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
Telemedicine in Pediatric Care Tied to Lower Antibiotic Use · Medscape Medical News May 8, 2026 View All · Rising From ‘The Pitt’: Knowing When to Ask for Help · Commentary May 7, 2026 · Dr Tyler Beauchamp reflects on The Pitt and physician mental health, showing how burnout and ...
Telemedicine for Respiratory Infections in Pediatric Care Tied to Lower Antibiotic Use
They compared 438,148 in-person and 11,482 telemedicine visits by children diagnosed with bacterial and viral ARTIs across community health organizations, independent pediatric practices, and practice networks affiliated with large health systems.
Research of the Day
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions Before Age 2: RCT
This RCT provided Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) to infants showing early autism markers at 12-18 months. Early intervention significantly improved social communication outcomes at age 3.
Key findings: (1) 40% of intervention group no longer met ASD criteria at age 3; (2) Greater gains when started before 15 months; (3) Parent-mediated strategies effective when coached by professionals.
Refer promptly when developmental concerns arise—don't wait for definitive diagnosis. Early intervention can meaningfully change trajectories. Coach parents to implement strategies in daily routines.
Popular Beliefs
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.
Organic food is significantly more nutritious
What the evidence shows: Organic foods have lower pesticide residues, but studies show minimal nutritional differences compared to conventional foods. What matters most for health is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whether organic or conventional.
Behaviors
Green Space Exposure and Mental Health in Urban Adolescents
This longitudinal study followed 5,000 urban adolescents over 4 years, using GPS tracking to measure green space exposure. Greater exposure to parks and nature was associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, independent of socioeconomic factors.
Key findings: (1) 20% lower depression risk with daily green space exposure; (2) Benefits dose-dependent—more exposure meant better outcomes; (3) Active use (sports, walking) showed greater benefits than passive exposure.
Encourage outdoor time as part of mental health promotion. For families in urban areas, identify nearby parks and green spaces. Nature exposure is an accessible, cost-effective mental health intervention.
Genetics
Gene Therapy for Congenital Hearing Loss: Breakthrough Trial
First successful gene therapy trial for DFNB9 deafness (otoferlin deficiency) shows restoration of hearing in children with previously profound hearing loss. Treated children gained ability to hear speech without cochlear implants.
Key findings: (1) 8 of 10 children gained functional hearing; (2) Benefit sustained at 18-month follow-up; (3) Earlier treatment showed better outcomes.
Genetic forms of deafness may become treatable. This changes the conversation with families about hearing loss prognosis. Genetic testing for hearing loss is increasingly important for treatment planning.