This Week in Pediatrics
FDA news in pediatrics: May 2026 | Contemporary Pediatrics
On May 29, 2026, the FDA approved Afrezza for children and adolescents aged 6 years and older with diabetes, making it the first rapid-acting inhaled insulin available for pediatric patients requiring mealtime insulin.
Pediatrics - Medscape
Healthcare Strikes Ethical in Few Cases: Ethicist · Medscape Business of Medicine June 3, 2026 · Expert Witness Side Gigs: Good Pay, Rewarding Work · Medscape Medical News June 3, 2026 · ‘Something Died in Me’: Why Dedicated Doctors Quit Medicine · Medscape Medical News May 28, 2...
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
The FDA extended its review of adrabetadex for infantile-onset Niemann-Pick disease type C to November 17, 2026, after a major NDA amendment. ... UCLA researchers identified EPAC2 as a potential Fragile X syndrome treatment target after improving ...
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
Chocolate causes acne
What the evidence shows: The relationship between diet and acne is complex. Some studies suggest high-glycemic diets and dairy may worsen acne, but chocolate specifically has not been definitively proven to cause breakouts. Individual responses vary—advise patients to observe their own triggers.
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.
Vaccines cause autism
What the evidence shows: This thoroughly debunked claim originated from a fraudulent 1998 study. Multiple large-scale studies involving millions of children have found no association between vaccines and autism. The original study was retracted and its author lost his medical license. Vaccines are safe and essential.
Behaviors
Family Meal Frequency and Obesity Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis synthesized 45 studies examining the relationship between family meal frequency and childhood obesity. Children who shared regular family meals had significantly lower obesity risk and healthier eating patterns.
Key findings: (1) 3+ family meals/week associated with 12% lower overweight/obesity; (2) Higher fruit/vegetable intake and lower fast food consumption; (3) Protective effect independent of family structure or income.
Encourage family meals as part of healthy lifestyle counseling. Even a few shared meals per week make a difference. Focus on the ritual and connection, not just nutrition.
Genetics
Genetic Risk Screening for Type 1 Diabetes: Prevention Trial Update
Large-scale genetic screening of newborns identifies high-risk children for T1D prevention trials. Early results suggest immune modulation in high-risk children may delay or prevent onset of diabetes.
Key findings: (1) 5% of screened infants fall into high-risk category; (2) Early intervention delayed onset by average 3 years; (3) Screening acceptable to most families when explained appropriately.
T1D prevention is moving from research to clinical reality. Stay updated on trial availability. For families with T1D history, genetic counseling and risk assessment may be appropriate for siblings.