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
Universal Depression Screening in Adolescents: Implementation and Outcomes
This pragmatic trial implemented universal depression screening using PHQ-9 Modified for Adolescents across 50 primary care practices. Universal screening identified 3x more cases of moderate-to-severe depression compared to targeted screening.
Key findings: (1) 18% of screened adolescents had positive screens requiring follow-up; (2) Early identification led to 40% increase in mental health referrals; (3) False positive rate acceptable at 12%.
Implement annual depression screening for all patients 12-21 years. Establish referral pathways and follow-up protocols. Address barriers to mental health access in your community.
Popular Beliefs
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.
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.
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.
Behaviors
Early Pet Exposure and Immune Development: Birth Cohort Study
This birth cohort followed 1,200 children from birth to age 5, comparing immune development and allergy rates in homes with and without pets. Early pet exposure was associated with reduced allergy risk and altered gut microbiome.
Key findings: (1) 30% lower allergic sensitization with dog exposure in first year; (2) Cat exposure showed similar but smaller effects; (3) Microbiome diversity increased in pet-exposed children.
Reassure families that pet exposure during infancy may actually protect against allergies. For families without pets, don't specifically recommend getting one, but dispel the myth that pets must be removed to prevent allergies.
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.