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...
Is Hypertension Undertreated in Pediatrics?
The study population included 107,884 ... at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2026 Meeting. Significantly fewer children than adults received an ARB (12.5% vs 42.0%)....
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
Social Media Use and Depression in Early Adolescence: Longitudinal Analysis
This 3-year longitudinal study followed 6,500 adolescents ages 12-15, tracking social media use patterns and mental health outcomes. High social media use (>3 hours/day) was associated with increased depression risk, though the relationship was bidirectional.
Key findings: (1) 35% increased odds of elevated depressive symptoms with high use; (2) Social comparison and cyberbullying mediated the relationship; (3) Active use (creating content) showed smaller associations than passive consumption.
Screen for problematic social media use during well visits. Counsel families on media limits, encourage active over passive use, and discuss warning signs of cyberbullying and unhealthy comparison.
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.
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.
Children outgrow ADHD
What the evidence shows: While symptoms often change with age, approximately 60% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood. Hyperactivity typically decreases, but inattention and impulsivity often persist. Ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustment is important across the lifespan.
Behaviors
Media Multitasking and Attention in Adolescents
This study of 600 high school students examined the relationship between media multitasking (using multiple screens simultaneously) and attention abilities. Heavy media multitaskers showed reduced ability to filter irrelevant information.
Key findings: (1) Heavy multitaskers had 15% more attention lapses in class; (2) Greater difficulty switching between tasks effectively; (3) Sleep quality mediated some of the relationship.
Counsel adolescents (and parents) on single-tasking for homework. Having phone notifications off and single-device focus improves learning efficiency and quality.
Genetics
Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1
Long-term follow-up data from the Phase 3 clinical trial of onasemnogene abeparvovec gene therapy reveals sustained motor milestone achievements in children with SMA Type 1 treated before 6 months of age. At 5-year follow-up, 94% of early-treated patients maintained the ability to sit independently, and 68% achieved independent walking—outcomes historically unprecedented in untreated SMA Type 1.
The study also reports on safety outcomes, with no new treatment-related serious adverse events emerging after year 2. These results strengthen the case for newborn screening and early intervention in SMA.
This data reinforces the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment in SMA. Support newborn screening initiatives in your state. For families with SMA history, discuss carrier testing and ensure rapid referral to neuromuscular specialists if symptoms arise.