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...
Reactions to the CDC changing the childhood vaccine schedule | Contemporary Pediatrics
Click on the video above to watch our 2025 recap and what further may be in store as we begin 2026. ... Fitch J. CDC changes childhood vaccine schedule, recommends fewer vaccines for all children. Contemporary Pediatrics. January 5, 2026.
Early Muscle Loss in PICU Predicts Poor Outcomes in Children, Suggests Study
Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2026-05-05T20:45:35+05:30 | Updated On 5 May 2026 8:46 PM IST · China: Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) develop progressive muscle wasting within the first week.
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
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.
The flu shot can give you the flu
What the evidence shows: Flu vaccines contain inactivated virus or viral proteins that cannot cause influenza infection. Some people experience mild side effects (sore arm, low-grade fever) that mimic illness. It takes 2 weeks for protection to develop, so some may get infected before the vaccine works.
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
Bedtime Routine Consistency and Child Behavior: Observational Study
This analysis of 5,000 parent surveys examined the relationship between bedtime routine consistency and daytime behavior. Children with consistent, calming bedtime routines had fewer behavioral problems and better emotional regulation.
Key findings: (1) Inconsistent routines associated with 2x behavioral difficulties; (2) Routines including reading showed strongest effects; (3) Benefits seen across all age groups studied (2-10 years).
Bedtime routines matter for more than just sleep—they shape behavior and emotional regulation. Help families develop simple, consistent routines even during busy periods.
Genetics
Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening in Childhood: Cascade Screening Effectiveness
Cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia starting in childhood identifies affected relatives and enables early statin therapy. Children identified through family screening had better outcomes than those diagnosed after cardiac events.
Key findings: (1) Each identified case led to 3 additional diagnoses in relatives; (2) Early statin therapy (age 8+) reduced lifetime cardiovascular risk; (3) Universal lipid screening at ages 9-11 complementary to cascade screening.
Take family history of premature heart disease seriously. Screen children in affected families by age 2. Universal lipid screening should occur at 9-11 years per AAP guidelines.