This Week in Pediatrics
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
... Maternal high egg and peanut intake in pregnancy and lactation did not lower infant IgE-mediated egg or peanut allergy at 1 year in PrEggNut. ... Stephen Bondi, JD, MD, FAAP, discusses pediatric malpractice risks and the importance of ...
JAMA Pediatrics – The Science of Child and Adolescent Health
Explore the latest in child health including food and nutrition, Kawasaki disease and C difficile, effects of media, and more. Formerly Archives of
Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
Pediatrics Blog · | October 09 2026 · Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics in Children With Medical Complexity · Pediatrics Blog · | October 08 2026 · When Guidelines Meet the Real World: The Subthreshold Phototherapy Dilemma · Pediatrics Blog ...
Research of the Day
Delayed Epinephrine Administration in Pediatric Anaphylaxis: Multi-Center Analysis
This multi-center retrospective study analyzed 2,800 pediatric anaphylaxis cases across 12 children's hospitals. Delayed epinephrine administration (>15 minutes from symptom onset) occurred in 42% of cases and was associated with increased risk of severe outcomes and biphasic reactions.
Key findings: (1) Delayed epinephrine associated with 3.2x increased odds of hospitalization; (2) Food-induced reactions most likely to have delayed treatment; (3) Many families cited fear of injection or uncertainty about symptoms as reasons for delay.
Reinforce epinephrine-first messaging for anaphylaxis. Ensure families can recognize symptoms and use auto-injectors confidently. Consider demonstration at every visit for patients with prescribed epinephrine.
Popular Beliefs
Chocolate causes acne
What the evidence shows: The relationship between diet and acne is complex. Some studies suggest high-glycemic diets and dairy may worsen acne, but chocolate specifically has not been definitively proven to cause breakouts. Individual responses vary—advise patients to observe their own triggers.
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.
Warm milk helps children sleep
What the evidence shows: While milk contains tryptophan (a sleep-promoting amino acid), the amount is modest. Any sleep benefit likely comes from the comforting ritual and warmth rather than pharmacologic effect. A consistent bedtime routine matters more than any single component.
Behaviors
Physical Activity and Academic Achievement: School-Based Intervention Study
This cluster RCT examined whether increasing physical activity during the school day improved academic outcomes in 3,500 elementary students. Schools were randomized to add 30 minutes of daily activity or continue standard curriculum.
Key findings: (1) Intervention students showed 15% improvement in reading scores; (2) Math scores improved 8%; (3) On-task behavior increased and disruptive behavior decreased. Benefits were greatest for students with ADHD symptoms.
Advocate for physical activity in schools—it enhances rather than detracts from learning. Counsel families on the importance of daily active play for cognitive development, not just physical health.
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.