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...
Mount Sinai Health System Chair of Pediatrics Receives ASPN Founders’ Award for Lifetime Achievement in Pediatric Nephrology | Mount Sinai - New York
The Mount Sinai Health System today announced that Lisa M. Satlin, MD, the Herbert H. Lehman Professor of Pediatrics and Chair of the Jack and Lucy Clark Department of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Pediatrician-in-Chief of Mount Sinai Kravis Child...
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
Family-Based Treatment for Childhood Obesity: 5-Year Outcomes
This long-term follow-up evaluated family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) for childhood obesity. Children who received FBT maintained healthier BMI trajectories compared to usual care, with parental involvement being key to sustained success.
Key findings: (1) 25% greater BMI reduction maintained at 5 years; (2) Parental BMI change correlated with child outcomes; (3) Maintenance sessions improved long-term success.
Engage the whole family in obesity treatment—target the child alone is less effective. Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes, address family habits, and plan for ongoing support.
Popular Beliefs
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.
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.
Vaccines cause autism
What the evidence shows: This thoroughly debunked claim originated from a fraudulent 1998 study. Multiple large-scale studies involving millions of children have found no association between vaccines and autism. The original study was retracted and its author lost his medical license. Vaccines are safe and essential.
Behaviors
Musical Training and Brain Development in Children: Longitudinal Neuroimaging Study
This 3-year study compared brain development in children receiving musical instrument training versus those doing sports or no organized activity. Music training was associated with enhanced auditory processing, motor coordination, and executive function networks.
Key findings: (1) Increased cortical thickness in auditory and motor regions; (2) Better performance on working memory and attention tasks; (3) Benefits correlated with practice duration.
Music education offers cognitive benefits beyond artistic development. When families ask about extracurriculars, mention music as a brain-healthy option. Benefits appear even with modest practice time.
Genetics
Genetic Risk Screening for Type 1 Diabetes: Prevention Trial Update
Large-scale genetic screening of newborns identifies high-risk children for T1D prevention trials. Early results suggest immune modulation in high-risk children may delay or prevent onset of diabetes.
Key findings: (1) 5% of screened infants fall into high-risk category; (2) Early intervention delayed onset by average 3 years; (3) Screening acceptable to most families when explained appropriately.
T1D prevention is moving from research to clinical reality. Stay updated on trial availability. For families with T1D history, genetic counseling and risk assessment may be appropriate for siblings.