Articles tagged with Pediatrics
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.
A study of 277 minority children found that experiencing racism in daily life is associated with symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. The research suggests that discrimination has significant mental health consequences for these children, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address racial disparities.
A new study has uncovered two more genes associated with autism, furthering evidence of the disorder's genetic foundation. The research also suggests that environmental factors may play a role in the development of autism in susceptible individuals.
A large-scale study found an association between sleep disturbances and challenging daytime behaviors in children with autism. Children who experienced parasomnias had more behavior problems overall.
Research found that 5% of low-income caregivers reported making trade-offs to pay for medical care, often at the expense of basic necessities like food and utilities. Children in these families were at increased risk of poor health, hospitalization, and developmental delays.
About 2.8 million children live with relatives, experiencing health problems like special needs, ADHD, depression, and dental issues, according to a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A new study by Autism Speaks' Autism Treatment Network found that GI symptoms occur in nearly half of children with ASD, with prevalence increasing as children get older. Children with GI issues also experience more sleep problems, behavior problems, and a lower health-related quality of life.
Researchers found that giving breastfeeding mothers DHA supplements increased DHA levels in their breast milk by almost 12 times, providing a boost to premature infants' brain development. This effective way of providing DHA supports optimal growth and neurodevelopment for preterm babies.
New research suggests that areas with more primary care providers have lower rates of ear and throat surgeries in children. The study also found that the availability of surgeons increases the likelihood of children undergoing these procedures.
A randomized, controlled study found that probiotics supplemented in enteral feedings of extremely low birthweight infants (ELBW) led to better weight gain compared to those without supplementation. No adverse effects were reported.
A study of 561 children found that exposure to violent crime was associated with more severe asthma, even after adjusting for caregiver stress and socioeconomic status. The findings suggest that health care professionals should consider a child's social environment when treating asthma.
A new study reveals that depression is common among disadvantaged mothers beyond the postpartum period. Brief on-site treatment has been shown to improve depression symptoms and maternal perceptions of their child's behavior.
Vitamin D supplementation may prevent preterm labor and infections in pregnant women, with the highest dose of 4,000 IU per day showing significant benefits. Researchers recommend all pregnant women take 4,000 IU vitamin D daily for optimal maternal and infant health.
A recent study found that 92% of Medicaid renewal applications were written at or above the fifth-grade reading level, contributing to gaps in insurance coverage for children. Simplifying these applications may help improve child Medicaid retention and access to better medical care.
Researchers found a strong association between display of sexual references on Facebook and self-reported intention to initiate sexual intercourse. The study suggests that social networking sites can provide clues for when parents should talk to their children about sex.
Researchers developed an 'asthma medical home' to address patient symptoms and environment, leading to a 63% decrease in emergency department visits and 62% reduction in inpatient hospitalization rates. This comprehensive approach empowers families to manage asthma symptoms, improving health outcomes.
Researchers at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics are developing a genetic test to predict hyperbilirubinemia, which causes 85% of hospital readmissions in newborns. The test also identifies genetic markers that determine the effectiveness of steroid therapy for asthma patients.
Researchers present novel approaches to identify and treat congenital cardiovascular defects, which can lead to heart failure. Studies focus on molecular mechanisms and imaging techniques to diagnose and follow patients.
Richard Goldstein, a professor at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded an Individual Biomedical Research Award for his project on developing a vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The proposed vaccine targets highly conserved surface proteins across all pneumococcal strains.
Research finds that ozone and primary pollutants from traffic increase pediatric emergency department visits for asthma exacerbations. Low ozone concentrations as low as 30 ppb also show a dose-response relationship with increased hospitalizations.
By adjusting the radiation dose based on a child's weight, researchers were able to significantly lower the radiation dose associated with pediatric chest CT scans. The study found that radiation doses could be reduced by up to 73% for children weighing less than 33 pounds.
A study of 10,514 children found that 6.6% were infected with the fungus Trichophyton tonsurans, which can lead to permanent hair loss and worsen asthma and allergic rhinitis. Infection rates varied by age and race, with African American kids at highest risk.
Researchers found that only a small percentage of children with abnormal urine dipstick results actually developed chronic kidney disease. The high cost of the test, estimated at $3.47 per patient, made it an ineffective screening method. The study validated American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to discontinue routine screening.
Research finds disabled children in the UK face higher levels of poverty and personal and social disadvantage compared to their non-disabled peers. The study, published in BMC Pediatrics, found that households with disabled children are more likely to rely on social security benefits and experience additional financial costs.
The March 2010 issue of Clinics in Perinatology focuses on Quality Improvement (QI) methodology and its application in neonatal and perinatal practice. QI leaders share their expertise on various topics, including QI methodologies, human factors, and quality-assurance procedures.
Research finds that crowded and unstable housing, food insecurity, and energy insecurity negatively impact the growth, health, and development of infants and toddlers from low-income families. The study, published in Pediatrics, highlights remediable conditions influencing young children's well-being.
Childhood glaucoma is a rare condition often associated with significant visual loss. A study found an incidence of 2.29 per 100,000 residents younger than 20 years, with acquired glaucoma being the most common type.
A new study found that stress can aggravate the impact of prior streptococcal infection on symptoms of Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The researchers identified a link between psychosocial stress and worsening tic and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity in children with Tourette syndrome and OCD.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System shows that 20% of Americans born between 1966-1985 were obese by age 20-29, a significant increase from previous generations. This trend is expected to worsen racial disparities in health, with black Americans already experiencing a higher burden of obesity-related diseases.
Dr. Sean McLean, an assistant professor of pediatric surgery at UNC, has been awarded a four-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to study pulmonary hypertension using a mouse model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The award aims to increase faculty diversity in academic medicine.
Researchers found that 16% of 6-month-olds were obese, highlighting the need for early detection and prevention strategies. Exclusive breastfeeding and adequate fiber intake can help prevent obesity in infants.
Children removed from orphanages and placed in foster care experience gains in growth and intelligence, catching up with non-institutionalized peers on many measures. Caregiving environments play a significant role in this catch-up growth, with sensitivity and positive regard being key predictors.
A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that the current ALT threshold value for detecting liver disease in children is unknown, leading to incorrect interpretations. Researchers developed sex-specific thresholds using data from the National Health and Examination Survey, which improved detection rates by 70-80%.
A recent report highlights significant disparities in healthcare for minority children in the US, including higher mortality rates, more prevalent diseases like HIV/AIDS and asthma, and limited access to quality care. The study calls for improved data collection methods and increased funding to address these inequities.
A study of UK schoolchildren found that Black Africans, Indians, and Bangladeshis have a similar or lower prevalence of asthma than White children. A family history of asthma and psychological well-being were consistent correlates for asthma regardless of ethnicity.
A new model of the human body is being developed to improve radiation treatment accuracy for cancer patients, especially children. The research found that children have a greater percentage of total mineral bone in direct contact with sensitive bone marrow than do adults, leading to higher radiation doses and increased cancer risk.
A novel 'medical home' program at UCLA significantly reduced emergency room visits among participating families, with a 55% decrease in ER visits. The program's effectiveness was attributed to continuous, accessible outpatient care and coordinated care coordination.
The Bench to Bassinet Program aims to translate scientific discoveries into usable treatments for congenital heart disease. Researchers will study genetic data and heart development to provide a comprehensive picture of healthy and abnormal hearts, ultimately informing clinical practice.
A new study published in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine found that children with chronic illnesses are more likely to develop severe H1N1 infections. With careful management, pediatric ICUs can meet increased demands during a pandemic. Researchers also modeled PICU surge capacity and found it should be adequate with adaptable planning.
New studies reveal a 140% increase in ATV-related spine injuries among US children between 1997 and 2006. Additionally, multi-rider ATVs are associated with higher incidence of open fractures and primary limb amputations compared to single-rider vehicles.
A national study suggests that pediatric residents and all physicians need individualized learning plans to keep pace with emerging health-care advances. The study found that tracking progress toward achieving learning goals is crucial, and faculty mentors can help residents develop effective plans.
A study found a region of chromosome 5 associated with eosinophilic esophagitis, a severe and painful type of food allergy that can cause weight loss, vomiting, and swallowing difficulties. The likely culprit is the gene TSLP, which has higher activity levels in children with EoE compared to healthy subjects.
Jennifer C. Hirsch, M.D., M.S., receives the Nina Starr Braunwald award for her work developing an assessment tool for infants' sensory and motor skills following congenital heart defects surgery. The award supports research and education for women in cardiac surgery.
A study by pediatric researchers found that children can experience recurrent strokes, with 13% of patients experiencing a recurrence within a month of their first stroke. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent further recurrences and promote recovery.