This Week in Pediatrics
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
ByPatrick Campbell · March 16th 2026 · A phase 3 trial shows that lebrikizumab improves skin clearance and itch in infants and children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
NRMP Releases Results of the 2026 Main Residency Match for More Than 38,000 Future Residents | NRMP
Pediatrics offered 3,185 positions this year — eight fewer than in 2025 — and filled 3,006 positions, resulting in a 94.4 percent fill rate, a 0.9 percentage‑point decrease from last year.
In Talking to Parents About Vaccines, Pediatricians Navigate a Sea of Misinformation - The New York Times
Practitioners nationwide are striving to do what’s best for children’s health, while staying supportive in the face of mistrust and confusion. ... Alissa Parker, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Primary Plus, a community clinic in Ashland, Ky., with Bethany Browning and her todd...
Research of the Day
Adolescent Vaping Cessation: Randomized Trial of Behavioral Interventions
This RCT compared three vaping cessation approaches in 1,200 adolescents: text-based support, in-person counseling, and combined intervention. Combined approach showed highest quit rates at 6-month follow-up.
Key findings: (1) 28% quit rate with combined intervention vs 15% text-only; (2) Nicotine dependence level predicted quit success; (3) Most adolescents wanted to quit but lacked support resources.
Screen for vaping at every adolescent visit. Offer cessation resources proactively—most teens want to quit. Combine counseling with digital support for best outcomes.
Popular Beliefs
Wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming
What the evidence shows: There's no evidence that swimming after eating causes cramps or drowning. While digestion diverts some blood flow to the gut, it doesn't impair swimming ability in normal circumstances. Common-sense supervision is always important regardless of meal timing.
Teething causes high fevers and diarrhea
What the evidence shows: While teething may cause mild symptoms (gum irritation, drooling, slight temperature elevation), it does not cause high fever (>102°F/38.9°C) or diarrhea. These symptoms should prompt evaluation for other causes. Attributing significant illness to teething may delay diagnosis of serious conditions.
Letting babies walk early causes bowlegs
What the evidence shows: There is no evidence that early walking causes bowlegs. Most infants have some degree of bowing that typically resolves by age 3-4. Pathologic bowing has other causes (Blount disease, rickets). Encourage normal motor development and monitor for asymmetric or progressive bowing.
Behaviors
Media Multitasking and Attention in Adolescents
This study of 600 high school students examined the relationship between media multitasking (using multiple screens simultaneously) and attention abilities. Heavy media multitaskers showed reduced ability to filter irrelevant information.
Key findings: (1) Heavy multitaskers had 15% more attention lapses in class; (2) Greater difficulty switching between tasks effectively; (3) Sleep quality mediated some of the relationship.
Counsel adolescents (and parents) on single-tasking for homework. Having phone notifications off and single-device focus improves learning efficiency and quality.
Genetics
Newborn Screening: Recommended Uniform Screening Panel Updates
The Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) has been updated to include three additional conditions: Pompe disease, MPS I, and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. States are implementing expanded screening with early treatment implications.
Key findings: (1) Early identification allows treatment before symptom onset; (2) Cost-effectiveness demonstrated for new conditions; (3) Primary care providers need to understand screening results and follow-up.
Know your state's newborn screening panel. Ensure timely follow-up of abnormal screens. Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes for many of these conditions.