This Week in Pediatrics
JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting - An Innovative Approach to Enhanced Care Management for High-Need Pediatric Medicaid Members: Retrospective Cohort Study
Our findings add to the evidence base on community-based care management for pediatric Medicaid populations and offer practical insights into adapting ECM to better serve youth with complex needs. In this retrospective, observational cohort study, we analyzed metrics on program e...
ADHD in the News 2026-04-23 - CHADD
View Article: King's College London, April 15, 2026 · Viloxazine ER (viloxazine extended-release capsules) is a selective norepinephrine transporter inhibitor and non-stimulant that is FDA-approved for the treatment of pediatric (≥6 years of age) and adult ADHD.1 A phase 3 o...
Flu vaccines reduced medical visits in children in recent seasons
Influenza vaccination continues to protect children from influenza-related outpatient visits and hospitalizations, according to post-pandemic data published in Pediatrics. “We have had really severe recent seasons for flu, particularly in ...
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
Remove ticks with a lit match or petroleum jelly
What the evidence shows: These methods can cause the tick to regurgitate into the wound, increasing disease transmission risk. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Save the tick for identification if possible.
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.
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.
Behaviors
Breakfast Consumption and Cognitive Performance in School-Age Children
This crossover study compared cognitive test performance in 200 children ages 8-11 on days with and without breakfast. Skipping breakfast significantly impaired attention, memory, and problem-solving speed, with effects noticeable by mid-morning.
Key findings: (1) 18% slower response time on attention tasks without breakfast; (2) Short-term memory scores 12% lower; (3) Nutrient-dense breakfasts outperformed high-sugar options for sustained attention.
Screen for breakfast skipping during well visits, especially in lower-income families. Connect families with school breakfast programs when appropriate. Quick, balanced breakfast options can be discussed as anticipatory guidance.
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.