This Week in Pediatrics
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
ByMorgan Ebert, Executive Editor,Kevin Kaiserman, MD ... New ADA 2026 analyses show Afrezza delivered comparable glycemic control, favorable safety, and higher treatment satisfaction in youth.
JAMA Pediatrics – The Science of Child and Adolescent Health
Explore the latest in child health including food and nutrition, Kawasaki disease and C difficile, effects of media, and more. Formerly Archives of Pediatrics.
Pediatric clinical trials update: May 2026 | Contemporary Pediatrics
From new data on antiviral prevention strategies and emerging therapies for Tourette syndrome to advances in diabetes management and treatments for pediatric cardiomyopathy, investigators reported findings that may help shape future clinical ...
Research of the Day
Bedtime Screen Use and Sleep Quality in School-Age Children: Actigraphy Study
Using wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries, this study objectively measured sleep in 800 children ages 6-12 with varying bedtime screen habits. Screen use within 1 hour of bedtime significantly delayed sleep onset and reduced total sleep time.
Key findings: (1) 30-minute average delay in sleep onset with bedtime screens; (2) 45-minute reduction in total sleep time; (3) Blue light filtering partially but not fully mitigated effects.
Recommend screen-free wind-down periods of 1+ hours before bed. Counsel families on device-free bedrooms. Address screen habits as part of sleep hygiene discussions.
Popular Beliefs
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.
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.
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.
Behaviors
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cognitive Development: Cohort Study
This cohort study measured cotinine levels and cognitive outcomes in 2,000 children at multiple time points. Even low-level secondhand smoke exposure was associated with measurable effects on attention and working memory.
Key findings: (1) Detectable cotinine associated with 5-point IQ difference; (2) Higher rates of learning difficulties; (3) No safe threshold identified—any exposure had measurable effects.
Screen for smoke exposure at well visits. Counsel caregivers that even 'smoking outside' may not fully protect children. Connect families with smoking cessation resources.
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.