This Week in Pediatrics
Leading with heart: Juan Salazar’s mission to advance pediatric health care for all children - Vanderbilt Health News
I wanted to devote my career to infectious diseases in children, with a lot of emphasis on pediatric AIDS. A: So, the good news is that with the prevention of mother-to-infant transmission of HIV, plus the benefit of antiretroviral medications, fewer kids became infected with HIV...
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
ByPatrick Campbell · March 16th 2026 · A phase 3 trial shows that lebrikizumab improves skin clearance and itch in infants and children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
CHLA Experts to Showcase New Research at 2026 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting | Newswise
Aditi Iyer Seasonal and Geographic Trends in Pediatric Coccidioidomycosis at a Southern California Children's Hospital Monday, April 27, 2026 11-11:15 a.m. EDT · Rajesh Donthi, MD Beyond the Grid: Smarter Scheduling, Stronger Teams, and World Peace Saturday, April 25, 2026 1...
Research of the Day
Bedtime Screen Use and Sleep Quality in School-Age Children: Actigraphy Study
Using wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries, this study objectively measured sleep in 800 children ages 6-12 with varying bedtime screen habits. Screen use within 1 hour of bedtime significantly delayed sleep onset and reduced total sleep time.
Key findings: (1) 30-minute average delay in sleep onset with bedtime screens; (2) 45-minute reduction in total sleep time; (3) Blue light filtering partially but not fully mitigated effects.
Recommend screen-free wind-down periods of 1+ hours before bed. Counsel families on device-free bedrooms. Address screen habits as part of sleep hygiene discussions.
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.
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.
Letting babies walk early causes bowlegs
What the evidence shows: There is no evidence that early walking causes bowlegs. Most infants have some degree of bowing that typically resolves by age 3-4. Pathologic bowing has other causes (Blount disease, rickets). Encourage normal motor development and monitor for asymmetric or progressive bowing.
Behaviors
Green Space Exposure and Mental Health in Urban Adolescents
This longitudinal study followed 5,000 urban adolescents over 4 years, using GPS tracking to measure green space exposure. Greater exposure to parks and nature was associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, independent of socioeconomic factors.
Key findings: (1) 20% lower depression risk with daily green space exposure; (2) Benefits dose-dependent—more exposure meant better outcomes; (3) Active use (sports, walking) showed greater benefits than passive exposure.
Encourage outdoor time as part of mental health promotion. For families in urban areas, identify nearby parks and green spaces. Nature exposure is an accessible, cost-effective mental health intervention.
Genetics
Genetic Predictors of Peanut Allergy Persistence
Genome-wide association study identifies genetic variants associated with peanut allergy persistence versus resolution. Children with certain variants are more likely to outgrow their allergy, informing timing of oral food challenges.
Key findings: (1) 4 genetic variants strongly associated with persistence; (2) Genetic testing could reduce unnecessary avoidance and challenges; (3) Environmental factors remain important in allergy development.
Genetic testing may soon help predict which children will outgrow allergies. For now, continue regular reassessment with IgE testing and oral challenges as clinically indicated.