This Week in Pediatrics
FDA news in pediatrics: August 2026 | Contemporary Pediatrics
On August 19, 2026, the FDA accepted Teva's New Drug Application and granted priority review to ecopipam, a first-in-class selective dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, for pediatric Tourette syndrome, with a target action date in late Q1 2027.
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
Chronic skin conditions linked to bullying, depression, and suicide risk in children, adolescents · Chronic pediatric skin disorders cause significant stigma, bullying, depression, and suicide risk—conditions often underrecognized and ...
Physicians publish fall vaccine guidance, filling void left by CDC
“Vaccination can reduce the number of children who need outpatient or inpatient medical care for flu, [and] it can reduce flu-related deaths. However, through May 16, 2026, only 49.4% of children 6 months through 17 years had been vaccinated, ...
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
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.
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.
Letting babies walk early causes bowlegs
What the evidence shows: There is no evidence that early walking causes bowlegs. Most infants have some degree of bowing that typically resolves by age 3-4. Pathologic bowing has other causes (Blount disease, rickets). Encourage normal motor development and monitor for asymmetric or progressive bowing.
Behaviors
Growth Mindset and Academic Resilience in Middle School
This school-based intervention taught growth mindset principles to 4,000 middle schoolers. Students who internalized growth mindset showed improved grades, greater persistence, and reduced anxiety around academic challenges.
Key findings: (1) 0.3 GPA improvement in intervention group; (2) 25% reduction in test anxiety; (3) Effects largest for initially low-performing students. Teacher reinforcement of messages enhanced effects.
Praise effort over ability when discussing academics with patients. Encourage families to use growth mindset language. Struggle is part of learning, not a sign of inability.
Genetics
Genetic Predictors of Peanut Allergy Persistence
Genome-wide association study identifies genetic variants associated with peanut allergy persistence versus resolution. Children with certain variants are more likely to outgrow their allergy, informing timing of oral food challenges.
Key findings: (1) 4 genetic variants strongly associated with persistence; (2) Genetic testing could reduce unnecessary avoidance and challenges; (3) Environmental factors remain important in allergy development.
Genetic testing may soon help predict which children will outgrow allergies. For now, continue regular reassessment with IgE testing and oral challenges as clinically indicated.