This Week in Pediatrics
Top 5 pediatric health headlines you missed in January 2026 | Contemporary Pediatrics
Under the revised schedule, several vaccines—including those for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, rotavirus, and meningococcal disease—are no longer routinely recommended for all children.
40% of American Children Ages 6–19 Are Now Nearsighted — Here's the Evidence-Based Plan to Slow Pediatric Myopia
These options are typically discussed with a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist with myopia management expertise. Screen time management — necessary but not sufficient alone. Reducing screen time matters, but the primary driver of the protective benefit appears to be adding...
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.
Research of the Day
Early Peanut Introduction: 8-Year Outcomes from the LEAP Trial Extension
Extended follow-up of the landmark LEAP trial confirms sustained peanut allergy protection 8 years after early introduction, even when children stopped regular peanut consumption. The protective effect persists regardless of continued consumption.
Key findings: (1) 74% reduction in peanut allergy maintained at 8 years; (2) Protection sustained even after 12-month period of avoiding peanuts; (3) Early introduction (4-6 months) most effective for high-risk infants.
Reinforce early peanut introduction guidance, especially for infants with eczema or egg allergy. Recommend 2g peanut protein, 3 times weekly starting at 4-6 months in appropriate form.
Popular Beliefs
Shaving makes hair grow back thicker and darker
What the evidence shows: Shaving removes hair at the skin surface, leaving a blunt tip that may feel coarser as it grows out. However, it does not affect hair thickness, color, or growth rate. This is an optical illusion from the blunt vs. tapered hair shaft.
Chocolate causes acne
What the evidence shows: The relationship between diet and acne is complex. Some studies suggest high-glycemic diets and dairy may worsen acne, but chocolate specifically has not been definitively proven to cause breakouts. Individual responses vary—advise patients to observe their own triggers.
Remove ticks with a lit match or petroleum jelly
What the evidence shows: These methods can cause the tick to regurgitate into the wound, increasing disease transmission risk. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Save the tick for identification if possible.
Behaviors
Early Pet Exposure and Immune Development: Birth Cohort Study
This birth cohort followed 1,200 children from birth to age 5, comparing immune development and allergy rates in homes with and without pets. Early pet exposure was associated with reduced allergy risk and altered gut microbiome.
Key findings: (1) 30% lower allergic sensitization with dog exposure in first year; (2) Cat exposure showed similar but smaller effects; (3) Microbiome diversity increased in pet-exposed children.
Reassure families that pet exposure during infancy may actually protect against allergies. For families without pets, don't specifically recommend getting one, but dispel the myth that pets must be removed to prevent allergies.
Genetics
Polygenic Risk Scores and ADHD: Clinical Utility Analysis
Large GWAS analysis demonstrates polygenic risk scores for ADHD have limited current clinical utility for diagnosis but may help identify children at risk for severe or persistent symptoms. Environmental factors remain critically important.
Key findings: (1) Polygenic scores explain ~10% of ADHD variance; (2) Higher scores associated with earlier onset and persistence; (3) Not useful as diagnostic test—clinical evaluation remains gold standard.
Genetics is one piece of the ADHD puzzle but doesn't replace clinical assessment. Avoid overinterpreting direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Family history remains the most useful genetic 'test' for ADHD risk.