-researcher from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will lead the first-ever pediatric Dream Team to combine genomics and immunotherapy to increase cure rates in difficult childhood cancers. The team aims to develop more precise and effective treatments based on unique genetic characteristics of each child's tumor.
Fecal microbial transplantation has been shown to improve symptoms in most pediatric patients with active ulcerative colitis, with 78% achieving clinical response within one week. The procedure involves infusion of human stool from a healthy donor into the intestine of the patient to restore healthy microbial flora.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia collaborates with Pfizer's Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI) to advance pediatric research and development. The partnership aims to identify preclinical research with potential applications for innovative treatments, with a focus on translating scientific insights into bedside therapies.
Researchers at Tufts University found a statistical association between dental anesthesia and missing lower wisdom teeth in children. The study suggests that injecting anesthesia into young children may interrupt the development of wisdom teeth.
Youth with type 1 diabetes face increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blindness, and kidney failure after transitioning to adult care without adequate support. The study found that nearly 80% of individuals had left pediatric care by age 21, highlighting the importance of effective transition planning.
Researchers found that different mutations in the same gene may require different treatments for child brain tumors. A new study identified a second-generation BRAF inhibitor that targets specific mutations, offering hope for personalized medicine.
Young people with Type 1 diabetes who transitioned from pediatric to adult care are 2.5 times more likely to have chronically high blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. The estimated median age of patients when this transition occurred was 20.1 years.
Physician experts suggest adopting a 'user-led' innovation strategy, which prioritizes clinician and patient input, to rapidly address healthcare issues. This approach involves clinicians identifying problems, developing solutions, and testing them on a small scale before scaling up with feedback from patients.
A new University of Michigan poll shows that only one-third of parents follow their child's health care provider's advice all of the time. Most parents say they follow provider advice 'most of the time', but lower-income households and black and Hispanic parents are more likely to report following advice only occasionally.
The article highlights how cultural norms influence parenting behaviors, with Western cultures emphasizing autonomy and many Asian, African, and Latino cultures valuing interdependence. Pediatricians can benefit from understanding these differences to provide culturally sensitive guidance and support.
A new Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals that peripheral intravenous catheters are nearly four times more likely to cause complications compared to centrally placed PICC lines. Clinicians should carefully weigh the ease of placement against the higher complication risk for non-central vein placement.
Pediatric oncologist Garrett Brodeur will receive the Pediatric Oncology Award and deliver a lecture highlighting his work on predicting disease course in neuroblastoma. His research has led to better understanding of the cancer's biology and development of more effective treatments.
Paul M. Weinberg, a pediatric cardiologist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, received the 2013 Distinguished Teacher Award for innovative and compassionate teaching. He has made significant contributions to cardiovascular medicine through his extensive research and educational efforts.
A randomized controlled study found that computer-generated reminders significantly improved compliance with patient care guidelines in a pediatric HIV clinic in Eldoret, Kenya. The study resulted in a four-fold increase in completion of overdue clinical tasks, including laboratory tests and referrals.
Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, a renowned pediatric researcher, has received the Founder's Award from the Southern Society for Pediatric Research for his groundbreaking work in neonatology and nutrition. His research interests include protein and lipid requirements of premature infants and liver dysfunction.
A study found that small, inexpensive changes to school cafeterias increased students' likelihood of taking fruits and vegetables by 13% and 23%, respectively. These interventions, called the smarter lunchroom makeover, promoted healthier behaviors through behavioral cues.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that children with congenital heart disease exhibit impaired growth, measured in weight, length, and head circumference. The study suggests that abnormalities in overall growth regulation play a role in poor growth, potentially related to factors beyond nutrition.
A new poll from the University of Michigan found that only 25% of parents consider doctor rating websites very important in their search for a pediatrician. However, younger parents (under 30) are more likely to say online ratings are very important, with mothers being more likely than fathers. Despite this, nearly one-third of parents...
A study published in Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing found that discomfort with tube feeding is the main reason families prefer IV nutrition. Tube feeding is associated with better gut function and lower infection rates, but perceived discomfort leads to a preference for IV feeding.
Young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are less likely to receive healthcare transition services than those with other special needs. This can lead to gaps in care and increased dependence on the healthcare system.
Researchers warn that molecularly targeted therapies may stunt growth, delay puberty, or increase the risk of diabetes in children. The lack of long-term data on these treatments raises concerns about their use in pediatric patients. Experts recommend using these drugs only in clinical trials to monitor side effects.
The number of ACL injuries in young athletes is rising due to increased training and reduced free play. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons recommend optimal strategies for treating ACL injuries based on the specifics of the injury and the child's skeletal maturity, including non-surgical management and surgical reconstruction.
The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus has revised its guidelines for automated preschool vision screening, focusing on detecting amblyopia risk factors in young children. The new criteria include separate thresholds for different age groups, lower referral rates for young children, and the use of tradition...
Researchers at UCLA's Pediatric Medical Home will study ways to reduce preventable hospital admissions and emergency room use among children with medically complex illness, aiming to decrease healthcare expenditures. The study will analyze root causes of preventable hospitalizations and design cost-saving strategies.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that obesity may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in children and teenage girls. The research, which analyzed data from over 913,000 children, found a significant association between obesity and MS in girls, but not in boys.
A new dendritic cell vaccine has been shown to induce complete remission in a six-year-old boy with recurrent neuroblastoma. The vaccine uses cancer-specific targets to stimulate the immune system and attack tumor cells.
Researchers found that daily antiseptic baths with diluted chlorhexidine gluconate significantly reduced the risk of bloodstream infections in critically ill children. The study involved over 4,000 children and showed a 36% lower risk of infections in those bathed with antiseptic solution.
A new approach to analyzing repetitive DNA at chromosome ends has revealed potential cancer clues, including a link between telomere length and genetic mutations. The study found that 32% of pediatric solid tumors carried extra DNA for telomeres, compared to brain tumors and leukemia samples.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that vaccinating children against rotavirus indirectly protects unvaccinated adults from severe diarrhea and vomiting. The study suggests pediatric immunization may be more cost-effective than previously thought due to reduced health care costs among adults.
Recent immigrants to Canada often over-qualified for their jobs due to language barriers and lack of work experience. However, increased proficiency in English or French, combined with post-immigration education and training, can significantly improve job matching.
A recent study published in Circulation found that longer CPR durations can extend survival in children and adults after hospital cardiac arrests. The research team analyzed data from thousands of patients and discovered that more children than expected survived prolonged CPR, with over 60% having good neurologic outcomes.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that 30% of teen girls have met offline with someone they met online. Abuse or neglect increases this risk, with victims more likely to present themselves provocatively online. High-quality parenting and parental monitoring can reduce these risks.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 71% of pediatric patients attending specialty clinics in Edmonton used alternative medicine, while only 42% did so in Ottawa. The study highlights a need for better communication between doctors and parents about alternative medicine use, which can lead to potential drug interactions.
A study found that infants with more severe pertussis have higher white blood cell counts and are at higher risk of death. Infants with less severe disease had lower white blood cell counts and were less likely to experience complications.
A recent Mount Sinai survey reveals that nearly 1 in 3 children with food allergies are bullied, leading to increased stress levels and lower quality of life. The study highlights the importance of parents, school personnel, and physicians being aware of bullying in this population.
A study analyzing data from 28 US children's hospitals found a significant increase in resource use among hospitalized children with chronic conditions. The study reveals that children with complex, lifelong illnesses accounted for the largest percentage of hospital charges and days.
Two studies examine pediatric traumatic brain injuries in China, finding that falls, strikes, and traffic collisions are the leading external causes. Suspected child abuse accounts for approximately six percent of TBIs among children under two years old, a significant finding with implications for global injury research.
Elsevier has launched a new open-access journal, Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports, which will publish original, peer-reviewed case reports on unusual presentations and novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in pediatric surgery. The journal aims to provide high clinical interest and educational value.
A study estimates the prevalence of pediatric caustic ingestion injuries to be around 807 children per year, resulting in a significant economic burden of nearly $23 million. Legislative measures such as labeling requirements for caustic substances have contributed to a decline in injury rates over the years.
A new study from Cornell University found that serving kids combined snacks of cheese and vegetables led to a 72% reduction in calories consumed. The results showed that children eating these snack combos were just as satisfied as those who ate only potato chips, making it an effective tool for reducing childhood obesity.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have created Access4Kids, a wireless input device that translates physical movements into fine-motor gestures to control tablets. The device allows children with fine motor impairments to access off-the-shelf apps and custom-made apps for therapy and science education.
Research found that sickle cell patients experience a significant increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations as they transition from childhood to adulthood. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,200 patients, showed that emergency room visits tripled between ages 15-24.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia use bioengineered T cells to destroy leukemia cells, achieving a complete response in a 7-year-old girl. The treatment, known as CTL019, also stimulates an immune response and can be combined with immunomodulating drugs to reduce side effects.
A small Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that children on the ketogenic diet experienced reduced seizures after incorporating periodic fasting. The results suggest that fasting does not intensify but rather changes the metabolism of children with epilepsy.
A study identified a single gene, ABCA3, associated with significant cases of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in full-term babies. The researchers found that mutations in this gene account for about 10% of RDS cases and can be treated with neonatal intensive care.
Pediatric patients with noncardiac chest pain exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to those with innocent heart murmurs. The UGA research found a statistically significant increase in anxiety and depression among these patients.
A new study refutes the notion that frequent headaches in children are often caused by vision or eye problems. In fact, researchers found no significant correlation between headaches and the need for vision correction. Most children's headaches improved on their own over time, regardless of whether they received new glasses.
A recent study has identified a fusion gene responsible for almost 30% of a rare subtype of childhood leukemia with an extremely poor prognosis. The finding offers new insights into the disease and paves the way for more effective therapeutic interventions.
A majority of smoking parents admitted exposing their children to tobacco smoke in their cars, highlighting the need for stricter smoke-free policies for families. Pediatricians should counsel parents on creating a no-smoking policy in the car to reduce children's exposure to tobacco smoke.
A study of ER docs and pediatricians found a need for concussion-specific training and infrastructure to support optimal patient care. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia created a new 'medical home' model for managing pediatric concussions, incorporating standardized clinical decision support tools and patient education.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have reported the first effective therapy for plexiform neurofibromas, tumors caused by neurofibromatosis type 1. The drug imatinib mesylate provided relief to a significant number of patients with NF1, improving symptoms and reducing tumor size.
The new guidelines aim to provide a framework for early recognition and treatment of pediatric heart failure, which often goes unrecognized until it's too late. The guidelines recommend specialized care, including echocardiography by a pediatric specialist, and evidence-based treatments such as diuretics and inotropic drugs.
A Commentary highlights the need for increased neonatal inclusion in pediatric drug trials due to inadequate representation in current studies. The lack of clinical trials on medications used by children, most notably neonates, poses risks to their health and safety.
Pediatricians at CHOP developed a three-part survey to help families and doctors make informed decisions about ADHD treatment. The results show that shared decision-making improves healthcare outcomes, but is not widely used in pediatric settings.
Teenagers with severe obesity can benefit from gastric bypass surgery, significantly improving their health and quality of life. The study found that teenagers lost an average of 96.8 pounds following surgery, reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A study found that ATV manufacturer warning labels and formal training are largely ineffective in deterring child ATV use. Children under 16 suffer nearly 40% of all ATV-related injuries, with most crashes occurring when they were driving the ATV.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidelines to prevent cheerleading injuries, highlighting the need for qualified coaches, access to medical care, and injury surveillance. The guidelines aim to reduce catastrophic injuries, which account for 66% of all high school female athlete injuries.
Organic produce and dairy products have lower pesticide levels and fewer drug-resistant bacteria, but the AAP concludes that conventional foods provide essential nutrients. Children's unique vulnerability to chemical exposures makes it crucial for parents to prioritize a diverse diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Collaboration between lawyers and physicians can help address health disparities by providing access to essential services. A recent report estimates that 50-85% of healthcare users experience unmet legal needs, impacting their health.