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.
Navigating a Unique Moment in Pediatric Healthcare | Healthcare of Tomorrow | U.S. News
Hospital leaders agree this is an atypical time for pediatric healthcare, as medical facilities wrestle with the uncertainty of funding cuts, staffing shortages and artificial intelligence initiatives. As part of the U.S. News Healthcare of Tomorrow conference, industry leaders s...
Immunization News | Red Book Online | American Academy of Pediatrics
The AAP's 2026 schedule has been endorsed by 12 medical and health organizations representing more than 1 million physicians, pharmacists and other pediatric health care professionals. Milk powder used in ByHeart formula tests positive for Clostridium botulinum · All ByHeart...
Research of the Day
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions Before Age 2: RCT
This RCT provided Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) to infants showing early autism markers at 12-18 months. Early intervention significantly improved social communication outcomes at age 3.
Key findings: (1) 40% of intervention group no longer met ASD criteria at age 3; (2) Greater gains when started before 15 months; (3) Parent-mediated strategies effective when coached by professionals.
Refer promptly when developmental concerns arise—don't wait for definitive diagnosis. Early intervention can meaningfully change trajectories. Coach parents to implement strategies in daily routines.
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
Family Meal Frequency and Obesity Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis synthesized 45 studies examining the relationship between family meal frequency and childhood obesity. Children who shared regular family meals had significantly lower obesity risk and healthier eating patterns.
Key findings: (1) 3+ family meals/week associated with 12% lower overweight/obesity; (2) Higher fruit/vegetable intake and lower fast food consumption; (3) Protective effect independent of family structure or income.
Encourage family meals as part of healthy lifestyle counseling. Even a few shared meals per week make a difference. Focus on the ritual and connection, not just nutrition.
Genetics
Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening in Childhood: Cascade Screening Effectiveness
Cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia starting in childhood identifies affected relatives and enables early statin therapy. Children identified through family screening had better outcomes than those diagnosed after cardiac events.
Key findings: (1) Each identified case led to 3 additional diagnoses in relatives; (2) Early statin therapy (age 8+) reduced lifetime cardiovascular risk; (3) Universal lipid screening at ages 9-11 complementary to cascade screening.
Take family history of premature heart disease seriously. Screen children in affected families by age 2. Universal lipid screening should occur at 9-11 years per AAP guidelines.