Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A new study published in Pediatrics found that 23% of children hospitalized with influenza had a previous hospitalization during the most recent flu-vaccine season. This suggests that providing in-hospital vaccinations to those at highest risk may aid in reducing rates of pediatric hospitalization for influenza.
Infants' bodies expel thimerosal mercury much faster than originally believed, suggesting no toxic build-up occurs. Researchers found nearly undetectable levels in urine samples, with most elimination via stools.
Dr. Vivian Cheung, a pediatric neurologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has been selected as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Her research focuses on translating genetic discoveries into improved medical treatments by analyzing gene expression and its association with disease susceptibility.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly 9.4% of US teens have metabolic syndrome, a clustering of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. The definition of the syndrome has been difficult to establish, but researchers estimate that up to 25% of obese teens meet the criteria.
A $7 million statewide shaken baby prevention project launched in North Carolina, aiming to reduce deaths and serious injuries caused by caregivers shaking crying babies. The project provides an intervention program called 'The Period of PURPLE Crying' to educate parents on normal infant crying and healthy ways to cope with frustration.
A new study reveals that maternal and child undernutrition is responsible for one-third of child deaths and 11% of global disease burden. The authors estimate that stunting, severe wasting, and other deficiencies cause significant mortality and disability among children under five years.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a simple test to accurately predict risk of serious jaundice in newborns, combining bilirubin levels and gestational age. The study found that about 70% of babies were low-risk, while 13% were high-risk and 17% were in the middle category.
Researchers from the Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome Working Group explore the potential for a unified definition of metabolic syndrome in children, highlighting the need for clear identification of risk factors. They find that waist circumference and weight-to-height ratios may be more accurate than body mass index alone in determining m...
The review highlights the importance of carefully planned medical management to optimize outcomes for liver transplantation. Doctors emphasize the need for careful assessment, optimization, and timing for transplantation, leading to high long-term survival rates.
Dr. Ian F. Pollack, a neurosurgeon at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, has received a $150,000 grant from the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation to study a category of brain tumors not well understood in children. His research aims to identify molecular features that will enable doctors to tailor specific treatments for patients.
A study published in Pediatric Dermatology reveals that infants who developed hemangiomas had lower levels of oxygen in their placentas compared to healthy preterm infants. The research suggests that disturbed placental circulation may have contributed to the development of infantile hemangioma.
A new study found that levo-thyroxine treatment did not lower weight or BMI in children with acquired hypothyroidism. Most subjects gained weight, while about a third experienced short-term weight loss due to extremely severe cases of the disease.
A recent study found that acute allergic-like reactions to gadolinium-containing contrast injections are rare, with 74% of cases being mild. The study included over 78,000 administrations and reported no fatal reactions, supporting the safe use of these agents in patients with normal or mildly impaired renal function.
A new study by University of Iowa researcher Vera Loening-Baucke found that acute and chronic constipation accounted for nearly half of all cases of acute abdominal pain in children. The study recommends that physicians perform a simple rectal examination to diagnose constipation as a cause of abdominal pain.
Researchers discovered a new regulatory element in the CFTR gene that controls its expression in the gastrointestinal tract. The study identified three key regulatory factors that modify chromatin structure, leading to altered CFTR expression.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that PET/CT imaging significantly outperforms conventional imaging for detecting malignant tumors in children. The imaging modality provides additional information about cancer in children, potentially sparing them from overtreatment.
A recent survey by LA BioMed researchers found that only 6% of emergency rooms in the US have all the necessary equipment and medicine for treating children. The majority of pediatric visits occur in non-child-friendly hospitals or rural facilities, highlighting a need for improvement in pediatric preparedness.
A study by Temple University researcher Dr. Robert Whitaker found that smoking and depression often co-occur in new mothers, affecting the health of their children. The combination may lead to sudden infant death, asthma, ear infections, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, language delay, and childhood depression.
A study found that adding a rapid response medical team to a children's hospital led to an 18% decrease in death rates and a 70% decline in cardiac and respiratory arrests. The intervention resulted in the estimated saving of 33 lives.
A study by Stanford Medicine found that rapid response teams significantly reduce death rates and cardiopulmonary arrest rates in pediatric settings. The teams, composed of existing staff members, assess a child's condition within five minutes after a summons and provide supportive care to prevent deterioration.
Researchers found that brief mock trauma drills and refreshers significantly improved ER staff's performance on crucial tasks for child resuscitation. Improvements were seen in weight estimation, head examinations, IV placement, antiseizure medication ordering, and preparation for transport.
A study found Tinea unguium cases increased significantly among children, with 66.6% showing tinea pedis co-infection, highlighting need for proper diagnosis and treatment. Pediatricians should recognize symptoms like onycholysis, nail changes, and environmental factors to accurately diagnose the condition.
A new study by Brandeis University researchers finds that many pediatric oncologists lack the necessary training to build bridges with families of critically ill children through religion and spirituality. The study suggests that providing this type of training could improve patient outcomes.
A study suggests that urban children with asthma, even mild cases, require more frequent check-ups than current guidelines recommend. This is due to unpredictable symptoms that can worsen over time, especially in inner-city kids.
The Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research will strengthen pediatric research and advance children's health, with a focus on high-risk projects and innovative ideas. The institute aims to build upon Pittsburgh's existing reputation as a leading center for pediatric research.
A study found that children with Down syndrome have significantly higher body mass index and percentage of body fat compared to their siblings. Leptin levels also correlate with these differences, suggesting a genetic predisposition to leptin resistance in individuals with Down syndrome.
A new study published in JAMA found that antiretroviral drug therapy and non-physician care, such as nursing, are essential in saving the lives of HIV-infected African children. The research showed significant improvements in CD4 cell counts and weight-for-age scores among children treated with antiretrovirals.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital have discovered over a dozen new obesity-related genes by analyzing 49 independent experiments. The team used a comparison approach to identify reliable performers, gaining insights into fundamental importance.
A strain of bacteria resistant to all approved pediatric antibiotics has been discovered, according to researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The 19A strain was found in children with persistent ear infections despite antibiotic treatment, highlighting concerns over potential long-term consequences.
A recent study published in The Journal of Pediatrics has found that administering a combination vaccine to infants does not compromise their immune response or safety. In fact, the study shows that combining three vaccines into one reduces the number of required vaccinations from five to three over six months.
Researchers found that corrective lenses can successfully treat bilateral amblyopia in children when diagnosed and treated early. The study showed significant improvement in visual acuity after one year, with most children reaching 20/25 or better.
A new study found that infant crib bumper pads can cause suffocation, strangulation, and wedging, posing a risk of accidental death or injury to babies. The researchers recommend eliminating the use of bumper pads in cribs and bassinets due to their potential hazards.
Lucas R. Hoffman receives the ICAAC Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Microbiology for his groundbreaking research on biofilm formation and antibiotic interactions. His work has led to significant advancements in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis.
A simple questionnaire from the University of Oregon has increased referrals of mild developmental delays in year-old and 2-year-old children. The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) showed a significant improvement in pediatrician diagnosis, with 44 additional patients eligible for monitoring.
A study found that carvedilol did not significantly improve heart failure outcomes in children and adolescents. The researchers evaluated the effects of carvedilol on 161 children and adolescents with heart failure and found no statistically significant difference between treatment groups.
A UCLA/RAND study found that more than half of children with an HIV-infected parent are not consistently in that parent's custody. Children of HIV-infected parents face risks for behavioral and emotional problems, highlighting the need for stable homes to cope with HIV effects.
A recent study found that only 10% of teens receive annual preventive exams, leading to inadequate vaccination rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends three HPV shots within six months, but many teens are not seeing their doctors often enough.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Practice-based intervention improved parents' reports of behavioral issues in children, parental discipline, and reading habits. The Healthy Steps program also increased family satisfaction with healthcare services.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 12 out of 17 adolescents were misdiagnosed with asthma due to vocal cord dysfunction, which can cause breathing difficulties. The use of spirometry tests in emergency departments may help differentiate VCD from asthma attacks and reduce misdiagnosis.
Associate Professor Jennie Ching-I Tsao of the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program has been selected as a winner of the Mayday Pain & Society Fellowship. The program provides tools and skills to advocate for better treatment of pain, including media communication and policy engagement. Tsao's research focuses on biopsychosocial models of pain ...
A team of researchers is using cutting-edge neuroimaging technology to identify predictors of adaptive functioning in adults who survived pediatric brain tumors. The study aims to develop interventions to lessen the severity of late effects of treatment and optimize adaptive functioning across the patient's lifespan.
Pediatric palliative care specialists are calling for increased research to address the unique physical, psycho-social, and clinical needs of children with complex chronic conditions. The study identifies six challenges that must be addressed to further the field, including access to care and resources.
A new Research Center of Excellence in Pediatric Nephrology will be established at the Medical College of Wisconsin to accelerate treatments for children with genetic and acquired kidney disease. The center aims to develop unique therapies that can limit or cure progressive kidney disorders.
Children involved in car accidents with ill-fitting seatbelts are at higher risk for 'seat-belt syndrome,' a complex of spine and abdomen injuries. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for signs of more serious injury, such as spinal cord or vertebral fractures.
A new study from Medical College of Wisconsin found that nearly two-thirds of Milwaukee County pharmacies struggle to communicate with patients who don't speak English. The analysis reveals a significant barrier to safe prescription use, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Researchers investigate causes and treatment options for pediatric heart failure, including gene regulation, cell regeneration, and surgical interventions. The grant aims to improve treatments and reduce the need for heart transplants in children.
A recent study found that cardiac-gated CTA radiation doses can vary and be substantial in children, up to 10 times the annual natural background radiation. The study cautions against using adult technologies and techniques in pediatric patients without further evaluation of newer methods.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified key signs of appendicitis in children, including rebound tenderness, abdominal pain around the belly button, and elevated white blood cell count. These signs can help doctors narrow down the diagnosis and decide whether to schedule an emergency surgery or wait for further evaluation.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that low birth weights among African-American women are more closely related to racism, stress, and socioeconomic factors than genetics. The report highlights the impact of institutional and interpersonal discrimination on infant health outcomes.
A gene expression pattern linked to decreased zinc regulation could provide a therapeutic target for treating septic shock. The study identified 63 genes expressed differently in patients with septic shock, including two forms of metallothionein associated with increased death risk.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a gene variant associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease in children. The study found that 64% of children with the disease had a specific variant form of the ATG16L1 gene, compared to 52% of healthy children.
Researchers warn of a rare but serious complication associated with eye tests in infants. Apraclonidine eyedrops used to diagnose Horner syndrome can lead to severe lethargy lasting up to 10 hours, requiring hospital admission and oxygen administration.
A Saint Louis University study finds that pediatricians' efforts to encourage lifestyle changes in obese patients and their families are often futile due to a lack of motivation. Doctors recognize the challenges of changing patterns of behavior in low-income households with limited access to healthy food and time for physical activity.
Researchers have identified a new gene, KIAA0350, associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes in children. The study used genome-wide association to analyze DNA samples from 1,046 children with the disease and found a significant link between a specific genetic variant and the development of type 1 diabetes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that daily antibiotics do not prevent future urinary tract infections and may actually increase the risk of resistant bacteria. The study analyzed data from over 74,000 children with at least two clinic visits between 2001 and 2006.
A new Rhode Island Hospital study shows a significant increase in trampoline-related injuries, with 531,378 reported cases over the decade. The majority of injuries (71%) were to extremities and occurred on home trampolines, prompting researchers to urge parents not to purchase these equipment for their children.
Regulatory warnings about antidepressant risks led to a 33% decrease in new prescriptions among Tennessee's expanded Medicaid program. Fluoxetine prescriptions actually increased, suggesting altered treatment decisions.
Researchers from Indiana University found that 68% of pediatrician malpractice cases were withdrawn or dismissed, and only 5% went to trial. Pediatricians accounted for only 2.97% of all malpractice claims, with median payments rising from $65,000 in 1985 to $270,000 in 2005.
A recent study found that children with serious complex illnesses are more likely to die at home than in hospitals, especially among African American and Hispanic patients. The shift towards home care raises questions about how to provide optimal care and resources for very sick children.
A RAND Corporation study found that improved access to federal and employer-provided time off improves parents' ability to care for their chronically ill children. The study revealed that many parents struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities due to inadequate leave policies.