Fenfluramine may be a new treatment option for Dravet syndrome
March 11th 2020When added to existing antiepileptic treatment, fenfluramine hydrochloride significantly reduced the frequency of convulsive seizures in children and young adults with Dravet syndrome and had a dose-response effect, according to a randomized trial in patients in whom seizures had not been completely controlled by their current treatment regimen.
Forward progress seen in pediatric cancer survival rates
March 11th 2020A cancer diagnosis no longer means the grim prognosis for children that once might have happened. However, 2 recent studies illustrate that although progress has been made, there is still opportunity to improve cancer survival rates.
Is ordering a chest x-ray with a first episode of wheezing common practice?
March 10th 2020A survey of 552 clinicians showed that fellowship training, resident supervision, years of independent practice, and practice location also influence the likelihood of routinely ordering a CXR in children who present with a first episode of wheezing.
Screening ultrasound after a first febrile UTI is not cost-effective
March 9th 2020Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine screening renal bladder ultrasound (RBUS) after a first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), a comparison of this strategy with routine RBUS after a second UTI found that the AAP approach does not meet cost-effectiveness guidelines.
Developmental screening on the rise, but has room to improve
March 6th 2020Doing a developmental screen is an important way to get children the help they need in a timely manner. A new study shows that utilizing standardized screening tools has increased, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Too few young HIV patients achieve viral suppression
March 2nd 2020Nearly 25% of all newly diagnosed HIV cases occur in adolescents and young adults, who also have some of the poorest outcomes. A new study examines the rates of viral suppression and the urgent need for interventions focused on this population.
13 ways to involve fathers in pediatric care
February 28th 2020Although fathers are becoming more involved in the lives of their children and a more common sight in the pediatric office, they are infrequently the focus of care or discussions. Here are 13 ways to be more inclusive and improve paternal bonds.
One-third of kids not receiving timely vaccines
February 27th 2020Following the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices schedule for vaccination is the best way to protect young children from preventable diseases. However, parents may not follow that schedule for a number of reasons. A new study examines just how many children aren’t receiving vaccines on a timely basis.
Trans teens may not share gender identity to providers
February 26th 2020Children who are trans face many hurdles. One of those hurdles can be health care access and gender-affirming care. A recent study indicates that many trans teenagers and young adults don't disclose their gender identity, even when this information could be important.
Lower-income parents less likely to say child’s water supply is safe
February 24th 2020Nearly a quarter of parents aren’t confident in the safety of their home tap water, according to a new C.S. Mott poll examining parents perceptions about the safety of their children’s drinking water at home and school.
13 indications for a medically prescribed diet
February 21st 2020A balanced diet is the cornerstone of lifelong physical and mental health. However, some children may have conditions that require a medically prescribed diet. Here’s a look at the medical indications and potential complications for some of them.
Pediatric population hit hard this flu season, hospitalizations higher
February 20th 2020Influenza season is full-blown and widespread, with higher hospitalization rates among children and young adults, according to the most recent surveillance report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
New food course builds healthy relationships with food
February 20th 2020Traditional home economics classes that taught children about food and food preparation are a thing of the past in many schools. This loss can keep children and teenagers from exploring food and developing a strong, healthy relationship. A new program Food Ed. challenges to students to think about food beyond their plates.
Caregivers to blame for half of kids poisoned by prescription medications
February 19th 2020A new study indicates that pediatric exposures to prescription medications are just as often the result of adults removing pills from original containers as improper use or failure of child-resistant packaging.
How cystic fibrosis can manifest in the gastrointestinal system
February 17th 2020Although the majority of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) will be managed by specialty care, the primary care provider is often the first line of contact for many routine concerns. When encountering a patient with CF in the primary setting, there are extrapulmonary symptoms that must be considered in patients, which includes gastrointestinal symptoms.
Gastrointestinal manifestations of cystic fibrosis: A primer for pediatricians
February 13th 2020Significant improvements in cystic fibrosis (CF) care have focused primarily on the pulmonary system, but addressing the gastrointestinal complications of CF presents a major opportunity for improvement in disease management.
Hexavalent vaccine added to Vaccines for Children program
February 12th 2020Following a unanimous vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a hexavalent vaccine with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed, inactivated poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate (meningococcal protein conjugate), and hepatitis B (HepB) (recombinant) has been included in the federal Vaccines for Children program.