This Week in Pediatrics
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...
Global Collaboration Clarifies Sepsis Care for Children - Research Horizons
Post Date: May 22, 2026 | Publish Date: April 24, 2026 ... For years, clinicians have debated a fundamental question in pediatric emergency care: does the type of IV fluid used in septic shock actually matter?
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...
Research of the Day
Adolescent Vaping Cessation: Randomized Trial of Behavioral Interventions
This RCT compared three vaping cessation approaches in 1,200 adolescents: text-based support, in-person counseling, and combined intervention. Combined approach showed highest quit rates at 6-month follow-up.
Key findings: (1) 28% quit rate with combined intervention vs 15% text-only; (2) Nicotine dependence level predicted quit success; (3) Most adolescents wanted to quit but lacked support resources.
Screen for vaping at every adolescent visit. Offer cessation resources proactively—most teens want to quit. Combine counseling with digital support for best outcomes.
Popular Beliefs
Green mucus means bacterial infection requiring antibiotics
What the evidence shows: Mucus color changes naturally during viral infections and does not reliably distinguish viral from bacterial causes. Green/yellow mucus indicates immune cell activity, which occurs in both viral and bacterial infections. Antibiotics should be prescribed based on clinical criteria, not mucus color.
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.
Remove ticks with a lit match or petroleum jelly
What the evidence shows: These methods can cause the tick to regurgitate into the wound, increasing disease transmission risk. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Save the tick for identification if possible.
Behaviors
Physical Activity and Academic Achievement: School-Based Intervention Study
This cluster RCT examined whether increasing physical activity during the school day improved academic outcomes in 3,500 elementary students. Schools were randomized to add 30 minutes of daily activity or continue standard curriculum.
Key findings: (1) Intervention students showed 15% improvement in reading scores; (2) Math scores improved 8%; (3) On-task behavior increased and disruptive behavior decreased. Benefits were greatest for students with ADHD symptoms.
Advocate for physical activity in schools—it enhances rather than detracts from learning. Counsel families on the importance of daily active play for cognitive development, not just physical health.
Genetics
Genetic Testing in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Sports Participation Guidance
Updated guidelines incorporate genetic testing results into sports participation decisions for young athletes with HCM. Some genetically positive but phenotypically negative individuals may safely participate in athletics with appropriate monitoring.
Key findings: (1) Risk stratification improved with genetic markers; (2) Shared decision-making framework more nuanced than previous blanket restrictions; (3) Regular cardiac monitoring essential regardless of sport participation.
Genetic testing can refine, but not eliminate, cardiac risk assessment. Refer to cardiology for any athlete with suspected or confirmed HCM. Shared decision-making with families is appropriate.