Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A Johns Hopkins study found that giving children preventive antibiotics within one hour of spinal surgery significantly reduces the risk of serious infections. The study, published in Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, suggests that timely prophylaxis is crucial in preventing complications and reducing hospital stays.
A worksite-based program called Talking Parents, Healthy Teens teaches parents how to get past their inhibitions and fears when discussing sensitive topics. The program has significant and immediate effects on parents' behavior, leading to more conversations about sexual topics with their children.
A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that 40% of pediatricians wouldn't reduce medication doses even if a child is well-controlled. The researchers suggest that pediatricians might benefit from a step-by-step tool to apply treatment guidelines and use different disease dimensions in their practice.
A new training program has been shown to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in school-aged children. The program, developed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, focused on implementing standardized evidence-based guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that compact, bedside brain-activity monitors, called amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) monitors, can detect most seizures in at-risk infants. The monitors are more portable and affordable than conventional EEG devices, but may require training to interpret.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discovered a genetic variant linked to all types of childhood arthritis, which may be a key factor in the development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The study suggests that targeting this gene could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers have created therapeutic toys to help children with cerebral palsy through play, incorporating hand-controlled games and data logging capabilities. The study aims to improve function and strengthen muscles in affected limbs.
A report by Iowa State University researcher Richard Spoth assesses the effectiveness of underage drinking prevention programs, identifying 12 interventions as 'most promising' in reducing alcohol use among youths. The review also highlights advances in preventive interventions and calls for further research to better understand progra...
The summit concludes that eating a higher protein diet within the recommended range can have health benefits, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. High-quality protein sources like dairy products are particularly beneficial.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher found that children in non-English-speaking households are more likely to be poor, overweight, and uninsured. They also experience barriers to healthcare access due to language gaps between caregivers and providers.
A recent survey of pediatric hospitals reveals a lack of universally applied standards for administering radiopharmaceutical doses to children. Experts recommend establishing guidelines that balance high-quality image resolution with low radiation exposure, taking into account each child's unique profile.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that 80% of pediatric patients with low bone density had vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to low bone mass and worsen underlying metabolic bone disease if left untreated, according to the study's lead author.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, along with medical societies, warns that children should be at least 12 years old to operate lawn mowers and wear protective gear. Serious injuries from lawn mower accidents can lead to devastating consequences, including reconstructive surgeries.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital developed a computerized behavioral screening system called Health eTouch, which found that adolescents who received immediate results were more likely to be identified as having problems by their pediatrician, with 68% vs. 52% for delayed results
A large study of health records from 38 American children’s hospitals has measured adverse events that increase length of stay and overall cost. The researchers found that infections, respiratory failure following surgery, and postoperative sepsis are the most frequent adverse events.
According to a study published in JAMA, the prevalence of obese children and teens in the US did not increase significantly between 1999-2006. The authors found that high BMI rates varied by age and racial/ethnic group, with certain groups having higher rates than others.
A new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center warns that temporary separations from one or both parents before kindergarten can predict disadvantages in the classroom. Children who experience separation scored significantly worse on measures of learning and pre-literacy skills, but fared better on expressive language and ...
A study of 76 children and adolescents found that obesity negatively impacts vascular endothelial function, a key indicator of cardiac health. The findings suggest that early signs of cardiovascular disease may begin in childhood, highlighting the need for intervention.
The study found that long-term etanercept therapy resulted in significant improvement in joint symptoms, functional ability, and pain reduction for children with JRA. The treatment demonstrated safety comparable to other rheumatic disorders, offering hope for a better quality of life as adults.
A community-wide study found that nearly 28% of pediatric emergency department visits could have been replaced with telemedicine, freeing up resources and reducing costs. Telemedicine also offers personalized care and cost savings for insurers, who may realize $14 per child per year in savings.
A new study has identified several unexpected barriers to children's physical activity at child care centers, including flip flops, mulch, and parental concerns about weather conditions. The study found that these barriers prevent many children from engaging in essential gross motor skills development.
Children who experience sudden parental death are three times more likely to develop depression, and both children and their caregivers are at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. The study highlights the importance of preventive measures and monitoring for mental health issues in families affected by sudden loss.
Researchers from Hasbro Children's Hospital presented studies on differences in presentation and management of pediatric facial lacerations based on insurance status, the effect of bedside ultrasonography on managing cellulitis without obvious abscess, and maternal feeding practices and their impact on child obesity. The findings highl...
Infants in low socio-economic households exposed to TV have limited verbal interactions with their mothers, a new study found. Educational programming can increase interactions when co-viewed by both mother and infant.
A recent study found that US mothers are less likely to vaccinate their youngest daughters against human papillomavirus virus (HPV), even though the vaccine is recommended for girls aged 11 and 12. The researchers identified key factors associated with intention to vaccinate, including beliefs about HPV vaccination and perceived benefits.
A study found that children's blood lead concentrations at age 6 are associated with reduced IQ and gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex, highlighting a critical period of vulnerability. Research suggests that even lower levels of lead exposure can result in measurable deficits in cognitive development and behavioral problems.
Two studies by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children whose parents lose or change jobs are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs and have interrupted insurance coverage. This can lead to poor health outcomes, including unfilled prescriptions and a lack of regular healthcare access.
A new study found that interior renovation of older housing is associated with a modest increase in children's blood lead levels and long-term health risks. To reduce the risk, parents can take precautions such as wearing personal protective devices and hiring contractors with lead safety training.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals that uninsured children in middle-class families are just as likely to go without health care as those in poorer families. Nearly 3 million children had no medical care and no prescription use for a full year, according to an analysis of nationally representative data.
Researchers found that 10.1% of US children use cough and cold medications in a given week, with decongestants and antihistamines being the most commonly used active ingredients.
A recent study analyzing data from 443 patients who received implants found that ICDs are life-saving, but also deliver more inappropriate shocks to children than adults. Inappropriate shocks can be unpleasant and may be caused by difficulties in differentiating normal increases in heart rate from abnormal rhythms.
A UC Davis study found that critically ill children transferred from smaller hospitals are sicker and require more hospitalization days, mechanical ventilation, and medication. The study recommends better coordination with regional medical centers and greater use of telemedicine services.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that pediatric patients are affected by complicated idiopathic gallstone disease at a higher rate than previously thought. In the study, 58% of patients presented with complicated disease, with adolescent girls being particularly affected.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School, led by Shan Lu and Katherine Ruiz De Luzuriaga, have received a $1 million grant to develop a pediatric HIV vaccine. The team will study regulatory T cells in infants, breast milk antibodies, and the impact of feeding on infant susceptibility to HIV infection.
Research shows that preterm babies can recover from pain faster when given kangaroo mother care, reducing facial expressions of pain and recovery time. This approach could also have benefits for mothers whose parental role diminishes while their baby is in intensive care.
A new study suggests that exceeding recommended physical activity levels and limiting screen time may increase a child's risk of becoming overweight. Caregivers can reduce this risk by encouraging physical activity and limiting screen time.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded contracts to develop new mechanical circulatory support devices for children with congenital heart defects. These devices are designed to decrease wait list mortality and improve efficiency of organ utilization in pediatric patients.
A study using MRI scans found that prenatal exposure to these substances can reduce cortical gray matter and total brain volumes. The effects were additive, with more substances leading to greater reductions in brain volume. Health care providers should offer comprehensive care to pregnant women to help reduce psychoactive substance use.
A recent study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that children with congenital heart disease are at a higher risk of inattention and hyperactivity. The research, which involved 109 children aged five to 10, showed that nearly half of them required remedial services in school.
A University of Minnesota study found that teenagers with a TV in their bedroom are less likely to engage in healthy activities like exercising and eating fruits or vegetables. They also consume more sweetened beverages and fast food, leading to lower grades and reduced family connectedness.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that early child neglect is associated with higher levels of aggressive behavior between ages 4 and 8. The study, which monitored over 1,300 children from birth to age 8, highlights the importance of addressing childhood neglect.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is leading the development of external and implantable heart pumps designed specifically for small children with heart failure. The hospital has received a $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to complete the development of an external centrifugal pump, known as PediVAS, which will...
The study found nearly 40,000 older adults injured on escalators between 1991 and 2005, with most frequent cause being slips, trips, or falls. Most injuries were not serious, but caution is advised for those with mobility or balance problems when using escalators.
The University of Iowa has received a five-year, $2.1 million NIH grant to continue its mentorship project for junior faculty members in pediatrics. The program trains clinicians to study the underlying mechanisms of conditions such as prematurity and heritable disorders.
Researchers at Emory and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are partnering with UCLA and Stanford hospitals to develop new ways to make kidney transplants more tolerable for children. The goal is to create a simple blood or urine test to inform doctors whether kidney rejection is 'revving up,' possibly avoiding painful biopsies.
Pediatric foot and ankle burns are a common risk in the southeastern United States due to warm weather activities. According to UF researchers, most injuries occur when children walk on hot ashes, coals, and embers without proper footwear or parental supervision.
Researchers found that daily breakfast eaters consumed a healthier diet and were more physically active, leading to less weight gain and lower body mass index levels. Eating a healthy breakfast may help adolescents avoid overeating later in the day and disrupt unhealthy eating patterns.
Children examined by the same doctor are more likely to receive proper preventive health screenings, including lead poisoning, anemia, and tuberculosis. Researchers found that continuity of care is crucial for vulnerable pediatric patients.
Researchers at Indiana University found that treatment with oral or swallowed/sprayed steroids results in significant patient improvement, but relapse is common if discontinued. The study suggests that long-term results are similar between groups, offering hope for effective therapy.
The study found a 50% decline in cystic fibrosis births and a decrease in severe gene mutations, suggesting that prenatal carrier screening may be reducing the number of affected births. The authors attribute the decline to the gradual implementation of preconception and prenatal screening for CF.
Researchers have discovered that chewing gum stimulates smooth muscle fibers and salivary gland secretion, aiding in bowel movement recovery after surgery. The study involved 102 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, with those who chewed gum experiencing faster recovery times.
The Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute has awarded Rush University Medical Center a grant to support a first-of-its-kind childhood obesity project. The 18-month pilot program aims to prevent childhood obesity by combining biomedical and psychosocial approaches, involving families and healthcare professionals.
A recent survey of 202 neonatologists and pediatricians found that the US healthcare system does not place enough emphasis on or dedicate sufficient resources to preventive healthcare for preterm infants. The survey also revealed key differences in care practices among doctors with varying levels of experience.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine links Spanish-language TV ads to high rates of Latino children's obesity. Pediatricians advise restricting TV viewing to two hours a day and promoting healthy diets.
The $1 million grant will be used to review current literature and identify new areas of research to reduce prematurity and stillbirths globally. The study aims to develop an internationally focused research program to understand the causes of premature births and prevent them on a global level.
A panel discussion at the AAAS Town Hall Event features University of Pennsylvania School Medicine researchers exploring interactions between culture, social, and environmental factors influencing child and parent behaviors related to obesity. Nutrition experts also present on setting nutrition standards in schools.
A study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center reveals alarming delays and lapses in emergency care among first-responders during child cardiac arrests, highlighting the importance of rapid response and basic life-saving techniques.
A new study suggests that exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as mycoestrogens like zearalenone, may contribute to the early onset of puberty in young girls. The research found elevated levels of zearalenone in six out of 17 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP), a condition characterized by premature sexual development.
A nationwide survey of children's health shows significant disparities in healthcare for minority kids, including unequal access to medical services, higher rates of asthma, hearing and vision problems, diabetes, and dental care. These disparities may have long-term effects on the health of these populations.
References to explicit substance use are common in popular music, particularly in genres like hip-hop and rap. The behavior is often motivated by peer pressure or sex, with highly positive consequences portrayed in most songs.