CDC: Children’s Brain Infections Rose Last Winter, But Remained Rare
Pediatric intracranial infections spiked recently and were associated with significant morbidity but remained rare, according to CDC researchers monitoring cases across the country. Hospitalization data through March 2023 from 37 hospitals in 19 states and the District of Columbia showed a “higher-than-expected number” of pediatric intracranial infections, particularly those caused by Streptococcus bacteria, beginning in […]
First Treatment Approved for Rare Genetic Neurologic Disorder
The FDA approved trofinetide (Daybue), the first drug to treat adult and pediatric patients age 2 and older with Rett syndrome, drugmaker Acadia Pharmaceuticals announced Friday. “Now, for the first time after decades of clinical research, healthcare providers finally have a treatment option to address a range of core behavioral, communication, and physical symptoms for […]
Contrary to Guidelines, 5-ASA Often Prescribed in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
DENVER — Even though guidelines discourage the use of 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) in pediatric Crohn’s disease, a substantial percentage of children are still being treated with the anti-inflammatory agent, which may cause problems down the road, a researcher reported here. Of nearly 700 children diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and treated at specialized centers, 28% were initially […]
AAP Guidelines: ‘Watchful Waiting’ No Longer the Right Call for Child Obesity
In contrast to previous recommendations, pediatricians and other pediatric healthcare providers are advised to provide “immediate, intensive obesity treatment to each patient” as soon as they receive a diagnosis, according to new guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The guidance, published in Pediatrics, marks the AAP’s first clinical practice guideline outlining evidence-based evaluation […]
Clinical Challenges: Thromboembolic Risk in Pediatric Cardiomyopathy
Children with cardiomyopathy are one of the highest-risk pediatric groups for developing thrombosis, along with kids with Fontan circulation, systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt-dependent functionally univentricular circulation, central lines, and Kawasaki disease with coronary aneurysms. Prophylaxis to prevent thromboembolism and associated complications for children with cardiac disease is most commonly done with antiplatelets (such as aspirin and […]
Opinion | ‘I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This’ in the Pediatric ED
Walking out of a shift in the pediatric emergency department (ED) lately is a heavy mix of relief, guilt, and pure exhaustion. Wading through wall-to-wall families, huddled in blankets and sweatshirts through long hours waiting to be seen, you wish you could do more, find more beds, create more staff. You’ve spent hours running from […]
Battery-Related ED Visits in Kids ‘Remain Too Frequent,’ Study Suggests
Rates of pediatric battery-related emergency department (ED) visits increased significantly from 2010 to 2017, with children ages 5 and younger making up the majority of cases, an observational study showed. Among a nationally representative sample, an estimated 70,322 (95% CI 51,275-89,369) battery-related ED visits occurred during the study period (9.5 visits per 100,000 children annually), […]
New pediatric obesity program makes treatment more accessible
Pediatric obesity remains a serious health problem in the United States, where one in five children are affected. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that pediatricians screen for obesity during primary care visits and refer families to behavioral intervention programs. While there is growing interest in providing these services, accessibility continues to challenge […]
Study: Not Sticking to Schedule Shouldn’t Block PAP Machines for Kids With OSA
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Positive airway pressure (PAP) machines were helpful enough that pediatric patients could have symptoms improve even without being compliant, according to researchers advocating for greater access to this therapy for this population. At one center’s sleep clinic, 172 out of 221 children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) reported improved symptoms approximately 3 […]
Brentuximab Vedotin-Chemo Boosts EFS in High-Risk Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma
CHICAGO — A combination of brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) and chemotherapy was safe and effective in pediatric patients (up to age 21 years) with newly diagnosed high-risk Hodgkin lymphoma, a researcher reported here. In the phase III study, a regimen of brentuximab vedotin (Bv) combined with doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy (AVE-PC) was superior […]