This Week in Pediatrics
Early Antiviral Therapy Linked to Reduced Risk for Influenza-Related Hospitalization in Children
Antiviral treatment started within 48 hours of symptom onset is linked to a reduced risk for hospitalization among pediatric patients with influenza.
Professional Corner: Pediatricians Call for New Border Protections, AMA Awards $1 Million in Grants and More
The AHA opens its health tech competition, AMA awards $1 million in community grants, and pediatricians call for stronger protections for children at the US border.
Dolutegravir Antiretroviral Receives FDA Approval for Newborns With HIV
The antiretroviral dolutegravir (Tivicay PD, ViiV Healthcare) is now the first second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) available for use with other antiretroviral agents in newborns with HIV, following the FDA's August 26 approval of the drug for infant...
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
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.
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.
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.
Behaviors
Green Space Exposure and Mental Health in Urban Adolescents
This longitudinal study followed 5,000 urban adolescents over 4 years, using GPS tracking to measure green space exposure. Greater exposure to parks and nature was associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, independent of socioeconomic factors.
Key findings: (1) 20% lower depression risk with daily green space exposure; (2) Benefits dose-dependent—more exposure meant better outcomes; (3) Active use (sports, walking) showed greater benefits than passive exposure.
Encourage outdoor time as part of mental health promotion. For families in urban areas, identify nearby parks and green spaces. Nature exposure is an accessible, cost-effective mental health intervention.
Genetics
Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1
Long-term follow-up data from the Phase 3 clinical trial of onasemnogene abeparvovec gene therapy reveals sustained motor milestone achievements in children with SMA Type 1 treated before 6 months of age. At 5-year follow-up, 94% of early-treated patients maintained the ability to sit independently, and 68% achieved independent walking—outcomes historically unprecedented in untreated SMA Type 1.
The study also reports on safety outcomes, with no new treatment-related serious adverse events emerging after year 2. These results strengthen the case for newborn screening and early intervention in SMA.
This data reinforces the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment in SMA. Support newborn screening initiatives in your state. For families with SMA history, discuss carrier testing and ensure rapid referral to neuromuscular specialists if symptoms arise.