This Week in Pediatrics
FDA updates in pediatric care: Q2 2026 recap | Contemporary Pediatrics
On April 22, 2026, the FDA approved dupilumab (Dupixent; Regeneron/Sanofi) for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in children aged 2 to 11 years who remain symptomatic despite H1-antihistamine therapy.
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.
Pediatric clinical trial update: Q2 2026 | Contemporary Pediatrics
The findings further support the long-term efficacy and tolerability of TransCon CNP, which received FDA approval in February 2026 for pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with achondroplasia and open epiphyses.
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.
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.
Behaviors
Sleep Schedule Consistency and ADHD Symptoms: Intervention Study
This intervention study examined whether consistent sleep schedules improved ADHD symptoms in 150 children ages 6-12. Families implemented strict bed/wake times for 8 weeks while tracking symptoms and sleep.
Key findings: (1) Consistent sleep reduced inattention symptoms by 25%; (2) Bedtime resistance decreased significantly; (3) Effects comparable to some medication responses. Weekend sleep consistency was particularly important.
Before escalating ADHD treatment, optimize sleep hygiene. Consistent bed/wake times (including weekends) can meaningfully improve symptoms. This is a low-risk intervention all families can implement.
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.