This Week in Pediatrics
FDA tracker: Novel approvals in pediatrics during 2026 | Contemporary Pediatrics
1. Copper histidinate (Zycubo; Sentynl Therapeutics Inc) Date: January 12, 2026 Indication: To manage Menkes disease in children. Background: Based on dedicated pediatric data from 2 open-label, single-arm clinical trials evaluating this ...
Nationwide Children’s Hospital expands presence into Wood County | The Blade
BOWLING GREEN — Wood County Hospital’s Wood County Medical Associates (Pediatrics) and Center for Child Development offices are now part of Nationwide ...
Q2 2026 Preview: 6 FDA Decisions to Watch | HCPLive
Two-year DUPLEX data published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed significant proteinuria reduction, higher remission rates, and a lower rate of end-stage kidney disease compared to active control irbesartan.
Research of the Day
Inhaled Corticosteroid Adherence in Minority Children: Community Health Worker Intervention
This RCT evaluated community health worker (CHW) home visits to improve inhaled corticosteroid adherence in 400 minority children with persistent asthma. CHW intervention nearly doubled medication adherence rates.
Key findings: (1) Adherence improved from 45% to 82% in intervention group; (2) 50% reduction in asthma-related ED visits; (3) Culturally tailored education more effective than standard approach.
Consider CHW programs or similar support for families struggling with asthma medication adherence. Address social determinants and provide culturally appropriate education.
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.
Warm milk helps children sleep
What the evidence shows: While milk contains tryptophan (a sleep-promoting amino acid), the amount is modest. Any sleep benefit likely comes from the comforting ritual and warmth rather than pharmacologic effect. A consistent bedtime routine matters more than any single component.
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.
Behaviors
Growth Mindset and Academic Resilience in Middle School
This school-based intervention taught growth mindset principles to 4,000 middle schoolers. Students who internalized growth mindset showed improved grades, greater persistence, and reduced anxiety around academic challenges.
Key findings: (1) 0.3 GPA improvement in intervention group; (2) 25% reduction in test anxiety; (3) Effects largest for initially low-performing students. Teacher reinforcement of messages enhanced effects.
Praise effort over ability when discussing academics with patients. Encourage families to use growth mindset language. Struggle is part of learning, not a sign of inability.
Genetics
Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1
Long-term follow-up data from the Phase 3 clinical trial of onasemnogene abeparvovec gene therapy reveals sustained motor milestone achievements in children with SMA Type 1 treated before 6 months of age. At 5-year follow-up, 94% of early-treated patients maintained the ability to sit independently, and 68% achieved independent walking—outcomes historically unprecedented in untreated SMA Type 1.
The study also reports on safety outcomes, with no new treatment-related serious adverse events emerging after year 2. These results strengthen the case for newborn screening and early intervention in SMA.
This data reinforces the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment in SMA. Support newborn screening initiatives in your state. For families with SMA history, discuss carrier testing and ensure rapid referral to neuromuscular specialists if symptoms arise.