Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A study published by the JAMA Network found that about half of preschoolers lack daily parent-supervised outdoor playtime, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Regular outdoor play was associated with improved physical health and development outcomes, as well as reduced TV viewing time.
Dr. Harry Dietz has been recognized for his groundbreaking work on Marfan syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disorder that affects approximately 1 in 5,000 people worldwide. His research has identified the genetic cause of the disease and a potential treatment using an FDA-approved high blood pressure medication.
A new diagnostic criteria for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) has been proposed, expanding on existing criteria for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS). A clinical trial testing an immune-based treatment is currently underway, aiming to provide appropriate care fo...
A University at Buffalo study found that parents of pediatric cancer patients distrust online sources of health information and fear what they might encounter. Despite the accessibility of online medical information, caregivers preferred to receive information from trusted healthcare providers rather than the internet.
The number of ADHD diagnoses among American children has increased by 66% over the past decade, according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics. Specialists are now treating an increasing proportion of these young patients, shifting away from primary care physicians.
A recent University of Washington study found that pediatricians who exhibit unconscious racial bias tend to prescribe better pain-management for white patients than they do for African-American patients. The study suggests that incorporating awareness of personal bias into medical education and training is necessary to avoid unintende...
Researchers call for ob-gyns to evaluate patients' exposure to environmental chemicals, provide education, and advocate for policy change to reduce toxic exposures. The human reproductive system is vulnerable to biological changes caused by chemicals during critical periods of development.
A network approach improved outcomes for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing remission rates from 55% to 68%. The ImproveCareNow network implemented quality improvement efforts, leading to improvements in care processes and patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed an early warning algorithm to detect children's early cardiac deterioration before inpatient arrest. Additionally, studies suggest that patients with conotruncal defects should be screened for chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, which can improve treatment outcomes.
A study of Latina mothers found that their primary concern is a strong relationship with their pediatrician, rather than language ability. Mothers valued warm and caring providers who take the time to examine and care for their children.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that computer-assisted decision tools in electronic health records substantially improve the identification and diagnosis of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased sharply, with at least 18 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds now considered obese.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience more school difficulty than healthy children, mainly in regard to school absences. Internalizing problems are a significant predictor of absences and school-related quality of life.
A new study identifies African-American background, longer NICU stay, and poor access to healthcare as increased risks of death in preterm infants after being discharged from the NICU. Maternal exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy decreases infant mortality risk.
According to a Yale University study published in Pediatrics, over 4,500 US children were hospitalized due to child abuse in 2006, resulting in 300 deaths. Children under one year old were at highest risk of hospitalization, and those on Medicaid had rates six times higher than non-Medicaid patients.
The study advances understanding of bruise composition and age through spectroscopic measurement and Monte Carlo modeling. Researchers developed a multilayered model simulating seven skin layers, providing clearer spectroscopic pictures of bruise composition and age.
The Pediatric Emergency Research of Canada team has made significant advances in treating childhood conditions like croup, bronchiolitis, and mild head injuries. Their research has led to substantial improvements in treatment outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Researchers tested ice hockey, alpine ski, and bicycling helmets to protect young children's heads during winter sports. The study found that no helmet provided adequate protection for all types of impacts, highlighting the need for a new type of winter play helmet.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital reveals that neurologically impaired children account for increasing hospital resources in children's hospitals, with 25% of bed days and 29% of hospital charges attributed to them. This highlights the need for improved care coordination and better patient outcomes.
US study finds that nearly three-quarters of headphone-wearing pedestrian injuries are fatal, mostly among young adult males and under 30 years old. Headphones can mask warning sounds, leading to distraction and sensory deprivation, increasing the risk of accidents.
A pediatric research project aims to collect long-term clinical data on children with conditions detected in newborn screening, enabling researchers to develop new tests and interventions. The project has the potential to transform treatments for rare childhood diseases.
A new study by the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy found a significant decline in pediatric drowning hospitalizations, with rates decreasing 51% from 1993 to 2008. The study suggests that public efforts to reduce drowning risk, such as pool fencing and swim lessons, may have contributed to this decrease.
A simulation model suggests that implementing latest WHO guidelines requires improving access to care and medications, increasing retention of women in care, and supporting adherence to drugs to eliminate pediatric HIV in Zimbabwe.
The article highlights the importance of justification and optimization of pediatric CT protocols to reduce radiation dose. Experts recommend using lower tube current, restricting scan length, and employing image post-processing techniques to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the Sohn Conference Foundation have partnered to support young scientists tackling childhood cancers, with a focus on preventing devastating illnesses in children and young adults. The partnership aims to recruit top young minds to research childhood cancers, leveraging the success of exi...
A new study recommends using the body mass index (BMI) method to calculate expected body weights in children with eating disorders. The research found that this method is more accurate than others and can account for varying heights and weights, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.
A statewide survey will help assess the pediatric emergency readiness of hospital emergency departments in California and beyond. The project aims to determine what resources hospitals are lacking to treat young patients and how they can acquire them.
A systematic review of studies suggests that physical activity is positively related to improved academic performance in children. The findings support the idea that exercise may help cognition by increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing stress, and improving mood.
A team of US-based and Rwandan physicians have developed an innovative approach to delivering expert care to children with lymphoma in rural Rwanda. Through this 'twinning' model, American-trained pediatricians supervise Rwandan-trained generalists, supported by weekly conference calls from U.S.-based pediatric oncologists.
Two world's smallest surviving babies, Madeline and Rumaisa, have normal motor and language development despite extremely low birth weights. Advances in neonatal care have enabled the survival of smaller newborns, but successful outcomes are not typical for all micropreemies.
Medical researchers created 'conversation cards' to facilitate open discussions between parents and health professionals about pediatric weight management. The deck of cards, piloted in January 2012, aims to reduce power differentials and promote a more supportive conversation.
A new study found potential causes of strokes in young football athletes, including hyperventilation, obesity, and repeated neurological injury. The authors highlight the increased force of impacts among obese players, which also increases the likelihood for other stroke risk factors like hypertension.
A new grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) aims to explore social and ethical issues surrounding clinical genome sequencing. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is one of five U.S. centers, focusing on pediatrics, to receive a four-year Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research Project award.
Researchers analyzed the prevalence of headaches three and 12 months after mild, moderate, or severe TBI in children aged 5-17. The study found that headache was a significant problem for some children after TBI, with adolescents and girls at highest risk. Most children recover from TBI-related headaches within several weeks.
Dr. R. Michael Scott has made groundbreaking innovations in pial synangiosis and novel advances in neurosurgery, transforming the field of pediatric neurosurgery. The Children's Department of Neurosurgery under his tenure experienced significant growth, becoming the largest pediatric neurosurgery department worldwide.
Researchers studied nearly 1,000 children in crashes and found no increased injury risk for a broad weight range. The current range of child safety seats and booster seats accommodates various body sizes, including heavier children.
A new study found that 77% of Washington state pediatricians receive requests for alternative child immunization schedules, with 61% comfortable using them. Pediatricians cited concerns about protecting children's health while respecting parents' decisions.
A study found that families of hospitalized children can provide valuable information about adverse events, but this information is not always documented by health care professionals. The study included 544 families and reported 321 adverse events, with most going unreported by the hospital.
Alyssa Turner, a pediatric emergency department fellow, has been awarded the Willis Wingert Award for her platform presentation on the impact of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks. Her research found that this technique improves pain control in children with femur fractures and reduces adverse effects.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals racial disparities in pediatric heart transplant patient outcomes, with white patients more likely to survive a decade after surgery. The analysis of 2,721 transplants found that children who received their hearts from younger donors and were transplanted later had better long-term survival rates.
A recent study found that primary care providers (PCPs) fail to report a significant number of suspected child abuse cases. The researchers validated the PCPs' decisions using expert review and provider self-assessment, revealing a high sensitivity but low reporting rate. The study highlights the need for improved education on recogniz...
A new study uses high-field MRI to detect tiny white matter lesions in developing brains, revealing previously undetectable injuries. This breakthrough has the potential to prevent delays in therapy and improve diagnosis and prognosis of white matter injury in preterm infants.
Researchers found that administering a diabetes drug to newborn animals prevents the development of diabetes in adulthood. The study suggests an important developmental window for intervention to protect insulin-producing cells.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that statin therapy did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, patients with more severe SLE may benefit from preventative statin therapy. The study also showed that atorvastatin was safe and well-tolerated.
A new UCI study reveals that many children suffer from chronic postoperative pain, with 13% reporting lingering pain for months after surgery. The researchers emphasize the need for improved pediatric care and effective pain management strategies within 48 hours of surgery.
Pediatricians are urged to explore nonpharmacological approaches to address infant symptoms. Acid-suppressing medications may have adverse effects on infants, including increased risk of infections and mineral/vitamin imbalances.
Dr. Eric Hassall cautions against over-diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants under one year old, as most symptoms can be attributed to physiological reflux or normal developmental phenomena. Non-pharmacological measures such as dietary changes and reassurance are often sufficient to resolve the issue.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children under 2 years old 'screen-free' to promote healthy brain development. The policy also calls for further research into the long-term effects of early media exposure on physical, mental and social health.
Pediatric injuries from ATVs are a growing concern, with children under 16 being particularly at risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that ATV-related emergency department visits have increased, with more children injured than bicycles.
According to a new study, approximately 20,600 non-fatal firearm injuries occur annually in US children aged 0-19 years. This rate is 30% higher than previously reported, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics identified three likely scenarios preceding at-home pool drownings of young children, aged 1-4. The key findings highlight the importance of pool fencing and self-closing gates to prevent unattended access, as well as hands-on supervision for older children.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to profanity in media can lead to increased physical and relational aggression in adolescents. The research suggests that profanity can act as a stepping stone, reducing inhibitions about using profanity and increasing aggressive behavior.
Researchers found that low-income fathers have a positive view of breastfeeding but lack specific knowledge about its benefits. They also reported feeling limited in their ability to influence their partner's decision to breastfeed.
A new study conducted by two seventh-grade students found that over one in four kindergarten children and one in five teachers struggled to distinguish between medicine and candy. The most common mistakes included mixing M&Ms with Coricidin, SweeTARTS with Mylanta, and Reese's Pieces with Sine-off.
Children reliant on electrically powered medical devices are at risk of losing electrical power, posing a significant threat to their lives. Parents often lack preparedness for such emergencies, highlighting the need for proactive measures.
Research found a 400% increase in knee injuries among children and adolescents over the last decade, with ACL and meniscus tears rising significantly.
The study found a significant increase in knee injuries among children, with ACL and meniscus tears increasing by 11% and 14% respectively. The researchers suggest that injury patterns are changing, leading to an increased true incidence of these injuries.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines for diagnosing and treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children from age 4 to 18. The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early intervention and provide recommendations for behavioral interventions, medications, and a team approach to treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics National Children's Art Contest drew hundreds of entries from 39 states and 10 countries. Winners received a $500 cash prize, with their artwork on display at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
The AAP president will focus on maintaining advances in children's health while addressing challenges posed by budget cuts. Dr. Burton also highlighted the importance of international efforts, such as the Helping Babies Breathe initiative, which aims to reduce child mortality rates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching a new autism curriculum, 'Autism Case Training', to educate future pediatricians on identifying, diagnosing, and managing autism spectrum disorders. The curriculum consists of seven case-based studies and emphasizes practical skills for patient and parent interaction.