Articles tagged with Pediatrics
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.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that cyberbullying is prevalent among high school students, with 16.2% reporting electronic bullying in the past year. Girls and whites are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for targeted awareness and prevention strategies.
A study found that female high school athletes were less likely to engage in physical fights and carry weapons compared to non-athletes. However, athletic participation did not have a significant impact on bullying or violence among male students.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that magnesium intake and absorption are significantly associated with bone density in children. Unlike dietary calcium, which was not significantly linked to bone mineral content or density.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that college students who use both tobacco and marijuana smoke more cigarettes per month than users of tobacco only. The study also found that concurrent marijuana and tobacco use is associated with increased risk of smoking more tobacco.
The childhood disability rate has increased by 16 percent over the past decade, with a significant spike in neurodevelopmental disabilities among children. Meanwhile, physical health-related disabilities have decreased, particularly among children under six years old.
A new study finds that preterm infants require a daily dose of 800 IU of vitamin D3 to reduce the risk of vitamin D insufficiency. Higher doses led to better bone mineralization, but excess levels caused no major effects.
Babies born to mothers who took vitamin C during pregnancy had less wheezing in the first year of life compared to those who received a placebo. Vitamin C supplementation improved lung function at birth and reduced episodes of wheezing through one year of age.
A new study reveals that preschool children living in 'walkable' neighborhoods are less likely to be obese. The research highlights the importance of urban planning and neighborhood design in preventing childhood obesity.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that toothbrushes are not a common source of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, which causes strep throat. The research found that even after being used by children with strep throat, toothbrushes did not consistently harbor GAS bacteria.
A recent study by pediatricians from the Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York found that over 90% of medical specialists who diagnose and manage ADHD in preschoolers do not follow treatment guidelines. The study suggests that many specialists are recommending medication as part of their initial treatment plan, despite guidelines...
A symposium at a pediatric meeting will address how to protect youths from violence, with speakers discussing screen violence and aggression, violent media, guns and suicide, and community efforts to prevent gun violence. The event aims to translate research findings into actionable public health strategies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for a national agenda to address the issue of childhood poverty, which affects 22% of US children. Childhood poverty has severe consequences on child health, including increased infant mortality, chronic diseases, and poor nutrition.
A recent study found that nearly 43% of high school students admit to texting while driving, with higher prevalence among males and older teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that this behavior significantly increases the risk of accidents, making it more dangerous than driving under the influence.
A new study from the University of Michigan found significant geographic disparities in access to medical services and medications for children with diabetes. Only 26 states provided medical coverage and 24 states covered diabetes supplies.
A study found that no vitamin D dosage maintained plasma concentrations within the recommended range by pediatric societies, but all dosages raised levels within a lower range. The 1,600-IU/d dosage was discontinued due to elevated plasma 25(OH)D concentrations, indicating the need for further studies on optimal dosages.
Researchers from CHOP and Penn found that efavirenz is more effective than nevirapine in suppressing HIV in children aged 3-16 in low-resource settings. The study, published in JAMA, suggests a shift in pediatric HIV treatment guidelines could be warranted.
Two studies published in Annals of Emergency Medicine show that most children hospitalized with isolated skull fractures can be safely discharged home, potentially saving the healthcare system millions of dollars. New weight estimation devices, such as the Mercy TAPE, also provide more accurate pediatric weight estimations.
A new evidence-based algorithm guides treatment of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease in children, recommending simultaneous kidney and liver transplantation for select patients. The approach aims to decrease overall mortality and morbidity, particularly in those with end-stage renal disease and congenital hepatic fibrosis.
A Patient Centered Medical Home model is proposed to assess and promote health by incorporating social determinants of health into clinical guidelines. The model aims to reduce socioeconomic disparities in healthcare for all patients.
A new teaching technique using scripted debriefings improved medical knowledge and instructor ratings among novice pediatric CPR trainers. The 'advocacy inquiry' method helped participants reflect on their decisions, leading to better performance in emergency situations.
Between 2000-2008, 6,920 youths were injured due to firearms, resulting in 17 fatalities, highlighting the need for increased focus on preventing pediatric firearm injuries.
A pediatric emergency medicine physician at Hasbro Children's Hospital is leading a $3.2 million NIH-funded study to validate a two-question screen for adolescent alcohol abuse. The goal is to determine if the shorter survey can predict risky behaviors as effectively as longer questionnaires.
A study of HIV-infected children and adolescents found that highly active antiretroviral therapies do not impair heart function. Instead, the therapies appear to be cardioprotective, reducing the risk of heart failure in these patients.
A Johns Hopkins study found that official guidelines leave room for interpretation, leading to variable treatment choices and outcomes. Clinicians expressed ambivalence about hospitalizing patients, particularly those with recent abortions or social circumstances making inpatient care challenging.
A study found modest but meaningful improvements in children with fragile X syndrome who received minocycline treatment. The antibiotic yielded significant improvements in anxiety and mood-related behaviors, while behavior problems and verbal functioning showed little change.
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...