Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A study of nearly 800,000 pediatric appendectomies found that delayed treatment led to a higher rate of perforation, abscess formation, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality rates. Children with comorbid diseases were more likely to experience delays in treatment.
Experts in pediatric palliative care will discuss current challenges, including building partnerships and improving funding to promote better quality of care. Recent growth in research initiatives is extending comprehensive care to more children with serious illness.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 30% of children hospitalized due to sledding suffered significant head injuries, and 10% had permanent disabilities. Researchers emphasize the need for public education campaigns promoting helmet use and awareness of potential dangers on sled courses.
Research reveals racial/ethnic disparities in car seatbelt use among pediatric patients. The study found that black, Hispanic, and Native American children were less likely to be restrained, leading to higher injury severity scores.
Pulse oximetry is a viable screening tool for detecting congenital heart disease in infants, with over 26% of births occurring in facilities without same-day echocardiography. The implementation of pulse oximetry is expanding rapidly, particularly after the US Department of Health and Human Services added it to core screening standards.
A recent study found that 11.8% of parents use the internet to gather medical information about their child's illness or injury within 24 hours of visiting an emergency department. This online research influences understanding and decision-making about doctor visits, with many parents valuing recommendations from doctors.
SUNY has received $4.3 million in NIH grants to support ROP research and participate in NeuroNEXT clinical trials. The grants aim to develop novel drug therapies to prevent blindness in preterm newborns and accelerate neurological disorder treatments.
The study found a significant increase in pediatric psychiatric visits to emergency departments, with the underinsured group experiencing the largest growth. The data show that publicly insured patients are forced to seek care in EDs due to limited outpatient mental health resources.
African-American and Hispanic children are less likely to receive cranial CT scans following minor head trauma compared to white children. Higher rates of CT scans may represent overuse and increased radiation exposure among white children in low-risk populations.
The consortium aims to reduce barriers in pediatric device development by creating a product development pathway with support from Georgia Tech and Emory University institutions. Initial focus will be on investigating three technologies: smartphone attachment for at-home ear examinations, renal dialysis device, and gel for delayed skul...
Pediatric researchers found that higher SNAP benefits were associated with a 15% increase in young children being classified as 'well children'. The benefits protected against major health impacts and supported healthy development. The study highlights the importance of adequate nutrition for early childhood development.
A new study found that children are heavily influenced by fast food advertisements and parental encouragement when making food choices. However, with consistent parental messages about healthy eating, the effects of advertising can be undone.
The Louisiana Tumor Registry will collaborate with state pediatric organizations and the pediatric oncology community to rapidly collect and report pediatric cancer cases. The new database will be a valuable tool for researchers and health professionals working to control cancer in children.
A new Stanford University study found that the overall quality of a pregnant woman's diet is linked to a lower risk of two types of serious birth defects. Women who ate better before and during pregnancy had fewer infants with brain and spinal cord malformations or orofacial clefts, such as cleft lip and palate.
Children's National study finds lovastatin improves verbal and nonverbal memory, visual attention, and efficiency in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. The Phase I study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for treating cognitive deficits in NF1 patients.
A study found that pediatricians in Appalachia are less likely to encourage parents to get the HPV vaccine for their children, citing a lack of information and cultural concerns. This is alarming as HPV infection is a major risk factor for cervical cancer, which disproportionately affects Appalachian women.
Bella Rodriguez-Torres, an 8-year-old cancer survivor, has been selected as the 2011 Survivor Circle Award winner. She was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma at age 4 and made a remarkable recovery, inspiring others with her positive attitude and determination.
A new study published in Academic Pediatrics reports that adolescents are at heightened risk of alcohol use onset due to their position in the social network. The study found that closer proximity to more popular individuals and larger social networks increase the likelihood of drinking initiation.
A study found that treatment approaches for pediatric psoriasis differ by physician specialty and patient age, with topical medications being the primary treatment for mild cases. The researchers highlight the need for standardized guidelines to address the condition in children.
A new study found that prescription drugs accounted for 55% of ED visits and 76% of hospital admissions, with opioid-containing pain medications being the biggest contributor. The authors attribute the increase in exposure to a greater availability and access to medications in children's homes.
Researchers used a 'super-res' microscope to study the immune system and found that granules from natural killer cells pass through openings in dynamic cell structures to destroy tumor cells and infected cells. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments for inherited diseases that impair the immune system.
Researchers aim to clarify the role of alpha-synuclein in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease causing muscle weakness and degeneration. A better understanding of SNCA's role may lead to new therapies for SMA, potentially identifying useful disease markers and advancing neuromuscular disease research.
A new study published in Pediatric Neurology reveals that tics are a common disorder affecting approximately 16.86% of schoolchildren in Spain, with boys being more frequently affected than girls. The study found that while severe tics were previously thought to be rare, most cases are actually mild and have no functional impact.
Hasbro Children's Hospital is part of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN), a federally funded network focused on preventing and managing acute illnesses in children. The hospital will collaborate with other pediatric emergency departments to advance research in head trauma, bronchiolitis, and other areas.
Researchers found that stage 3 comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention programs can lead to successful outcomes and cost savings. The investment in services is recovered in 6.5 years for privately insured patients and 3.5 years for Medicaid-insured patients.
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.