Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A new study found substantial inconsistencies in how hospitals report catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). The analysis revealed that more aggressive surveillance efforts can actually lead to higher CA-BSI rates, complicating comparison of infection rates between hospitals.
Researchers found that traditional programs may not be effective for all teens, but targeted approaches may help curb aggression. Factors such as poverty, academic troubles, and depression can increase the risk of fighting among certain groups.
Researchers found that medical students who attended workshops on contextual clues during patient examinations showed significant improvement in treating patients with unique contexts. The study suggests that individualized care is something that can be taught and should be part of medical training.
Researchers developed a mathematical framework to optimize vaccine stockpile levels, balancing objectives such as minimizing shortages, maintaining coverage, and reducing costs. The model demonstrates that one-size-fits-all approach may not work, and optimal stockpiles depend on disease importance and initial conditions.
Research suggests that the current six-month rotating vaccine stockpile policy may not be optimal for achieving herd immunity. A new stochastic model proposes flexible policies to minimize vaccine shortage risks while maintaining coverage rates. The study's findings highlight the need for differentiated stockpile levels based on diseas...
The Endocrine Society recommends that every newborn be screened for CAH, and positive results be followed up with confirmatory tests. The guideline also outlines treatment recommendations, including minimizing glucocorticoid dosage and considering patients' quality of life.
A survey of Connecticut primary care physicians found that only 2.1% diagnose and treat patients with chronic Lyme disease, contradicting claims by 'Lyme literate' groups. The study's findings suggest that chronic Lyme disease may not be as common as previously thought.
Dr. Sothern provides three opportunities for change to prevent the obesity epidemic: intensive nutrition and physical activity counseling, free play opportunities, and high-quality weight-management programs. These interventions aim to protect future generations from health consequences by programming their metabolism at a young age.
A new multi-center study of 854 children with Crohn's disease found a significantly lower 5-year cumulative risk of bowel surgery compared to previous reports. The study also showed an increased risk of surgery for children diagnosed between ages 13 and 16, but no link to early immunomodulator therapy.
A new study from Hasbro Children's Hospital reports a significant increase in sports-related concussions among young athletes, particularly in high school-aged athletes and those under 13 years old. The study highlights the need for further research and injury prevention strategies to address the rising trend.
A Temple University study reevaluates data from a widely publicized 2006 study on the effects of sexualized media on teens, finding no link between the two. The researcher controlled for other factors, such as school performance and parental relationships, to rule out potential correlations.
A new study finds that obesity rates have declined or stabilized among some adolescent groups, while increasing among others. The disparities in obesity trends by race and ethnicity highlight the need for tailored intervention programs and policies.
Most pediatricians and family physicians administer the HPV vaccine, but fewer strongly encourage it for preteens. The study found that many physicians are not using effective strategies to ensure patients complete the full vaccination series.
A new recurrent translocation between chromosomes 8 and 22 has been found to cause a range of genetic diseases. The disorder, characterized by mild mental retardation and developmental delays, is thought to arise from palindromic sequences in the DNA that are prone to breakage and rearrangement.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgery for less complicated congenital heart defects in school-aged children does not affect their cognitive abilities. Researchers compared the outcomes of 35 children who underwent open-heart surgery with non-cardiac surgical patients and non-surgical...
A study published in Nature found that high doses of corticosteroids given repeatedly over several weeks may help individuals with lupus by killing off the cells producing interferon alpha. This approach is more effective than standard treatment, which can lead to long-term side effects.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics highlights the under-recognized problem of pharmaceutical abuse in children, with nearly 14% resulting in moderate to major consequences. The malicious use of sedatives and other medications has been linked to death and serious outcomes.
The new WUIDDRC aims to prevent and treat developmental disabilities in children through clinical and translational research, while also providing resources and services to families and the community. The center will focus on cerebral connectivity, genetics, and environmental influences, and collaborate with other IDDRCs in the Midwest.
A study by the University of North Carolina Health Care found that simple interventions, including a color-coded BMI chart and a questionnaire, can change parents' perspectives on their child's weight and behavior. The study showed improved dietary behaviors and reduced screen time in overweight children.
A Johns Hopkins review of nearly 150 randomized controlled trials on children found that 40-60% of the studies failed to minimize risk for bias or properly describe those measures. The study urges pediatricians to critically read studies, asking how researchers reached conclusions and whether analysis was unbiased.
A study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that a five-minute advice session at the nine-month well baby checkup can lead to a dramatic drop in babies still using bottles at age two. Most stop using the bottle by their first birthday, compared to 16 months for those who received no instruction.
The award aims to support Dr. Brown's research on radiation damage and its effects on the immune system. Childhood cancer survivors often suffer long-term health consequences due to radiation therapy, which can cause organ damage and increase the risk of secondary cancers.
A common problem in newborns, tongue ties can hinder breastfeeding and lead to feeding problems. Researchers recommend a simple procedure called frenotomy to correct the issue, which can improve breastfeeding outcomes.
A new study found that a simple 2-question survey can effectively identify families with hungry children, allowing for early interventions and preventing serious health consequences. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 families nationwide and found that only two questions could accurately identify most families affected by hunger.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that family-centered rounds improve patient-family involvement in care and provide senior physicians with opportunities to train medical trainees. Benefits include increased parental understanding of discharge goals and improved team communication.
A new synthetic molecule targeting non-nuclear estrogen receptors may activate cardiovascular benefits of estrogen without increasing cancer risk. The study suggests this approach could be beneficial for women, particularly those with high cholesterol and diseased arteries.
Researchers at OHSU School of Dentistry use ATP-driven bioluminescence to assess children's oral bacteria and plaque, linking it to caries risk. The study finds a strong statistical association between ATP measurements and bacterial numbers in saliva and plaque specimens.
A Nationwide Children's Hospital study shows that one-third of sickle cell disease patients receiving narcotics were not prescribed laxatives, highlighting the need for increased attention to constipation prophylaxis. The study found that older children and patients with medical admissions were more likely to receive laxatives.
A study by University of South Florida and Johns Hopkins University found that pediatricians should not hesitate to discuss a child's weight with parents. Pediatricians can help identify overweight preschoolers and prevent serious health problems like Type II diabetes and heart disease.
A large study found 68 abnormal brain findings in 953 children, with only six requiring urgent follow-ups. These findings highlight the need for pediatricians to prepare for discussions about incidental discoveries, which can lead to unnecessary tests and fear.
A new study led by Dr. Zena Quezado found that propofol has a low occurrence of adverse events and no long-term complications when used to sedate children for imaging studies. However, the risk increases with anesthesia duration and in children with systemic disease or airway abnormalities.
A new experimental drug targeting the Hedgehog pathway has shown early signs of efficacy in pediatric brain tumor patients, with some still on treatment a year after diagnosis. The study's findings have given the green light for larger Phase II studies to advance targeted therapies against medulloblastomas.
Researchers evaluated two pediatric SDB questionnaires in children undergoing orthodontic treatment, finding that 20% of subjects reported snoring and suggesting that family dentists may use simple questionnaires to identify preliminary risks of sleep-disordered breathing. Craniofacial abnormalities are a common cause of SDB in children.
A new study found that pediatric patients are at high risk for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD), with 18% of children in the study at-risk. The study did not find any associations between demographic or craniofacial characteristics and SRBD risk, making detection difficult.
A new Stanford/Packard study finds that chronically ill children with private insurance are less likely to be admitted to specialized pediatric care centers than those with public insurance. The study highlights a significant disparity in healthcare access across California, with certain regions offering more comprehensive services.
Researchers at the University of Michigan's Congenital Heart Center led a groundbreaking trial on shunts used to direct blood flow to the lungs, improving outcomes for kids born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The study found that one type of shunt was more effective over the first year, but its long-term impact is still uncertain.
A study of 549 newborns found that infants who underwent a newer surgical procedure were more likely to survive their first year without needing a heart transplant. After the first year, both procedures yielded similar results.
A new surgical procedure has been shown to improve survival rates in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a severe form of congenital heart disease. Researchers compared two techniques used in the initial stage of surgery and found that the newer technique, RVPA shunt, resulted in higher survival rates at 12 months.
A new national study found that more than 63,000 pediatric mobility aid-related injuries were treated in US emergency departments from 1991-2008. The majority of these injuries occurred at home and varied by the type of mobility aid used.
A new study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in family-centered care for children with special health care needs. African American and Latino children are less likely to receive adequate time with their provider and culturally sensitive care compared to white children.
A new study from UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program found significant improvements in surgical outcomes for pediatric epilepsy patients over the past two decades. The researchers attribute the success to advancements in diagnostic technology and experience in selection and operations.
A study published in PLoS Pathogens reveals that Listeria exploits transiently exposed molecules on intestinal cells to gain access. The pathogen uses a two-step mechanism involving internalin A and internalin B, which activate cell-surface molecules, allowing it to evade the body's defenses.
A study published in Pediatrics found that almost one-quarter of young adults in Montreal used waterpipes within the past year. The research team also discovered that waterpipe users were more likely to use other psychoactive substances.
A study found that older children hospitalized with pandemic H1N1 influenza had more severe medical conditions than those with seasonal influenza. Vaccination is crucial for this age group and those with pre-existing conditions to prevent hospitalization.
A study of 723 adolescents found that shorter sleep duration was related to higher BMI, with stronger associations in boys and middle school students. The research suggests that inadequate sleep may be a risk factor for childhood obesity.
A study shows that public fear of disease can lead to overcrowding in emergency departments, even when the actual disease is not present. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls for responsible media coverage of public health emergencies to prevent unnecessary strain on medical facilities.
Researchers found significant differences in hemoglobin A1c response to blood glucose between African-American and Caucasian children with diabetes. The study suggests that doctors may be misinformed about blood glucose levels in African-American patients, leading to life-threatening hypoglycemia and increased complications.
Adolescents exposed to prenatal smoking are at a higher risk for use of all psychiatric drugs, especially those treating depression, ADHD, and addiction. Smoking exposure during pregnancy may interfere with brain development, leading to increased need for psychotropic medications in childhood and young adulthood.
A new study reviewing over 74,000 births found that a key measure of body fat composition in newborns increased significantly alongside pregnant mothers' body mass index from 1990 to 2005. Health care providers are advised to pay closer attention to pregnant women's BMI before pregnancy and weight gain during pregnancy.
Researchers found that parents who improve communication with their children and are involved in their daily lives are less likely to have bullies. Conversely, factors such as emotional problems, behavioral issues, and mothers' mental health increase the likelihood of child bullying.
A national study suggests that the standard heel-stick test is not effective at identifying cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns, with only 17 out of 60 infected children identified. The test's limited value has major public health implications, as congenital CMV infection is a leading cause of hearing loss in children.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that young veterans are at high risk for suicide and violent deaths at home, with 70% of cases being suicides. Mental illness, intimate partner problems, and job issues were common underlying causes.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found a significant correlation between implementing a computerized physician order entry system and a 20% decrease in hospital-wide mortality rates. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that CPOE can be a lifesaving tool by improving efficiency and guiding clinical decisions.
A study of 387 youths found that impulsivity and sensation-seeking were key factors in adolescent risk-taking behavior. Working memory was not the sole culprit for risky behavior, with some youths exhibiting more sensation-seeking behavior when their working memory was strong.
A recent study found that young assault victims are often involved in subsequent violent encounters after being treated in an emergency department. The study revealed that nearly half of the adolescents reported considering retaliation or carrying a weapon within weeks of discharge.
A study of 2,500 patient records found that medical staff fails to check a child's blood pressure nearly half the time and often misses elevated readings. The consequences are missed development of hypertension and its serious consequences.
A comprehensive study found that every additional hour of TV exposure among toddlers corresponded to a future decrease in classroom engagement and success at math. High levels of TV consumption during early childhood can lead to future unhealthy habits, including increased victimization by classmates and higher body mass index.
A study found that 21% of children with autism use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their treatment plan. CAM use was higher among children with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, particularly those following special diets such as gluten-free or casein-free diets.
A recent study by Autism Speaks' Autism Treatment Network reveals that 27% of children with ASD are prescribed at least one psychotropic medication, with stimulants being the most common. Medication use is more prevalent among older children, with 60% of those aged 11 and above taking at least one medication.
A study of 17,000 children and adolescents found that fasting levels did not significantly impact total cholesterol, HDL, or LDL levels. The findings suggest it may be acceptable to test children immediately during their clinical visit, potentially reducing the burden of screening.