This Week in Pediatrics
Pediatrics - Medscape
Reuters Health Information April ... White Coat? Do Doctors Still Need the ‘Symbol’? Medscape Medical News April 28, 2026 · Early Simultaneous Cochlear Implants a Better Option · Medscape Medical News April 28, 2026 · Children With Health and Social Needs Miss More School ......
Idorsia Reports Q1 2026 Results, Highlighting Pediatric Daridorexant Data and Expanding Clinical Evidence | Sleep Review
Idorsia Ltd announced its financial ... medicine portfolio, including positive pediatric data for daridorexant and expanding clinical evidence for QUVIVIQ across various patient populations....
Pediatrics News | MedPage Today
Health news and commentary gathered by MedPage Today staff · Mar 09, 2026 • 2 min read · As Literacy Rates Lag, a Pediatric Hospital Is Screening for Reading Ability · Literacy screenings are not typically conducted in medical settings ...
Research of the Day
Duration of Breastfeeding and Childhood Obesity Risk: Meta-Analysis of 150 Cohort Studies
This comprehensive meta-analysis synthesized data from 150 cohort studies involving over 2.5 million children to examine the relationship between breastfeeding duration and obesity risk. Children breastfed for 6+ months showed a 22% reduction in obesity risk at ages 5-10 compared to never-breastfed children.
Key findings: (1) Each additional month of breastfeeding associated with 3% lower obesity odds; (2) Effects persisted after adjusting for socioeconomic status and maternal BMI; (3) Exclusive breastfeeding showed stronger effects than mixed feeding.
These findings strengthen breastfeeding support recommendations. Counsel expectant parents on breastfeeding benefits, ensure access to lactation support, and address barriers to continued breastfeeding.
Popular Beliefs
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.
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.
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
Sleep Schedule Consistency and ADHD Symptoms: Intervention Study
This intervention study examined whether consistent sleep schedules improved ADHD symptoms in 150 children ages 6-12. Families implemented strict bed/wake times for 8 weeks while tracking symptoms and sleep.
Key findings: (1) Consistent sleep reduced inattention symptoms by 25%; (2) Bedtime resistance decreased significantly; (3) Effects comparable to some medication responses. Weekend sleep consistency was particularly important.
Before escalating ADHD treatment, optimize sleep hygiene. Consistent bed/wake times (including weekends) can meaningfully improve symptoms. This is a low-risk intervention all families can implement.
Genetics
Newborn Screening: Recommended Uniform Screening Panel Updates
The Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) has been updated to include three additional conditions: Pompe disease, MPS I, and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. States are implementing expanded screening with early treatment implications.
Key findings: (1) Early identification allows treatment before symptom onset; (2) Cost-effectiveness demonstrated for new conditions; (3) Primary care providers need to understand screening results and follow-up.
Know your state's newborn screening panel. Ensure timely follow-up of abnormal screens. Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes for many of these conditions.