Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A study of Bangladeshi women with young children found that those who experienced intimate partner violence were more likely to report respiratory infections and diarrhea in their children. The authors suggest that trauma and anxiety from violent households can lead to suppressed immune systems, increasing the risk of illness.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center at Houston have identified an organism called Klebsiella that may be sparking inflammation and gut issues in colicky infants. The study found a link between the bacterium and gut inflammation in colic sufferers, potentially paving the way for treatment with probiotics.
Researchers found that active video games can burn calories comparable to moderate-intensity walking, making them a safe and valuable means of promoting energy expenditure in children. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that substituting screen time with physically active games can help reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
In a study mapping the gene profiles of children with severe Staphylococcus aureus infections, researchers found that the innate immune response is overactivated while the adaptive immune system is suppressed. This knowledge could lead to better patient outcomes and more effective therapies.
A study by Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University School of Medicine found that parents of children with special health care needs mostly use the right type of car seat, but often misuse it. The researchers also discovered that many children would benefit from additional body-positioning support to ensure safe transportation.
Researchers are developing innovative cell cycle-based strategies to stimulate heart muscle tissue repair, as well as studying molecular mechanisms of non-compaction of the left ventricle. The goal is to identify risk factors associated with death and improve treatment outcomes for children with congenital heart defects.
A study by researchers at Dartmouth College found that exposure to smoking in movies can lead to an increase in smoking among teenagers. The study, published in the July 2009 issue of Pediatrics, suggests that even positive characters who smoke have a stronger influence on youth than previously thought.
A study of 201 newborns found that high phthalate levels were consistently associated with low birth weight, highlighting the potential environmental risk factor for infant health. The research supports efforts to minimize phthalate exposure and reduce its impact on newborns.
A new study has revealed a significant decrease in the sex difference in birth weight due to growing endocrine disruption related to environmental contaminants. The study found that exposure to contaminants in plastic materials may be responsible for this phenomenon.
Researchers at University of Michigan and University of Utah are conducting a multi-center trial to investigate whether lowering body temperature can prevent or reduce brain damage in children who suffer cardiac arrest. The Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest (THAPCA) Trials will randomize children into two therapy g...
A recent study found that less than four percent of children and teens were diagnosed with a sleep disorder. The most common diagnoses included enuresis, sleep disordered breathing, and insomnia. Pediatricians are advised to ask about sleep during every well-child visit to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
The American Gastroenterological Association honors individuals for their lifetime achievements and significant advancements in gastroenterology. This year's awardees include Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, Dr. Warren Strober, and Dr. Judith M. Podskalny, among others.
A study found that many retained elementary students do not receive individualized special education services, even if they are eligible. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were less likely to receive these services. The lack of IEPs raises concerns about the special education needs of retained children.
A study by Michael L. Nance and colleagues identified 170 verified pediatric trauma centers in the US, with estimated access ranging from 22.9% in rural areas to 93.5% in urban areas. The authors estimate that 17.4 million children would not have access to a center within 60 minutes.
A new study reveals that over 17 million US children lack access to specialized trauma care within an hour, with the largest gaps in rural areas. Establishing guidelines and maintaining an inventory of pediatric trauma centers could improve fragmented access to life-saving care.
A nationwide study found a significant decrease in baseball-related injuries among children and adolescents, with emergency department treatments dropping by 25%. The most common injuries were soft tissue injuries, followed by facial and upper extremity injuries, highlighting the importance of injury prevention efforts.
A simplified chart created by a pediatrician can help identify children with high blood pressure, improving diagnosis rates. The revised chart uses age and gender to determine abnormal readings, reducing the need for height percentile verification.
The Cole Foundation has pledged $2.5 million to support up-and-coming researchers in pediatric leukemia research at the University of Montreal, McGill University, and the Institut Armand-Frappier. This investment will create new grants, awards, a cell bank, and fellowships to accelerate the fight against pediatric leukemia.
A Hopkins study found critical mistakes in life-saving maneuvers like chest compressions and defibrillations in children undergoing arrests. Hands-on training with simulated arrests improved fledging doctors' performance, while experience was key to success.
A study published in NEJM reports that administering scorpion-specific antivenom to children with severe nerve poisoning from scorpion stings results in rapid symptom resolution, often within two hours. The antivenom was effective in treating all 15 children involved in the study, saving lives and reducing treatment costs.
A study conducted by researchers at Riley Hospital and Indiana University found that two-thirds of booster car seats were misused, putting children at risk. The misuse included errors in belt placement, leading parents to prioritize proper use and supervision.
Dr. Gail Demmler-Harrison, a renowned pediatric virologist, received the Thomas Hazinski Award for her exceptional service to the Society for Pediatric Research. She has advanced the study of pediatric diseases through her dedicated work in laboratories and with patients.
A recent study found that an average of nearly 15,000 children younger than 18 years old visited emergency departments annually for furniture tip-over injuries from 1990-2007. The majority of injuries occurred among children younger than 7 years of age and resulted from televisions tipping over.
Children with high blood pressure are more likely to have learning disabilities and ADHD, with a four-fold increased risk. The study also found that hypertensive children have difficulties in goal-directed tasks and working memory.
The Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health at Children's National Medical Center has been recognized as a national leader in improving immunization compliance rates and preventive care visits. The center achieved a significant increase in targeted immunizations from 75% to 88% among 19-35 month-old patients.
A study of over 2,000 children aged 6-18 found that those exposed to secondhand smoke had lower antioxidant levels, which can help defend against biological stresses. The researchers recommend a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables to mitigate this effect.
A new study confirms that texting while driving can be deadly, as teens using a driving simulator displayed significant slowing, weaving, and lane changes. The study highlights the risks of distracted driving for both drivers and pedestrians.
Pediatric experts from Children's National Medical Center presented innovative research on urban health issues, HIV, and childhood obesity. The studies highlighted the importance of universal rapid HIV screening for teens in pediatric EDs and the impact of second-hand tobacco smoke on children.
Researchers found that adjusting kVp and mAs levels according to a child's body shape can significantly decrease radiation dose during CT scans. The study used phantoms representing average waist sizes for children, resulting in lower doses at smaller phantom diameters.
A new study reveals significant variability in hospital treatment and outcomes for children with urinary tract infections. Hospitals that use clinical practice guidelines for UTI management have lower length of stay and costs.
The NIH Clinical and Translational Science Consortium has grown to 39 members, including the University of Cincinnati, which will receive $22.7 million over five years. The new Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training will focus on pediatric research and increase outreach into local communities.
Researchers found similarities among surviving siblings, including confusion and a lack of family communication about the child's death. The study highlights the importance of psychological counseling for family members to cope with grief in the NICU setting.
Early diagnosis and treatment of achondroplasia's manifestations can produce better outcomes for patients later in life. This includes addressing stenosis of the foramen magnum and thoracolumbar kyphosis, which can cause developmental delays and spinal deformities.
A study found a strong association between birth defects and increased pesticide levels in surface water across the US, particularly for women conceiving in April to July. Elevated pesticide concentrations coincided with peak birth defect rates, suggesting a potential link between pesticide exposure and birth defects.
A study reveals nearly two-thirds of children receiving routine interventional cardiology procedures may be treated with off-label pediatric cardiac devices due to lack of regulatory oversight. The devices were used for approved purposes in 63% of patients, with stent implantations being 99% off-label.
A study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that lower-income families and African-Americans have a lower quality of life after cardiac surgery. The Pediatric Cardiac Quality of Life Inventory (PCQLI) was developed to assess health-related quality of life in children and adolescents.
A study found that visually examining newborns for jaundice is an unreliable method of predicting the risk of hyperbilirubinemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Only infants with no visible jaundice can confidently have a very low risk.
Researchers have discovered new tumor markers that can accurately predict the course of disease and treatment response in childhood brain tumors. These markers, found in medulloblastoma DNA, can help adjust therapy intensity to reduce damage and secondary malignancies.
A new study published in BMC Pediatrics reports significant clinical improvements in children with autism after hyperbaric treatment. The treatment, which involves inhaling oxygen at high pressure, showed improvements in overall functioning, language, and social interaction.
A new study finds that more than half of African-American teens are vitamin D deficient, with girls at higher risk and overweight teens nearly double their normal-weight counterparts. The researchers highlight the importance of educating the public on vitamin D's benefits and consider national fortification strategies.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that improved physician education increases prescription rates of emergency contraception pills for adolescents, reducing unintended pregnancy rates. The study identified five common barriers to prescribing ECPs, including lack of patient follow-up and concerns about birth defects.
A new study found that an educational program increasing knowledge of infant crying and its prevention increased mother's awareness and sharing of strategies for coping with frustrating infant cries. The PURPLE Crying Program showed a 6% increase in knowledge about crying and shaking among mothers.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that one out of every four children with concussions experience significant post-concussive symptoms, which may last longer for those with more severe injuries. Classifying concussions as high-risk or low-risk could help physicians provide targeted treatment and intervene earlier to improve ...
Two studies published in CMAJ found that mothers who received educational materials on newborn care had increased knowledge and behaviors that prevented shaken baby syndrome. The materials, including a booklet and DVD, provided coping mechanisms for frustrated parents and emphasized the dangers of shaking infants.
A study published in JAMA found that MRSA central line-associated BSIs declined significantly in all six adult ICU types and remained stable in pediatric ICUs from 2001-2007. The decline is attributed to improved adherence to prevention guidelines, better care practices, and reduced transmission between patients.
A large study found that early transition from intravenous to oral antibiotics in children with acute osteomyelitis is as effective as continued IV therapy. The study, conducted by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, showed a reduced risk of treatment failure and complications related to central venous catheters.
A recent study found that 24% of caregivers need respite care but do not receive it, with families having private insurance facing greater unmet needs. This translates to approximately 200,000 families in the US who require support services for their children's special needs.
Alison Marsden's Y-Graft computer models can optimize Fontan procedures, predicting patient outcomes and exercise tolerance. The technology enables zero-risk testing of new surgery designs before patients undergo surgery.
A study published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer found significant variation in end-of-life care practices among children's hospitals, with substantial differences in opioid prescriptions and pain management. The findings highlight the need for individualized interventions to improve pediatric end-of-life care.
A US study found that most healthy children taking daily vitamins don't require them due to adequate nutrition from their diets. The study also revealed that children who face the greatest risks of vitamin deficiency are less likely to take supplements.
Children born preterm are at three times higher risk of screening positive for autism, according to a Boston University study. The modified checklist for autism in toddlers (M-CHAT) is used to assess developmental risks, with over 21% of children in the study screening positive.
One in eight physicians are inactive for at least a year and return to practice without competency testing. States lack regulation to assess clinicians' competence upon reactivation.
A recent study from the University of Michigan found that six million US children have unmet medical needs, with uninsured and underinsured children at highest risk. The study highlights the need for targeted initiatives to address both coverage and access to improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable children.
A study of third-graders found that daily recess improved classroom behavior, social development, and health. Children who received more recess behaved better and were likely to learn more.
A new study published in Medical Care Research and Review found that even short gaps in health coverage can significantly decrease the likelihood of a child receiving medical care. The study suggests improving enrollment retention in SCHIP, Medicaid, and private coverage to ensure children maintain access to necessary healthcare.
A study published in Pediatrics found that telemedicine can significantly improve the quality of child sexual assault examinations in rural communities. The use of videoconferencing allows experts to guide local doctors, comfort children, and enhance the collection of forensic evidence. As a result, many physicians changed their examin...
Research finds children with newly diagnosed IBD have higher concentrations of folate in their blood compared to individuals without the disease. This discovery challenges previous theories on folate deficiency in IBD patients.
Researchers developed a quality-of-life survey for children, allowing doctors to understand the results in the same way they understand blood pressure test results. The survey includes questions about children's daily lives, helping pediatricians identify potential health problems.
Rates of antibiotic-resistant head and neck infections increased significantly in pediatric patients nationwide between 2001 and 2006. MRSA rates rose from 11.8 percent to 28.1 percent during this period, with the highest proportion found in ear infections.
A nationwide increase in pediatric methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) head and neck infections has been reported, with a significant rise in prevalence from 12% to 28% over five years.