This Week in Pediatrics
Q1 2026 recap: Top videos in pediatric care | Contemporary Pediatrics
The SMART trial serves as a pivotal study to bridge efficacy data from healthy infants, established in the CLEVER trial, to those with complex medical needs. Because clesrovimab is designed to target the viral F protein without interacting with the host, clinical protection is de...
Pediatrics - Medscape
Education Gaps Persist for Children With Neurodisability · Medscape News UK April 1, 2026 · Med Op-Ed: Time Travel Edition · Medscape Medical News April 1, 2026 · Alert · Europe Moves to Broader Pediatric Pneumonia Protection · Medscape News Europe April 1, 2026 · Sugar Tax Debat...
Q1 2026 recap: 6 FDA approvals pediatricians need to know | Contemporary Pediatrics
Background: Based on the pivotal Phase 3 TRANSCEND trial of 142 patients including pediatric subjects, those treated with setmelanotide achieved a -18.4% placebo-adjusted reduction in body mass index at 52 weeks compared to a 2.6% increase in the placebo group. As the first and o...
Research of the Day
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions Before Age 2: RCT
This RCT provided Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) to infants showing early autism markers at 12-18 months. Early intervention significantly improved social communication outcomes at age 3.
Key findings: (1) 40% of intervention group no longer met ASD criteria at age 3; (2) Greater gains when started before 15 months; (3) Parent-mediated strategies effective when coached by professionals.
Refer promptly when developmental concerns arise—don't wait for definitive diagnosis. Early intervention can meaningfully change trajectories. Coach parents to implement strategies in daily routines.
Popular Beliefs
Cold weather causes colds
What the evidence shows: Colds are caused by viruses, not cold temperatures. The association exists because people spend more time indoors in close proximity during winter, facilitating viral transmission. Additionally, dry indoor air may impair mucosal barriers. Hand hygiene and avoiding sick contacts are the real prevention strategies.
Vaccines cause autism
What the evidence shows: This thoroughly debunked claim originated from a fraudulent 1998 study. Multiple large-scale studies involving millions of children have found no association between vaccines and autism. The original study was retracted and its author lost his medical license. Vaccines are safe and essential.
Shaving makes hair grow back thicker and darker
What the evidence shows: Shaving removes hair at the skin surface, leaving a blunt tip that may feel coarser as it grows out. However, it does not affect hair thickness, color, or growth rate. This is an optical illusion from the blunt vs. tapered hair shaft.
Behaviors
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cognitive Development: Cohort Study
This cohort study measured cotinine levels and cognitive outcomes in 2,000 children at multiple time points. Even low-level secondhand smoke exposure was associated with measurable effects on attention and working memory.
Key findings: (1) Detectable cotinine associated with 5-point IQ difference; (2) Higher rates of learning difficulties; (3) No safe threshold identified—any exposure had measurable effects.
Screen for smoke exposure at well visits. Counsel caregivers that even 'smoking outside' may not fully protect children. Connect families with smoking cessation resources.
Genetics
Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening in Childhood: Cascade Screening Effectiveness
Cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia starting in childhood identifies affected relatives and enables early statin therapy. Children identified through family screening had better outcomes than those diagnosed after cardiac events.
Key findings: (1) Each identified case led to 3 additional diagnoses in relatives; (2) Early statin therapy (age 8+) reduced lifetime cardiovascular risk; (3) Universal lipid screening at ages 9-11 complementary to cascade screening.
Take family history of premature heart disease seriously. Screen children in affected families by age 2. Universal lipid screening should occur at 9-11 years per AAP guidelines.