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.
HCPLive - Clinical news for connected physicians
Data from the ongoing open-label extensions of PATHFNDR-1 and PATHFNDR-2, presented at ENDO 2026, highlight the drug’s efficacy in reducing IGF-1. ByDiana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES,Natalie Bellini, DNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES ... This episode covers recent approva...
Measles Cases and Outbreaks | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
There have been 30 new outbreaks** reported in 2026, and 93% of confirmed cases (1,957 of 2,104) are outbreak-associated (613 from outbreaks starting in 2026 and 1,344 from outbreaks that started in 2025).
Research of the Day
Social Media Use and Depression in Early Adolescence: Longitudinal Analysis
This 3-year longitudinal study followed 6,500 adolescents ages 12-15, tracking social media use patterns and mental health outcomes. High social media use (>3 hours/day) was associated with increased depression risk, though the relationship was bidirectional.
Key findings: (1) 35% increased odds of elevated depressive symptoms with high use; (2) Social comparison and cyberbullying mediated the relationship; (3) Active use (creating content) showed smaller associations than passive consumption.
Screen for problematic social media use during well visits. Counsel families on media limits, encourage active over passive use, and discuss warning signs of cyberbullying and unhealthy comparison.
Popular Beliefs
Too many vaccines overwhelm a child's immune system
What the evidence shows: Children's immune systems handle vastly more antigens daily from the environment than from vaccines. Today's vaccines contain far fewer antigens than older versions despite protecting against more diseases. Studies show no increased infection rates in vaccinated children—vaccines strengthen, not weaken, immunity.
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.
Wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming
What the evidence shows: There's no evidence that swimming after eating causes cramps or drowning. While digestion diverts some blood flow to the gut, it doesn't impair swimming ability in normal circumstances. Common-sense supervision is always important regardless of meal timing.
Behaviors
Physical Activity and Academic Achievement: School-Based Intervention Study
This cluster RCT examined whether increasing physical activity during the school day improved academic outcomes in 3,500 elementary students. Schools were randomized to add 30 minutes of daily activity or continue standard curriculum.
Key findings: (1) Intervention students showed 15% improvement in reading scores; (2) Math scores improved 8%; (3) On-task behavior increased and disruptive behavior decreased. Benefits were greatest for students with ADHD symptoms.
Advocate for physical activity in schools—it enhances rather than detracts from learning. Counsel families on the importance of daily active play for cognitive development, not just physical health.
Genetics
Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1
Long-term follow-up data from the Phase 3 clinical trial of onasemnogene abeparvovec gene therapy reveals sustained motor milestone achievements in children with SMA Type 1 treated before 6 months of age. At 5-year follow-up, 94% of early-treated patients maintained the ability to sit independently, and 68% achieved independent walking—outcomes historically unprecedented in untreated SMA Type 1.
The study also reports on safety outcomes, with no new treatment-related serious adverse events emerging after year 2. These results strengthen the case for newborn screening and early intervention in SMA.
This data reinforces the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment in SMA. Support newborn screening initiatives in your state. For families with SMA history, discuss carrier testing and ensure rapid referral to neuromuscular specialists if symptoms arise.