Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A new University of Michigan Health System study found that the degree and duration of obesity in adolescents and young adults significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study also revealed that black and Hispanic individuals are more susceptible to diabetes for a given amount of excess weight over time.
The new guidelines prioritize preventing bacterial pneumonia in children, recommending yearly flu vaccines and targeted antibiotic therapy. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of accurately diagnosing pneumonia to avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
Analysis by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers resulted in changes to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for diagnosing and treating initial urinary tract infections in infants and toddlers. The new guidelines argue against exposing young children to painful radiologic tests and prescribing prophylactic antibiotic...
A new screening strategy for critical congenital heart disease (CHD) uses pulse oximetry to detect low oxygen levels in newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations endorse the approach, which has already been adopted by New Jersey.
A national study of 327 patients published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that lung function declines as chest deformity deepens. The more severe the deformity, the more lung function was compromised, primarily due to lung restriction rather than airway obstruction.
Researchers used an 'opposites attract' algorithm to match drugs with diseases, finding potential benefits for lung cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Preclinical tests confirmed the effectiveness of two existing drugs in treating these conditions.
A team of researchers at Children's National Medical Center has identified the genetic mutation causing Proteus syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by excessive tissue and bone growth. The study found that a point mutation in the AKT1 gene activates sporadic tissue growth associated with Proteus syndrome.
Child-centered approaches result in older toilet training ages, with key findings including negative outcomes associated with late start times and punishment-based methods. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends starting toilet training at 18 months of age, with expert opinion guiding physicians for patients unlikely to cause harm.
A 20-year study on Quebec newborns suggests that an apparent increase in congenital hypothyroidism is entirely artifactual, attributed to changes in screening methods. The results show that the number of detected cases would have remained stable if the screening threshold had been unchanged.
A retrospective cohort study examines the relationship between HLA-DR mismatching and rejection in pediatric kidney transplant patients. The study found that patients with 1- or 2-HLA-DRB1 mismatches had a 70% increased risk of allograft rejection, while those with a history of rejection had a 7.7 times greater odds of graft failure.
A study found that newer cardiac CT scanners deliver significantly less radiation than previous technology, allowing for non-invasive imaging of coronary arteries in young patients. The researchers used a combination of medication and new scanner technology to obtain excellent images without sedation or anesthesia.
Research from the University of Michigan Medical School found that children with public health insurance are 22% less likely to have a medical home, a model for pediatric primary care. Despite this, over 90% of publicly-insured children reported having a usual source of medical care.
A new study reveals that pediatric cardiologists have a lower accuracy rate when interpreting ECGs for young athletes, highlighting the need for better training and guidelines. This can lead to unnecessary exclusion of healthy young people from sport participation and potential false reassurances to families.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that the accuracy of pre-sport participation ECGs is fairly low, with an average score of 67% among pediatric cardiologists. This has led researchers to question the validity of mandatory ECG screenings for young athletes.
The Max Cure Foundation and Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation have partnered to fund research targeting the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors. Erwin G. Van Meir's proposal aims to reprogram ESFT cancer stem cells using a small molecule that induces cell death.
A national study finds that 8% of US children under 18 have a food allergy, with peanut, milk, and shellfish being the most common allergens. The study also highlights racial and economic disparities in food allergy diagnosis and treatment.
Pediatric hematologist Mitchell J. Weiss and colleagues identified a rare hemoglobin mutation, named after the patient's hometown of Toms River, N.J., that causes temporary blue coloration and anemia. The mutation has mild effects and disappears within months of birth.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology found that a surgical technique for repairing hypospadias in boys results in a postoperative success rate better than 95%. The procedure, called tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair, is effective regardless of anatomy, and offers a more natural appearance after surgery.
Studies by CHOP researcher Jeffrey H. Silber found that surgical patients in hospitals with more aggressive treatment styles had lower mortality rates within 30 days of admission compared to less aggressive hospitals.
Pediatric dosing guidance is scarce due to pharmaceutical companies' reluctance to disclose data to Health Canada, increasing the risk of medication errors and mistreatment. Researchers emphasize the need for international harmonization and strict legislation to protect Canadian children.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that implementing five guidelines for ventilator use in premature infants can improve their breathing, reduce the need for ventilation, and lower costs of care. The guidelines include exclusive use of a 'bubble' continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) system and strict intubation criteria.
Researchers at McMaster University found no good screening tools or treatments for autism, and routine screening does more harm than good. The study suggests careful surveillance and assessment of preschoolers showing signs of language and social problems instead.
A new study published in Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery suggests that medical management may be preferred over surgery for children with orbital cellulitis. The research identifies the size of a subperiosteal abscess (SPA) as a determining factor in whether surgery is required for treatment.
Research from the University of Utah Health identifies toddlers as early as 14 months at risk for autism syndrome disorder. A partnership between autism experts and pediatricians using widely accepted questionnaires leads to the identification of 10 toddlers with early signs of ASD, previously missed.
Two new studies by UCSF researchers found that nearly one in six visits to doctors' offices for asthma complaints resulted in antibiotic prescriptions. The findings highlight the need for pediatricians to prescribe antibiotics more judiciously to prevent drug resistance. Additionally, researchers are investigating whether targeted anti...
The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) has identified a core set of recommended healthcare quality measures for children, with the goal of improving the nation's child health care system. The measures focus on key areas such as duration of coverage, availability of services, and patient experiences.
The Cole Foundation has awarded over $700,000 in fellowships to researchers studying pediatric leukemia and lymphoma. The funding will support the work of 14 scientists at Université de Montréal and McGill University, with projects focused on understanding the disease's causes and developing new treatments.
A surgical procedure involving muscle transfer from the thigh appears to improve smile function and overall quality of life in children with facial paralysis. Thirteen children experienced statistically significant QOL improvement after the free gracilis transfer surgery.
Researchers found potential tools for controlling cytokine storm in children with juvenile arthritis and autoimmune diseases. The study identified two important molecules that control the severity of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life-threatening condition.
According to a new study, most African Americans and the general public support banning menthol in cigarettes, with 83% of African American smokers using these products. The study found that support for the ban was highest among African Americans under 24 years old (71.2%) and those with less than a high school diploma (64.7%).
A new case study found extremely high bisphenol A (BPA) levels in a pregnant woman and its potential link to her infant's neurobehavioral abnormalities. The study advises pregnant women to reduce their exposure to BPA by eating fresh fruit and vegetables, decreasing use of plastic food storage containers.
A large study found that allowing a period of observation for children with minor blunt head trauma reduces the use of head CT scans by half without compromising care. The study analyzed over 40,000 children and found that clinically important traumatic brain injury was equally uncommon in observed and non-observed groups.
Research at DDW 2011 highlights the need for improved screening and treatment of pediatric liver disease, as well as the benefits of smaller colonoscopies in young patients. Additionally, studies show that college athletes involved in high-intensity sports have a higher risk of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
A new program called Helping Babies Breathe is teaching basic techniques to resuscitate newborns immediately after birth, resulting in a 50% decrease in mortality rates. The program focuses on simple interventions like drying the baby, keeping them warm, and suctioning their mouth within 'The Golden Minute'.
A study found that young black males with male partners have twice the number of new HIV infections as other demographics, likely due to cultural beliefs about masculinity influencing condom use and HIV risk assessment. These cultural norms may lead to increased risk behavior with perceived 'masculine' partners.
A new study on adolescent wishes found that 85% had wishes for themselves, with boys wishing more for success and girls for happiness. Wealth was the most common theme, followed by material items.
A study found that early nutrition, specifically breast milk versus formula feeding, can impact a child's growth and metabolic profile. After four months, the protein content of infant formulas played a key role in inducing differences in blood insulin levels and growth patterns between groups.
A new study found that using two blood tests can dramatically reduce the risk of delayed diagnosis in overweight children. Researchers discovered that a combination of hemoglobin A1C and oral glucose tolerance tests could catch more high-risk patients, missing nearly 2/3 with just one test.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that even families with insurance face financial burdens that lead them to delay or forgo medical care. Excessive costs relative to family income and having a child with a limitation increase the likelihood of delayed care.
A recent study found that about 73% of injured children in the US were treated outside pediatric trauma centers, with many severe and life-threatening cases not receiving adequate care. The study's authors are calling for improvements in emergency medical services to ensure the best possible outcomes for young patients
A study found that 27% of children in Canada received surgeries after the established six-month target date. Delays can affect physical and cognitive development, particularly in cases like strabismus and scoliosis.
A study found that family factors continue to protect adolescents from smoking, with parental connectedness and monitoring being key protective measures. The levels of these protective factors decreased over time, but remained important in reducing the risk of smoking initiation, particularly among minority groups.
Parents with limited English proficiency have a longer hospital stay and fewer home health care referrals compared to those who speak fluent English. The study found that 39 out of 1,257 pediatric patients had LEP, resulting in median hospital stays of 6.1 days vs 4.0 days for proficient patients.
A study found that children's hospital mortality rates decreased over time in the absence of a Pediatric Medical Emergency Team. The researchers suggest other interventions may have confounded previous studies' results, highlighting the need for larger and better-designed PMET evaluations.
A new scale used to assess newborn behavior may help identify children who were exposed to methamphetamine prenatally and are at risk of developing problems later in life. The Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle (IDEAL) Study found that these children were hard to arouse but had difficulty calming down once awakened.
Russell Chesney, a pediatric nephrologist, has received the prestigious John Howland Medal for his significant contributions to pediatrics. He is also known for his research on amino acid taurine and its role in transport by renal epithelial cells.
A daily physical activity program that incorporated classroom lessons resulted in improved test scores for students at an elementary school. The percentage of students reaching their goal score increased from 55% to 68.5% after the program was initiated.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that improving living conditions, sanitation, and community organization can significantly reduce child malnutrition rates. In rural Guatemala, families who received non-agricultural land and housing experienced a decline in malnutrition rates, while those who remained in squatt...
New research shows that parents who are involved and communicate effectively with their children are less likely to have kids who bully others. Factors like parental anger and emotional problems in children increase the risk of bullying, while parent-child connection and mental health matter.
Research found that exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with increased blood pressure in boys, while girls showed lower blood pressures. The study suggests that preventing children's exposure to tobacco smoke is an important cardiovascular health measure.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many parents with smoking habits in cars have a hard time enforcing no-smoking rules. The result is that children are exposed to toxic chemicals, which may cause severe asthma attacks and respiratory infections.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that children under 6 years old often unbuckle themselves from car seats while in motion, tripling their injury risk. Parents frequently pull over and re-buckle their children, but this behavior highlights a need for safer restraint devices.
A Yale study found that young children often acquire motor skills to unbuckle before developing cognitive understanding of restraints, posing a safety hazard. The study also revealed that 43% of self-unbuckling children use a five-point restraint, and parents often respond with immediate action when their child unbuckles while in motion.
Research suggests that obese pregnant women have impaired immune function, leading to fewer cells and proteins that help fight infections. This could have serious consequences for both the mother and newborn.
Research suggests that screening very preterm infants for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 18 months of age is often inaccurate and can lead to false positives. In contrast, waiting until 30 months of age may provide a more accurate assessment. A study found that only 3% of infants who screened positive on all three screens at 30 mont...
A study of 367 mothers and infants found that prenatal exposure to BPA was associated with an increased risk of wheezing in childhood, particularly among the youngest group. High levels of BPA detected in women at 16 weeks' gestation were linked to wheeze in their offspring, but not after 3 years of age.
Research finds that 4.1% of children received an overdose amount, with the youngest ones most at risk. The study highlights the need for accurate narcotic prescribing and dispensing by pharmacies to prevent harm to infants and young children.
Cystic fibrosis patients who played video games that controlled their breath improved their ability to take deep breaths and increase breathing maneuvers. The study used spirometer games to encourage children to practice huffing techniques.
A study of 281 mother/newborn pairs found that maternal obesity is associated with impaired iron status in infants, which could affect brain development. The researchers are investigating why obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of poorer iron status at birth.
A recent study found that white adolescent females are less likely to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than their black counterparts, despite similar symptoms. This disparity raises concerns about the potential under-evaluation and under-treatment of white female adolescents with STI-like complaints.