This Week in Pediatrics
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.
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....
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
Return to Sport After Pediatric Concussion: Age-Modified Protocols
This multi-site study evaluated age-specific return-to-sport protocols following concussion in 2,500 young athletes ages 8-18. Younger children required longer recovery periods, challenging one-size-fits-all protocols.
Key findings: (1) Median recovery 21 days for ages 8-12 vs 14 days for teens; (2) Early return to sport associated with prolonged symptoms; (3) Symptom-limited activity during recovery improved outcomes.
Use age-appropriate return protocols. Younger athletes need more conservative management. Emphasize symptom-limited activity and complete recovery before returning to full sport.
Popular Beliefs
Organic food is significantly more nutritious
What the evidence shows: Organic foods have lower pesticide residues, but studies show minimal nutritional differences compared to conventional foods. What matters most for health is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whether organic or conventional.
Reading to babies is pointless—they don't understand
What the evidence shows: Research consistently demonstrates that reading to infants from birth supports language development, vocabulary acquisition, and later literacy skills. Even before understanding words, babies benefit from hearing language patterns, rhythm, and the bonding experience. The AAP recommends reading aloud beginning in infancy.
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.
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
Exon-Skipping Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Expanded Approvals
FDA has approved additional exon-skipping therapies targeting previously untreatable Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutations. These antisense oligonucleotide treatments now cover 80% of DMD patients, slowing disease progression.
Key findings: (1) Treated patients maintain ambulation 2-4 years longer; (2) Cardiac and respiratory function also preserved; (3) Earlier treatment initiation correlates with better outcomes.
Genetic testing to identify specific DMD mutation is essential for treatment planning. Refer to neuromuscular centers for evaluation. Treatment options continue to expand rapidly.