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
Inhaled Corticosteroid Adherence in Minority Children: Community Health Worker Intervention
This RCT evaluated community health worker (CHW) home visits to improve inhaled corticosteroid adherence in 400 minority children with persistent asthma. CHW intervention nearly doubled medication adherence rates.
Key findings: (1) Adherence improved from 45% to 82% in intervention group; (2) 50% reduction in asthma-related ED visits; (3) Culturally tailored education more effective than standard approach.
Consider CHW programs or similar support for families struggling with asthma medication adherence. Address social determinants and provide culturally appropriate education.
Popular Beliefs
Teething causes high fevers and diarrhea
What the evidence shows: While teething may cause mild symptoms (gum irritation, drooling, slight temperature elevation), it does not cause high fever (>102°F/38.9°C) or diarrhea. These symptoms should prompt evaluation for other causes. Attributing significant illness to teething may delay diagnosis of serious conditions.
Reading to babies is pointless—they don't understand
What the evidence shows: Research consistently demonstrates that reading to infants from birth supports language development, vocabulary acquisition, and later literacy skills. Even before understanding words, babies benefit from hearing language patterns, rhythm, and the bonding experience. The AAP recommends reading aloud beginning in infancy.
ADD/ADHD is caused by poor parenting or too much sugar
What the evidence shows: ADHD has strong genetic and neurobiological components. While environment can influence symptom severity, poor parenting and diet do not cause ADHD. Evidence-based treatments include behavioral therapy and, when appropriate, medication. Blaming parents is harmful and delays effective intervention.
Behaviors
Breakfast Consumption and Cognitive Performance in School-Age Children
This crossover study compared cognitive test performance in 200 children ages 8-11 on days with and without breakfast. Skipping breakfast significantly impaired attention, memory, and problem-solving speed, with effects noticeable by mid-morning.
Key findings: (1) 18% slower response time on attention tasks without breakfast; (2) Short-term memory scores 12% lower; (3) Nutrient-dense breakfasts outperformed high-sugar options for sustained attention.
Screen for breakfast skipping during well visits, especially in lower-income families. Connect families with school breakfast programs when appropriate. Quick, balanced breakfast options can be discussed as anticipatory guidance.
Genetics
Newborn Screening: Recommended Uniform Screening Panel Updates
The Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) has been updated to include three additional conditions: Pompe disease, MPS I, and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. States are implementing expanded screening with early treatment implications.
Key findings: (1) Early identification allows treatment before symptom onset; (2) Cost-effectiveness demonstrated for new conditions; (3) Primary care providers need to understand screening results and follow-up.
Know your state's newborn screening panel. Ensure timely follow-up of abnormal screens. Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes for many of these conditions.