This Week in Pediatrics
Immunization News | Red Book Online | American Academy of Pediatrics
More than 230 medical and public health groups, including the American Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, announced support for the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 vaccine schedule, calling it science-based ...
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...
What Does a 10-Year Retrospective Analysis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Hospitalized Children in the US Tell Us?
M pneumoniae cannot be treated by the same antibiotics that are used to treat typical community-acquired pneumonia, added Bassett, who presented the findings at Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) 2026. “Therefore, high suspicion for the infection and early testing is important to ...
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
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.
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.
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
Sleep Schedule Consistency and ADHD Symptoms: Intervention Study
This intervention study examined whether consistent sleep schedules improved ADHD symptoms in 150 children ages 6-12. Families implemented strict bed/wake times for 8 weeks while tracking symptoms and sleep.
Key findings: (1) Consistent sleep reduced inattention symptoms by 25%; (2) Bedtime resistance decreased significantly; (3) Effects comparable to some medication responses. Weekend sleep consistency was particularly important.
Before escalating ADHD treatment, optimize sleep hygiene. Consistent bed/wake times (including weekends) can meaningfully improve symptoms. This is a low-risk intervention all families can implement.
Genetics
Gene Therapy for Phenylketonuria: Phase 2 Trial Results
Phase 2 trial results of a novel gene therapy for PKU show sustained reduction in phenylalanine levels, potentially eliminating the need for restrictive diet in some patients. Single-dose treatment showed effects lasting 2+ years in most participants.
Key findings: (1) 70% of participants achieved normal Phe levels without diet; (2) No serious adverse events; (3) Quality of life significantly improved with dietary liberalization.
Gene therapy is expanding beyond rare diseases to common metabolic conditions. For PKU families, inform them of emerging options while continuing to support dietary adherence.