This Week in Pediatrics
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
Get back-to-school pediatric guidance ... watch this year. ... Court fight over CDC 2026 childhood vaccine schedule shifts shots to shared decision-making; experts warn lower uptake for Hep A, B, flu, COVID....
Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospitals once again ranked among nation’s best in all 11 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report | ABC4 Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) – Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospitals have once again earned national rankings in all 11 pediatric specialties evaluated by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026-27 list of Best Children’s Hospitals rankings, released today.
SeaStar Medical Announces Chief Medical Officer, Kevin Chung, M.D., to Present at the Pediatric Paracorporeal and Extracorporeal Therapy Symposium (PPETS) 2026
Chung to deliver an oral presentation highlighting QUELIMMUNE®, an advanced extracorporeal therapy for critically ill pediatric patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) DENVER, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SeaStar Medical Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: ICU), a commercial-stage...
Research of the Day
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions Before Age 2: RCT
This RCT provided Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) to infants showing early autism markers at 12-18 months. Early intervention significantly improved social communication outcomes at age 3.
Key findings: (1) 40% of intervention group no longer met ASD criteria at age 3; (2) Greater gains when started before 15 months; (3) Parent-mediated strategies effective when coached by professionals.
Refer promptly when developmental concerns arise—don't wait for definitive diagnosis. Early intervention can meaningfully change trajectories. Coach parents to implement strategies in daily routines.
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.
Children outgrow ADHD
What the evidence shows: While symptoms often change with age, approximately 60% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood. Hyperactivity typically decreases, but inattention and impulsivity often persist. Ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustment is important across the lifespan.
Too many vaccines overwhelm a child's immune system
What the evidence shows: Children's immune systems handle vastly more antigens daily from the environment than from vaccines. Today's vaccines contain far fewer antigens than older versions despite protecting against more diseases. Studies show no increased infection rates in vaccinated children—vaccines strengthen, not weaken, immunity.
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.