This Week in Pediatrics
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
Donna Hallas, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, ... Pediatrics, focused on nutrition. ... The FDA cleared a generic Infuvite Pediatric injection for children receiving parenteral nutrition, adding a new option for hospital supp...
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 ...
JAMA Pediatrics – The Science of Child and Adolescent Health
Explore the latest in child health including food and nutrition, Kawasaki disease and C difficile, effects of media, and more. Formerly Archives of
Research of the Day
Delayed Epinephrine Administration in Pediatric Anaphylaxis: Multi-Center Analysis
This multi-center retrospective study analyzed 2,800 pediatric anaphylaxis cases across 12 children's hospitals. Delayed epinephrine administration (>15 minutes from symptom onset) occurred in 42% of cases and was associated with increased risk of severe outcomes and biphasic reactions.
Key findings: (1) Delayed epinephrine associated with 3.2x increased odds of hospitalization; (2) Food-induced reactions most likely to have delayed treatment; (3) Many families cited fear of injection or uncertainty about symptoms as reasons for delay.
Reinforce epinephrine-first messaging for anaphylaxis. Ensure families can recognize symptoms and use auto-injectors confidently. Consider demonstration at every visit for patients with prescribed epinephrine.
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.
Wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming
What the evidence shows: There's no evidence that swimming after eating causes cramps or drowning. While digestion diverts some blood flow to the gut, it doesn't impair swimming ability in normal circumstances. Common-sense supervision is always important regardless of meal timing.
Warm milk helps children sleep
What the evidence shows: While milk contains tryptophan (a sleep-promoting amino acid), the amount is modest. Any sleep benefit likely comes from the comforting ritual and warmth rather than pharmacologic effect. A consistent bedtime routine matters more than any single component.
Behaviors
Physical Activity and Academic Achievement: School-Based Intervention Study
This cluster RCT examined whether increasing physical activity during the school day improved academic outcomes in 3,500 elementary students. Schools were randomized to add 30 minutes of daily activity or continue standard curriculum.
Key findings: (1) Intervention students showed 15% improvement in reading scores; (2) Math scores improved 8%; (3) On-task behavior increased and disruptive behavior decreased. Benefits were greatest for students with ADHD symptoms.
Advocate for physical activity in schools—it enhances rather than detracts from learning. Counsel families on the importance of daily active play for cognitive development, not just physical health.
Genetics
Genetic Testing in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Sports Participation Guidance
Updated guidelines incorporate genetic testing results into sports participation decisions for young athletes with HCM. Some genetically positive but phenotypically negative individuals may safely participate in athletics with appropriate monitoring.
Key findings: (1) Risk stratification improved with genetic markers; (2) Shared decision-making framework more nuanced than previous blanket restrictions; (3) Regular cardiac monitoring essential regardless of sport participation.
Genetic testing can refine, but not eliminate, cardiac risk assessment. Refer to cardiology for any athlete with suspected or confirmed HCM. Shared decision-making with families is appropriate.