Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A study found that 24% of low-income mothers add cereal to bottles, increasing their children's risk of obesity. Mothers with depressive symptoms are more likely to engage in unhealthy feeding practices.
A study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found that nearly one-third of parents have low reading skills and 83% have poor numeracy skills. Parents who scored below the third grade level on a math test were five times more likely to make dosing errors.
A computerized system helped identify adolescents in need of Chlamydia and N. gonorrhea testing in a pediatric emergency department, nearly doubling testing rates. Patients found the electronic survey quick and easy to use, with high satisfaction rates.
A study of low-income mothers with infants found a connection between food insecurity and restrictive feeding practices, which can disrupt hunger regulation and lead to obesity. Mothers experiencing food insecurity were more concerned about their child becoming overweight than those who weren't struggling with food access.
A study published at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found that family presence did not hinder trauma teams' ability to treat injured children. The research evaluated the effect of family presence on the trauma teams' ability to identify and treat injuries during the initial phase of care.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found racial differences in the care of children in emergency departments. Black children are less likely to receive pain medication for severe abdominal pain compared to white patients. This disparity has significant implications for equal access to high-quality healthcare.
A study found a large discrepancy between global disease burden in children and the amount of clinical trial research devoted to this population. Only 12% of clinical drug trials are pediatric trials, despite children bearing nearly 60% of the disease burden for high-priority conditions.
A study found that CT exams increased among pediatric patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain in emergency departments from 1999 to 2007, while ultrasound use remained stable. This trend is concerning due to the potential risks of radiation exposure on children.
A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found little vertical transmission of MRSA from mother to child, but babies closely matched their mother's carrier status within six weeks after birth. The study suggests that close contact may lead to horizontal transmission of the bacteria.
A study of preschoolers reveals parents of both healthy-weight and overweight children are aware of dietary risk factors but undervalue physical activity. The researchers emphasize the need for pediatricians to provide tailored guidance on how to apply this knowledge in daily practice.
A study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine reveals that 82% of PICU bed-time is used for value-added purposes, while 75% of full PICUs have at least one non-value-added bed. The research provides an understanding of opportunities for improvement to optimize patient flow and resource utilization.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute created an automated system called CHICA to streamline pediatric care. CHICA uses risk factor data to alert physicians to potential issues, allowing them to focus on individual children's needs.
The American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) annual meeting featured new research on pediatric ear, nose & throat health. The Presidential Keynote Lecture focused on personalized medicine, highlighting the importance of variation in practice and unwarranted interference. Innovative treatments for laryngotracheal stenosis (LT...
A new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with cerebral palsy experienced the highest blood loss during corrective spine surgery, while those with idiopathic scoliosis had the least. The study analyzed 617 cases of children aged 10-18 and revealed a link between underlying conditions and blood loss.
R. Rodney Howell, a prominent pediatrician and geneticist, has been honored with the 2012 American College of Medical Genetics Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in newborn screening and genetic research. He is recognized for his leadership role in developing and advancing the program.
A new study found that nearly half of U.S. preschoolers do not have a single parent-supervised outdoor play opportunity per day. Parents are the greatest influence on children's behavior, and research highlights the importance of promoting active healthy living through outdoor play.
Researchers found that moderately regulated calorie intake during infancy reduced the likelihood of becoming obese, contrary to previous studies. Early dietary interventions may have long-lasting effects into childhood and adult life.
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.