Articles tagged with Pediatrics
MedImmune has awarded five fellowships worth $175,000 to support research in follow-up care of premature infants. The grants will provide each recipient's institution with a $35,000 grant, aiming to improve the specialized health needs of premature infants.
Young wheezing children are often underdiagnosed due to symptoms similar to common childhood illnesses. Asthma diagnosis is challenging, requiring assessment of symptom frequency and patterns.
Researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that chemotherapy alone can be effective in treating pediatric patients with unresectable or progressive low-grade glioma, reducing the need for cranial radiation. Patients treated with thioguanine, procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine (TPCV) regimen show...
A survey of pediatricians found wide variation in disclosing medical errors, with those involving obvious errors being more likely to be shared. Pediatricians may be less willing to discuss errors that are not immediately apparent to parents.
Researchers at the MUHC categorized timeframes involved in getting pediatric oncology patients to initial therapy, finding that it takes approximately one month to get a diagnosis from a pediatric oncologist. The study also identified disparities in treatment times based on cancer type and patient age.
Parents of children with food allergies experience high levels of anxiety and daily challenges due to lack of understanding from the general public and physicians. The study aims to increase knowledge among key groups to improve health and lives of children and families affected by food allergies.
A new study found that severe esophageal damage is rare in asymptomatic children after caustic ingestion. The study concluded that an endoscopy should be performed in all symptomatic patients to predict esophageal lesions and prevent complications.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that parents of terminally ill or severely premature newborns often struggle to understand their treatment options due to miscommunication with doctors. The study's findings highlight the need for clearer explanations and empathy in end-of-life care discussions.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that mothers' stress levels contribute to their children's likelihood of being overweight, even in food-secure households. The study analyzed data from over 800 children and found that young children were most affected by household stress.
John van den Anker, MD, PhD, director of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology at Children's National Medical Center, has received the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) Distinguished Investigator Award. The award recognizes his sustained and prolific contributions to pediatric clinical pharmacology.
A study of 11 pediatric patients treated for golf-related eye injuries found that most injuries occur during unsupervised play or with other children wielding golf clubs. The authors recommend close adult supervision, protective eyewear for children learning to play golf, and secure storage of golf equipment.
Researchers analyzed 67 pediatric drugs, finding nearly 1 in 5 required label changes due to life-threatening adverse events. The study highlights the importance of post-marketing surveillance for pediatric safety.
After a decade-long decline, US youth suicide rates surged by 18% in 2003-2004, with the trend persisting into 2005. Researchers suspect prescription antidepressant medication may be a contributing factor, as concerns over side effects led to a 20% drop in prescriptions.
Researchers have discovered two new genes that increase the risk of developing childhood inflammatory bowel disease. The study found a compelling candidate, TNFRSF6B, which is involved in tumor necrosis factor signaling and may provide a target for drug development.
Dr. Evans, a pioneering figure in pediatric oncology, has been recognized by ASTRO for her groundbreaking work on neuroblastoma staging and patient care. She has also co-founded the Ronald McDonald House and received numerous awards for her dedication to cancer research.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that elevated cholesterol levels drop naturally in four out of 10 children with uncontrollable epilepsy treated with the high-fat ketogenic diet. Nearly half of these children returned to normal or near-normal cholesterol levels without modifications to their diet.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will receive a $247,000 grant to test a new method of identifying children at risk for developmental delays. Researchers aim to design service packages tailored to each child's risk level, with potential benefits including more frequent visits and home visits.
Researchers found that at least one cough and cold medication was used by 10.1% of US children in a given week, with exposures to decongestants and antihistamines being the highest. The study also revealed that the use of these medications declined from 12.3% in 1999-2000 to 8.4% in 2005-2006.
A Canadian study involving children and a botanical extract (COLD-fX) shows promise for its future development as a cold and flu remedy. The study, published in Pediatrics, found that acute three-day doses of COLD-fX were well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.
A nationwide study found that approximately 6,500 children are treated for diving-related injuries annually, with most common injuries occurring at heights under 1 meter. The largest age group affected was 10- to 14-year-olds, who were twice as likely to experience head or neck injuries.
A new study suggests that childhood obesity begins as early as age two, with over half of children reaching the overweight category by this age. Researchers found that obese children started gaining weight in infancy at a rapid rate, highlighting the need for early interventions to prevent future obesity.
Researchers discovered an immune system protein called interleukin-8 (IL-8) as a powerful predictor of survival in children with septic shock. Measuring IL-8 levels can predict with 95% accuracy which children can survive through conventional antibiotics and therapies for at least 28 days following admission.
Researchers have discovered a new immune disease that affects the innate immune system of children with a deficiency in the MyD88 gene. The study found that these children can see off other infections but still die from widespread infection by common bacteria like pneumococci and staphylococci.
A national survey found that general internists and pediatricians are uncomfortable providing primary care to young adults with cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. Only 15% of internists said they would be comfortable treating CF patients, while 32% reported the same for SCD.
Congenital Tufting Enteropathy (CTE) is a rare, congenital disorder affecting infants, causing severe diarrhea and growth failure. Researchers identified the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule gene as the cause of CTE.
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.