Articles tagged with Pediatrics
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.
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.