This Week in Pediatrics
Pediatrics - Medscape
Reuters Health Information April 16, 2026 · Managing Care When Gender-Affirming Therapy Is Limited · Medscape Medical News April 16, 2026 · Can DBS Curb Severe Self-Injury in Autism? Medscape Medical News April 16, 2026 · Helicopter Parenting: Risk for Tooth Decay in Children?
OrthoPediatrics Details Clinic Expansion, New Launches, and 2026 Free Cash Flow Goal at Needham Conference - Markets Daily
Management said Playbook is in early stages with beta sites and is not expected to be a major revenue contributor in 2026, but could become more meaningful over time. It outlined a model that includes a small hardware component and recurring ...
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 ...
Research of the Day
School Start Times and Adolescent Mental Health: A Natural Experiment
This natural experiment followed 50,000 high school students before and after a district-wide shift to later school start times (8:30am vs 7:15am). Students gained an average of 45 minutes of sleep per night and showed significant improvements in mental health markers over the 2-year study period.
Key findings: (1) 27% reduction in depressive symptoms; (2) 34% decrease in suicidal ideation reports; (3) Improved academic performance and attendance. Effects were most pronounced in students getting 8+ hours of sleep.
These data support advocating for developmentally appropriate school start times. Middle and high school students need 8-10 hours of sleep—counsel families on sleep hygiene and the importance of adequate rest for mental health.
Popular Beliefs
ADD/ADHD is caused by poor parenting or too much sugar
What the evidence shows: ADHD has strong genetic and neurobiological components. While environment can influence symptom severity, poor parenting and diet do not cause ADHD. Evidence-based treatments include behavioral therapy and, when appropriate, medication. Blaming parents is harmful and delays effective intervention.
Too many vaccines overwhelm a child's immune system
What the evidence shows: Children's immune systems handle vastly more antigens daily from the environment than from vaccines. Today's vaccines contain far fewer antigens than older versions despite protecting against more diseases. Studies show no increased infection rates in vaccinated children—vaccines strengthen, not weaken, immunity.
Eating carrots dramatically improves vision
What the evidence shows: While carrots contain vitamin A important for eye health, eating extra carrots won't improve normal vision or eliminate the need for glasses. Vitamin A deficiency can cause vision problems, but this is rare in developed countries with varied diets.
Behaviors
Early Pet Exposure and Immune Development: Birth Cohort Study
This birth cohort followed 1,200 children from birth to age 5, comparing immune development and allergy rates in homes with and without pets. Early pet exposure was associated with reduced allergy risk and altered gut microbiome.
Key findings: (1) 30% lower allergic sensitization with dog exposure in first year; (2) Cat exposure showed similar but smaller effects; (3) Microbiome diversity increased in pet-exposed children.
Reassure families that pet exposure during infancy may actually protect against allergies. For families without pets, don't specifically recommend getting one, but dispel the myth that pets must be removed to prevent allergies.
Genetics
Gene Therapy for Phenylketonuria: Phase 2 Trial Results
Phase 2 trial results of a novel gene therapy for PKU show sustained reduction in phenylalanine levels, potentially eliminating the need for restrictive diet in some patients. Single-dose treatment showed effects lasting 2+ years in most participants.
Key findings: (1) 70% of participants achieved normal Phe levels without diet; (2) No serious adverse events; (3) Quality of life significantly improved with dietary liberalization.
Gene therapy is expanding beyond rare diseases to common metabolic conditions. For PKU families, inform them of emerging options while continuing to support dietary adherence.