This Week in Pediatrics
More than 1,000 children with broken shinbones have been treated with OrthoPediatrics’ system
OrthoPediatrics (KIDS) reports more than 1,000 implantations of its PNP Tibia Nail system in pediatric patients as of September 22, 2026.
COVID-19 pandemic | AAP News | American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for children who are young or high-risk Sept. 2, 2026 -- The AAP continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for young children and high-risk older children.
Recorded Kidney Injury in Hospitalized U.S. Children Rose Tenfold Over 25 Years, but Better Detection Likely Explains Part
A 2026 analysis in JAMA Pediatrics examined later outcomes after childhood kidney injury, including chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and protein in the urine. Families can also ask their pediatrician whether a referral to a pediatric ...
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
Teething causes high fevers and diarrhea
What the evidence shows: While teething may cause mild symptoms (gum irritation, drooling, slight temperature elevation), it does not cause high fever (>102°F/38.9°C) or diarrhea. These symptoms should prompt evaluation for other causes. Attributing significant illness to teething may delay diagnosis of serious conditions.
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.
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.
Behaviors
Early Pet Exposure and Immune Development: Birth Cohort Study
This birth cohort followed 1,200 children from birth to age 5, comparing immune development and allergy rates in homes with and without pets. Early pet exposure was associated with reduced allergy risk and altered gut microbiome.
Key findings: (1) 30% lower allergic sensitization with dog exposure in first year; (2) Cat exposure showed similar but smaller effects; (3) Microbiome diversity increased in pet-exposed children.
Reassure families that pet exposure during infancy may actually protect against allergies. For families without pets, don't specifically recommend getting one, but dispel the myth that pets must be removed to prevent allergies.
Genetics
CFTR Modulator Therapy in Young Children: Expansion to Additional Mutations
New clinical trial data supports expanding CFTR modulator therapy to children as young as 1 year with various CFTR mutations. Early treatment initiation shows benefits in lung function preservation and nutritional status, with excellent safety profile.
Key findings: (1) 85% of CF patients now eligible for modulator therapy; (2) Early treatment prevents rather than reverses lung damage; (3) Growth parameters improved in treated toddlers.
Refer CF patients promptly for genetic classification and modulator eligibility assessment. The treatment landscape has transformed—many children can now expect near-normal life expectancy with appropriate therapy.