This Week in Pediatrics
Best Children's Hospitals 2026-2027 Honor Roll and Overview | U.S. News
15, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. ... The top children's hospitals are identified in 11 specialties, including pediatric cancer, pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, pediatric orthopedics, and pediatric and adolescent behavioral health.
The Honor Roll of U.S. News Best Children's Hospitals 2026-2027 | U.S. News
Best Children's Regional Hospital: Ranked No. 1 (tie) in Pennsylvania and No. 1 (tie) in the Mid-Atlantic region ... Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology: No. 3 · Pediatric Pulmonology & Lung Surgery: No. 4 · Pediatric Nephrology: No. 10 · Pediatric Gastroenterology &a...
U.S. News & World Report Marks 20 Years of Pediatric Care Rankings with the 2026-2027 Best Children's Hospitals
90 children's hospitals recognized across 34 states and Washington, D.C., for exceptional pediatric care. 11 pediatric medical specialties evaluated, including the third annual evaluation of pediatric and adolescent behavioral health programs.
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
Shaving makes hair grow back thicker and darker
What the evidence shows: Shaving removes hair at the skin surface, leaving a blunt tip that may feel coarser as it grows out. However, it does not affect hair thickness, color, or growth rate. This is an optical illusion from the blunt vs. tapered hair shaft.
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.
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.
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
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.