This Week in Pediatrics
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
Adverse childhood experiences may affect pediatric skin disease risk and outcomes, but researchers say evidence remains limited. ... Scholar Rock says apitegromab's SMA BLA stays on track for its September 30, 2026, PDUFA date after dropping ...
West Coast Health Alliance sticks with pediatric vaccine schedules despite Trump order
FILE - Pediatricians in Florida are pushing back on President Donald Trump’s executive order calling for changes to the childhood vaccination schedule. And the state’s leading pediatric medical association, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said they’re n...
Childhood Vaccine Exemptions for Personal or Religious Reasons Hit New Record
CDC data finds vaccination rates for schoolkids are declining as the Trump administration pushes for fewer shots.
Research of the Day
Delayed Epinephrine Administration in Pediatric Anaphylaxis: Multi-Center Analysis
This multi-center retrospective study analyzed 2,800 pediatric anaphylaxis cases across 12 children's hospitals. Delayed epinephrine administration (>15 minutes from symptom onset) occurred in 42% of cases and was associated with increased risk of severe outcomes and biphasic reactions.
Key findings: (1) Delayed epinephrine associated with 3.2x increased odds of hospitalization; (2) Food-induced reactions most likely to have delayed treatment; (3) Many families cited fear of injection or uncertainty about symptoms as reasons for delay.
Reinforce epinephrine-first messaging for anaphylaxis. Ensure families can recognize symptoms and use auto-injectors confidently. Consider demonstration at every visit for patients with prescribed epinephrine.
Popular Beliefs
Cold weather causes colds
What the evidence shows: Colds are caused by viruses, not cold temperatures. The association exists because people spend more time indoors in close proximity during winter, facilitating viral transmission. Additionally, dry indoor air may impair mucosal barriers. Hand hygiene and avoiding sick contacts are the real prevention strategies.
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.
ADD/ADHD is caused by poor parenting or too much sugar
What the evidence shows: ADHD has strong genetic and neurobiological components. While environment can influence symptom severity, poor parenting and diet do not cause ADHD. Evidence-based treatments include behavioral therapy and, when appropriate, medication. Blaming parents is harmful and delays effective intervention.
Behaviors
Family Meal Frequency and Obesity Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis synthesized 45 studies examining the relationship between family meal frequency and childhood obesity. Children who shared regular family meals had significantly lower obesity risk and healthier eating patterns.
Key findings: (1) 3+ family meals/week associated with 12% lower overweight/obesity; (2) Higher fruit/vegetable intake and lower fast food consumption; (3) Protective effect independent of family structure or income.
Encourage family meals as part of healthy lifestyle counseling. Even a few shared meals per week make a difference. Focus on the ritual and connection, not just nutrition.
Genetics
Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening in Childhood: Cascade Screening Effectiveness
Cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia starting in childhood identifies affected relatives and enables early statin therapy. Children identified through family screening had better outcomes than those diagnosed after cardiac events.
Key findings: (1) Each identified case led to 3 additional diagnoses in relatives; (2) Early statin therapy (age 8+) reduced lifetime cardiovascular risk; (3) Universal lipid screening at ages 9-11 complementary to cascade screening.
Take family history of premature heart disease seriously. Screen children in affected families by age 2. Universal lipid screening should occur at 9-11 years per AAP guidelines.