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...
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Unveils Program to Expand Access to Pediatric Mental Health Care
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is launching a pediatric partial hospitalization program with an anticipated opening this fall at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation. The program will be located in a renovated space specifically designed to provide structured...
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.
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
Too many vaccines overwhelm a child's immune system
What the evidence shows: Children's immune systems handle vastly more antigens daily from the environment than from vaccines. Today's vaccines contain far fewer antigens than older versions despite protecting against more diseases. Studies show no increased infection rates in vaccinated children—vaccines strengthen, not weaken, immunity.
Cracking knuckles causes arthritis
What the evidence shows: Studies comparing habitual knuckle-crackers to non-crackers found no increased arthritis risk. The cracking sound is from gas bubble release in synovial fluid. The main consequence may be reduced grip strength and annoyed family members.
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.
Behaviors
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cognitive Development: Cohort Study
This cohort study measured cotinine levels and cognitive outcomes in 2,000 children at multiple time points. Even low-level secondhand smoke exposure was associated with measurable effects on attention and working memory.
Key findings: (1) Detectable cotinine associated with 5-point IQ difference; (2) Higher rates of learning difficulties; (3) No safe threshold identified—any exposure had measurable effects.
Screen for smoke exposure at well visits. Counsel caregivers that even 'smoking outside' may not fully protect children. Connect families with smoking cessation resources.
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.