This Week in Pediatrics
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.
Trump order aims to cut number of diseases all children should be vaccinated against from 18 to 11
10, 2026, 8:13 PM EDT ... President Donald Trump issued an executive order Monday that aims to reduce the number of universally recommended vaccines for children — a move that reaffirms the dramatic overhaul Health Secretary Robert F.
Nadia Ovchinsky, MD, Appointed Chair of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Health - BioSpace
10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NYU Langone Health has appointed Nadia Ovchinsky, MD, an internationally recognized pediatric hepatologist, as the Pat and John Rosenwald Professor of Pediatrics and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman ...
Research of the Day
Early Antibiotic Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Population-Based Cohort Study
This large population-based cohort study examined over 1.2 million children to investigate the association between antibiotic exposure in the first year of life and subsequent neurodevelopmental outcomes. The researchers found a modest but statistically significant association between early broad-spectrum antibiotic use and increased risk of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder diagnoses, though the absolute risk increase remained small.
Key findings include: (1) Children exposed to antibiotics in the first year had a 12% increased relative risk of ADHD diagnosis; (2) The association was stronger with repeated courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics; (3) The effect persisted after adjusting for maternal infections and other confounders.
While the study shows an association, causation is not established. The findings support judicious antibiotic use in infants—prescribing when clinically indicated, but avoiding unnecessary courses.
Popular Beliefs
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.
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.
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.
Behaviors
Breakfast Consumption and Cognitive Performance in School-Age Children
This crossover study compared cognitive test performance in 200 children ages 8-11 on days with and without breakfast. Skipping breakfast significantly impaired attention, memory, and problem-solving speed, with effects noticeable by mid-morning.
Key findings: (1) 18% slower response time on attention tasks without breakfast; (2) Short-term memory scores 12% lower; (3) Nutrient-dense breakfasts outperformed high-sugar options for sustained attention.
Screen for breakfast skipping during well visits, especially in lower-income families. Connect families with school breakfast programs when appropriate. Quick, balanced breakfast options can be discussed as anticipatory guidance.
Genetics
Polygenic Risk Scores and ADHD: Clinical Utility Analysis
Large GWAS analysis demonstrates polygenic risk scores for ADHD have limited current clinical utility for diagnosis but may help identify children at risk for severe or persistent symptoms. Environmental factors remain critically important.
Key findings: (1) Polygenic scores explain ~10% of ADHD variance; (2) Higher scores associated with earlier onset and persistence; (3) Not useful as diagnostic test—clinical evaluation remains gold standard.
Genetics is one piece of the ADHD puzzle but doesn't replace clinical assessment. Avoid overinterpreting direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Family history remains the most useful genetic 'test' for ADHD risk.