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 May 11, 2026 · A Stepwise Approach Can Support Healthy Sleep in Children · Medscape News Canada May 11, 2026 · Social Media Affects Alopecia Treatment Choices Among Youth · Medscape Medical News May 11, 2026 · Exclusive-Kennedy's Health Officials Explor...
KU Medical Center faculty say closing pediatric ICU creates ‘serious and preventable risks’ | KCUR - Kansas City news and NPR
“Children’s Mercy has and will continue to accommodate medical student PICU rotations,” the hospital said in an email. Faculty also said the PICU closure “erodes trust in administration and sets a dangerous precedent for closing clinical services lines in the future without facul...
Research of the Day
Iron Deficiency in Infancy and Long-Term Cognitive Outcomes: 10-Year Follow-Up
This prospective cohort followed children with iron deficiency anemia in infancy through age 10, comparing cognitive outcomes to iron-sufficient peers. Despite iron repletion in infancy, children with early anemia showed persistent differences in executive function and spatial memory.
Key findings: (1) Early iron deficiency associated with lower scores on math and reading assessments; (2) Differences in brain structure observed on MRI at age 10; (3) Duration of deficiency correlated with magnitude of effect.
Emphasize prevention through dietary counseling and appropriate screening. Iron-rich complementary foods should be introduced at 6 months. Consider iron supplementation in high-risk populations.
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.
Cold weather causes colds
What the evidence shows: Colds are caused by viruses, not cold temperatures. The association exists because people spend more time indoors in close proximity during winter, facilitating viral transmission. Additionally, dry indoor air may impair mucosal barriers. Hand hygiene and avoiding sick contacts are the real prevention strategies.
Behaviors
Growth Mindset and Academic Resilience in Middle School
This school-based intervention taught growth mindset principles to 4,000 middle schoolers. Students who internalized growth mindset showed improved grades, greater persistence, and reduced anxiety around academic challenges.
Key findings: (1) 0.3 GPA improvement in intervention group; (2) 25% reduction in test anxiety; (3) Effects largest for initially low-performing students. Teacher reinforcement of messages enhanced effects.
Praise effort over ability when discussing academics with patients. Encourage families to use growth mindset language. Struggle is part of learning, not a sign of inability.
Genetics
Newborn Screening: Recommended Uniform Screening Panel Updates
The Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) has been updated to include three additional conditions: Pompe disease, MPS I, and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. States are implementing expanded screening with early treatment implications.
Key findings: (1) Early identification allows treatment before symptom onset; (2) Cost-effectiveness demonstrated for new conditions; (3) Primary care providers need to understand screening results and follow-up.
Know your state's newborn screening panel. Ensure timely follow-up of abnormal screens. Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes for many of these conditions.