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.
Pediatricians and Health Departments Sidestep Trump’s CDC on Vaccine Guidance - KFF Health News
On Jan. 5, the CDC removed some vaccines from the recommended vaccine schedule for all children — against the advice of major medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics.
News | Contemporary Pediatrics
Alesia McKeown, PhD, of Roche Diagnostics discusses why pertussis is missed in children and adolescents and how PCR testing can help. ... Udenafil lowered ELF scores after 12 months in an exploratory Fontan substudy, but liver stiffness measures did not significantly change. ... ...
Research of the Day
School Start Times and Adolescent Mental Health: A Natural Experiment
This natural experiment followed 50,000 high school students before and after a district-wide shift to later school start times (8:30am vs 7:15am). Students gained an average of 45 minutes of sleep per night and showed significant improvements in mental health markers over the 2-year study period.
Key findings: (1) 27% reduction in depressive symptoms; (2) 34% decrease in suicidal ideation reports; (3) Improved academic performance and attendance. Effects were most pronounced in students getting 8+ hours of sleep.
These data support advocating for developmentally appropriate school start times. Middle and high school students need 8-10 hours of sleep—counsel families on sleep hygiene and the importance of adequate rest for mental health.
Popular Beliefs
Vaccines cause autism
What the evidence shows: This thoroughly debunked claim originated from a fraudulent 1998 study. Multiple large-scale studies involving millions of children have found no association between vaccines and autism. The original study was retracted and its author lost his medical license. Vaccines are safe and essential.
Remove ticks with a lit match or petroleum jelly
What the evidence shows: These methods can cause the tick to regurgitate into the wound, increasing disease transmission risk. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Save the tick for identification if possible.
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
Early Pet Exposure and Immune Development: Birth Cohort Study
This birth cohort followed 1,200 children from birth to age 5, comparing immune development and allergy rates in homes with and without pets. Early pet exposure was associated with reduced allergy risk and altered gut microbiome.
Key findings: (1) 30% lower allergic sensitization with dog exposure in first year; (2) Cat exposure showed similar but smaller effects; (3) Microbiome diversity increased in pet-exposed children.
Reassure families that pet exposure during infancy may actually protect against allergies. For families without pets, don't specifically recommend getting one, but dispel the myth that pets must be removed to prevent allergies.
Genetics
Gene Therapy for Congenital Hearing Loss: Breakthrough Trial
First successful gene therapy trial for DFNB9 deafness (otoferlin deficiency) shows restoration of hearing in children with previously profound hearing loss. Treated children gained ability to hear speech without cochlear implants.
Key findings: (1) 8 of 10 children gained functional hearing; (2) Benefit sustained at 18-month follow-up; (3) Earlier treatment showed better outcomes.
Genetic forms of deafness may become treatable. This changes the conversation with families about hearing loss prognosis. Genetic testing for hearing loss is increasingly important for treatment planning.