This Week in Pediatrics
Pediatrics - Medscape
Is Hypertension Undertreated in Pediatrics? Medscape Medical News May 21, 2026 · Prior Auth Rules Vary Widely Across Insurers, Study Finds · Medscape Medical News May 21, 2026 · PAS 2026 · Congenital CMV Linked to Substantial Long-Term Health Issues · Medscape Medical News May 21...
In HelloNation, Expert Pediatrician Lisa Roberts, MD, FAAP Explains the Full Value of Well-Child Visits
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Are well-child visits just about vaccines? A HelloNation article featuring Lisa Roberts, MD, FAAP of Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in Lawrenceville, GA, clarifies that these appointments offer much more than immunizat...
New surgeon general’s advisory raises alarm about screen time risks for kids and teens | CNN
The new surgeon general’s advisory mirrors many of those recommendations, including creating a family media plan and modeling healthy media habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends employing the “5 Cs of Media Use,” which are for families to consider media in th...
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
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.
Starve a fever, feed a cold
What the evidence shows: Neither fevers nor colds benefit from restricting food. Both conditions increase metabolic demands, and adequate nutrition supports immune function. Encourage normal eating as tolerated and emphasize hydration with any illness.
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
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
Exon-Skipping Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Expanded Approvals
FDA has approved additional exon-skipping therapies targeting previously untreatable Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutations. These antisense oligonucleotide treatments now cover 80% of DMD patients, slowing disease progression.
Key findings: (1) Treated patients maintain ambulation 2-4 years longer; (2) Cardiac and respiratory function also preserved; (3) Earlier treatment initiation correlates with better outcomes.
Genetic testing to identify specific DMD mutation is essential for treatment planning. Refer to neuromuscular centers for evaluation. Treatment options continue to expand rapidly.