This Week in Pediatrics
What is new in the updated pediatric readiness guidelines? - Trauma System News
A national coalition of medical associations has issued updated recommendations for ensuring that hospital EDs are fully prepared to meet the emergency healthcare needs of children.
2025 Measles Outbreak | South Carolina Department of Public Health
As of March 27, 2026, DPH is reporting 997 cases of measles centered around Spartanburg County. The majority of cases are close contacts of known cases.
Articles in 2026 | Pediatric Research
Browse the archive of articles on Pediatric Research
Research of the Day
Return to Sport After Pediatric Concussion: Age-Modified Protocols
This multi-site study evaluated age-specific return-to-sport protocols following concussion in 2,500 young athletes ages 8-18. Younger children required longer recovery periods, challenging one-size-fits-all protocols.
Key findings: (1) Median recovery 21 days for ages 8-12 vs 14 days for teens; (2) Early return to sport associated with prolonged symptoms; (3) Symptom-limited activity during recovery improved outcomes.
Use age-appropriate return protocols. Younger athletes need more conservative management. Emphasize symptom-limited activity and complete recovery before returning to full sport.
Popular Beliefs
Chocolate causes acne
What the evidence shows: The relationship between diet and acne is complex. Some studies suggest high-glycemic diets and dairy may worsen acne, but chocolate specifically has not been definitively proven to cause breakouts. Individual responses vary—advise patients to observe their own triggers.
Organic food is significantly more nutritious
What the evidence shows: Organic foods have lower pesticide residues, but studies show minimal nutritional differences compared to conventional foods. What matters most for health is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whether organic or conventional.
The flu shot can give you the flu
What the evidence shows: Flu vaccines contain inactivated virus or viral proteins that cannot cause influenza infection. Some people experience mild side effects (sore arm, low-grade fever) that mimic illness. It takes 2 weeks for protection to develop, so some may get infected before the vaccine works.
Behaviors
Screen Time and Executive Function in Preschoolers: A Longitudinal Analysis
This prospective cohort study followed 850 children from ages 2 to 5 years, examining the relationship between screen time exposure and executive function development. Researchers used validated parent-report measures and direct assessments of working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility.
Children with more than 2 hours of daily screen time at age 2 showed lower scores on executive function measures at age 5. Notably, the type of screen content mattered—educational programming showed smaller associations than passive entertainment viewing. Joint parent-child viewing partially mitigated negative effects.
These findings support counseling families on the AAP recommendation of less than 1 hour per day of high-quality programming for children 2-5 years. Emphasize co-viewing and educational content when screens are used. Executive function is crucial for school readiness and later academic success.
Genetics
CRISPR Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease: Long-Term Follow-Up
Long-term data from CRISPR-edited sickle cell patients shows durable remission of vaso-occlusive crises in 95% of treated patients at 4-year follow-up. The one-time treatment has transformed the disease trajectory for participants.
Key findings: (1) No vaso-occlusive crises in 95% of patients; (2) Hemoglobin levels maintained in normal range; (3) No off-target editing effects detected. Access and affordability remain challenges.
Curative therapy for sickle cell disease is now reality, though access barriers remain. Stay informed about treatment centers and insurance coverage in your area. Early referral for evaluation is appropriate.