This Week in Pediatrics
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
Explore essential menstrual product options and education for adolescents, addressing safety, comfort, and personal preferences in menstrual health. ... Nihar R. Desai, MD, MPH; Martha Gulati, MD, MS, FACC, FAHA, MASPC, FESC, FSCCT (hon), FRCP Edin ... Adverse childhood experienc...
JCMG announces new pediatricians | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Jefferson City Medical Group has announced the addition of two physicians to its pediatrics team: Dr. Emily Garrison and Dr. Chase Chapman. The two will provide comprehensive care for children from infancy through adolescence with a focus on preventative care, chronic care manage...
Children Should Get Flu Vaccine, Top Pediatrics Group Recommends
11, 2026 (HealthDay News) — All children ages 6 months or older without contraindications should be vaccinated against the flu, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said in updated recommendations.
Research of the Day
Universal Depression Screening in Adolescents: Implementation and Outcomes
This pragmatic trial implemented universal depression screening using PHQ-9 Modified for Adolescents across 50 primary care practices. Universal screening identified 3x more cases of moderate-to-severe depression compared to targeted screening.
Key findings: (1) 18% of screened adolescents had positive screens requiring follow-up; (2) Early identification led to 40% increase in mental health referrals; (3) False positive rate acceptable at 12%.
Implement annual depression screening for all patients 12-21 years. Establish referral pathways and follow-up protocols. Address barriers to mental health access in your community.
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 The original study was retracted and its author lost his medical license.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.
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.
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
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.