This Week in Pediatrics
Pediatrics - Medscape
Medscape Medical News April 30, 2026 · AstraZeneca to Invest $405 Million in Britain After US-UK Pharma Deal · Reuters Health Information April 29, 2026 · Germany to Impose Levy on Sugary Drinks From 2028 · Reuters Health Information April 29, 2026 View All · Centers for Disease ...
MyMichigan pediatrics relocates to medical center in Alpena | News, Sports, Jobs - The Alpena News
ALPENA – Effective Monday, May 4, 2026, MyMichigan Pediatrics will relocate to the third floor of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, located at 1501 Chisholm Street. The pediatric medical practice office of Thomas Fell, D.O., and Maria Mason, ...
CDC delay of infant hepatitis B shot likely to raise infections, studies show - The Washington Post
The Trump administration’s decision to drop the long-standing recommendation that newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth will likely lead to hundreds of additional infections among children, along with more cases of liver cancer, deaths and millions in ad...
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
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.
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.
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.
Behaviors
Media Multitasking and Attention in Adolescents
This study of 600 high school students examined the relationship between media multitasking (using multiple screens simultaneously) and attention abilities. Heavy media multitaskers showed reduced ability to filter irrelevant information.
Key findings: (1) Heavy multitaskers had 15% more attention lapses in class; (2) Greater difficulty switching between tasks effectively; (3) Sleep quality mediated some of the relationship.
Counsel adolescents (and parents) on single-tasking for homework. Having phone notifications off and single-device focus improves learning efficiency and quality.
Genetics
Polygenic Risk Scores and ADHD: Clinical Utility Analysis
Large GWAS analysis demonstrates polygenic risk scores for ADHD have limited current clinical utility for diagnosis but may help identify children at risk for severe or persistent symptoms. Environmental factors remain critically important.
Key findings: (1) Polygenic scores explain ~10% of ADHD variance; (2) Higher scores associated with earlier onset and persistence; (3) Not useful as diagnostic test—clinical evaluation remains gold standard.
Genetics is one piece of the ADHD puzzle but doesn't replace clinical assessment. Avoid overinterpreting direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Family history remains the most useful genetic 'test' for ADHD risk.