Articles tagged with Pediatrics
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.
The Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus (APPLE) trial will study the effect of statins on preventing buildup of fat in arteries. The trial aims to find a new method of preventing cardiac disease in lupus patients.
A study of children with Medicaid insurance found that they received antibiotics for only 41% of the year, despite being at risk for nearly 60% of the time. The lack of antibiotic use puts these children at high risk of developing serious infections and sometimes dying.
A recent study identified 35 genes that may be linked to prognosis in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), providing new insights into the disease. These unexpected genes were found independently of current classification methods and separated patients into high- and low-risk groups.
A new screening tool called STEPP helps predict posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children after a traumatic injury. The tool assesses event-related factors, physiological reactions, and psychological responses to identify at-risk children, allowing for early referral and intervention.
A new study provides a precise formula to lower CT radiation doses for pediatric patients, reducing abdominal doses by up to 80%. The technique charts offer guidance for both head and body CT scans for children from infancy to adolescence.
Pediatricians are urging parents to limit their child's exposure to smoking in movies to reduce the chances of starting to smoke and drink. Research suggests that adolescents see thousands of depictions of smoking by movie stars, influencing their attitude and behavior.
A study published in Pediatrics found that children with migraines experience significant impairment in school functioning and emotional well-being. The researchers surveyed 572 children and adolescents, revealing that quality of life is negatively affected across all areas of functioning compared to healthy peers.
A recent study has identified GATA4 gene mutations as a primary cause of human cardiac septal defects, which are characterized by the incomplete formation of the heart's four chambers. The discovery is significant, as it may one day enable doctors to prevent congenital heart defects by fixing the problem before birth.
Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University have developed the first comprehensive guidelines for treating brain injuries in children, addressing key issues such as airway management and surgical options. The guidelines aim to improve treatment consistency and outcomes across hospitals and clinicians worldwide.
A study published in Pediatrics found that hospitalized children experience high rates of adverse events, including birth trauma and post-operative infections. Children are vulnerable due to unique circumstances such as universal hospitalization for birth and inability to provide consent, leading to delayed treatment.
A team approach combining medical tests, operative biopsies, and precise surgery successfully cured 31 of 34 newborns with focal congenital hyperinsulinism (HI). The procedure involves removing the diseased portion of the pancreas while preserving the rest of the organ.
A new multi-center study confirms the effectiveness and safety of infliximab in treating pediatric Crohn's disease, leading to significant short-term medical benefits and a reduced need for steroids. The study shows improved symptoms such as pain, growth rates, and bowel movements, with no adverse reactions at infusion sites.
A study found that pediatricians prescribe medication for pediatric insomnia more frequently than previously thought. The likelihood of prescribing medication is higher in children with ADHD and special needs. Behavioral therapy or failed treatments are often combined with sleep medications.
Dr. Coughlin's research involves manipulating immune cells to recognize and kill tumors and viruses, holding promise for cancer treatment and vaccine delivery in children. She will present her work at the Society for Pediatric Research Annual Meeting and receive an award recognizing her leadership and contributions to pediatric research.
A study by Brown University found that medical residents feel unprepared to break bad news to kids and parents due to inadequate training. The residents ranked their comfort levels in sharing bad news with pediatric patients as lower than with adult patients.
A study of pediatric residents found that sleep deprivation significantly impair their ability to drive safely, with difficulty maintaining lane position and speed. Researchers suggest implementing strategies like planned naps and taxi services to mitigate the effects of fatigue on resident safety.
A recent UB study found that childhood obesity is on the rise, associated with multiple medical consequences including type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that early intervention at preschool level can help prevent obesity-related issues.
A new device, Vigilance', has been shown to significantly reduce microbial contamination in neonatal intensive care units, sparing premature infants from infection-causing organisms. The device uses ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and decreased the risk of chronic lung disease and hospital stays.
A recent study conducted at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that approximately one in five mothers who visited the pediatric emergency department or a well-child clinic had depression. The study also revealed that 76% of these mothers reported difficulty caring for their children due to their depressive symptoms.
Children from low-income families have lower birth weights and are shorter in stature than higher-income peers by age one. Proper nutrition through breast milk is crucial for healthy growth, while early introduction of baby food can hinder development.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that intensive toilet training before 27 months may not provide clear benefits, but also takes longer and can be frustrating. The research suggests that parents should consider their child's individual readiness and family situation when deciding to initiate training.
A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified heart abnormalities in obese children, revealing significant differences in the function of their hearts. The study used tissue Doppler imaging to assess diastolic function, finding that the hearts of obese children were stiffer and less able to fill with blood.
Scientific studies have found no link between vaccines and chronic diseases such as asthma and food allergies. Reducing vaccination rates can lead to increased rates of preventable infectious diseases, according to the article co-authored by Dr. Paul Offit.
A study published in Pediatrics found that many male residents don't perform regular testicular self-exams and teach the technique to their patients. The most common reason cited was a lack of time, with only 29% of residents performing monthly self-exams.
A study found that many doctors' offices struggled to consistently obtain enough Prevnar vaccine, with over half reporting they had run out completely in the past year. The nation's 'patchwork' system of vaccination, driven by varying state practices and private insurance, contributed to these inconsistencies.
African-American infants are disproportionately affected by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) due to sleeping on non-crib surfaces or sharing a bed with adults. The study highlights the need for public awareness campaigns to address this racial disparity and promotes the use of cribs as the only safe places for sleeping babies.
A recent study found that up to 63% of pediatric practices in the Washington D.C. area contradict their own policies on confidential care for adolescents when answering phone calls.
A study of Canadian children with shaken baby syndrome found nearly 20% died, 55% suffered lasting neurologic injuries, and 65% experienced visual impairment. The authors estimate at least 40 cases occur annually, calling for further research on prevention strategies.
A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that 94% of compliant pediatric patients were recommended for transplant, compared to 62% of non-compliant patients. The researchers also discovered that children from more educated parents were more likely to be referred for transplantation.
A survey of over 900 parents found that allowing children to play with toy guns is more common among males, Caucasians, older children, and mothers. Parents' attitudes on toy gun play were influenced by the child's age, parent's gender, and family's racial background.
A new study by Dr. Needleman found that convicted juveniles had significantly higher levels of lead in their bones compared to non-delinquent controls. The researchers suggest that childhood lead exposure may be a significant cause of juvenile delinquency, leading to increased aggression and antisocial behavior.
Researchers found that desflurane improved neurologic outcomes in piglets undergoing low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass, reducing brain injury and abnormal heart rhythms. The study suggests desflurane may protect the brain and nervous system during heart surgery, improving quality of life for survivors.
Preterm infants exhibit intense moods, withdrawal to new stimuli, and irregular bodily functions at 6 weeks, but these challenges resolve by six months and 12 months as they adapt to full-term infant-like behavior, according to a study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
A groundbreaking study by Dr. Jorge Bezerra at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified a genetic underpinning to biliary atresia, the most common reason for liver transplant in children. The discovery points to a potential role of cytokines in driving an inflammatory response against the body's own tissues.
Researchers found a significant correlation between maternal placenta inflammation and infant neurological function decline. The study revealed chorioamnionitis as a key cause of perinatal brain injury, potentially leading to new diagnostic tests and preventive strategies.