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...
Imagine Pediatrics Reaches More Than 100,000 Children with Expansion to Tennessee and New Jersey
Strong demand from partners is ... children with special health care needs, today announced its expansion into three new states, adding Tennessee and New Jersey....
US measles cases surpass 2025 total, hit highest level since 1991 | Contemporary Pediatrics
An outbreak centered on Piedmont ... Johns Hopkins University measles tracker.2 · The majority of 2026 cases have been confirmed among children and teenagers aged 19 and younger, and about 1 in 10 children under age 5 who have ...
Research of the Day
Family-Based Treatment for Childhood Obesity: 5-Year Outcomes
This long-term follow-up evaluated family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) for childhood obesity. Children who received FBT maintained healthier BMI trajectories compared to usual care, with parental involvement being key to sustained success.
Key findings: (1) 25% greater BMI reduction maintained at 5 years; (2) Parental BMI change correlated with child outcomes; (3) Maintenance sessions improved long-term success.
Engage the whole family in obesity treatment—target the child alone is less effective. Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes, address family habits, and plan for ongoing support.
Popular Beliefs
Cracking knuckles causes arthritis
What the evidence shows: Studies comparing habitual knuckle-crackers to non-crackers found no increased arthritis risk. The cracking sound is from gas bubble release in synovial fluid. The main consequence may be reduced grip strength and annoyed family members.
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.
Warm milk helps children sleep
What the evidence shows: While milk contains tryptophan (a sleep-promoting amino acid), the amount is modest. Any sleep benefit likely comes from the comforting ritual and warmth rather than pharmacologic effect. A consistent bedtime routine matters more than any single component.
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
CFTR Modulator Therapy in Young Children: Expansion to Additional Mutations
New clinical trial data supports expanding CFTR modulator therapy to children as young as 1 year with various CFTR mutations. Early treatment initiation shows benefits in lung function preservation and nutritional status, with excellent safety profile.
Key findings: (1) 85% of CF patients now eligible for modulator therapy; (2) Early treatment prevents rather than reverses lung damage; (3) Growth parameters improved in treated toddlers.
Refer CF patients promptly for genetic classification and modulator eligibility assessment. The treatment landscape has transformed—many children can now expect near-normal life expectancy with appropriate therapy.