This Week in Pediatrics
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
With a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak underway this summer, pediatric providers should maintain a low threshold to consider Cyclospora cayetanensis in children with protracted or relapsing watery diarrhea. ByTrisha Torga, MD · July 15th 2026 · An adolescent medicine specialis...
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
Immunization News | Red Book Online | American Academy of Pediatrics
More than 230 medical and public health groups, including the American Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, announced support for the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 vaccine schedule, calling it science-based ...
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
Sugar makes children hyperactive
What the evidence shows: Multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have found no significant effect of sugar on behavior or cognitive performance in children, even in those reportedly 'sensitive' to sugar. The perceived hyperactivity is often due to the context (parties, holidays) or parental expectations. However, limiting added sugars remains important for dental health and nutrition.
Teething causes high fevers and diarrhea
What the evidence shows: While teething may cause mild symptoms (gum irritation, drooling, slight temperature elevation), it does not cause high fever (>102°F/38.9°C) or diarrhea. These symptoms should prompt evaluation for other causes. Attributing significant illness to teething may delay diagnosis of serious conditions.
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.
Behaviors
Green Space Exposure and Mental Health in Urban Adolescents
This longitudinal study followed 5,000 urban adolescents over 4 years, using GPS tracking to measure green space exposure. Greater exposure to parks and nature was associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, independent of socioeconomic factors.
Key findings: (1) 20% lower depression risk with daily green space exposure; (2) Benefits dose-dependent—more exposure meant better outcomes; (3) Active use (sports, walking) showed greater benefits than passive exposure.
Encourage outdoor time as part of mental health promotion. For families in urban areas, identify nearby parks and green spaces. Nature exposure is an accessible, cost-effective mental health intervention.
Genetics
CRISPR Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease: Long-Term Follow-Up
Long-term data from CRISPR-edited sickle cell patients shows durable remission of vaso-occlusive crises in 95% of treated patients at 4-year follow-up. The one-time treatment has transformed the disease trajectory for participants.
Key findings: (1) No vaso-occlusive crises in 95% of patients; (2) Hemoglobin levels maintained in normal range; (3) No off-target editing effects detected. Access and affordability remain challenges.
Curative therapy for sickle cell disease is now reality, though access barriers remain. Stay informed about treatment centers and insurance coverage in your area. Early referral for evaluation is appropriate.