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 ...
Telemedicine Remains Relevant in Pediatric Care
“[The] findings highlight the continued importance of TM [telemedicine] as a tool within primary care and the value of investigating the impact of TM use on health outcomes, including access to care,” the authors of the study wrote. The study was led by Alexander G. Fiks, MD, MSC...
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
Iron Deficiency in Infancy and Long-Term Cognitive Outcomes: 10-Year Follow-Up
This prospective cohort followed children with iron deficiency anemia in infancy through age 10, comparing cognitive outcomes to iron-sufficient peers. Despite iron repletion in infancy, children with early anemia showed persistent differences in executive function and spatial memory.
Key findings: (1) Early iron deficiency associated with lower scores on math and reading assessments; (2) Differences in brain structure observed on MRI at age 10; (3) Duration of deficiency correlated with magnitude of effect.
Emphasize prevention through dietary counseling and appropriate screening. Iron-rich complementary foods should be introduced at 6 months. Consider iron supplementation in high-risk populations.
Popular Beliefs
Reading to babies is pointless—they don't understand
What the evidence shows: Research consistently demonstrates that reading to infants from birth supports language development, vocabulary acquisition, and later literacy skills. Even before understanding words, babies benefit from hearing language patterns, rhythm, and the bonding experience. The AAP recommends reading aloud beginning in infancy.
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
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cognitive Development: Cohort Study
This cohort study measured cotinine levels and cognitive outcomes in 2,000 children at multiple time points. Even low-level secondhand smoke exposure was associated with measurable effects on attention and working memory.
Key findings: (1) Detectable cotinine associated with 5-point IQ difference; (2) Higher rates of learning difficulties; (3) No safe threshold identified—any exposure had measurable effects.
Screen for smoke exposure at well visits. Counsel caregivers that even 'smoking outside' may not fully protect children. Connect families with smoking cessation resources.
Genetics
Genetic Risk Screening for Type 1 Diabetes: Prevention Trial Update
Large-scale genetic screening of newborns identifies high-risk children for T1D prevention trials. Early results suggest immune modulation in high-risk children may delay or prevent onset of diabetes.
Key findings: (1) 5% of screened infants fall into high-risk category; (2) Early intervention delayed onset by average 3 years; (3) Screening acceptable to most families when explained appropriately.
T1D prevention is moving from research to clinical reality. Stay updated on trial availability. For families with T1D history, genetic counseling and risk assessment may be appropriate for siblings.