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
Medscape Medical News June 5, 2026 · Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi Becomes New CMA President · Medscape News Canada June 5, 2026 · Can Oral Icotrokinra Relieve High-Impact Site Psoriasis? Medscape News UK June 4, 2026 View All · The Case for Screening Parents at the Pediatric Visit · Comment...
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
Duration of Breastfeeding and Childhood Obesity Risk: Meta-Analysis of 150 Cohort Studies
This comprehensive meta-analysis synthesized data from 150 cohort studies involving over 2.5 million children to examine the relationship between breastfeeding duration and obesity risk. Children breastfed for 6+ months showed a 22% reduction in obesity risk at ages 5-10 compared to never-breastfed children.
Key findings: (1) Each additional month of breastfeeding associated with 3% lower obesity odds; (2) Effects persisted after adjusting for socioeconomic status and maternal BMI; (3) Exclusive breastfeeding showed stronger effects than mixed feeding.
These findings strengthen breastfeeding support recommendations. Counsel expectant parents on breastfeeding benefits, ensure access to lactation support, and address barriers to continued breastfeeding.
Popular Beliefs
The flu shot can give you the flu
What the evidence shows: Flu vaccines contain inactivated virus or viral proteins that cannot cause influenza infection. Some people experience mild side effects (sore arm, low-grade fever) that mimic illness. It takes 2 weeks for protection to develop, so some may get infected before the vaccine works.
Cold weather causes colds
What the evidence shows: Colds are caused by viruses, not cold temperatures. The association exists because people spend more time indoors in close proximity during winter, facilitating viral transmission. Additionally, dry indoor air may impair mucosal barriers. Hand hygiene and avoiding sick contacts are the real prevention strategies.
Cracking knuckles causes arthritis
What the evidence shows: Studies comparing habitual knuckle-crackers to non-crackers found no increased arthritis risk. The cracking sound is from gas bubble release in synovial fluid. The main consequence may be reduced grip strength and annoyed family members.
Behaviors
Screen Time and Executive Function in Preschoolers: A Longitudinal Analysis
This prospective cohort study followed 850 children from ages 2 to 5 years, examining the relationship between screen time exposure and executive function development. Researchers used validated parent-report measures and direct assessments of working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility.
Children with more than 2 hours of daily screen time at age 2 showed lower scores on executive function measures at age 5. Notably, the type of screen content mattered—educational programming showed smaller associations than passive entertainment viewing. Joint parent-child viewing partially mitigated negative effects.
These findings support counseling families on the AAP recommendation of less than 1 hour per day of high-quality programming for children 2-5 years. Emphasize co-viewing and educational content when screens are used. Executive function is crucial for school readiness and later academic success.
Genetics
Gene Therapy for Phenylketonuria: Phase 2 Trial Results
Phase 2 trial results of a novel gene therapy for PKU show sustained reduction in phenylalanine levels, potentially eliminating the need for restrictive diet in some patients. Single-dose treatment showed effects lasting 2+ years in most participants.
Key findings: (1) 70% of participants achieved normal Phe levels without diet; (2) No serious adverse events; (3) Quality of life significantly improved with dietary liberalization.
Gene therapy is expanding beyond rare diseases to common metabolic conditions. For PKU families, inform them of emerging options while continuing to support dietary adherence.