This Week in Pediatrics
Children's Health News -- ScienceDaily
July 29, 2026 A liquid brushed onto cavities in seconds may spare many young children from pain, infection, and surgery. A major U.S. trial found that silver diamine fluoride stopped decay in more than half of treated baby teeth.
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
... US measles cases have climbed to 2,318 in 2026, already exceeding all of 2025 and marking the country's highest annual total since 1991, as CDC data show falling MMR coverage continuing to fuel outbreaks.
AAP is ‘advancing the work and defining the future’ of child health, CEO tells leaders | AAP News | American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is shaping the future of child health through evidence-based medicine, new partnerships and the work of member pediatricians who lead with courage, resilience and an unwavering commitment to children, AAP CEO/Executive Vice President Mark Del Mo...
Research of the Day
Inhaled Corticosteroid Adherence in Minority Children: Community Health Worker Intervention
This RCT evaluated community health worker (CHW) home visits to improve inhaled corticosteroid adherence in 400 minority children with persistent asthma. CHW intervention nearly doubled medication adherence rates.
Key findings: (1) Adherence improved from 45% to 82% in intervention group; (2) 50% reduction in asthma-related ED visits; (3) Culturally tailored education more effective than standard approach.
Consider CHW programs or similar support for families struggling with asthma medication adherence. Address social determinants and provide culturally appropriate education.
Popular Beliefs
Letting babies walk early causes bowlegs
What the evidence shows: There is no evidence that early walking causes bowlegs. Most infants have some degree of bowing that typically resolves by age 3-4. Pathologic bowing has other causes (Blount disease, rickets). Encourage normal motor development and monitor for asymmetric or progressive bowing.
Wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming
What the evidence shows: There's no evidence that swimming after eating causes cramps or drowning. While digestion diverts some blood flow to the gut, it doesn't impair swimming ability in normal circumstances. Common-sense supervision is always important regardless of meal timing.
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
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cognitive Development: Cohort Study
This cohort study measured cotinine levels and cognitive outcomes in 2,000 children at multiple time points. Even low-level secondhand smoke exposure was associated with measurable effects on attention and working memory.
Key findings: (1) Detectable cotinine associated with 5-point IQ difference; (2) Higher rates of learning difficulties; (3) No safe threshold identified—any exposure had measurable effects.
Screen for smoke exposure at well visits. Counsel caregivers that even 'smoking outside' may not fully protect children. Connect families with smoking cessation resources.
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.