Articles tagged with Pediatrics
A new study has compared the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream in treating atopic dermatitis. The results show that tacrolimus ointment worked better for all severities of atopic dermatitis, including mild sufferers and severe patients. The six-week study involved 1,056 patients, aged 2 to 15, with mild to severe AD.
A pediatric gastroenterologist urges increasing availability of comprehensive weight loss programs to support adolescents struggling with obesity. High-quality behavior-based weight-control programs are rare and expensive, but essential for reducing the need for life-altering bariatric surgery.
Parents who monitor their children's movie and video-watching habits and prohibit R-rated movies have a profound impact on reducing the chances their children will try smoking. Only 3 percent of kids who were never allowed to watch R-rated movies tried smoking, compared to 14 percent of those who frequently viewed such movies.
The number of pediatricians in the US has more than doubled since 1978, with a higher concentration in wealthier states. This disparity affects access to care among children in poorer states.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found MDCT angiography successful in pediatric patients with an 83% technical success rate. The procedure's advantages include speed, lack of sedation, and low contrast volume, making it a safer alternative to conventional angiography.
A study found that implementing child safety questionnaires significantly increased the detection of domestic violence, with 73% of cases identified. This led to an estimated 40+ cases per year of domestic violence being missed without active screening.
Researchers discovered a link between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and asthma in mice, showing that an anti-RSV antibody could decrease the risk of developing asthma. The study suggests that treatments against RSV may reduce asthma-related complications in children.
A study led by Dr. Susan Brundage found that students are turning away from surgery due to its grueling workload and lack of flexibility. The profession demands a minimum of seven- to eight-year commitment, including extensive training in trauma surgery.
Researchers found that emergency department caregivers who received comprehensive home safety education and devices showed significant improvements in preventing poisoning and burns. The study suggests the ED as an ideal setting for teaching home injury prevention.
The study shows that quality of childhood healthcare is good, but parents express a need for key child development issues. Parent satisfaction ratings are strongly related to the care received, increasing with more time, in-depth discussions, and family-centered care.
Researchers developed a medical home improvement tool kit to help practices adopt the community-based model, which coordinates care through clinicians, educators, and caregivers. The program improved access to care, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes for children with complex conditions.
A survey of fourth and fifth-grade pupils and their parents found significant discrepancies between reported and actual use of bike helmets and seatbelts. The study emphasizes the need for injury prevention programs targeting both parents and children to address these gaps and reduce child injuries.
New guidelines from Thomas Jefferson University offer more precise classification of blood pressure in children and adolescents based on gender, age, and height. Pediatricians are encouraged to recommend diet, exercise, and weight control counseling for children with prehypertension.
A new study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that regional review boards effectively distinguish between high- and low-risk patients, ensuring fair organ allocation. The study also found that referring physicians have poor predictive capacity for patient mortality.
Penn State researchers aim to develop a small, effective pediatric heart assist system for infants, children, and teens. The goal is to create a device that can provide support for at least six months until the heart recovers or a donor heart is found.
A new sedation algorithm has significantly reduced unplanned extubations in pediatric ICU patients without increasing hospital stays. The Penn State Children's Hospital Sedation Algorithm sets target behavior goals for ventilated children and provides corresponding medication recommendations.
A four-year study assesses pediatricians' ability to change parents' behaviors and prevent violence. The study measures media exposure, gun storage, and communication between parents and healthcare providers.
The study found that child safety restraint use rose from 49% in 1999 to 63% among children under 9 by the end of 2002. Optimal child restraint use increased for 3-year-olds, with a significant increase in optimal child restraint use rocketing to 93% in 2002.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center report successful treatment of six HIV-positive children using customized medication regimens created through genotype analysis and a web-based algorithm tool. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a salvage therapy approach in managing drug-resistant HIV infection.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center team increased immunization rates in a specialty outpatient clinic from 41% to above 90%, exceeding national averages. The project used business-world strategies, including reminders and tracking systems, to address barriers and foster innovation.
A family-based self-management intervention aimed at low income adolescents with Type 1 diabetes led to better health and functioning in the short term. The program helped kids eat better and exercise more, resulting in improved physical functioning.
Experts question whether Europe can achieve ambitious environmental goals for children due to limited action taken. Prioritizing specific areas with clear disease causation and high burden is recommended.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found a potential link between adolescent marijuana use and increased risk of cerebellar strokes. Dr. Thomas Geller's study revealed three cases of teenage boys who suffered strokes after consuming large doses of marijuana.
According to Dr. George Lister, using high-dose epinephrine in children may impair organ function and survival after cardiac arrest. Limiting doses to recommended levels can reduce errors and improve outcomes.
The Cancer Survivors Center will provide care management programs to monitor treatment side effects and offer training programs for teachers and coaches. Pediatric cancer survivors will also receive parent and sibling counseling, as well as special sports/training programs to re-enter their active lives.
A study found that 45% of families reported giving their child herbal products, with many caregivers unaware of potential side effects. Parents should seek expert guidance and inform their child's pediatrician about any supplements taken to ensure safe use.
A new study found that children who stayed in the ICU for more than 48 hours after cardiac surgery were at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Five out of 43 children met diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with symptoms including disorganized behavior, nightmares, and concentration problems.
The TPN Calculator significantly reduced medical errors and saved time for healthcare providers. With the online calculator, errors decreased by nearly 90%, allowing caregivers to dedicate more time to patient care. The system's development preserved the existing ordering process while improving efficiency and reducing calculation errors.
A new study finds that cephalosporin drugs are more effective in treating strep throat than penicillin, with a superior bacterial cure rate. First-generation cephalosporin drugs offer the same narrow-spectrum effect as penicillin at comparable costs.
A study of 5,800 California adolescents found that gun threats were more common than self-defense instances, with most threats coming from other teenagers. The research suggests that gun use for self-defense often involves hostile interactions between teens with weapons.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that providing young women with emergency contraceptive pills at home did not lead to an increase in unprotected sex or inconsistent contraceptive use. Instead, the study showed a corresponding increase in condom use among those who received the pills.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that children with sickle cell disease are now living up to 18 years longer than comparable statistics from 30 years ago. Modern treatments, including prophylactic penicillin and hydroxyurea, have significantly improved survival rates.
A recent UCSF study found that pediatricians' clinical judgment may be more effective than strict adherence to guidelines in managing febrile illnesses in infants. The study analyzed data from 3,066 infants and found that experienced clinicians using clinical judgment may reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that 36% of infants were hospitalized, while 64% received treatment outside the hospital. Despite guideline non-adherence, infant mortality rates remained low.
Research suggests that pediatricians can play a crucial role in addressing postpartum depression among mothers. A study found that mothers are open to discussing their mental health concerns with pediatricians, but a trusting relationship must be established first.
Four new studies expose disparities in children's eye care based on race, income, and insurance status. Minorities and uninsured children are significantly less likely to receive eye exams or corrective lenses than their peers.
A recent study published in the Pediatrics journal found that the United States may have a surplus of pediatricians for the next 20 years. Despite fears of a shortage, researchers used a novel approach to projecting the work force and found that the experience in pediatrics differs greatly from other primary care specialties.
A study found that less than half of urban fathers regularly attend doctor's appointments with their young children. The research highlights the need for family-friendly employment policies to encourage father involvement in childcare.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have established a pediatric pharmacology research center to study drug therapies in infants and children. The center aims to address the challenges of conducting pharmacological studies in pediatric patients, who process drugs differently than adults.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has received a federal grant to advance research on infant heart disease. The grant will support five projects aimed at developing new treatments for congenital heart defects, including gene-based diagnoses and improved biologically-based materials for heart surgery.
The grant aims to develop novel strategies for improving pediatric heart transplant outcomes by linking basic science advances to clinical protocols. The three clinical projects focus on enhancing graft acceptance, preventing post-transplant tumors and identifying genetic markers predictive of individual transplant outcomes.
The NHLBI's Specialized Centers of Clinically Oriented Research program aims to improve treatment and outcomes for children with congenital heart defects by fostering multidisciplinary collaborations. The $68 million grant will support five new centers, each addressing a critical public health need in pediatric cardiovascular research.
The minimally invasive surgical techniques made possible by the robot system can give the same surgical result as open-chest techniques with less impact on young patients' bodies. Robot-assisted surgery may be a good option for certain defects and reduces hospital stays, operative trauma, cosmetic impact, and overall recovery time.
A nationwide study found that most pediatric residents are satisfied with their primary care training, attributing it to positive preceptor experiences. The study highlights the importance of selecting effective teachers and providing sufficient teaching opportunities for optimal outcomes.
A study published in Pediatrics found that training physicians to use computer resources significantly reduces the time spent seeking answers and increases their usage. The study also showed that resources should be tailored to address pediatricians' specific clinical questions.
A report by Dr. Simpson and Denise Dougherty highlights the need for pediatricians and parents to collaborate on improving children's health care, focusing on quality indicators and evidence-based practice. The authors recommend creating an information technology system to track health care indicators and provide better care for children.
According to a new study, 32% of autistic children use complementary and alternative medicine, with Latino children more likely to do so. The researchers caution that some CAM treatments may alleviate associated problems but not core autism symptoms.
MUHC researchers have developed a new method to diagnose and treat sleep apnea in children, significantly reducing wait times. The new approach allows for early detection and treatment of severe cases, enabling timely interventions.
Research suggests children who witness violence or hear reports of it exhibit similar levels of behavioral issues as those directly affected, with a small effect observed for personal closeness to victims.
The Healthy Steps for Young Children Program improved developmental services, parenting practices, and discipline in pediatric care. Families who participated had increased odds of receiving well-child visits, timely vaccinations, and being satisfied with care.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that practice-based interventions, like the Healthy Steps Program, can improve the quality of care for young children. Participation in the program resulted in increased parental satisfaction, timely preventive care, and more developmentally-oriented services.
A study found that nearly 750 pediatricians and family practice physicians reported a rise in vaccine concerns, with many citing short-term effects and unproven allegations. Physicians must be equipped to address these concerns and provide accurate information on vaccine safety.
A survey of 743 physicians found that parents' refusal of vaccines is becoming a growing concern, with many citing fears about short-term reactions and long-term complications. Pediatricians are more likely than family physicians to provide additional information and discuss concerns with parents.
A review of scientific data found that gelatin proteins and egg proteins can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions in children with allergies. However, the quantities of other substances in vaccines are too small to demonstrate any documented reactions.
The Duct Busters team repairs patent ductus arteriosus in premature newborns with high-quality surgical care, eliminating transport risks and allowing families to stay in familiar environments. The study found no significant differences in anesthesia-related complications or surgical outcomes between on-site and off-site procedures.
Researchers found that children carrying the APOE2 gene variant were more likely to have worse cognitive and motor skills outcomes after heart surgery. The study, published in the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, also discovered no association between APOE4 and neurodevelopmental problems in infants.
Researchers found that newborn screening for medium-chain acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is cost-effective in detecting the condition. The study, which analyzed records of 32 patients with MCADD, showed that screening can help prevent severe outcomes and reduce medical costs over a lifetime.
A new randomized clinical trial found that patching therapy for lazy eye in children can be as effective with six-hour treatment regimens as full-time regimens. The study suggests this change may lessen the risk of patching-induced amblyopia, benefiting many children with severe degrees of amblyopia.
Studies show that outpatient-visit counseling can be an effective way to help parents quit smoking, with 78% of participants enrolling in nicotine replacement therapy and 42% receiving additional counseling. The interventions were well-received by parents, with 90% finding the program useful and wanting it offered to all smoking parents.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a new gene profiling technique that could simplify diagnostic tests for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a childhood cancer with an 80% success rate due to risk-adapted therapy.