NAPNAP Daily News

FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Approval Of Sanofi-AstraZeneca Shot For Preventing RSV In Infants

The New York Times (6/8, Jewett) reports, “A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended approval of a monoclonal antibody shot aimed at preventing a potentially lethal pathogen, respiratory syncytial virus, or R.S.V., in infants and vulnerabl…

Millions In US See Another Day Of Smoky Air

The AP (6/8, Peltz) reports, “Officials warned residents to stay inside and limit outdoor activities Thursday as a thick, hazardous haze of wildfire smoke loomed over daily life for millions of people across the U.S. and Canada for a third day and was exp…

Anal Ulceration Appears Common In Setting Of Pediatric-Onset Crohn’s Disease, Study Indicates

Gastroenterology Advisor (6/8, Nye) reports, “Anal ulceration is common in the setting of pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease (CD),” investigators concluded in a study that sourced data from the EPIMAD registry on “patients (N=1,005) diagnosed with CD at 17 y…

Children With Severe Uncontrolled Asthma Commonly Have Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation, Data Indicate

Healio (6/8, Gawel) reports, “Children with severe uncontrolled asthma commonly have eosinophilic airway inflammation, according to data.” The “researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of children with severe uncontrolled asthma who had bronchoscopy…

Nearly 400 Children Die Each Year From Drowning In Pools And Spas, Report Finds

CBS News (6/8, George, Moniuszko) reports, “Nearly 400 children die every year from drowning in pools and spas, according to” a June 7 report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission that “also shows racial disparities, noting Black children make up 21…

Louisiana Legislators Pass Bill That Would Require Parental Consent For Children’s Online Services

The New York Times (6/8, Singer) reports Louisiana legislators have approved a bill that “would prohibit online services – including social networks, multiplayer games and video-sharing apps – from allowing people under 18 to sign up for accounts without…

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Are Safe In Children As Young As Six Months, Study Finds

TIME (6/8, Weiss) reports that research has found that “multiple doses of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe in children as young as six months.” The findings were published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Women Exposed To Higher Levels Of PFAS During Pregnancy May Be More Likely To Have Children With Higher BMI Z Scores, Researchers Say

Healio (6/7, Monostra) reports, “Women exposed to higher concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances” (PFAS) “during pregnancy have children with higher BMI z scores and greater risks for overweight or obesity at age two to five years,” research…

Greater Relative Humidity In Classrooms Tied To Increased Upper Respiratory Infection Risk Among Elementary School Children With Asthma, Research Indicates

Healio (6/7, Hornick) reports, “In elementary school children with asthma, greater relative humidity in classrooms heightened the risk for upper respiratory infections, according to research.” Researchers “evaluated 236 elementary school children…with m…

If Children, Teenagers Receive Help For An Anxiety Disorder, It’s Usually Medication, Not Counseling, Data Indicate

NBC News (6/7, Edwards) reports, “If children and teenagers receive any help for an anxiety disorder, it’s usually medication, not counseling,” according to findings published online June 7 in the journal Pediatrics. After examining “data representing 46….

Missouri Governor Signs Legislation Banning Transgender Minors, Some Adults From Accessing Gender-Affirming Care

The AP (6/7, Ballentine) reports, “Transgender minors and some adults in Missouri will soon be banned from accessing puberty blockers, hormones and gender-affirming surgeries under a bill signed Wednesday by” Gov. Mike Parson (R). The ban will take effect…

Louisiana Lawmakers Advance Legislation To Prevent Transgender Minors From Having Access To Gender-Transition Care

The New York Times (6/7, Rojas) reports, “Louisiana lawmakers have voted to make the state the latest to prevent transgender minors from having access to gender-transition care, advancing legislation that would ban hormone treatments, puberty blockers and…

Early Implementation Of Kangaroo Mother Care Appears To Greatly Improve Survival For Preterm Infants, Research Indicates

The Washington Post (6/7, Malhi) reports, “Early implementation of a type of skin-to-skin contact called kangaroo mother care appears to significantly improve the odds of survival for preterm or low-birth-weight babies, according to a sweeping scientific…

US Gun Deaths Reached All-Time High In 2021 For Second Year In A Row, Report Finds

NPR (6/6, Neuman) reports, “Gun deaths in the United States reached an all-time high in 2021 for the second year in a row, with firearms violence the single leading cause of death for children and young adults, according to” findings (PDF) from research “…

Sanofi-AstraZeneca RSV Prevention Antibody Appears Safe, Effective In Infants, FDA Reviewers Say

Reuters (6/6, Mahobe, Sunny) reports the FDA’s “staff reviewers said on Tuesday Sanofi and partner AstraZeneca’s experimental therapy to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants appeared safe and effective.” The “RSV prevention anti…

Two Additional Infant Deaths Connected To Recalled Infant Lounger

USA Today (6/6, Nadolny) reports, “Two more infants have died since the Boppy Newborn Lounger was recalled in 2021, bringing the total number of known deaths linked to the baby pillow to 10.” On Tuesday, “federal safety regulators at the U.S. Consumer Pro…

Children With Poor Impulse Control May Be At Higher Risk For Health, Social, And Criminal Problems As Adults, Research Suggests

According to HealthDay (6/6, Reinberg), children “with poor impulse control – a common characteristic of” attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder – “may be at higher risk for health, social and criminal problems as adults,” researchers concluded in a stu…

Federal Judge Partially Blocks Florida Ban On Gender-Affirming Care For Minors

The New York Times (6/6, Rojas, Ghorayshi) reports US District Court for the Northern District of Florida Judge Robert Hinkle “issued a scathing assessment on Tuesday of the state’s ban on gender transition care for minors” and “issued a preliminary injun…

Newborns With Greater Hair Cortisol Levels More Likely To Experience Delayed Sleep Onset At Seven Months, Preliminary Research Indicates

Healio (6/6, Herpen) reports, “Newborns with higher levels of hair cortisol, a measure of fetal cortisol in the last trimester of pregnancy, were more likely to have delayed sleep onset at age 7 months, according to preliminary research.” Results show tha…

Sequencing Of Genetic Info At Birth May Have Benefits For Mothers As Well As Children, Study Indicates

USA Today (6/5, Weintraub) says the original BabySeq study “showed that out of 159 seemingly healthy babies whose genetic information was sequenced at birth, 17 were found to have ‘actionable’ mutations – their genes predicted or increased the likelihood…

New Index May Help Identify Preterm Birth Risk, Study Indicates

Healio (6/5, Weldon) reports, “A new index that takes neighborhood and community conditions into consideration could be a useful measure for identifying preterm birth risk, a study” determined. The Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI) “is a county-level ind…

Small Study Addresses Developmental Changes In Sleep Patterns During Adolescence, Their Associations With Psychiatric And Behavioral Disorders

According to HCPlive (6/5, Grossi), the findings of a 150-patient study presented at SLEEP 2023 “addressed the developmental changes in sleep patterns during adolescence and their associations with psychiatric and behavioral disorders.” After focusing “on…

Among Children On Medicaid, Only 37% Of Pediatric Gunshot Survivors Receive Mental Healthcare Within Six Months Of These Traumatic Incidents, Data Indicate

According to HealthDay (6/5, Murez), despite the fact that “U.S. gun deaths and injuries in children have risen at astronomical rates,” research indicates that “among kids on Medicaid, only about two of every five children who get shot receive mental heal…

Food Safety Advocates Raise Concern Over FDA’s Limit On Inorganic Arsenic In Apple Juice

Bloomberg Law (6/5, Castronuovo, Subscription Publication) reports, “The FDA’s finalized limit on inorganic arsenic in apple juice is too high and marks a missed opportunity to force [the] industry to more diligently work to lower early childhood exposure…

Only 28% Of All Mental Health Facilities In The US Appeared To Offer LGBTQ-Specific Mental Health Services In 2020, Survey Data Suggest

MedPage Today (6/5, Putka) reports, “Of all mental health facilities that serve youth in the U.S., only 28% offered LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer)-specific mental health services in 2020, a small increase from 25% in 2014, accordin…

Play Therapy Improves Children’s MRI Exam Experience, Research Finds

Aunt Minnie (6/4, Madden Yee) reports, “Play therapy improves children’s MRI exam experience and makes it possible for them to remain awake during imaging, according to research.” The research was presented at the International Society of MRI Radiographer…

Infants Hospitalized With RSV With LRTI Have Increased Respiratory Symptoms, Lung Function Abnormalities Up Until At Least Age 2, Research Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (6/2, Stong) reported, “Infants hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) have increased respiratory symptoms and lung function abnormalities up until at least age 2 years, researc…

Telepsychiatry May Be Safe, Effective For Treating Bipolar Disorder In Adolescents And Adults, Researchers Say

Healio (6/2, Herpen) reported, “Telepsychiatry may be a safe and effective tool to treat bipolar disorder in adolescents and adults, but deeper research is needed, according to a poster at the American Society of Psychopharmacology annual meeting.” The “l…

Texas Bans Gender-Affirming Care For Minors

The AP (6/3) reported Texas “has become the most populous state to ban gender-affirming care for minors after Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation on Friday.” The state has “joined at least 18 other states that have enacted similar bans.”

Some States Reportedly Moving Toward Gambling Education In Public Schools

The AP (6/2, Parry) reported that some “states are moving toward gambling education in public schools.” However, “the effort is in its infancy, and the details of what would be taught are still to be determined.” The AP added, “According to the National C…

Survey Of US Mayors Says Demand For Mental Health Services Is Increasing

Bloomberg (6/3, Yee, Subscription Publication) reported, “An ‘unprecedented’ mental health crisis is overwhelming US cities, which lack adequate resources to address growing challenges, according to a new report released…by the US Conference of Mayors.”…

Rate Of Pregnant Women In US With Diabetes Continues To Rise, CDC Report Finds

HealthDay (6/1, Reinberg) says, “The number of American women who have diabetes when they become pregnant has increased dramatically over five years, health officials reported Wednesday.” According to a CDC report (PDF), data show that “between 2016 and 2…

Cost For Hypothetical American Family Of Four Covered By Average Employer-Sponsored PPO Plan Is Now $31,000, Report Says

RevCycle Intelligence (6/1, LaPointe) reports, “Healthcare costs for Americans are climbing higher once again following slower growth and even a rare decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest Milliman Medical Index…report.” The arti…

Adding Lactobacillus Reuteri To Treatment Plan Helps Reduce Symptoms In Children With Diarrhea, Study Finds

Gastroenterology Advisor (6/1, Nye) reports, “For children with diarrhea, adding Lactobacillus reuteri (L reuteri) to the treatment plan significantly reduces early symptoms but has no effect on preventing diarrhea, according to study results.” The findin…

Multiple Factors May Lead To Prescription Stimulant Misuse Among Pediatric Patients With AD/HD, Research Indicates

HCPlive (6/1, Walter) reports that research indicates that “there may be multiple factors that lead to prescription stimulant misuse among pediatric patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), including psychosocial factors and non-sti…

More States Seek Federal Approval To Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage Beyond Two Months

Kaiser Health News (6/1, Volz) reports, “At least eight states this year have decided to seek federal approval to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage, leaving just a handful that have opted not to guarantee at least a year of health care for women during…

Increase In Pediatric Intracranial Infections Coincided With Increase In Respiratory Viruses, CDC Data Show

CNN (6/1, Goodman) reports, “The United States saw a 200% increase in brain abscesses in children in December 2022 following a surge in respiratory infections over the winter.” However, “even with the increase, abscesses continue to be extremely rare, acc…

Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor Safe, Well Tolerated In Pediatric Patients With Cystic Fibrosis, Research Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (5/31, Stong) says, “Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor was generally safe and well tolerated among children with cystic fibrosis aged 6 to 11 years old who have at least 1 F508del allele, researchers reported.” The findings were publish…

Oscillometry Successful Measure Of Lung Function In Children With Asthma In ED, Researchers Say

Healio (5/31, Gawel) reports, “Oscillometry was a successful objective measure of lung function among children presenting to the ED with acute asthma, according to data.” Additionally, “worse lung function at presentation may correspond with a need to esc…

Cash Grants Made To Poor Families Or Individuals Led To Fewer Deaths Among Women, Young Children, Analysis Finds

The New York Times (5/31, Mandavilli) reports, “Cash grants made directly to poor families or individuals have led to fewer deaths among women and young children, according to a new analysis of more than 7 million people in 37 countries.” Investigators fo…

Newborns Of Mothers With Alopecia Areata Appear To Experience Significantly Greater Risk For Developing Alopecia And Accompanying Comorbidities, Study Indicates

Healio (5/31, Capaldo) reports, “Newborns of mothers with alopecia areata” (AA) “experienced a significantly greater risk for developing alopecia and accompanying comorbidities,” investigators concluded in a study that “included 67,364 newborns (51.8% boy…

Male Infants Make More Vocalizations During First Year Compared To Female Infants, Research Finds

HealthDay (5/31, Murez) reports, “Girls have long been thought to have a language advantage over boys as infants,” but “research finds that boys make more vocalization sounds than girls do in the early months of life.” Specifically, “the study found that…

US Births Were Flat In 2022, CDC Says

The AP (6/1, Stobbe) reports, “U.S. births were flat last year, as the nation saw fewer babies born than it did before the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.” The data indicated that “births to moms 35 and older continued t…

Midwives, Birth Centers Can Help Improve Maternal Health Outcomes Among Medicaid Recipients, HHS Says

HealthPayerIntelligence (5/30, Bailey) reports, “Midwives and birth centers have been associated with improved maternal health outcomes at lower costs to Medicaid, but payment policies and other challenges pose barriers to expanding access to these servic…

Solar, Geomagnetic Activity Can Have Positive Impact On Urban Children With Asthma, Research Suggests

Healio (5/30, Gawel) reports, “Solar and geomagnetic activity may improve symptoms and lung function among urban children with asthma, according to data.” Children with “asthma but who do not have any allergic sensitivities may particularly benefit,” rese…

Routine Immunologic Testing May Benefit Children With Severe Bacterial Infections, Research Suggests

Infectious Disease Advisor (5/30, Nye) reports, “Children with severe bacterial infections may benefit from routine immunologic testing following recovery, as early identification of immune abnormalities may inform preventive measures against reinfection….

Family-Oriented Sedation Protocol Helps Kids With ASD Manage Routine Healthcare, Study Finds

MedPage Today (5/30, Henderson) reports, “A family-centered, integrated behavioral and sedation protocol proved successful for common medical procedures among children with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay.” The study’s “drug regimen was pe…

CMS Urges States To Limit Medicaid Losses During Redetermination Process

Modern Healthcare (5/30, Turner, Subscription Publication) reports, “States must take better care not to expel eligible Medicaid enrollees from the program during the redeterminations process, a senior Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services official s…

Weight-Loss Surgeries Among Adolescents Increased Substantially In Recent Years, Study Indicates

Bloomberg (5/30, Peng, Court, Subscription Publication) reports, “Weight-loss surgeries among adolescents increased substantially in recent years, part of an overall rise in obesity treatments in the US,” investigators concluded in findings published onli…

Compared With Rest, Early Return To Social, Physical Activity After A Concussion In Youth May Improve Concussion Symptoms, Meta-Analysis Suggests

Neurology Advisor (5/26, Nguyen) reported, “Early return to social and physical activity after a concussion in youth can improve concussion symptoms when compared with rest, according to” the findings of a 24-study meta-analysis published online in the jo…

Human Metapneumovirus Cases Spiked During Spring, CDC Data Show

CNN (5/29, Goodman) reports, “Cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, spiked this spring, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s respiratory virus surveillance systems.” Infections from this virus “filled hospital intensive care uni…

Limited Headers In Soccer May Be Safe For Teen Players, Study Suggests

HealthDay (5/29, Murez) reports, “Limited ‘heading’ of a soccer ball in youth sports may not cause irreversible harm, as long as players are properly trained, a…study finds.” Researchers “found that having a small number of repeated soccer headers equiv…

Cardiorespiratory Monitoring Data May Provide Prognostic Information On Clinical Outcomes In Extremely Preterm Infants, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (5/26, Short) reported, “Physiologic data from cardiorespiratory monitoring may provide prognostic information about the clinical outcomes of extremely preterm infants, the Prematurity-Related Ventilatory Control (Pre-Vent) study found.” The…

High School-Aged Teens Experiencing Depression Or Suicidal Ideation Appear To Have Increased Perceived Access To Firearms Compared With Their Peers, Research Suggests

Healio (5/26, Weldon) reported, “High school-aged teens experiencing depression or suicidal ideation have increased perceived access to firearms compared with their peers,” which “is especially concerning, the researchers said, because easy firearm access…

Many People Losing Medicaid Coverage Amid Redeterminations For Procedural Reasons

The New York Times (5/26, A1, Weiland) reported, “Hundreds of thousands of low-income Americans have lost Medicaid coverage in recent weeks as part of a sprawling unwinding of a pandemic-era policy that prohibited states from removing people from the prog…

Children’s Outdoor Activity Levels Decrease In High Heat, Research Finds

The Austin (TX) American Statesman (5/27, Villalpando, Subscription Publication) reported research suggests that children spent “less time doing moderate to vigorous physical activity at 95 degrees than at 72 degrees.” Results show that “at 72 degrees, 27…

Researchers Identify 12 Key Symptoms To Better Define Long COVID

The Washington Post (5/25, Morris) reports that a “study has identified 12 key symptoms that best define the debilitating condition known as long covid.” The results, published in JAMA, are based on data involving “9,764 participants in a study called the…

Nirsevimab Safe For Infants With RSV, Significantly Reduces Hospitalization Incidence, Research Finds

Infectious Disease Advisor (5/25, Alvarez) reports, “Nirsevimab can reduce hospitalizations by 83.21% in infants younger than 12 months with respiratory syncytial virus-related lower respiratory tract infection, according to a press release published by S…

Infant Loungers Tied To More Deaths Than US Officials Previously Reported

NBC News (5/25, Chuck) has discovered “that at least five babies have died in incidents linked to infant loungers since late September 2021, based on CPSC records and reports made to the agency.” Along with “those five deaths, NBC News determined that at…

Secondhand Smoke Exposure Associated With Reduced Lung Function In Children With Cystic Fibrosis, Study Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (5/25, Stong) reports, “Secondhand smoke exposure is associated with a decrease in pulmonary function in children with cystic fibrosis, according to a study.” The findings were published in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis.

Inability To Control Hunger In Adolescents With Obesity Associated With Body Insecurity, Researchers Say

Healio (5/25, Monostra) reports, “Adolescents with obesity whose inability to control their hunger is a barrier to weight loss have a more negative perception about their body than adolescents who say inability to control hunger is not a barrier, accordin…

Over One-Quarter Of Americans Say High Costs Preventing Access To Patient Care, Report Finds

PatientEngagementHIT (5/24, Heath) writes, “A new report from the Federal Reserve paints a devastating picture of how healthcare costs impact patient care access.” Data show that “in 2022, 28 percent of adults went without some kind of medical care becaus…

Sarepta Therapeutics Says FDA Could Limit Approval Of Gene Therapy For Muscle Wasting Disorder To Smaller Population

Reuters (5/24, Samal, Leo) reports that Sarepta Therapeutics said the FDA “could initially approve its gene therapy for a muscle wasting disorder for a smaller patient group after the agency deferred an accelerated approval decision.” The drugmaker “said…

High Proportion Of Pediatric Patients With IBD Experience Long-Term Treatment Failure With Anti-TNF Therapy, Research Finds

Gastroenterology Advisor (5/24, Nguyen) reports, “A large proportion of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease initiated on anti-TNF agents experience long-term treatment failure, according to study findings.” The results of the retrospective…

Food Insecurity In Teens Tied To Emotional Eating, Consumption Of Less Nutritious Foods, Study Suggests

CNN (5/24, Holcombe) reports a “study has shown food insecurity may…be associated with emotional eating and consumption of less nutritious foods in teens.” The findings were published in PLOS One.

FTC Launches Probe Into Baby-Formula Makers Over Alleged Collusion On Government Contract Bids

The Washington Post (5/24, Mark) reports, “The Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Abbott Laboratories and other baby-formula makers,” including Nestlé and Reckitt Benckiser, “engaged in collusion while bidding on government contracts.” Over…

Many Areas In US Lack Free Parks, Playgrounds For Kids To Get Physical Activity, Study Finds

HealthDay (5/24, Norton) reports a study “found that in many areas of the country – particularly the South – families have few safe, free parks and playgrounds for their kids to enjoy.” This is “a problem, experts said, because when kids lack those opport…

Children With Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease Who Receive Multispecies Probiotic May Have Greater, Faster Increase In Their BMI, Compared With Placebo, Research Suggests

Gastroenterology Advisor (5/23, Nye) reports, “Children with newly diagnosed celiac disease (CeD) who receive a multispecies probiotic have a greater and faster increase in their BMI, compared with placebo,” according to a “prospective, double-blind, rand…

During COVID-19 Pandemic, Vitamin D Deficiency Appears To Have Significantly Increased In Pediatric Patients With MDD, Researchers Say

Medscape (5/23, Anderson, Subscription Publication) reports, “During the pandemic, there was a significant increase in vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients with major depressive disorder” (MDD), investigators concluded in a 599-patient study suggest…

Children Randomized To Foster Care After Institutionalization In Infancy May Have Significantly Better Cognitive, Physical Outcomes, Less Severe Symptoms Of Psychopathology Than Peers Who Remain In Institutional Care, Small Study Suggests

Medscape (5/23, Anderson, Subscription Publication) reports, “Children randomly assigned to foster care after being institutionalized in infancy have significantly better cognitive and physical outcomes and less severe symptoms of psychopathology than the…

Trends In Prevalence Of Mental Health Diagnoses Among Youths Appear To Have Differed By Age And Sex During The COVID-19 Pandemic, Data Reveal

MedPage Today (5/23, Firth) reports, “Trends in prevalence of mental health diagnoses among youths differed by age and sex during the COVID-19 pandemic, with female adolescents representing ‘the most vulnerable population,’” investigators concluded after…

Bipartisan Senators Reintroduce Bill Aimed At Improving Maternal Care Through Telehealth

mHealth Intelligence (5/23, Melchionna) reports Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) “have reintroduced bipartisan legislation known as the Tech to Save Moms Act, which aims to leverage telehealth and digital health technology to promote mate…

US Surgeon General Issues Public Warning About Risks Of Social Media To Young People

The New York Times (5/23, Pearson, Richtel, Levenson) reports that on Tuesday, US surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy “issued an extraordinary public warning…about the risks of social media to young people, urging a push to fully understand the possible ‘h…

Researchers See High CMR Rates With Nivolumab Plus Brentuximab Vedotin In CAYA Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hematology Advisor (5/22, Blevins Primeau) reports that researchers have found that “the combination of nivolumab plus brentuximab vedotin (BV) with risk-adapted intensification of BV plus bendamustine resulted in high complete metabolic response (CMR) ra…

Young People Who Commit Suicide Using A Gun May Be Often Introduced To Guns Through Family Traditions And Use The Family Gun To Commit Suicide, Small Study Indicates

Medscape (5/22, Brooks, Subscription Publication) reports, “Young people who commit suicide using a gun are often introduced to guns through family traditions and use the family gun to commit suicide,” researchers concluded after conducting “11 ‘psycholog…

AAP Establishes National Standards For Levels Of Neonatal Care

HealthDay (5/22, Gotkine) reports, “In a policy statement published online May 22 in Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics has established national standards for specific levels of neonatal care.” Experts created the “Standards for Levels of Neon…

COVID-19 During Pregnancy May Predict Worse Birth Outcomes, Research Suggests

Healio (5/22, T. Welsh) writes, “COVID-19 infection during pregnancy predicted worse birth outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birthweight and longer hospital stay, researchers reported.” The findings were presented at the ACOG Annual Clinical & Sci…

Perinatal HPV Transmission Occurs Infrequently And Resolves Within Six Months Of Birth, Study Finds

MedPage Today (5/22, Henderson) reports, “Though vaginal human papillomavirus was often detected in pregnant women, perinatal transmission was infrequent, and no infection at birth persisted half a year later, a prospective cohort study showed.” Data show…

Research Finds Large Gap Between Deaths Of Black And White Babies Over Past Two Decades

Kaiser Health News (5/22, Sausser) reports a study “found that over two decades Black people in the US experienced more than 1.6 million excess deaths and 80 million years of life lost because of increased mortality risk relative to white Americans.” This…

Report Indicates Commercial Payors Often Take Longer Than Medicare To Pay Inpatient Claims

According to Health Exec (5/19, Murphy), a “new Crowe report, ‘Time for a Commercial Break,’” indicated that “it took commercial payors three months or longer to pay 31% of inpatient claims submitted in the first quarter of 2023; this was the case for jus…

Adolescents Of A Sexual Minority Appear To Report Fewer Hours Of Sleep Per Night, Longer Sleep Latency, And More Sleep Disturbances, Research Suggests

Healio (5/21, Hornick) reported, “Adolescents of a sexual minority reported fewer hours of sleep per night, longer sleep latency and more sleep disturbances,” investigators concluded in findings presented at the American Thoracic Society International Con…

Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy, Infancy Tied To Reduced Risk Of Asthma, Wheezing By Age Three, Researchers Say

Healio (5/21, Gawel) reports, “Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and sufficient exposure to vitamin D at age 12 months were associated with less asthma and recurrent wheeze by age 3 years, according to data.” Researchers “said these findings indi…

Violence, Maltreatment Tied To Increased Risk For Asthma, Researchers Say

Healio (5/21, Gawel) reports, “Violence and maltreatment in childhood were linked to greater risk for asthma among patients with positive biomarkers of high Th2 immunity, according to data.” The findings were presented at the American Thoracic Society Int…

Well-Funded Anti-Poverty Programs May Be Beneficial To Brains Of Children, Study Suggests

Medscape (5/19, Swift Yasgur, Subscription Publication) reports, “Growing up in a low-income household is associated with smaller hippocampal volume and more negative mental health symptoms in children, but new research suggests these effects can be offse…

Elevated Proportion Of Children, Adolescents Around The World Experience Disordered Eating, Research Indicates

Medscape (5/19, Barros, Subscription Publication) reports, “A multicenter study indicates that an elevated proportion of children and adolescents around the world, particularly girls or those with high body mass index (BMI), experience disordered eating.”…

Women In US Require More Maternity Leave, Better Access To Pregnancy Care, Survey Indicates

HealthDay (5/18, Thompson) reports, “Pregnancy is a difficult and potentially dangerous time in a woman’s life, and US women say they aren’t getting the support they need…a new…poll has found.” Results show “nearly 2 in 5 women who are pregnant or hav…

Children With Idiopathic Pediatric GH Deficiency May Have Increase In Annualized Height Velocity After Six Months Of Receiving Daily Oral Ibutamoren, Interim Data From Phase 2 Study Indicates

Healio (5/17, Monostra) reports, “Children with idiopathic pediatric growth hormone” (GH) “deficiency had an increase in annualized height velocity after six months of receiving a daily oral GH therapy,” researchers concluded in “interim data from the pha…

Vaping Could Increase Teens’ Likelihood Of Cannabis Use, Binge Drinking, Study Suggests

HealthDay (5/18, Murez) reports, “Teens who use electronic cigarettes are significantly more likely than non-vapers to binge-drink and use cannabis, new research finds.” Surveys of teens between the ages of 13 and 18 indicate “that vapers were 20 times mo…

Study Examines Effect Of Obesity Telephone Intervention On Dietary Behaviors, Activity Recommendations In Children

Endocrinology Advisor (5/18, Maitlall) reports, “An obesity telephone intervention consisting of a series of phone calls and short messages may improve dietary behaviors and encourage children to meet appropriate activity recommendations, according to” fi…

Study Reveals Elevated Rates Of Sleep Disturbance In Children With Autism

HCPlive (5/18, Grossi) reports, “A comprehensive study on sleep problems in” 2,838 “children with autism revealed elevated rates of sleep disturbance within this population.” The findings were published online in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Healt…

FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Maternal RSV Vaccine To Protect Young Infants

The New York Times (5/18, Jewett) reports a FDA advisory panel voted on Thursday in favor of approving a vaccine by Pfizer given to pregnant women to prevent RSV infection in infants. All 14 of the “agency advisers unanimously agreed that the vaccine was…

Depression More Widespread Than Ever In The US, Survey Data Reveal

CNN (5/17, McPhillips) reports, “Depression is more widespread than ever in the United States, according to” new survey data from Gallup that indicated that “about 18% of adults – more than one in six – say they are depressed or receiving treatment for de…

Children Falling Behind Adults In Treatment And Testing For HIV, Study Finds

Healio (5/17, Weldon) reports, “Children are falling far behind adults when it comes to testing and treatment for HIV, according to a new study.” Based on the “study, although children account for just 5% of all people living with HIV, they make up 15% of…

Childhood Asthma Not Linked To Total Consumption Of Fruits And Vegetables, Study Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (5/17, Stong) reports, “Total consumption of fruits and vegetables is not associated with the risk of asthma in children by age 5 years, according to a study.” The findings of the analysis of data from the Type 1 Diabetes Prediction an…

Roughly One-Quarter Of Teens With Obesity Receiving Semaglutide Return To Normal Weight, Trial Data Show

MedPage Today (5/17, Monaco) reports, “Far more teens with obesity treated with 2.4 mg semaglutide (Wegovy) returned to normal weight or dropped below the obesity threshold compared with placebo-treated patient, a secondary analysis of the phase 3a STEP T…

HHS Allocates $200M In Funding To States, Territories, Tribes For 988 Suicide Lifeline

Bloomberg Law (5/17, Subscription Publication) reports that HHS “has allocated $200 million in funding for states, territories, and tribes to build local capacity for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and related crisis services.” Now, “states and US terr…

Heart Health Organizations Urge Schools, Parents To Educate Children On Emergency Life-Saving Skills

CNN (5/17, Howard) reports, “Leading heart health organizations are urging schools and parents to teach young children life-saving skills such as how to call 911 and how to administer CPR.” To this end, “the American Heart Association, the European Resusc…

FDA Staff Says Safety Data For Pfizer’s RSV Vaccine In Pregnant Women “Generally Favorable”

Reuters (5/16, Mahobe, E Sunny) reports that safety data for Pfizer’s experimental RSV vaccine in pregnant women were “generally favorable,” FDA staff reviewers said. Although “a higher number of pre-term births occurred among participants taking Pfizer’s…

Moving Into Low-Poverty Communities Tied To Improvement In Asthma Symptoms In Children, Study Suggests

MedPage Today (5/16, Short) reports, “Moving into a low-poverty neighborhood was linked with a significant improvement in asthma symptoms and exacerbations among children, a cohort study out of Baltimore showed.” The findings were published in JAMA.

Language Exposure From Parents May Help Shape Brain Development In Toddlers, Research Finds

HealthDay (5/16, Norton) reports, “When parents talk to their toddlers, they are not only teaching them words, but may be shaping their developing brains, too, a…study suggests.” Investigators “found that toddlers whose parents spent a lot of time talki…

Growth Rate During First Six Months Of Life May Be Tied To Risk For Obesity In Early And Late Childhood, Study Indicates

Endocrinology Advisor (5/16, Maitlall) reports, “Growth rate during the first six months of life is linked to risk for obesity in early and late childhood,” researchers concluded after conducting “a secondary analysis using data from two studies that were…

Cannabis Can Affect Fetal Development, Even When Used Early In Pregnancy, Research Finds

HealthDay (5/16, Murez) reports, “As recreational marijuana use rises, some dispensaries are recommending it as a remedy for morning sickness, but…research warns that using it during pregnancy may significantly affect fetal growth.” Although “fetal expo…

Undertriage In Pediatric Emergency Department More Likely For Non-English Speakers, Research Suggests

HealthDay (5/16, Gotkine) reports, “For patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department, those accompanied by caregivers preferring languages other than English are more likely to be undertriaged, according to a study.” The research “found that…

Remote Work May Impact Mental Health Of Some Parents, Research Suggests

USA Today (5/15, Jones) reports, “Though the rise of remote work has been praised for providing greater work/life balance, many parents are finding that being away from the office can also have serious drawbacks.” About “four in 10 parents say that when t…

Opioid Crisis, Poliovirus Spread Remain Top Public Health Threats As COVID-19 PHE Ends

CNN (5/15, McPhillips) reports, “The Covid-19 pandemic hit a major milestone this month as public health emergency declarations were ended by both the United States government and the World Health Organization.” CNN says that while that “doesn’t mean Covi…

Frequent Antibiotic Use, Sugary Diet, Urban Living Tied To Increased Risk Of IBD In Children, Data Suggest

Healio (5/15, Stonehill) reports, “A diet rich in sweetened candy or drinks, exposure to antibiotics during early childhood and urban living were among risk factors for developing pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, according to data.” The findings were…

Vibrating Crib Mattress Helps Ease Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, Trial Finds

MedPage Today (5/15, Henderson) reports, “A crib mattress designed to vibrate gently for tactile sensory stimulation eased neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, reducing need for pharmacologic treatment, a randomized clinical trial showed.” While “this low…

Federally Funded Program Aims To Reduce Maternity Care Deserts In Rural Areas

Kaiser Health News (5/15, Tribble) reports on efforts by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, “part of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to launch the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program.” This program has “t…

Social Needs Linked To Poor Asthma Control Among Under-Resourced Children, Study Finds

Healio (5/15, Gawel) reports, “Individual and aggregate social needs were associated with poor asthma control among a population of predominantly under-resourced children, according to a study.” The findings were published in The Journal of Allergy and Cl…

CDC Extensively Updates Indoor Ventilation Guidance

CNN (5/12, Goodman) reported the CDC “has extensively updated its ventilation guidance on helping prevent indoor transmission of the virus that causes Covid-19.” The agency “had advised people to ventilate indoor air before, but this if the first time a f…

FDA Advisers Recommend Epinephrine Nasal Spray

The Hill (5/12, Gans) reported, “A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel has approved an epinephrine nasal spray, clearing a hurdle for the product designed to help those with severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.” The agency’s Pu…

WHO Says New Weight Loss Drugs Are No “Silver Bullet” Amid Its Review Of Obesity Management Guidelines

Reuters (5/12, Rigby) reported, “New highly-effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy are not a ‘silver bullet’ for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the age…

Probiotic Use In NICUs Tied To Lower Risk Of Some Issues In Newborns With Very Low Birth Weight, Research Finds

MedPage Today (5/12, DeBenedette) reported, “Routine use of probiotics among newborns with very low birth weight in U.S. neonatal intensive care units was associated with a lower risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, but not sepsis or mortality, according to…

Bacterial Infections Less Common Among Infants Testing Positive For SARS-CoV-2, Research Finds

Healio (5/12, Weldon) reported, “A study of more than 14,000 febrile infants found that UTIs, bacteremia and bacterial meningitis were less common among those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 than those who did not, according to findings.” The results w…

Among US Youth Ages 13 And 14 Years, Suicide Rates More Than Doubled From 2008 To 2018, Death Certificate Data Indicate

HealthDay (5/12, Solomon) reported, “Among U.S. youth ages 13 and 14 years, suicide rates more than doubled from 2008 to 2018,” researchers concluded in a study that “used death certificate data collected by the” CDC “to explore trends in suicide by sex,…

WHO Declares End Of Mpox Global Health Emergency

The AP (5/11, Cheng) reports, “The World Health Organization said Thursday that the global outbreak of mpox, which initially baffled experts when the smallpox-related disease spread to more than 100 countries last year, is no longer an international emerg…

Experimental Skin Patch To Treat Toddlers Highly Allergic To Peanuts Shows Promise, Research Suggests

The AP (5/10, Neergaard) reported, “An experimental skin patch is showing promise to treat toddlers who are highly allergic to peanuts – training their bodies to handle an accidental bite.” The patch, which is named Viaskin, “aims to deliver that kind of…

Increased Physical Activity May Help Stave Off Progression To T1D In Children With Multiple Autoantibodies, Study Indicates

HCPlive (5/11, Campbell) reports, “Although more recognized for its association with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, new research suggests increased physical activity could help stave off progression to type 1 diabetes” (T1D) “in children with multiple…

Exposure To Secondhand Smoke Associated With Myopia In Children, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (5/11, Short) reports, “Secondhand smoke exposure was associated with myopia in kids, according to a cross-sectional study from Hong Kong.” After “after adjusting for several factors including age, sex, and parental myopia, exposure to secon…

Adolescent ED Visits Related To Mental Health Decreased Between 2021 And 2022, Data Indicate

Reuters (5/11, Roy) reports, “U.S. adolescents made fewer weekly emergency department (ED) visits for mental health conditions in Fall 2022 compared to a year earlier, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on” May 11…

COVID-19 Tests No Longer Free For Most People In US After PHE Ends

NBC News (5/10, Bendix) reports that after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends this week, “people with employer-based private health insurance could start paying for at-home Covid tests as well as rapid or lab tests at a doctor’s office or clinic.”…

Children Born By Caesarean Section May Have Increased Risk For Developing Atopic Dermatitis Before Age Five Years Compared With Children Born By Vaginal Delivery, Researchers Say

Healio (5/10, Gawel) reports, “Children born by caesarean section had an increased risk for developing atopic dermatitis before age five years compared with children born by vaginal delivery,” investigators concluded in a “register-based cohort study invo…

Young Adolescents With Genetic Skin Conditions May Encounter Worse Transition Readiness Compared With Their Healthy Counterparts And Others With Chronic Conditions, Study Indicates

Healio (5/10, Capaldo) reports, “Young adolescents with genetic skin conditions encountered worse transition readiness compared with their healthy counterparts and others with chronic conditions,” investigators concluded in a study that “measured the leve…

Salmonellosis Causes Substantial Infant Mortality In US, Researchers Say

HealthDay (5/10, Gotkine) reports, “Salmonellosis causes substantial infant morbidity and mortality, according to a study.” Researchers “analyzed national surveillance data and active, sentinel surveillance data during 1996 to 2015 for culture-confirmed S…

Missouri Lawmakers Pass Legislation To Ban Gender Transition Care For Minors

The New York Times (5/10, Smith) reports, “In the waning days of their legislative session, Missouri lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday that would ban transition care for transgender youth.” This “legislation, which had stalled for weeks in the Republic…

Adolescents Who Casually Use Cannabis May Have Two To Four Times Greater Odds Of Negative Psychosocial Events, Research Suggests

Healio (5/10, Rhoades) reports, “Adolescents who casually used cannabis had two to four times greater odds of negative psychosocial events, including depression and suicidal thoughts, than those who did not use cannabis,” researchers concluded after condu…

CDC, Hospitals To No Longer Report Data As COVID-19 PHE Ends

The Washington Post (5/9, Sun) reports, “When the covid public health emergency ends May 11, laboratories across the United States will no longer be required to report coronavirus test results to the” CDC. Also, “hospitals and state health departments, to…

US Government To Invest In New COVID-19 Vaccines After PHE Ends, Jha Says

Bloomberg Law (5/9, Rozen, Subscription Publication) reports, “The US government will invest in developing Covid-19 vaccines and treatments to tackle new variants of the virus after its pandemic emergency powers end, the White House’s coronavirus coordina…

Researchers Examine Longitudinal Dynamics, Characteristics Of Toxigenic Clostridioides Difficile In Infants

The American Journal of Managed Care (5/9, Melillo) reports, “Results of a large longitudinal cohort study revealed a high prevalence of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile carrier state in children.” Data show that “colonization was also not linked with s…

Rates Of Suicidal Behavior Ideation Has Increased Among High School Girls, Data Suggest

Healio (5/9, VanDewater) reports, “Rates of suicidal behavior and ideation increased among high school girls,” investigators from the CDC concluded after analyzing “data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey…collected in 2019 and 2021.” The study revealed…

DEA Extends Telemedicine Option Allowing Physicians To Prescribe Certain Controlled Medications

The Washington Post (5/9, Beard) reports that the DEA “will allow doctors to keep using telemedicine to prescribe certain medications for anxiety, pain and opioid addiction, extending for six months emergency flexibilities established during the coronavir…

Health Officials May Ask States To Report Cases Of Infants With Serious Infections Caused By Cronobacter Sakazakii

CNN (5/9, Goodman, McPhillips) reports, “US health officials may soon ask states to notify them of any cases of infants with serious infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii, bacteria that can contaminate infant formula.” Such “infections are thought to…

Oil, Gas Production-Related Air Pollution Contributed To Thousands Of Asthma Cases In US In 2016, Research Finds

Healio (5/8, Gawel) reports, “Air pollution from oil and gas production contributed to 7,500 excess deaths, 410,000 asthma attacks and 2,200 new cases of childhood asthma across the nation in 2016, according to a study.” Results suggest oil and gas produc…

Fast-Acting Insulin Aspart Delivered Through Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery System Appears To Provide Similar Glycemic Outcomes As Standard Insulin Aspart For Young Children With T1D, Research Suggests

Healio (5/8, Monostra) reports, “Fast-acting insulin aspart delivered through a hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system provided similar glycemic outcomes as standard insulin aspart for young children with type 1 diabetes” (T1D), according to findings…

E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents May Have Low Impact On Subsequent Cigarette Smoking, Study Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (5/8, Goldberg) reports, “Vaping behavior has little effect on whether adolescents in the US who have never smoked cigarettes will begin smoking cigarettes, or whether adolescents who do begin smoking cigarettes continue to smoke, acco…

Child Deaths From Fentanyl In US Increased 30-Fold Between 2013 And 2021, Study Finds

HealthDay (5/8, Reinberg) reports, “The synthetic opioid fentanyl is killing increasing numbers of U.S. kids, emulating the chilling trends seen among adults, a…study finds.” Data show “pediatric deaths from fentanyl increased more than 30-fold between…

Infants Born To Mothers With Opioid Use Disorder Have Higher Risk Of Postneonatal Infant Mortality, Study Finds

MedPage Today (5/8, Henderson) reports, “Infants born to individuals with opioid use disorder or with a neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome diagnosis had a higher risk of postneonatal infant mortality compared with infants who didn’t have these exposures,…

CDC Data Show Roughly 5% Rise In TB Cases In 2022, Especially Among Young Children

The Washington Post (5/8, Searing) says, “In 2022, 8,300 cases of tuberculosis were identified in the United States, marking a 5 percent increase from the year before, according to a report from the” CDC. This “rebound in TB cases included a 26 percent in…

FDA Recalls More Than 500K COVID-19 Tests From SD Biosensor

The Hill (5/5, Gans) reported the FDA “recalled more than 500,000 COVID-19 tests over concerns of them being contaminated with bacteria.” In a statement on Thursday, the agency said people should throw out recalled tests from SD Biosensor, Inc., which mak…

WHO Declares End To COVID-19 Global Health Emergency

The New York Times (5/5, Nolen) reported that on Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced “that it was ending the emergency it declared for Covid-19 more than three years ago,” although “WHO officials warned that the decision to lift the emer…

Sons Of Mothers With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome May Have Increased Risk Of Obesity, Research Suggests

The Washington Post (5/7, Blakemore) reports, “Research suggests that the sons of women with polycystic ovary syndrome are up to twice as likely to develop obesity as their peers.” Results show that “about 2 in 100 Swedish boys who were born to mothers wi…

Consumer Product Safety Commission Announces Voluntary Recall Of Children’s Bunk Beds Due To Fall Risk

ABC News (5/5, Kindelan) reported, “The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall Thursday of twin bunk beds made by Walker Edison Furniture.” These beds’ supporting wooden slats can “break while in use, posing fall and impact hazards,” accord…

Treating Gestational Diabetes Early In Second Trimester Tied To Better Neonatal Outcomes, Research Finds

MedPage Today (5/6, Phend) reported, “Treating gestational diabetes early in pregnancy without waiting for confirmation of a repeat oral glucose-tolerance test improved neonatal outcomes, the TOBOGM randomized trial showed.” The findings were published in…

States Looking To Later School Start Times As Way To Address Mental Health Crisis Affecting US Teenagers

The AP (5/7, Schultz) reports, “The idea of later school start times, pushed by many over the years as a way to help adolescents get more sleep, is getting a new look as a way to address the mental health crisis affecting” US teenagers. Currently, “at lea…

Telehealth Use Declined 6.8% Nationally In February, Data Show

mHealth Intelligence (5/4, Melchionna) reports, “Following a consecutive three-month growth period, telehealth use experienced a decline in February across all US regions and nationally, along with a slight drop in its share of medical claim lines, accord…

COVID-19 Deaths Declined 47% Between 2021 And 2022, CDC Data Indicate

The Washington Post (5/4, Achenbach) reports, “The waning of the pandemic led to fewer deaths in America in 2022 than in 2021, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” However, “heart disease and cancer deaths ro…

Phase 3 ECZTRA 6 Trial Reveals Efficacy, Safety Of Tralokinumab In Adolescents With Moderate To Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Healio (5/4, Volansky) reports, “Tralokinumab at doses of 150 mg or 300 mg was associated with improvements over placebo in a number of efficacy outcomes at 16 weeks and 52 weeks in adolescents with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis,” researchers concl…

Physicians Successfully Perform Novel Fetal Surgery For Rare Brain Condition

CNN (5/4, Kounang, Sealy) reports, “A team of doctors in Boston successfully performed a novel fetal surgery to treat a rare brain condition known as vein of Galen malformation.” Even though in utero surgery “has been used for other conditions, this ultra…

Maternal RA Associated With Increased Risk Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Children, Study Suggests

HCPlive (5/4, Pine) reports, “In a cohort of Swedish mothers, a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis before delivery was linked to an increased risk of offspring” developing “Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to a study.” Results suggest “the association betw…

Mother’s Mental Health May Play Role In Risk Of T1D Among Offspring, Data Indicate

HCPlive (5/4, Campbell) reports, “New data from an analysis of more than 1.8 million children suggest a mother’s mental health could play a role in risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) among offspring,” according to findings published online in the journal BMJ O…

Leapfrog Group’s Safety Grades Report Shows Hospital Safety Worsened During Pandemic Peaks

Modern Healthcare (5/3, Devereaux, Subscription Publication) reports, “Rates of infection and hospital performance on safety measures continued to worsen during peak periods of the pandemic in late 2021 and 2022, according to data released Wednesday by th…

Half Of Parents In US Believe Social Media Is Harming Their Kids, Survey Indicates

HealthDay (5/3, Murez) reports, “Half of U.S. parents think social media is bad for their kids’ mental health, a…survey reveals.” These findings highlight “growing concerns about how these platforms affect children’s and adolescents’ well-being, accordi…

DEA Looks To Temporarily Extend Virtual Prescribing For Controlled Substances

The Washington Post (5/3, Beard) reports, “The Drug Enforcement Administration is seeking to temporarily extend telehealth flexibilities, which would otherwise expire along with the coronavirus public health emergency on May 11, according to a request fil…

Sleep Problems In Children Tied To Psychopathological Symptoms Such As Emotional And Behavioral Issues During Childhood And Into Adolescence, Researchers Posit

Healio (5/3, VanDewater) reports, “Sleep problems in children were associated with psychopathological symptoms such as emotional and behavioral issues during childhood and into adolescence,” investigators concluded after analyzing “data collected from par…

Girls With Autism More Likely To Experience Anxiety Than Boys With Autism, Small Scan Study Indicates

HealthDay (5/3, Mann) reports, “Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls are, but girls may be more likely to experience anxiety alongside the disorder than boys,” researchers concluded in a study in which 112 children “with…

Strained Finances, Material Hardships Among Psychosocial Stressors Facing African American Parents Of Children With Cancer, Study Finds

Healio (5/2, Southall) reports, “Strained finances and material hardships are among significant psychosocial stressors facing African American parents of children with cancer, according to study results.” The findings were presented at Oncology Nursing So…

Low Household Income May Be Predictor For Prolonged Hospital Stay In Children With SLE, Researchers Conclude

Rheumatology Advisor (5/2, Pond) reports, “Low household income was found to be a predictor for prolonged hospital stay in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),” investigators concluded in a study that included data from 3,136 hospitalizations…

Early Childhood Pneumonia/LRTI May Lead To Future Restrictive Spirometry Pattern Later In Life, Study Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (5/2, Stong) reports, “Individuals who had pneumonia or a lower respiratory tract infection during early childhood may exhibit reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity later in childhood or during adulthoo…

Lack Of Social Connection In The US Having Profound Effects On Mental And Physical Health, Surgeon General Says

The New York Times (5/2, Caron) reports, “Americans have become increasingly lonely and isolated, and this lack of social connection is having profound effects on our mental and physical health,” US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy “warned in an advisory”…

HHS-OIG Releases Toolkit To Help Healthcare Stakeholders Assess Telehealth Billing Risks

mHealth Intelligence (5/2, Vaidya) reports, “A newly released federal toolkit aims to help healthcare stakeholders analyze their telehealth claims data to assess program integrity risks.” The toolkit, “released last week by the US Department of Health and…

Children Living In Poverty In States With More Generous Welfare Programs Found To Have Improved Brain Development, Mental Health, Researchers Say

The Hill (5/2, de Visé) reports, “Children in poverty tend to have healthier brains and fewer mental health problems if they live in states with more generous welfare programs, according to a…study supported by the National Institutes of Health.” These…

Teens Engaged In Toxic Dating Relationships At Higher Risk For Lasting Health Problems, Study Suggests

NBC News (5/1, Edwards) reports, “Teenagers engaged in toxic, controlling dating relationships may be at risk for a variety of problems as they enter adulthood, including drug use, as well as mental and physical health struggles…research [suggests].” Th…

Better Cardiorespiratory Endurance Tied To Lower Risk Of IBD Among Children And Adolescents, Researchers Say

MedPage Today (5/1, Henderson) reports, “Better cardiorespiratory endurance was associated with a lower risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among children and adolescents,” researchers concluded in “a nationwide cohort study from Taiwan.” The study r…

Heat And Cold Exposure In Newborn Girls May Be Tied To Changes In Lung Function, Research Finds

Pulmonology Advisor (5/1, Goldberg) reports, “In female newborns, prenatal/postnatal exposure to heat and cold may be associated with lung function changes, including decreased functional residual capacity, increased respiratory rate, and lower tidal volu…

Babies Born To Asian, Black Mothers More Likely To Experience Hypothermia, Study Indicates

Healio (5/1, Weldon) reports, “Babies born to Asian and Black mothers are more likely to experience hypothermia, according to a study.” The findings were presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting.

Mental Health-Related Visits To EDs By Young People Soared From 2011 To 2020, Research Suggests

The New York Times (5/1, Richtel) reports, “Mental health-related visits to emergency” departments (EDs) “by children, teenagers and young adults soared from 2011 to 2020, according to a” research published in JAMA. The study also revealed that “the sharp…

Researchers Identify Four Distinct Profiles Of Psychiatric Comorbidities Predicting Risk For Self-Harm Events Among Children

HealthDay (5/1, Gotkine) reports, “Four distinct profiles of psychiatric comorbidities can identify risk for a self-harm event among children, according to a study.” The findings were published in Pediatrics.

Almost 1 In 3 LGBTQ Youth Say Anti-LGBTQ Laws Have Had Negative Impact On Their Mental Health Over The Past Year, Report Finds

The Hill (5/1, Migdon) reports, “Close to a third of LGBTQ youth say laws and policies that target LGBTQ people have had a substantial and negative impact on their mental health over the past year, according to an annual report published…by The Trevor P…

FDA Authorizes Extra Doses Of Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine For Immunocompromised Young Children

MedPage Today (4/28, Ingram) reported, “The FDA has authorized additional doses of Pfizer/BioNTech’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for young immunocompromised children.” Now, “in kids ages 6 months to 4 years with certain types of immunocompromising condition…

FDA Approves Pfizer’s Next-Generation Pneumococcal Vaccine In Children

Reuters (4/28, Roy) reported that the FDA has approved Pfizer’s “next-generation vaccine to prevent pneumococcal disease in children aged six weeks to 17 years.” Pfizer’s “vaccine, Prevnar 20, offers more protection against the disease versus the company’…

Clinician Reminders In EHRs Improve Pediatric Asthma Care, Researchers Say

Healio (4/28, Gawel) reported, “Reminders included in electronic health records improved the use of preventive medication and reduced health care utilization for asthma, according to a study.” Such “reminders also eased caregiver concerns about these medi…

Experts Concerned About Unexplained Increase In Life-Threatening Brain Infections Among Children

NBC News (4/28, Bendix) reported, “After seeing an unusually high number of children with life-threatening brain infections last year,” physicians “are calling attention to the puzzling trend.” During “a presentation Thursday, researchers at the Southern…

Researchers Suggest Reframing HPV Shot As Cancer Vaccine To Improve Uptake Among Nine-Year-Olds

Healio (4/29, Weldon) reported, “Experts at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting suggested reframing conversations about HPV to encourage parents to get children vaccinated starting at age 9 years.” Researchers “said uptake in HPV vaccination in their…

Eating Disorders Remain At All-Time High Among Teens, Experts Warn

NBC News (4/29, Hopkins) reported, “Hospitalizations for eating disorders spiked during the pandemic, doubling among adolescent girls, according to” data published online Feb. 25, 2022, in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. And even though “…

Many Children With AD/HD May Not Be Getting Needed Treatment, Study Indicates

According to MedPage Today (4/28, Monaco), many children experiencing symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) “may not be getting the treatment they need,” investigators concluded. The study revealed that “of 1,206 childr…

FDA Approves Expanded Use Of Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Therapy For Young Children With Cystic Fibrosis

Healio (4/27, Dowd) reports, “The FDA has expanded use of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (Trikafta) for children aged 2 to 5 years with cystic fibrosis with certain mutations, according to a press release from Vertex Pharmaceuticals.” The agency’s “appr…

Nearly 20% Of High School Students Have Witnessed Community Violence, Report Says

According to CNN (4/27, Howard), a report from the CDC indicates that approximately “1 in 5 high school students in the United States has seen violence first-hand among people who are not related, including homicides involving guns.” CNN adds, “In 2021, t…

Dysfunctional Breathing Frequent Comorbidity Among Children With Asthma, Research Finds

Healio (4/27, Gawel) reports, “Dysfunctional breathing was a frequent comorbidity among children and adolescents with asthma, with correlations with perceived poorer asthma control, according to a study.” The findings were published in Pediatric Allergy a…

Repeated Low-Level Red Light Therapy May Help Prevent Myopia In Children, But Safety Concerns Remain, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (4/27, Short) reports, “Repeated low-level red light may be a successful preventive treatment to stave off nearsightedness in children, but questions about safety and potential implementation remain.” Data from “a randomized trial of schoolc…

Rising Percentage Of US Teen Girls Seriously Consider Attempting Suicide, CDC Data Show

ABC News (4/27, Kekatos, Benadjaoud) reports, “The percentage of high school female students who seriously considered attempting suicide rose from 24.1% to about one-third, or 30%, between 2019 and 2021, according to the latest results of the Youth Risk B…

Medicaid Could Lose Between 8M To More Than 24M Enrollees After Redeterminations, Report Says

HealthPayerIntelligence (4/27, Waddill) reports, “Depending on the Medicaid disenrollment rate after the public health emergency, the public payer program could lose anywhere from 8 million to over 24 million Medicaid enrollees, a Kaiser Family Foundation…

US Achieved Perinatal HIV Elimination Goals In 2019, Researchers Say

Healio (4/27, Weldon) reports, “The United States met perinatal HIV elimination goals for the first time in 2019, according to a study led by CDC researchers.” Roughly 11 years ago, “the CDC published ‘A Framework for Elimination of Perinatal Transmission…

Addition Of Blinatumomab To Interfant-06 Chemotherapy Appeared Safe For Infants With Newly Diagnosed KMT2A-Rearranged ALL, Study Finds

Healio (4/26, Shinkle) reports, “The addition of blinatumomab to Interfant-06 chemotherapy appeared safe for infants with newly diagnosed KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia, according to” study data. Additionally, “the combination of the immuno…

Study Finds Early Bronchiolitis Is Linked To Pediatric Asthma Risk

Pulmonology Advisor (4/26, Stong) reports that researchers in Spain “conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study, using the Valencia Health System Integrated Database, to assess the association between RW/asthma and previous bronchiolitis in…

Study Finds Melatonin May Reduce Risk For Self-Harm In Youth, But Experts Recommend Conducting Sleep Assessments Prior To Initiation

Healio (4/26, Rhoades) reports, “A…study found that melatonin may reduce the risk for self-harm in youth, but experts recommend conducting comprehensive sleep assessments before initiation.” Investigators “conducted a population-based cohort study of 25…

Suicidality, Self-Harm Ideation Among LGBTQ+ Youth Increase With External And Internal Identity-Related Stressors, Study Finds

Healio (4/26, VanDewater) reports, “On days when youth in the LGBTQ+ community reported more external and internal identity-related stressors, they also reported more intense thoughts of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury, data showed.” The study includ…

Millions Of Children Could Lose Medicaid Coverage As COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends

The Stateline (4/26, Vestal) reports that this year, “all 50 states are undertaking the biggest reshuffling of health insurance coverage since the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2010.” With the COVID-19 public health emergency ending, experts “warn th…

Bipartisan Bill Would Ban Children Under 13 From Social Media Use

NBC News (4/26, Brown-Kaiser) reports that on Wednesday, a bipartisan group of senators introduced the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act, which “aims to protect children from any harmful effects posed by using social media.” The new legislation “would s…

Wastewater Surveillance Provides Useful Data On Circulation Of RSV, Influenza, Other Respiratory Viruses, Research Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (4/25, Stong) reports that research suggests “wastewater surveillance performed during the COVID-19 pandemic yielded useful information on respiratory viruses circulating in the community, including RSV, influenza, rhinovirus, and seas…

Healthcare Organizations Appear More Reactive Than Proactive In Terms Of Cybersecurity, Survey Indicates

HealthIT Security (4/25, McKeon) reports, “KLAS, the American Hospital Association and healthcare risk management solutions company Censinet released the much-anticipated first wave of results of its Healthcare Cybersecurity Benchmarking Study,” which is…

Many Melatonin Gummies Contained Different Amounts Of The Hormone Than What Was Listed On Label, Study Finds

The Washington Post (4/25, Amenabar) reports that research shows that “the chewy melatonin gummies that many people take before bedtime to promote sleep may contain far more of the hormone than what’s printed on the label.” The New York Times (4/25, Blum)…

American Samoa Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Measles Outbreak

ABC News (4/25, Kekatos) reports, “American Samoa has issued a public health emergency after an outbreak of measles has spread across the U.S. territory.” As of this week, “there has been one laboratory-confirmed case among an 8-year-old and 31 suspected…

Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation Can Help Children With IBS Better Manage Symptoms, Study Suggests

HCPlive (4/25, Walter) reports research suggests that “electrical nerve field stimulation can help pediatric patients with irritable bowel syndrome better manage symptoms such as pain, disability, and catastrophizing and restore the gut microbiota.” The f…

Children With ENT Problems More Likely To Be Diagnosed With Autism, Study Suggests

HealthDay (4/25, Murez) reports, “A…study from the United Kingdom…[suggests] that young children with ear, nose and throat problems were more commonly diagnosed with autism later.” The findings were published in BMJ Open.

Experts Concerned End Of COVID-19 Data Sharing, PHE May Make Control Efforts More Difficult

KFF Health News (4/24, Whitehead) reports that the formal end of the federal government’s COVID-19 public health emergency means “the federal government will lose access to key metrics as a skeptical Congress seems unlikely to grant agencies additional po…

FDA Approves MiniMed 780G System For T1D

MedPage Today (4/24, Monaco) reports, “The FDA approved Medtronic’s latest MiniMed insulin pump system, the company announced” in an April 21 press release. The MiniMed 780G system, which is “indicated for individuals with type 1 diabetes” (T1D) “ages sev…

Compared With Adults, Upadacitinib Exhibited Similar Efficacy, Safety Results In Adolescents Aged 12 To 17 Years In Treatment Of Moderate To Severe Atopic Dermatitis, Research Suggests

Healio (4/24, Capaldo) reports, “Compared with adults, upadacitinib exhibited similar efficacy and safety results in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis,” investigators concluded in a study that used “d…

WHO, Gates Foundation Partner To Reverse Falling Childhood Vaccination Rates

Reuters (4/24, Roy) reports, “The World Health Organization is working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other not-for profit organizations and agencies to reverse a pandemic-driven decline in routine childhood vaccinations.” The new “initiativ…

Walnuts Associated With Improved Attention, Better Cognitive Development In Teens, Study Suggests

Medscape (4/24, Swift Yasgur, Subscription Publication) reports, “Walnuts have been associated with better cognitive development and psychological maturation in teens, new research shows.” The findings were published in eClinicalMedicine.

Adverse Birth Outcomes May Be Tied To A Child’s Increased Risk Of Afib Developing Later In Life Or In Adulthood, Data Indicate

MedPage Today (4/24, Henderson) reports, “Adverse birth outcomes were linked to a child’s increased risk of atrial fibrillation (Afib) developing later in life or in adulthood,” researchers concluded in findings published online in JAMA Pediatrics. The st…

Physicians Concerned Pinkeye May Be Associated With New COVID-19 Subvariant

The Washington Post (4/21, Bever) reported physicians are concerned that pinkeye “may also be associated with a new coronavirus subvariant.” While “health experts say they have not conclusively linked the condition…to the subvariant Arcturus…anecdotal…

Biosimilar Ranibizumab Appears Safe, Effective In Treatment Of Infants With ROP, Study Indicates

HCPlive (4/22, Iapoce) reported, “A biosimilar ranibizumab (Razumab) appeared safe and effective in the treatment of infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with similar results to the innovator ranibizumab,” researchers concluded in a “retrospecti…

Sedentary Adolescents May Have Greater Increases In Left Ventricular Mass Than Those Who Are Physically Active, Study Concludes

Healio (4/21, Swain) reported, “Adolescents who were sedentary had greater increases in left ventricular mass than those who were physically active,” investigators concluded in findings published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports…

Researchers Observe Increased Rates Of Resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infection Among Children In US

Infectious Disease Advisor (4/21, Barowski) reported, “Despite vaccine-attributable disease reductions, high rates of antimicrobial-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were found among children with invasive and noninvasive pneumococcal disease wi…

Administration Preparing To Unveil EPA Proposal To Eliminate Power Plant Emissions By 2040

The Washington Post (4/22, A1, Puko) reported the Administration is preparing to unveil a proposal that would “require power plants to nearly eliminate their greenhouse-gas emissions by 2040.” If implemented, the Environmental Protection Agency would “set…

Children Increasingly Ingested Illicit Substances After Start Of Pandemic, Study Suggests

CNN (4/21, Holcombe) reported, “The outbreak of Covid-19 presented many dangers for children, and a new study suggests increased illicit substance ingestions were among them.” CNN said, “In the first month of the pandemic in 2020, a 25% increase in overal…

Nearly 13 Million Children In Africa Missed Vaccinations During Pandemic, UNICEF Says

The AP (4/20, Stobbe) writes, “Nearly 13 million children missed one or more vaccinations in Africa between 2019 and 2021 because of the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the continent vulnerable to even more outbreaks of disease and fac…

One-Third Of US Households Used Government’s Free COVID-19 Test Website, CDC Says

ABC News (4/20, Kekatos) reports, “About one-third of American households used tests from the free at-home COVID-19 test site launched by the Biden administration, new federal data shows.” The CDC’s report “said more than 70 million test kits were shipped…

Adalimumab, Methotrexate Combination Reduces Treatment Failure In Children With Crohn’s Disease, Research Suggests

Healio (4/20, Burba) reports, “Combination therapy with adalimumab plus low-dose methotrexate induced a two-fold reduction of treatment failure among pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease, according to research.” The findings were published in Gastroent…

Processed Food In Childhood Associated With Lower Lung Function In Adolescence, Study Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (4/20, Goldberg) reports, “A diet high in processed food at age 7 is associated with lower lung function at age 15, whereas a health-conscious diet is associated with higher lung function, according to study findings.” The results were…

Rate Of Suspected Suicides, Suicide Attempts By Poisoning Among Young People Rose Sharply During Pandemic, Research Suggests

CNN (4/20, Christensen) reports, “The rate of suspected suicides and suicide attempts by poisoning among young people rose sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic,” with the rate increasing 73% “from 2019 to 2021” in “children 10 to 12 years old,” according…

RSV Infection In Infancy Associated With Later Asthma Development, Study Suggests

MedPage Today (4/20, Short) reports, “Children who do not contract respiratory syncytial virus in their first year of life may be less likely to develop asthma later on, the prospective U.S.-based INSPIRE study showed.” The findings were published in The…

Nearly 120 Million People In US Lived In A Place With Unhealthy Levels Of Air Pollution, Report Says

NBC News (4/19, Bendix) reports, “Fewer people in the U.S. are breathing unhealthy air now than a few years ago, but California and other Western states are seeing more dramatic short-term spikes in air pollution, according to a report” from the American…

Confidence In Childhood Vaccines Declined Internationally During COVID-19 Pandemic, Report Says

The Hill (4/19, Gans) reports, “Confidence in childhood vaccines dropped internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic, falling by as much as 44 percentage points in some countries, according to a report from UNICEF.” This “report…found that confidence d…

Sleeve Gastrectomy Reduces Strength, Bone Mineral Density Of Lumbar Spine In Teens, Study Finds

HealthDay (4/19, Gotkine) reports, “For adolescents, sleeve gastrectomy reduces strength and volumetric bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, according to a study.” The findings were published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. MedPage Today…

More Children Getting Bariatric Surgery To Lose Weight Amid Rising Rates Of Obesity

The Wall Street Journal (4/19, Toy, Subscription Publication) reports that more kids are undergoing bariatric surgery to assist in weight loss, as physicians are increasingly recommending the approach to address rising rates of youth obesity.

Treatment Guided By Cerebral Oximetry Monitoring For First 72 Hours After Birth Did Not Improve Survival For Extremely Preterm Infants, Trial Finds

MedPage Today (4/19, Short) reports, “Treatment guided by cerebral oximetry monitoring for the first 72 hours after birth failed to improve survival for extremely preterm infants, the SafeBoosC-III trial found.” Investigators found that “at 36 weeks postm…

Rate Of “Profound” Autism Cases Rising, Albeit Far More Slowly Than Milder Autism Cases, Report Concludes

The AP (4/19, Sherman) reports, “As autism diagnoses become increasingly common, health officials have wondered how many” children in the US “have relatively mild symptoms and how many have more serious symptoms, such as very low IQ and inability to speak…

FDA Clears Second Bivalent COVID-19 Booster In Older Adults, Immunocompromised Patients

The Washington Post (4/18, McGinley, Sun) reports that the FDA “cleared the way for people who are at least 65 years old or immune-compromised to receive a second updated booster shot against the coronavirus, an option designed to bolster protection for t…

Lumacaftor, Ivacaftor Combination Therapy Tied To Improvements In Children With Cystic Fibrosis, Research Finds

Healio (4/18, Hornick) reports, “Lumacaftor/ivacaftor showed various improvements in kids aged 2 to 5 years homozygous for F508del-CFTR over 48 weeks, according to study results.” The findings were published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society….

Taking Additional Time For Dinner May Help Children Eat More Healthy Food, Study Suggests

The Washington Post (4/18, Cimons) reports, “When families took about 10 minutes longer to eat dinner, children ate ‘significantly’ more fruits and vegetables, amounting to an additional seven pieces of fruits and vegetables – one extra portion – a new st…

E-Cigarette Use During Early Adolescence May Increase Likelihood Of Any Smoking, More Frequent Tobacco Cigarette Use In Later Adolescence, Research Finds

MedPage Today (4/18, Short) reports, “Use of electronic cigarettes during early adolescence appeared to increase the odds of any smoking and more frequent tobacco cigarette use in later adolescence, according to longitudinal data from two large-scale coho…

More Students From Middle School To High School Misusing Medications Prescribed For AD/HD, Research Suggests

NBC News (4/18, Lovelace) reports, “More students from middle school to high school are misusing” medications prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), “amid an increasing number of children being diagnosed with the condition in the…

Rates Of Asthma With Recurrent Exacerbations In Children Differ By Race, Age, Ethnicity, Region, Study Finds

Healio (4/17, Gawel) reports, “Incidence rates of asthma with recurrent exacerbations vary with time of surveillance, decade of birth, age, race, ethnicity and census region, according to a study.” The findings were published in The Journal of Allergy and…

Pandemic’s Impact On Birth Rates Varies Significantly By State, Study Finds

USA Today (4/17, Rodriguez) reports, “The COVID-19 pandemic led to the biggest one-year drop in U.S. births in nearly 50 years,” but one “new study shows not every state was equally affected.” Investigators “discovered fluctuating fertility rates in some…

Approximately 30% Of Patients With JIA Develop TMJ Involvement Before Transitioning To Adult Care, Researchers Say

Healio (4/14, Martin) reports, “Approximately 30% of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis” (JIA) “develop temporomandibular joint” (TMJ) “involvement before transitioning to adult care,” while “nearly 21% of the JIA cohort demonstrated JIA-related…

Soy-Based Infant Formula May Provide Improvements In Bone Metabolism In Early Life, Research Suggests

Healio (4/17, Bascom) reports, “Urinary markers indicated that infants who were fed soy-based formulas had better bone metabolism at 6 months than those fed breast milk or dairy-based infant formula, according to research.” Still, “these effects were tran…

Children With Mothers Who Received HIV Antiretrovirals During Pregnancy May Have Higher Risk For Developmental Delays, Study Suggests

HealthDay (4/17, Murez) reports, “Children whose mothers took antiretroviral medication for HIV while pregnant may have higher risks for developmental delays at age 5, according to new research.” Nevertheless, “researchers said it’s important for women wi…

Experts Concerned About Maternity Care Deserts In US

ABC News (4/17, Abubey, See, Moll-Ramírez, Weintraub) reports on the negative impact of a lack of maternity care in many places in the US. The article says, “Over a third of all U.S. counties are what’s known as maternity care deserts, which translates to…

Teen Girls Disproportionately Affected By Mental Health Issues

The AP (4/17, Tanner, Wang) says, “A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report showed almost 60% of US girls reported persistent sadness and hopelessness.” While “rates are up in boys, too,” there are “about half as many…affected.” To und…

Pregnant Women With COVID-19 At Delivery Had Higher Adverse Outcomes, Research Finds

Healio (4/14, T. Welsh) wrote, “Pregnant women with COVID-19 infection at delivery in the U.S. experienced substantial adverse outcomes early during the pandemic, researchers reported.” Data show that “over time, the COVID-19 case-fatality rate decreased…

College Students May Frequently Report IBS, Gastrointestinal Distress Tied To Sports Performance Anxiety, Fear Of Food

Healio (4/14, VanDewater) reported, “College athletes frequently reported irritable bowel syndrome” (IBS) “and gastrointestinal distress, which were linked to sports performance anxiety and fear of food,” researchers concluded in a study that included “14…

In Last Three Months, 10 States Have Limited “Gender-Affirming Care” For Children

The New York Times (4/15, Paris) reported that in the last three months, 10 states have enacted laws that “ban or significantly limit the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and transition surgery for people under 18.” Besides the 10 states that…

Some Physicians Concerned About Body Dysmorphia In Boys, Men Driven By Social Media, Supplements Industry

The Washington Post (4/14, McMahan) reported on growing concern among physicians about body dysmorphia in boys and men being “fueled by the rise of social media and a lucrative, unregulated supplements industry.” Exercise or food choices for adolescents a…

Older Children With Newly Diagnosed T1D Who Receive Intensive Diabetes Management With Automated Insulin Delivery May Have No Difference In Pancreatic C-Peptide Levels Compared With Standard Care, Researchers Say

Healio (4/14, Monostra) reported, “Older children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes” (T1D) “who received intensive diabetes management with automated insulin delivery had no difference in pancreatic C-peptide levels compared with standard care,” invest…

Ghana Approves Experimental Malaria Vaccine For Young Children

The AP (4/13, Borenstein) reports, “Ghana on Thursday became the first country to approve a new malaria vaccine for young children, one that officials hope will offer better protection against the disease that kills hundreds of thousands every year.” Alth…

Genetic Testing Can Be Used To Confirm A Congenital Hypothyroidism Diagnosis For Children, Research Suggests

Healio (4/13, Monostra) reports, “Genetic testing can be used to confirm a congenital hypothyroidism diagnosis for children,” investigators concluded in a study that “recruited 48 children diagnosed with primary congenital hypothyroidism shortly after bir…

Maternal, Newborn Exposures To Hot, Cold Temperatures Tied To Worse Infant Lung Function, Study Finds

Healio (4/13, Hornick) reports, “Maternal and newborn exposures to long-term hot and cold temperatures are linked to worse lung capacity in babies, specifically in girls, according to study results.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

California, New York Lawmakers Propose Bills To Ban Common Food Additives Tied To Health Concerns

The New York Times (4/13, Smith) reports, “Newly proposed bills in California and New York are putting food additives…under the microscope.” State lawmakers “are seeking to prohibit the manufacturing and sale of products containing additives that have b…

Study Finds No Differences In Psychological Well-Being Of Children Born Via Third-Party Assisted Reproduction

HealthDay (4/13, Mann) reports on “a new study by British researchers that found no real differences in the psychological well-being of kids who were born via sperm/egg donation or surrogacy and those born naturally by the time they reached the age of 20….

Biden Announces Expanded Access To Medicaid, ACA Exchanges For DACA Participants

The AP (4/13, Miller) reports President Biden “announced Thursday that hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children will now be able to apply for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges.” His deci…

Pandemic Disrupted Timing Of RSV Seasonality, Research Suggests

Infectious Disease Advisor (4/12, Media) reports, “The typical timing of seasonal respiratory syncytial virus epidemics (October to April) was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research published in the April 7 issue of the U.S. Centers…

Administration Labels Fentanyl Laced With Xylazine As “Emerging Threat”

USA Today (4/12, Alltucker) reports, “The Biden administration’s drug czar on Wednesday announced that illicit fentanyl spiked with the animal tranquilizer xylazine is an ‘emerging threat,’ a designation that will allow the federal government to marshal r…

Serum Concentrations Of Etanercept In JIA May Not Be Affected By Concomitant Use Of Methotrexate, Researchers Say

Rheumatology Advisor (4/12, Nye) reports, “Serum concentrations of etanercept in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may not affected by concomitant use of methotrexate,” investigators concluded in the findings of a 180-patient study published online in t…

Improving Parental Mental Health, Preschool Attendance Of Disadvantaged Children May Help Reduce Mental Health Inequities, Study Finds

Healio (4/12, Weldon) reports, “Improving the parental mental health and preschool attendance of disadvantaged children reduced socioeconomic differences in their mental health compared with nondisadvantaged peers, an Australian study found.” Nevertheless…

Personalized Outreach Can Boost ACA Enrollment Among Low-Income Households, Study Finds

HealthPayerIntelligence (4/11, Waddill) reports, “Personalized outreach could improve enrollment in the lowest-cost Affordable Care Act plans among low-income households, a study…found.” The findings were published in Health Affairs.

Mild, Asymptomatic COVID-19 In Pregnancy Does Not Affect Neurodevelopment In Infants, Study Suggests

HealthDay (4/12, Mann) reports new research suggests that mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy is not associated with damage to infants’ brains. The research “took place between March 2021 and June 2022, when the pandemic was at its height,” and…

Americans Will Lose Free Access To COVID-19 Tests After Public Health Emergency Ends In May

The AP (4/11, Wiseman, Hussein) reports, “When the COVID-19 public health emergency ends in the U.S. next month,” people will “still have access to a multitude of tests but…for the first time, you may have to pick up some or all of the costs, depending…

Many US Families Affected By Gun-Related Violence, Survey Indicates

CNN (4/11, McPhillips) reports on a Kaiser Family Foundation survey that found nearly one in five US “adults has had a family member killed by a gun, including in homicide and suicide.” In separate coverage of the same survey, NPR (4/11, Simmons-Duffin) r…

Combination Therapy With Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor For Children With Cystic Fibrosis Appears Safe, Tolerated Up To Four Years, Research Finds

Healio (4/11, Hornick) reports, “Combination therapy with tezacaftor/ivacaftor was safe and well tolerated for up to 216 weeks in children aged 12 years or older, according to results of an extension study.” The findings were published in the Journal of C…

Children Who Undergo Implantation Of Transcatheter Leadless Pacemaker May Experience Implant Success, Good Electrical Performance, And Low Level Of Major Complications During Short-Term Follow-Up, Real-World Data Suggest

Healio (4/11, Schaffer) reports, “Children who underwent implantation of a transcatheter leadless pacemaker experienced implant success, good electrical performance and a low level of major complications during short-term follow-up,” researchers concluded…

Food Manufacturers Reportedly Adding Sesame Flour To Products To Avoid Challenges With New Sesame Allergy Law

The Washington Post (4/11, Weese) reports on the real world implications of a new law mandating that food manufacturers conduct careful “cleaning to prevent cross-contact between food products with and without sesame.” In an outcome “few would have expect…

School Districts Upgrading To “Greener” Bus Fleets Have Higher Attendance Rates, Study Suggests

HealthDay (4/11, Thompson) says, “School districts that upgrade to a ‘greener’ bus fleet have higher attendance rates than those with older, dirtier-running buses,” researchers concluded after evaluating “attendance rates at 383 districts that received” E…

Amoxicillin Shortages Remain As Strep Infections Reach Higher Than Usual Numbers

NPR (4/10, Lupkin) reports that “after two years of record low cases of invasive strep during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, cases are higher than usual this season, according to the CDC.” And “regardless of what kind of strep someone has, s…

Data Show Rise In Juvenile Fatalities Linked To Firearms From 2019 To 2021

The Hill (4/10, Sforza) reports firearm-related fatalities among US “children increased from 1,732 in 2019 to 2,590 in 2021,” and the rate of these fatalities “rose from 2.4 deaths per 100,000 children under 18 years old in 2019 to 3.5 per 100,000 in 2021…

Researchers Identify Risks For Venous Thromboembolism In Pediatric Patients With Acute Hematogenous Musculoskeletal Infections

Hematology Advisor (4/10, Cho) reports, “Children hospitalized with acute hematogenous musculoskeletal infections have a slight risk of experiencing venous thromboembolic events, according to study results.” However, this outcome’s prevalence was reported…

Pediatric Wearable Device Use Varies Based On Patient Demographics, SDOH, Study Suggests

mHealth Intelligence (4/10, Melchionna) reports, “New research…found that consumer-grade wearable device use was inconsistent based on social determinants of health, specifically patient demographics and socioeconomic factors.” The findings were publish…

Early Prostacyclin Treatment Tied To Reduced Need For Extracorporeal Life Support In Newborns With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (4/10, Henderson) reports, “For newborns with pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, early prostacyclin was associated with reduced need for extracorporeal life support, researchers found based on a registry….

Study Finds 16.7% Drop In Mortality Rate Of Infants Of Teens From 1996 To 2019

HealthDay (4/10, Gotkine) reports a study published in Pediatrics found “the mortality rate of infants of teens decreased 16.7 percent from 1996 to 2019, with a significant decline across racial and ethnic and urbanization subgroups.” Researchers also fou…

Autism Rates Among Girls Have Steadily Risen In Recent Years, Analysis Reveals

The New York Times (4/10, Ghorayshi) reports, “In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that boys were 4.7 times as likely as girls to receive an autism diagnosis,” but “by 2018, the ratio had dipped to 4.2 to 1.” A March 24 analy…

UK Government To Launch Enforcement Squads To Curtail Vape Sales To Children

Bloomberg (4/9, Leon) reports the UK on Tuesday is expected to “unveil plans for combating the illegal sale of vapes to children.” Health minister Neil O’Brien is due to “announce a new ‘illicit vapes enforcement squad’ backed by £3 million ($3.7 million)…

Healthcare Employment Up Year-Over-Year, But Hiring Growth Slows, Data Show

Modern Healthcare (4/7, Hudson, Subscription Publication) reported, “More people are working in healthcare than a year ago, but recent layoffs among health systems raise questions about what comes next for the industry.” Preliminary data released Friday b…

Household Spread Of COVID-19 Tied To Presence Of SARS-CoV-2 On Hands, Other Surfaces, Study Says

HealthDay (4/7, Murez) reported results published in The Lancet Microbe suggest “the spread of COVID-19 in households is linked to the presence of the virus on hands and surfaces, not just in the air.” Researchers analyzed “COVID-19 transmission in 279 Lo…

Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Youths May Be At Far Greater Risk Of Sleep Problems Than Their Straight Counterparts, Study Indicates

NBC News (4/9, Avery) reports, “Gay, lesbian and bisexual youths are at far greater risk of sleep problems than their straight counterparts,” investigators concluded in a study that “analyzed data on more than 8,500 young people ages 10 to 14.” The study…

SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Infants Born To Mothers Infected During Pregnancy More Likely During Omicron Period, Study Finds

Healio (4/7, Weldon) reported, “Infants born to people infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy were five times as likely to test positive for the virus from age 0 to 6 months during the omicron period than previous waves, according to research.” The fin…

In Utero COVID-19 Exposure Tied To Lower Birth Weight, Increased Weight Gain During Infancy, Research Finds

HealthDay (4/7, Gotkine) reported, “Infants with in utero exposure to COVID-19 have lower birth weight and increased weight gain in the first year of life, according to a study.” The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metab…

Half Of Meningococcal Vaccination Appointments Delayed Or Canceled During Pandemic, Survey Indicates

Drug Topics (4/6, Fitch) reports, “According to a multi-country survey conducted by Ipsos Healthcare, 50% of scheduled meningitis vaccination appointments were canceled or delayed amid the pandemic.” The survey revealed “that 83% of parents felt it was im…

RSV Cases In US Show Indicators Of Returning To Pre-Pandemic Seasonality Patterns, CDC Says

Reuters (4/6, Mandowara) reports, “Respiratory syncytial virus circulation is showing signs of return to pre-pandemic seasonality in the U.S. after two years of irregular onsets and peaks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday.”…

UK To Offer COVID-19 Vaccines For Young Children With Underlying Medical Conditions

Reuters (4/6, Mitra) reports, “Children aged between six months to four years with underlying medical conditions will be offered COVID-19 shots, Britain’s vaccine advisers said on Thursday.” Specifically, “the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisati…

Children With Newly Diagnosed PAH May Experience Poor Disease Outcomes, Research Suggests

Rare Disease Advisor (4/6, Nikolic) reports, “Children with newly diagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may have high early mortality rates and changes in etiology and hemodynamics, and World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC) may pre…

Introduction Of Eggs, Peanuts In Infancy Tied To Lower Risk Of Developing Associated Allergies, Review Suggests

Healio (4/6, Bascom) reports, “A systematic review and meta-analysis showed that earlier introduction of multiple allergenic foods from 2 to 12 months of age was associated with reduced IgE-mediated allergy to any food.” However, investigators “identified…

Positive Parenting, Family Factors Tied To Lower Risk Of Disordered Eating Behaviors, Research Finds

HealthDay (4/6, Solomon) reports, “Positive parenting and family factors are associated with a reduced risk for disordered eating behaviors (DEB) but do not fully overcome the influence of weight-stigmatizing experiences on disordered eating in young peop…

COVID-19 May Have Caused Brain Damage In Two Infants Infected During Pregnancy, Study Says

Reuters (4/6, Steenhuysen) says, “Researchers at the University of Miami reported on Thursday what they believe are the first two confirmed cases in which the SARS-CoV-2 virus crossed a mother’s placenta and caused brain damage in the infants they were ca…

Vaccine Candidate Prevented RSV-Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Illness And Acute Respiratory Illness, Results Show

CNN (4/5, Christensen) reports an investigational respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine “prevented RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness – which includes acute bronchitis and pneumonia – and prevented RSV-associated acute respiratory illness,…

Type 1 Diabetes Incidence, Severity Rose Among Children Early In Pandemic In Finland, Research Finds

Medscape (4/5, Tucker, Subscription Publication) reports that new research suggests “both the incidence of type 1 diabetes and the severity at presentation rose among children and adolescents in Finland during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic….

State Public Health Committees, Lawmakers Increasingly Debating Mandated CMV Screenings

STAT (4/5, Chen, Subscription Publication) reports that while “experts say there is little public awareness about” cytomegalovirus (CMV), “that is starting to change, as state public health committees and legislatures begin to debate whether to mandate do…

Study Highlights Importance Of Good Sleep For Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being

MedPage Today (4/5, DePeau-Wilson) reports, “Sleep problems throughout the transition from childhood to early adolescence were associated with psychopathology symptoms, highlighting the importance of good sleep for adolescents’ mental well-being,” investi…

Study Identifies Metabolic Subtypes In Pregnant Women That May Help Better Assess Obesity Risk In Offspring

STAT (4/5, Chen, Subscription Publication) reports, “Obesity and diabetes in mothers have traditionally been considered risk factors for the child to also develop obesity,” but a study now “suggests that more narrow measures of health during pregnancy cou…

US Continues To Have Higher Excess Death Rates Compared To High-Income European Nations, Research Finds

Healio (4/4, Bascom) reports, “The United States continues to have significantly higher excess death rates compared with similarly high-income European countries, and this gap widened during the pandemic, according to study results.” The findings were pub…

Lack Of Funding Could Delay Late-Stage Trials For New TB Vaccine, Gates Warns

Reuters (4/4, Rigby) reports, “A lack of funding could delay late-stage trials of the first new vaccine against tuberculosis for more than a century, warned Bill Gates, whose foundation is backing the development of the shot.” Gates explained in an interv…

Ozone Exposure Raises Risk Of Gestational Hypertension During First Trimester, Study Finds

Healio (4/4, Welsh) reports, “Ozone exposure was associated with an increased risk for gestational hypertension during the first trimester of pregnancy, according to a cohort study.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

Research Suggests nbUVB Is Effective, Well-Tolerated In Pediatric Patients With Vitiligo

Dermatology Advisor (4/4, Stong) reports, “Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (nbUVB) is well-tolerated and effective in pediatric patients with vitiligo,” investigators concluded in the findings of a 324-patient, “retrospective charge review of pediat…

Endogenous Ghrelin May Be Tied To Weight Gain In Women, Girls With Anorexia Nervosa, Small Study Indicates

Healio (4/4, VanDewater) reports, “Among girls and women with anorexia nervosa, endogenous ghrelin was associated with weight gain,” investigators concluded in the findings of a 68-participant study published online March 24 in JAMA Network Open.

ACA Benchmark Plan Premiums Increased 3.4% In 2023, Research Finds

Medical Economics (4/4, Bendix) reports, “Premiums for benchmark plans purchased on Affordable Care Act Marketplaces increased in 2023 while the number of new companies offering plans slowed somewhat compared to earlier years, according to a new study,” w…

Pediatric Asthma Diagnoses Decreased By Over 50% During First Year Of Pandemic, Study Finds

Healio (4/4, Weldon) reports, “Pediatric asthma diagnoses decreased by more than 50% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to” a study. The findings were published in Respiratory Research.

Over One Quarter Of US Adults Suffer From Seasonal Allergies, Report Shows

The Washington Post (4/3, Searing) says, “More than 1 in 4 adults – 26 percent – has seasonal allergies, the most prevalent allergic condition afflicting U.S. residents, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” A compani…

Verapamil May Help Preserve Beta Cell Function In Children, Adolescents With Newly Diagnosed T1D, Research Suggests

HCPlive (4/3, Campbell) reports, “Use of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, could help preserve beta cell function in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D),” investigators concluded in the findings of the 88-patient “CLVer…

State Officials Begin Removing Ineligible People From Medicaid After Pandemic Protections Expire

The New York Times (4/3, Weiland) reports, “As of Saturday, state officials around the country could begin removing people from Medicaid who no longer qualify – something they had been prohibited from doing under a provision in a coronavirus relief packag…

Longer Family Mealtimes Tied To Healthier Meals For Children, Research Finds

MedPage Today (4/3, Monaco) reports, “Longer family mealtimes may be one strategy to get kids to eat healthier, according to a randomized clinical trial that found an improvement in the balance of foods eaten at the table.” Results show that “on average,…

Maternal Prenatal Exposure To Lithium In Local Drinking Water May Increase Risk For Autism Spectrum Disorder In Offspring, Research Finds

MedPage Today (4/3, Henderson) reports, “Lithium naturally occurring in drinking water appeared to be a potential environmental risk factor for autism spectrum disorder, according to a population-based, case-control study from Denmark.” According to the f…

Hepatitis C Diagnoses Increasing Among Pregnant Women In US, Research Finds

Healio (3/31, T. Welsh) reported, “Hepatitis C virus among the U.S. obstetric population rose nearly 10-fold over 20 years, which might reflect an increase in screening or prevalence, according to researchers.” The findings were published in Obstetrics &…

Patients With JIA May Have Lower Cardiorespiratory, Neuromuscular Fitness And May Be Less Physically Active When Compared With Same Aged Controls With No JIA Diagnosis, Researchers Say

HCPlive (3/31, Pine) reported, “Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) had lower cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular fitness and were less physically active when compared with same aged controls with no JIA diagnosis,” researchers concluded in…

Higher Doses Of Vitamin D Supplementation In Infants Not Tied To Increased Bone Health, Research Suggests

Endocrinology Advisor (3/31, Maitlall) reported, “Higher doses of vitamin D supplementation in infants was not associated with increased bone health,” investigators concluded in the findings of a 139-infant study published online in JAMA Pediatrics.

Harsh Parenting Can Increase Chance Children Develop Lasting Mental Health Issues, Study Finds

HealthDay (3/31, Norton) reported, “Parents who harshly discipline their young children may be putting them on a path toward lasting mental health symptoms, a new study suggests.” Investigators “found that among 7,500 children followed from age 3 to 9, ab…

Millions Set To Lose Health Insurance As States Begin Unwinding Pandemic-Era Protections On Medicaid Rolls

ABC News (4/1, Haslett, Schulze) reported, “Millions of people will begin to lose their health insurance on Saturday, as five states begin the unwinding of a pandemic-era protection that kept people from being removed from the Medicaid rosters.” HHS “esti…

Spike In Babies Born With Syphilis In US Fuels Concerns Of Health Inequities

The Washington Post (4/1, Nirappil) reported on a spike in the number of babies born with syphilis, “a phenomenon that is underscoring deep inequities in the nation’s health-care system and reviving concerns about a disease easily controlled with routine…

Primary Hypertension Now Leading Type Of Pediatric Hypertension, Particularly In Adolescents, Raising Their Subsequent Risk For CV Events In Adulthood, Scientific Statement Says

Healio (3/30, Schaffer) reports, “Primary hypertension is now the leading type of pediatric hypertension, especially in adolescents, raising their subsequent risk for CV events in adulthood, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart…

Report Examines Social Media Platform Use By Adolescent Girls

The Washington Post (3/30, St. George) reports, “Nearly half of adolescent girls on TikTok feel addicted to it or use the platform for longer than they intend,” according to findings of a report (PDF) released earlier this week by Common Sense Media. The…

Permanent Supportive Housing May Help Support Dental Benefits For Children, Study Suggests

Healio (3/30, Weldon) reports, “Children placed in permanent supportive housing were more likely to attend dental visits than peers in a matched cohort, according to a [new] study.” The findings were published in Pediatrics.

US Health Officials Streamline Children’s Research Review Process Across Departments

Bloomberg Law (3/30, Baumann, Subscription Publication) reports, “US health officials are looking to streamline processes for a high-level, national review on children’s research when ethics boards can’t approve those studies on their own.” To this end, t…

Researchers Identify Potential Connection Between Common Viruses And Rare Hepatitis Cases In Children

The New York Times (3/30, Anthes) reports, “A small new study of American children adds to the evidence that” a recent string of hepatitis cases in children, “which remained extremely rare, may have been caused by a simultaneous infection with multiple co…

FDA Approves Nasal Spray That Reverses Opioid Overdoses To Be Sold Over The Counter

The New York Times (3/29, Hoffman) reports Narcan (naloxone), “a prescription nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses, can now be sold over the counter, the Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday.” And “by late summer, over-the-counter Narcan i…

Imaging Tests May Miss Early Signs Of MS In Children Having No Symptoms Of The Disease, Researchers Say

Medscape (3/29, Subscription Publication) reports, “Imaging tests may miss early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) in children who have no symptoms of the disease,” investigators concluded after reviewing “the MRI scans of 38 children aged seven to 17 year…

Children Living With Pet Cats, Dogs During Infancy May Be Less Likely To Develop Food Allergies, Study Suggests

CNN (3/29, Chavez) reports, “Children who live with cats or dogs during fetal development and early infancy may be less likely than other kids to develop food allergies, according to a new study.” The research analyzing “data from over 65,000 children fro…

COVID-19 Vaccination Tied To Lower Rates Of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Research Suggests

Healio (3/29, Welsh) reports pregnant women who were “vaccinated against COVID-19 had lower rates of perinatal death, preterm delivery, neonates with very low birth weight and NICU admission than unvaccinated women, researchers” found in a new study. The…

Children’s Screen Use May Be Altering Their Developing Brains As They Enter Adolescence And Increasing Their Risk For Mood Disorders, Scan Study Indicates

HealthDay (3/29, Thompson) reports, “Children’s screen use could be altering their developing brains as they enter adolescence and increasing their risk for mood disorders,” researchers concluded in the findings of a 5,166-child study involving brain imag…

Prenatal Exposure To COVID-19 May Be Tied To Higher Risk Of Childhood Obesity, Study Suggests

HealthDay (3/29, Roberts Murez) reports, “The consequences of COVID-19 during pregnancy are still unfolding, but a new study delivers sobering news: Prenatal exposure to the virus may be linked to childhood obesity.” Examining “nearly 280 infants, researc…

WHO Adjusts COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

Reuters (3/28, Rigby, Satija) reports, “The World Health Organization has tailored its COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for a new phase of the pandemic, suggesting that healthy children and adolescents may not necessarily need a shot but older, high-r…

Elevated Umbilical Cord Blood Insulin Concentration Measured Early After Birth May Be Tied To High BP During Childhood And Adolescence, Especially In Children Born Preterm, Research Suggests

Healio (3/28, Buzby) reports, “Elevated umbilical cord blood insulin concentration measured early after birth could be tied to high BP during childhood and adolescence, especially in children born preterm,” investigators concluded in findings published on…

HHS, EPA Ask States To Allocate Federal Funding Toward Reducing Lead In Drinking Water

Bloomberg Law (3/28, Subscription Publication) reports, “HHS and the EPA issued a joint letter requesting that state and local government put federal funding toward reducing and removing lead in drinking water in early care and education settings, accordi…

Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Therapy May Reduce HbA1c, Improve Time In Range Among Adolescents And Young Adults With T1D, Research Suggests

Healio (3/28, Monostra) reports, “Advanced hybrid closed-loop therapy reduces HbA1c and improves time in range among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes” (T1D), “with few serious adverse events,” investigators concluded after examining “data…

Hospitals See More Admissions Of Children With History Of Self-Harming Behavior, Study Finds

The New York Times (3/28, Barry) reports, “The portion of American hospital beds occupied by children with suicidal or self-harming behavior has soared over the course of a decade, a large study of admissions to acute care hospitals shows.” According to “…

Patients With JIA With Family History Of AITD, As Well As ANA-Positive Status, May Be More Likely To Develop AITD, Researchers Conclude

Rheumatology Advisor (3/27, Khaja) reports, “Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with a family history of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), as well as an antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positive status, are more likely to develop AITD,” investig…

Using Fewer Opiates After Surgery In Children Appears To Be Effective Strategy For Pain Control, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (3/27, Susman) reports, “A treatment strategy reserving opiates for breakthrough pain in pediatric patients after surgery appeared to be as effective in pain control as starting with opiate-acetaminophen combinations, researchers reported.”…

Pediatric Admissions Involving Intensive Care Increasing, Becoming More Complex, Research Finds

MedPage Today (3/27, Henderson) reports, “Pediatric admissions declined over the past two decades, but a greater proportion of these hospitalized kids have landed in the intensive care unit, and with increasingly complex cases, a retrospective study spann…

Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Childhood Could Be Tied To Inflammation In Key Brain Areas, Research Suggests

HealthDay (3/27, Norton) reports, “Researchers found that among nearly 100 teens who underwent brain scans, those with obstructive sleep apnea tended to have thinner tissue at the brain’s surface, and some signs of inflammation in a brain area key to memo…

Taking Melatonin May Reduce Risk Of Self-Harm Among Some Children, Research Suggests

HealthDay (3/27, Reinberg) reports that for children with depression or anxiety, “taking melatonin may afford a good night’s sleep and, as a result, lower the odds they will harm themselves, new research suggests.” The study “[found that] the risk of self…

Children With T1D May Have Biomarkers Present In Gut Microbiome As Early As Age One Year, Research Suggests

Healio (3/27, Monostra) reports, “Children who develop type 1 diabetes” (T1D) “may have biomarkers present in the gut microbiome as early as age one year,” investigators concluded after analyzing “data from infants participating in the All Babies in South…

Over Time, A Declining Hemoglobin Z Score Appears To Correlate With Impaired Height Among Children With Mild To Moderate Nonglomerular CKD, Study Indicates

Healio (3/24, Keenan) reported, “Over time, a declining hemoglobin z score correlates with impaired height among children with mild to moderate nonglomerular chronic kidney disease” (CKD), researchers concluded in a study that “examined findings for 510 p…

In Phase 3 Trial, Pitolisant In Children Ages Six Years And Older Appears To Lead To Meaningful Improvements In Narcolepsy Symptoms

MedPage Today (3/24, Kneisel) reported, “Pitolisant (Wakix) in children ages six years and up led to clinically meaningful improvements in narcolepsy symptoms in a phase III trial,” researchers reported in findings published online ahead of print in The L…

Children With ASD May Be Less Likely Than Their Peers To Receive Important Vision Screening Despite Risk For Serious Eye Disorders, Study Indicates

HealthDay (3/24, Murez) reported, “Children with autism are less likely than their peers to receive important vision screening despite a high risk for serious eye disorders, researchers” concluded in findings published online in the journal Pediatrics. In…

COVID-19 During Pregnancy May Affect Neurodevelopment Of Boys, Study Suggests

Medscape (3/24, Remaly, Subscription Publication) reported, “Boys born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy may be more likely to receive a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder by age 12 months, according to new research.” The findin…

Many US Families Struggle To Afford New Medications To Treat Childhood Obesity, Related Disorders

The Washington Post (3/26, Eunjung Cha) reports, “Childhood obesity and a slew of related health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, are a huge and growing crisis in the United States, with more than 14.4 million children diagnose…

Income Gaps Affecting Physical Fitness Divide Among Children

The New York Times (3/24, Richtel) reported, “Over the last two decades, technology companies and policymakers warned of a ‘digital divide’ in which poor children could fall behind their more affluent peers without equal access to technology.” Now, “with…

Glucocorticoids Alone Appear To Demonstrate Similar Recovery Rates As Intravenous Immunoglobin, Or Combination Therapy With Both, In Patients With MIS-C, Study Suggests

Healio (3/23, Martin) reports, “Glucocorticoids alone demonstrate similar recovery rates as intravenous immunoglobin, or combination therapy with both, in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children” (MIS-C), investigators concluded in an…

Methylphenidate Appears Safe For Pediatric Patients With AD/HD, Researchers Say

According to HCPlive (3/23, Walter), research “indicates methylphenidate is safe for pediatric patients with” attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). Included in the study were patients who “were either medication naïve who intended to start met…

Teens With Closer Relationships To Parents Have Lower Chance Of Substance Abuse, Study Suggests

HealthDay (3/23) reports, “Teens who report better relationships with their moms and dads are healthier both mentally and physically and less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol as young adults, according to researchers.” The study also reveals that these te…

Relentless Online Exposure To Largely Unattainable Physical Ideals May Be Driving Up Risk For Eating Disorders, Particularly Among Young Girls, Scoping Review Suggests

According to HealthDay (3/23, Mozes), “a broad new” scoping “review of 50 recent studies across 17 countries finds that relentless online exposure to largely unattainable physical ideals may be driving up the risk for eating disorders, particularly among…

Lawmakers From Several States Seeking To Address Eating Disorders Crisis

According to the AP (3/23, Stobbe), “lawmakers in Colorado, California, Texas, New York and elsewhere are taking big, legislative swings at the eating disorder crisis.” Proposed legislation from “across the U.S.” includes “restricting social media algorit…

CDC Studies Examine Rising Prevalence Of ASD In US Children, Pandemic’s Effect On Detection Of ASD In Younger Children

The New York Times (3/23, Anthes) reports, “The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder” (ASD) in US “children rose between 2018 and 2020, continuing a long-running trend, according to a” CDC study published online March 24 in its Morbidity and Mortality W…

Technology-Dependent Pediatric Patients Forced To Travel Further To Receive Care, Study Finds

Healio (3/22, Weldon) reports, “Families caring for children with technology dependence are more likely to travel long distances for medical care, routinely bypassing closer hospitals to access facilities with more capabilities, researchers” found in a ne…

FDA Expands Use Of Regeneron’s Cholesterol Drug In Young Children With Rare Disease

Reuters (3/22, Mandowara, Roy) reports that the FDA has approved expanded use of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ cholesterol drug evinacumab-dgnb (Evkeeza) to include children aged 5 to 11 years to treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), “an ult…

Administration Looks To Break Up Organ Transplant System In Modernization Effort

The New York Times (3/22, Stolberg) reports, “The Biden administration announced on Wednesday that it would seek to break up the network that has long run the nation’s organ transplant system, as part of a broader modernization effort intended to shorten…

For Infants Born Significantly Before Term, Enteral Supplementation With DHA At Best Appears Not To Prevent BPD And May At Worst Cause Harm, Researchers Conclude

MedPage Today (3/22, Short) reports, “For infants born significantly before term, enteral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at best did not prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and at worst may even cause harm,” invest…

Senate Committee Report Warns Rising Shortages Of Critical Drugs Pose National Security Risk

NBC News (3/22, Shabad, Tsirkin) reports, “Children’s medication, antibiotics and treatment for ADHD are among a number of drugs that have been in short supply in recent months – and these shortages of critical medications are only rising, according to a…

FDA Close To Deciding On Second Dose Of Omicron-Tailored Boosters In High-Risk People

Reuters (3/21, Leo, Mahobe) reports that the FDA “is close to making a decision on authorization of a second dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters for high-risk people, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing sources.” The agency “could ma…

Fungal Infections With Candida Auris Are Spreading Rapidly In US Healthcare Facilities, CDC Says

Reuters (3/21, Leo) reports, “Potentially deadly fungal infections with Candida auris are spreading rapidly in U.S. healthcare facilities, with cases nearly doubling between 2020 and 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.” Researchers…

Maternal BMI, Fat Mass Appear Positively Associated With BMI, Fat Mass Of Daughters Aged Six To Nine Years, Research Suggests

Healio (3/21, Monostra) reports, “Maternal BMI and fat mass are positively associated with the BMI and fat mass of daughters aged six to nine years,” investigators concluded after studying data from “the Southampton Women’s Survey” that “included 3,158 wo…

Built Environments May Be Strong Predictor Of BMI, Overweight Or Obesity Status, Researchers Posit

HCPlive (3/21, Iapoce) reports, “Built environments, not social and economic environments, are a strong predictor of body mass index (BMI), overweight or obesity status, and eating behaviors in adolescents,” investigators concluded in findings published o…

Maternal Immunization Against Group B Streptococcus Could Significantly Impact Infant Mortality, Study Finds

Infectious Disease Advisor (3/21, Media) reports, “Maternal immunization against group B Streptococcus could have a large impact on infant morbidity and mortality and is likely to be cost-effective, according to a study.” The findings were published in PL…

Surgeon General Ascribes Mental Health Challenges Among Young People In Part To “Hustle Culture” Values

The New York Times (3/21, Richtel) interviewed Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, who “ascribed the mental health challenges among young people in part to ‘hustle culture’ values.” Dr. Murthy also said, “There are factors driving the mental health cri…

Perrigo Issues Voluntary Recall For Some Gerber Infant Formulas Over Bacteria Concerns

The Hill (3/20, Marrie) reports, “A voluntary recall was issued Friday by Perrigo Company for certain Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula produced at a plant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.” According to a notice from the FDA, the company explai…

Prevalence Of Diabetic Retinopathy Among Children, Adolescents With T2D May Greatly Increase Five Years After Diabetes Diagnosis, Systematic Review Suggests

Healio (3/20, Monostra) reports, “The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes” (T2D) “greatly increases five years after diabetes diagnosis,” investigators concluded in the findings of a 29-study systematic r…

High-Dose Inhaled Nitric Oxide Tied To Shorter Hospital Stays In Infants With Bronchiolitis, Study Finds

Healio (3/20, Hornick) reports, “Infants with bronchiolitis who received 150 ppm inhaled nitric oxide plus standard supportive treatment had shorter hospital stays and improved respiratory outcomes,” a new study suggests. The results were published in Ann…

Study Examines Tie Between COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact On Family Finances, Children’s Mental Health

Healio (3/20, Weldon) reports, “For the first time, a study found a link between the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on family finances and children’s mental health, researchers” concluded in a study that “used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Developm…

More States Consider Bills To Eliminate Taxes On Menstrual Products, Essential Baby Products

Bloomberg Law (3/20, Serrano-Román, Subscription Publication) reports, “Lawmakers in about a dozen states are considering bills to eliminate the sales tax on menstrual products, which already has been repealed or doesn’t exist in a majority of states. Man…

Many Parents Likely Unaware Of Kids’ Exposure To Vaping, Poll Indicates

HealthDay (3/20, Mozes) reports, “Four out of five U.S. parents questioned in a large poll believe their preteen and teenage kids are clear on the risks that electronic cigarettes pose, and only a few think their child actually vapes.” Additionally, “near…

Less Than Six Hours Of Sleep Tied To Lower Antibody Response After COVID-19 Vaccination, Meta-Analysis Finds

PharmaNewsIntelligence (3/17) reported, “A recent meta-analysis published in Current Biology determined that less than six hours of sleep per night resulted in a reduced antibody response following COVID-19 vaccination.”

UK’s Newborn Genomes Program To Screen 100,000 Newborns For Rare Genetic Conditions

CNN (3/19, Page) reports, “The UK is set to begin sequencing the genomes of 100,000 newborn babies later this year,” marking what “will be the largest study of its kind, mapping the babies’ complete set of genetic instructions, with potentially profound i…

Childhood Adiposity May Be A Risk Factor For Four Of Five Subtypes Of Adult-Onset Diabetes, Analysis Indicates

HealthDay (3/17, Gotkine) reported, “Childhood adiposity is a risk factor for four of five subtypes of adult-onset diabetes,” researchers concluded after performing “a Mendelian randomization…analysis using data from European genome-wide association stu…

Most Children In US Virgin Islands Had Dengue, Making Them Vaccine Eligible, Research Finds

Healio (3/17, Weldon) reported that investigators “estimated that more than half of children aged 9 to 13 in the U.S. Virgin Islands have been previously infected with dengue virus, making them eligible for vaccination, according to findings published in…

Young Children May Get Needed Blood Sugar Control By Using “Artificial Pancreas,” Study Suggests

HealthDay (3/17, Murez) reported, “Just like adults, young children with type 1 diabetes” (T1D) “may get the blood sugar control they need using an ‘artificial pancreas,’” investigators concluded in a 102-child study in which “the Control-IQ artificial pa…

Multidisciplinary Care Program Helps Streamline, Personalize Transition From Pediatric To Adult Medical Care, Study Finds

Clinical Advisor (3/17, Nye) reports that “for adolescents and young adults who have chronic conditions, the transition from pediatric to adult medical care can be challenging.” A study examined the effectiveness of the “Improving Pediatric to Adult Care…

Some Parents Still Struggling To Find Available Pediatric Hospital Beds

CNN (3/17, Zdanowicz) reports, “Even though the respiratory surge that overwhelmed doctor’s offices and hospitals last fall is over, some parents…are still having trouble getting their children beds in a pediatric hospital or a pediatric unit.” Accordin…

Researcher Discusses How To Counsel Adolescents With Pregnancy

Contemporary Pediatrics (3/17, Krewson) reports, “Counseling adolescents with pregnancy requires careful language, expectations of ambivalence, and other key behaviors, as discussed by Mackenzie Shields Hodak, DNP, CRNP,” during the National Association o…

Child, Teen Deaths Surged During COVID-19 Pandemic, Driven By Fatal Injuries, Data Indicate

USA Today (3/17, Rodriguez) reports “child and teen deaths surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by fatal injuries, in a dramatic change after decades of progress from medical advancements in pediatric diseases, according to” a viewpoint published i…

About 90% Of Pediatric APRNs Report Professional Burnout As Rates Rise, Survey Indicates

Clinical Advisor (3/17, Volpe) reports, “Exhaustion, irritability, anger, dreading work, somatization, and moral distress are just a few of the many symptoms reported by pediatric advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) as we enter year 4 of the COVID…

Incorporating Dental Care Into Well-Child Visits Significantly Improves Oral Health Awareness, Study Shows

Clinical Advisor (3/17, Nye) reports “incorporating dental care into well-child visits significantly improved oral health awareness at a rural Federally Qualified Health Center, according to” a study. The findings revealed that “a large proportion of chil…

FDA Says EUA For Pfizer COVID-19 Pill For Adolescents Will Remain Even After Full Approval For Adults

Reuters (3/16, Leo, Mandowara, Erman) reports that the FDA “said on Thursday the current emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 antiviral pill for high-risk adolescents will continue to remain in effect even if it receives full approval for use…

Consistent Sleep May Be Key Factor In Supporting Children’s Health, Happiness, Research Suggests

CNN (3/16, Holcombe) reports, “One of the keys to keeping your child happy and healthy is making sure they get enough sleep consistently,” according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. For the research, investigators “monitored 100 children age…

Researchers Identify Racial Disparities In Newborn Drug Testing Before And After Cannabis Legalization

Healio (3/16, Welsh) reports, “Newborn drug testing for low-risk patients was ordered by clinicians more frequently for Black vs. white newborns both before and after legalization of recreational cannabis use, according to data published in JAMA Network O…

Maternal Opioid Use For Pain Not Tied To Increased Risk Of Harm In Infants, Research Indicates

HealthDay (3/16, Roberts Murez) reports, “Sometimes new moms receive opioid prescriptions for pain, particularly after a cesarean delivery. They needn’t worry, researchers say,” because these “newborns are at no greater risk of harm than those whose moms…

Implementation Of CBT-Based Program Decreased Depression Severity Among Adolescents Treated At A Primary Care Clinic During Pandemic, Review Finds

Clinical Advisor (3/16, Lampariello) reports, “Implementation of the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment (COPE), a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based program, decreased depression severity among adolescents treated at a primary care clin…

NP-Led Initiative Expanded Mental Health Outreach And Improved Rural Adolescent Mental Health Outcomes, Study Finds

Clinical Advisor (3/16, Lampariello) reports, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, one rural area experienced a significant increase in adolescent emergency department (ED) visits for mental health-related crises, including suicidality and intentional medicatio…

National Toxicology Program Releases Information About Fluoride’s Impacts On Health, Potential To Reduce Children’s IQ

Bloomberg Law (3/15, Rizzuto, Subscription Publication) reports “a federal health agency released on Wednesday extensive information about fluoride’s health effects and potential to decrease children’s IQ, the latest development in a lawsuit that seeks to…

Maternal Death Rates Surged By Nearly 40% During Second Year Of Pandemic, Analysis Shows

USA Today (3/16, Hassanein) reports, “Maternal death rates surged by nearly 40% during the second year of the pandemic, widening disparities as Black women again faced alarmingly high, disproportionate rates, a new federal analysis shows.” In 2021, there…

Early Childhood TB Tied To Deficits In Lung Function And Growth In Later Childhood, Study Shows

Pulmonology Advisor (3/15, Stong) reports, “Pulmonary tuberculosis in early childhood is associated with an increased risk for growth impairment, subsequent wheezing, and lung function deficits in later childhood, according to a study” published in the Am…

Young Children With T1D See Glycemic Benefit Using Hybrid Closed-Loop System, Trial Suggests

MedPage Today (3/15, Monaco) reports, “Very young children with type 1 diabetes saw glycemic benefits when using a hybrid closed-loop system, the randomized PEDAP trial showed.” This benefit “was equivalent to about 3 hours more per day spent in the targe…

Federal Commission Recommends Improvements In Medicaid Ethnicity Data Collection

Bloomberg Law (3/15, Belloni, Subscription Publication) reports the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission recommends that HHS “take steps to improve how information relating to race and ethnicity is gathered in Medicaid applications.” The Commis…

High-Deprivation Neighborhood Residence Significantly Tied To Increased Risk Of Hypertension In Youth, Cross-Sectional Study Suggests

HCPlive (3/15, Iapoce) reports, “Residence within a high-deprivation neighborhood in the United States was associated with a 60% greater likelihood of a primary hypertension diagnosis among children, according to a new cross-sectional study.” This “analys…

Standardized Packaging May Reduce Appeal Of E-Cigarettes For Potential Young Users, Survey Suggests

MedPage Today (3/14, Short) reports, “Standardized packaging may reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes for potential young users, while still maintaining their appeal among adults trying to quit smoking, a survey study from Great Britain suggested.” Investiga…

Risk For Hypertension Higher Among Children At High End Of Normal Weight, Research Suggests

Healio (3/14, Weldon) reports “a large-scale study found that the risk for developing hypertension within 5 years was higher even among children who were at the high end of normal weight, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open.” The research…

COVID-19 Death Rate Among Black Children Almost Three Times Higher Than White Children, Two-Year Study Indicates

Bloomberg (3/14, Peng) reports, “The Covid death rate among Black children was 2.7 higher than among White children, who were more likely to contract the disease overall, according to the two-year study from the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.” A…

Researchers Investigate Different Gut Microbiota In Preterm Newborns

HCPlive (3/14, Walter) reports a new study led by researchers at Kenza Hattoufiv, University Hospital Centre Ibn Sin, have “identified different phyla in the gut microbiota of preterm newborns.” Study authors said, “Breast milk has great effects on barrie…

EPA Proposes First Federal Limits On “Forever Chemicals” In Drinking Water

The AP (3/14, Phillis, Daly) reports, “The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed the first federal limits on harmful ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water, a long-awaited protection the agency said will save thousands of lives and prevent se…

FDA Grants Pfizer’s Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Approval As Booster In Children Aged Six Months To Four Years

Bloomberg (3/14, Cattan) reports Pfizer’s “bivalent shot for Covid-19 has received emergency approval to be used as a booster in some infants and toddlers.” Kids “between six months and four years old can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech SE shot at least two m…

Cardiac Arrest Becoming More Common During Delivery Hospitalization, Study Suggests

MedPage Today (3/13, Phend) reports, “Cardiac arrest during labor and delivery appeared more common than previously seen – particularly for older, Black, and low-income pregnant patients – but with better survival rates, according to a national study.” Fi…

Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing Fell More Than 25% In 2020, Study Finds

Healio (3/13, Stulpin) reports “outpatient antibiotic prescribing fell more than 25% in 2020 compared with earlier years across all ages, but researchers found most of the prescribing was among adults, according to” an “ecological study using random effec…

Researchers Document Demographic, Clinical Features Of Pediatric Systemic Vasculitis

Rheumatology Advisor (3/13, Lowe) reports, “The demographic and clinical features of pediatric patients diagnosed with systemic vasculitides were documented.” Researchers said, “Most of our findings are in concordance with current literature, with some no…

Short Spontaneous Breathing Trials For Extubation May Miss 40% Of Failures In Children, Research Suggests

Healio (3/13, Hornick) reports, “Forty percent of children passing at the 30-minute mark of a spontaneous breathing trial to assess extubation readiness failed in the remainder of the trial, according to a study published in CHEST.” Overall, “researchers…

Pediatric Mental Health, Workplace Violence, Reproductive Care Access Among Top 2023 Patient Safety Concerns, Report Says

Modern Healthcare (3/13, Devereaux, Subscription Publication) reports, “Pediatric mental health, violence against clinicians and uncertainty around reproductive care are among the most pressing issues for health system leadership to address this year, acc…

Physically Active Preschool Children Less Likely To Develop Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Study Suggests

Healio (3/13, Hornick) reports, “Preschool children who had high daily step counts and played sports had less days with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections than kids with less daily steps and no sport involvement, according to a study” publishe…

FDA Approves Acadia Pharmaceutical’s Trofinetide As Treatment For Rett Syndrome

Reuters (3/11, Satija, Srinivasan, Saligrama) reported, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc’s drug for the treatment of Rett syndrome, a genetic brain disorder, the company said on Friday, making it the first approve…

Expert Offers Advice For Helping Children Adjust To Daylight Saving Time

HealthDay (3/10, Murez) reported, “The annual shift to daylight saving time is a challenge for many parents, whose children may struggle with the change.” Baylor College of Medicine Assistant Professor of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Services Sonal Malhot…

Research Examines Mother-To-Infant Microbiota Transmission In Infants Born By Cesarean Section

HealthDay (3/10, Murez) reported research suggests that infants “born by cesarean section may not miss out on essential microbes.” According to the findings published in Cell Host & Microbe, cesarean-born infants “received fewer microbes from their mother…

Concerns Raised Over Impact Of Food Insecurity On Children’s Ability To Learn

The AP (3/11, Mumphrey, Rodgers) reported, “America’s schools say kids are hungry – just as pandemic-era benefit programs have lapsed,” and “there is growing concern about the effects on kids’ ability to learn.” The AP added, “In the last academic year, w…

Study Finds Increase In Unexplained Deaths In Black Infants During First Year Of Pandemic

NBC News (3/13, Edwards) reports, “Despite a record low infant mortality rate in 2020, a new study finds an unexpected jump in unexplained deaths in Black infants during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic.” The data indicated that “the rate of SID…

Pfizer Prepared To Launch RSV Vaccine For Pregnant Women, Older Adults In US And Europe This Year

Reuters (3/9, Fick) reports Pfizer “is ready to launch its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for both older adults and pregnant women in the United States and Europe later this year, executives said on Thursday.” Pfizer head of viral vaccines rese…

Systematic Review Suggests Mental Health Changes May Have Been Minimal During COVID-19 Pandemic

HealthDay (3/9, Murez) reports a 137-study systematic review and meta-analysis “has found that…the psychological fallout from the pandemic has been less intense than thought.” Nearly “75% of study participants in the studies reviewed were adults and 25%…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Block Proposal For Student Meningitis, Chickenpox Vaccination Requirements

The AP (3/9, Perrone) reports, “Wisconsin Republicans blocked Gov. Tony Evers’ plan Thursday to require student vaccinations against meningitis and tighten student chickenpox vaccination requirements.” According to the AP, “The Legislature’s GOP-controlle…

Biden’s FY 2024 Budget Proposal Includes Items Impacting Clinicians, Patients, And Insurers

Modern Healthcare (3/9, Turner, Subscription Publication) reports President “Biden’s budget proposal for fiscal 2024 may lack major new healthcare initiatives, but his policy agenda includes numerous items that would affect” clinicians, “health insurance…

Biden’s Proposed FY 2024 Budget Would Boost Funding For FDA Oversight Of Baby Food, Infant Formula Safety

Bloomberg Law (3/9, Castronuovo, Baumann, Subscription Publication) reports the FDA’s “oversight of heavy metals in baby foods and contamination of infant formula would get a funding boost under President Joe Biden’s budget released Thursday.” The propose…

Children Experience High, Consistent Burden Of Impairment Regardless Of CKD Stage, Data Indicate

Healio (3/8, Keenan) reports, “Regardless of chronic kidney disease stage, children experience high and consistent burden of impairment across many patient-reported measures, according to data” that showed “of these measures, fatigue and global health sta…

FDA Approves Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray For Opioid Overdose

Reuters (3/8, Mahobe) reports “Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Wednesday the” FDA “had approved its nasal spray for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose.” Amphastar Pharma’s “naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray can be delivered i…

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation With Pelvic Floor Exercise Safe, Effective For Treating Childhood Constipation, Trial Indicates

Gastroenterology Advisor (3/8, Nguyen) reports “percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation with pelvic floor exercise is safe and efficacious for treating childhood constipation, especially for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, according to” a “randomize…

Posttraumatic Migraines After Concussion Tied To Worse Outcomes In Children, Researchers Say

Medscape (3/8, O’Rourke, Subscription Publication) reports, “Children who experience migraine headaches in the aftermath of a concussion are more likely to suffer prolonged symptoms of the head injury than those with other forms of headache or no headache…

Maternal Smoking, Snuff Use Tied To Higher Risks For Postneonatal Mortality, SIDS, And SUID, Study Indicates

Healio (3/8, Hornick) reports “children of mothers who used snuff or smoked during pregnancy had higher risks for postneonatal mortality, sudden infant death syndrome and sudden unexpected infant death, according to” a “population-based register study” th…

HHS Releases Cybersecurity Implementation Guide For Healthcare Organizations

Bloomberg Law (3/8, Subscription Publication) reports HHS “has released a cybersecurity implementation guide to help both the public and private health care sectors prevent cybersecurity incidents, according to the” Administration for Strategic Preparedne…

Fatal Poisonings From Opioids Rising Among Young Children In US, Study Finds

The New York Times (3/8, Chung) reports that “opioids were the leading cause of fatal poisonings among children age 5 years old and younger in recent years, a study has found.” The study “analyzed 731 poisoning-related deaths that occurred from 2005 to 20…

HPV Vaccination Rate Among Teens Improving But Many Parents Remain Hesitant, Study Shows

Healio (3/7, Feller) reports, “The rate of teenagers vaccinated against HPV is improving but a significant number of parents remain hesitant about their children receiving the vaccine, a study found.” According to the findings published in The Journal of…

Legislators Attempting To Boost Domestic Production Of Baby Formula To Prevent Another Supply Shortage

Bloomberg Law (3/7, Monnay, Subscription Publication) reports “US lawmakers are trying to maneuver around strict trade policies, inflexible government-welfare programs and intense agency oversight to boost domestic production of infant formula and prevent…

Children In Sexual Minority Parent Families Appear To Have Home Lives, Outcomes As Good Or Better Than Those In Heterosexual Parent Families, Systematic Review Suggests

The Hill (3/7, Sforza) reports a systematic review and meta-analysis “found that children of same-sex parents have home lives and outcomes that are as good or better than those of heterosexual couples.” The findings, published in BMJ Global Health, “sugge…

Metformin Exposure In Utero Not Tied To Increased BMI In Offspring Of Women With Type 2 Diabetes, Data Find

Healio (3/7, Monostra) reports, “Children of women with type 2 diabetes who took 1,000 mg metformin twice daily during pregnancy had a similar BMI z score at age 2 years compared with those of women using placebo, according to study data” from “a follow-u…

Pandemic’s Impact On Youth Mental Health Has Exacerbated Stress Of College Application Process

The Los Angeles Times (3/7, Brumer) reports, “The pandemic has exacerbated the stress of college applications because distance learning-induced isolation – as well as concerns over fitting back in at school or bringing home COVID-19 – have taken a toll on…

Leukotriene-Receptor Antagonist Use During Pregnancy Not Tied To Significant Risks Of Neuropsychiatric Events In Offspring, Study Finds

MedPage Today (3/7, Short) reports, “Use of leukotriene-receptor antagonists (LTRAs) during pregnancy was not associated with significant risks of neuropsychiatric events in offspring, according to a nationwide cohort study from Taiwan.” Among “children o…

About 99% Of Global Population Exposed To Unhealthy Levels Of Tiny Air Pollutants, Study Suggests

The Washington Post (3/6, Patel) reports, “Nearly everyone – 99 percent of the global population – is exposed to unhealthy levels of tiny and harmful air pollutants, known as PM 2.5, according [to] a new study released Monday” in The Lancet Planetary Heal…

Study Examines Parental Nonadherence To Coronavirus Guidelines In US

The Washington Post (3/6, Masih) reports, “Some parents in the United States were dishonest about their children having the coronavirus or did not follow testing and quarantine guidelines, according to a study” that also found “some parents were dishonest…

Two Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensors Receive FDA Clearance For Integration With Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

Healio (3/6) reports, “The FDA has granted clearance to allow two integrated continuous glucose monitoring sensors to be used with automated insulin delivery systems, according to an industry press release.” The clearance allows the “FreeStyle Libre 2 (Ab…

Children With Persistent Distressing Dreams May Be At Increased Risk For Cognitive Impairment, Parkinson’s Disease Later In Life, Research Suggests

Medscape (3/6, Brooks, Subscription Publication) reports, “Children who suffer from persistent bad dreams may be at increased risk for cognitive impairment or Parkinson’s disease (PD) later in life…research shows.” According to the findings published in…

The 988 Suicide Prevention Services Hotline Rolls Out 24/7 Text Message, Chat Services For LGBTQI+ Youth

Bloomberg Law (3/6, Lopez, Subscription Publication) reports, “The 988 suicide prevention services hotline is rolling out 24/7 text message and chat services for LGBTQI+ youth, building on a pilot program launched amid a mental health crisis.” As of Monda…

Children With Developmental Delays May Be At Greater Risk For Complications From Tonsillectomy, Researchers Say

HealthDay (3/6, Murez) says, “Children who have developmental delays may be at greater risk for complications after a tonsillectomy, researchers report” in a study that “reviewed chart data from 400 tonsillectomy patients.” Researchers found that “patient…

Dozens Of US Medical, Science Organizations Partner Up To Battle Medical Misinformation

HealthDay (3/3, Mozes) reported, “Alarmed by the increasing spread of medical misinformation, 50 U.S. medical and science organizations have announced the formation of a new group that aims to debunk fake health news.” The new group, called the Coalition…

FDA Warns Of False Negative Results For Food Allergy Skin Tests

CBS News (3/3, Tin) reported all skin tests physicians “commonly use to check for food allergies can provide false negative results, the Food and Drug Administration has concluded – meaning people with potentially life-threatening allergies could mistaken…

Researchers Determine Reference Values For Functional, Anatomical Parameters In Adolescents’ Hearts With Cardiac MRI Exam Data

HealthImaging (3/3, Murphy) reported “a group of researchers was recently able to determine reference values for anatomical and functional parameters in the heart of adolescents thanks to a new dataset of cardiac MRI exams.” Experts who were “involved in…

Liquid Albuterol Supplier’s Shutdown To Worsen Ongoing Shortage

CNN (3/3, Christensen) reported “an ongoing shortage of a medicine commonly used to treat people with breathing problems is expected to get worse after a major supplier to US hospitals shut down.” Liquid albuterol “has been on the US Food and Drug Adminis…

FDA: No Indication Contaminated Cough Syrups In US Supply Chain

Reuters (3/3, Sunny) reported the FDA “said on Friday there was no indication that contaminated cough and paracetamol syrups that caused deaths of children in Gambia last year have entered the U.S. drug supply chain.” The agency’s assessment “comes after…

Study Finds Decline In Preterm Births During Global COVID-19 Lockdowns

The New York Times (3/2, Preston) reports a study “showed that across a group of mostly high-income countries – such as the United States, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark and Switzerland – in spring 2020, there were about 4 percent fewer preterm births th…

CDC Issues Warning After Infant Death Tied To Contaminated Breast Pump

The AP (3/2, Aleccia) reports, “Federal health officials are warning parents of newborns to sterilize equipment used for both bottle- and breast-feeding after a baby died last year from a rare infection tied to a contaminated breast pump.” According to a…

Growing Research Suggests Social Media Use Increases Risk For Disordered Eating

ABC News (3/2, Rowley) reports “increased time spent on social media is a risk factor for disordered eating,” according to research published online Feb. 16 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Furthermore, “increased…

Serum IgE Levels May Assist In Diagnosis Differentiation In Children Hospitalized For Atopic Dermatitis Exacerbation Or Infectious Complications, Review Suggests

Healio (3/2, Capaldo) reports “the measurement of immunoglobulin E levels in children hospitalized for atopic dermatitis exacerbation or infectious complications may assist in diagnosis differentiation, according to” a chart review that “evaluated the dif…

More Than Half Of The World’s Population Will Have Overweight, Obesity By 2035 Without Significant Action, Report Says

Reuters (3/2, Rigby) says that “more than half of the world’s population will” have overweight or obesity “by 2035 without significant action, according to a new report.” In addition, the World Obesity Atlas 2023 “found that childhood obesity could more t…

Loneliness May Be Driving Factor In Women With Perinatal Depression, Study Suggests

HealthDay (3/1, Murez) reports “loneliness may be a driving factor” among women with perinatal depression, according to a study that “reviewed accounts from 537 women in 27 research papers in multiple countries.” One researcher said, “We found that loneli…

Eli Lilly Slashing Price Of Insulin By 70%

The AP (3/1, Murphy) reports that Eli Lilly “will cut prices for some older insulins later this year and immediately give more patients access to a cap on costs they pay to fill prescriptions.” The moves “promise critical relief to some people with diabet…

Illinois Plant Closure To Worsen Shortages Of Treatment For Children With RSV, Asthma

The Washington Post (3/1, Rowland) reports specialists warned that “the sudden shutdown of an Illinois manufacturing plant last week…will prolong shortages of an important treatment for kids with RSV and asthma who show up in emergency rooms.” On Thursd…

Pfizer-BioNTech Seek Emergency Use Authorization Of Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine As Booster Dose In Children Under Five Years

Reuters (3/1, Roy) reports Pfizer and BioNTech “have applied for emergency use authorization of their Omicron-adapted COVID-19 vaccine in the United States as a booster dose for children aged six months through four years, the companies said on Wednesday….

Regular Use Of Lipid-Rich Skin Creams May Reduce Eczema In Children With Type 1 Diabetes Who Use Insulin Pumps, Continuous Glucose Monitors, Researchers Say

Medscape (3/1, Banks, Subscription Publication) says, “Regular use of lipid-rich skin creams can reduce eczema in children who use insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors to manage type 1 diabetes, Danish researchers reported last month” in a study…

Congenital Syphilis Rates Rising In US

CNN (3/1, Goodman, McPhillips) reports “rates of syphilis in babies are rising at an alarming rate in the United States.” Public health experts see congenital syphilis as “a ‘never event’ – something that should never happen – because nearly every case is…

FDA Issues Import Alert To Restrict Unlawful Entry Of Xylazine

The Washington Post (2/28, Ovalle) reports that on Tuesday, the FDA “announced it is cracking down on the illegal importation of xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being mixed into the nation’s illicit drug supply and causing ghas…

More Than 100M Patients In US Face Primary Care Access Barriers, Report Says

PatientEngagementHIT (2/28, Heath) says, “A third of healthcare consumers are being left susceptible to public health threats and complications from untreated chronic illnesses as the US stares down primary care access problems, according to a new report…

Once-Daily Liraglutide 3 Mg As Adjunctive To Lifestyle Intervention Tied To Reduction In BMI, HbA1c In Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes And Obesity, Trial Finds

Healio (2/28, Monostra) reports “once-daily liraglutide 3 mg as an adjunctive to lifestyle intervention is associated with a reduction in body weight and HbA1c for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and obesity, according to” results of a “single-arm trial”…

Exposure To Gestational Diabetes, Preeclampsia May Delay Biological Maturity In Offspring, Study Suggests

HealthDay (2/28, Murez) reports “common pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia may slow infant development in the womb, according to a…study.” The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, showed “babies who were exposed to p…

One Quarter Of Black Transgender And Nonbinary Youth Reported Suicide Attempt In Previous Year, Research Finds

CNN (2/28, Chavez) says that “a quarter of Black transgender and nonbinary youth reported a suicide attempt in the previous year, according to” research from the Trevor Project, “more than double the rate of suicide attempts among Black cisgender LGBQ you…

Teens, Young Adults Who Report Vaping Nicotine, Marijuana Significantly More Likely To Experience Anxiety And Depression Than Never Vapers, Survey Data Indicate

Healio (2/28, Schaffer) reports, “Teens and young adults who report vaping nicotine, marijuana or both are significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depression compared with never vapers, survey data show.” In the “survey of more than 2,500 teen…

Experts Discuss Diagnosis, Treatment Of Children, Adolescents Showing Signs Of Post-COVID Conditions

MedPage Today (2/27, Firth) reports that “during a CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) webinar,” experts “shared advice on diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents showing signs of post-COVID conditions – also known as long…

Switching To Automated Insulin Delivery Improves Time In Range Among Children With Type 1 Diabetes, Study Finds

Healio (2/27, Monostra) reports “children with type 1 diabetes who switched from a predictive low-glucose suspend system to automated insulin delivery had improvements in time in range at 1 month that were sustained at 3 months, according to” findings fro…

Children With High Levels Of Total Cholesterol May Be At Risk For Asthma Later In Life, Study Suggests

Healio (2/27, Hornick) reports, “Children with high levels of total cholesterol may be at risk for asthma later in life, according to” research. The findings were presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting.

Intranasal Corticosteroids Improve Quality Of Life For Children With Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Trial Shows

MedPage Today (2/27, Short) reports, “Intranasal corticosteroids (INCs) improved quality of life for children suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis, the RAISE randomized trial showed.” According to the researchers, “Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey…

Study Finds Disparities In Pediatric Medical, Childcare Disruption During Pandemic

Healio (2/27, Weldon) reports, “Urban families, Black and multiracial children and families with low socioeconomic status faced the highest rates of pediatric care disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to findings published in a research let…

Earlier Initiation Of HPV Vaccination Improves Coverage Rates Among Teens, Study Finds

MedPage Today (2/27, Henderson) reports, “Teenagers had better vaccine coverage against human papillomavirus (HPV) if they were vaccinated at earlier ages as older children instead of early adolescents, a retrospective study showed.” The “initiators vacci…

Pfizer-BioNTech Seek Full FDA Approval Of Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine

Reuters (2/24, Roy) reported Pfizer and partner BioNTech “said on Friday they filed an application to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a full approval of their Omicron-adapted COVID-19 vaccine.” The two “are seeking approval of the updated v…

Researchers Validate Pediatric Asthma Risk Score Across Several Diverse Cohorts In Study

Healio (2/24, Hornick) reported, “Researchers validated the Pediatric Asthma Risk Score, a tool that predicts early-life asthma, across several diverse cohorts of children aged 5 to 10 years, according to study results.” These data “suggest the tool may b…

DEA Proposes New Rules For Telehealth Drug Prescriptions

The AP (2/24, Seitz, Whitehurst) reported that on Friday, the Biden Administration “moved…to require patients see a doctor in person before getting attention deficit disorder medication or addictive painkillers, toughening access to the drugs against th…

Illinois Governor Announces Measures To Improve Mental Healthcare For Children

The AP (2/24, O’Connor) reported, “A mental health crisis among children in Illinois will be fought by streamlining and easing access to necessary treatment and coordination between six separate state agencies, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Friday.” In the…

FDA Authorizes First OTC At-Home Combination Test For Flu, SARS-CoV-2

USA Today (2/25, Snider) reported the FDA “has authorized the first over-the-counter at-home test that can detect and differentiate between a test result for flu and a test result for COVID-19.” The “Lucira COVID-19 and Flu Home Test is a single-use test,…

Half Of Americans Say Government Should Prioritize Lowering Drug, Healthcare Costs, Poll Finds

The Hill (2/23, Hou) reports, “Half of Americans…say the government should emphasize lowering prescription drug costs and reducing the cost of health care over other public health-related priorities,” according to the Axios-Ipsos American Health Index….

FDA Approves Sanofi’s Factor VIII Replacement Therapy For Hemophilia A

Reuters (2/23, Roy, Mandowara) reports the FDA has approved Sanofi’s antihemophilic factor (recombinant) Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl (Altuviiio) “to treat a type of inherited bleeding disorder known as hemophilia A, the French drugmaker said on Thursd…

Pooled Analysis Reveals 1% Clascoterone Cream Appears Efficacious, Safe In Patients 12 Years And Older With Facial Acne Vulgaris

Dermatology Advisor (2/23, Goldberg) reports, “Among patients 12 years of age and older with facial acne vulgaris, 1% clascoterone cream was found to be efficacious and has a favorable safety profile,” researchers concluded after conducting “a review of d…

Lawmakers Urge FDA For Greater Action On Shortage Of Flu, Cold Medicines

The Hill (2/23, Choi) reports that “a group of progressive lawmakers have asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to further its efforts to address the shortage of over-the-counter flu and cold medicines.” In their letter to FDA Commissioner Robert C…

Flu Vaccine Effective During 2022-2023 Season, CDC Data Show

The AP (2/22, Stobbe) reports early estimates (PDF) from the CDC “suggest the flu vaccine performed well in a U.S. winter flu season that has already dissipated.” The “vaccines were more than 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough fro…

Maternal Mortality Rates Rose, Stagnated In Nearly All Regions Worldwide In 2020, Report Says

Reuters (2/22, Roy) reports, “Maternal mortality rates climbed or stagnated in nearly all regions across the world in 2020, according to a report released by U.N. agencies on Wednesday, marking a major setback in global efforts to combat complications dur…

Study Using Wastewater Signals Indicates Masks Reduce COVID-19 Risk In Elementary Schools

Healio (2/22, Weldon) reports, “A study that used wastewater signals to identify cases of COVID-19 found that even a small increase in the proportion of people wearing masks at elementary schools in one California county significantly reduced the chance o…

Adding More Physical Education Classes In Grades One To Nine May Help Lower Obesity Prevalence Among School-Aged Children, Researchers Say

Healio (2/22, Monostra) reports, “Adding more physical education classes in grades one to nine could help lower the prevalence of obesity among school-aged children,” researchers concluded in a study in Slovenia that included “29,152 children in the inter…

Children Delivered After Elective Induced Labor Have Poorer School Performance At Age 12, Researchers Say

HealthDay (2/22, Reinberg) reports that in a study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, “Dutch researchers found that 12-year-olds who as newborns were delivered after elective induced labor scored lower on tests than children who w…

Fine Particulate Matter Exposure Tied To Increased Risk Of ED Visits During First Year Of Life Among Preterm And Full-Term Infants, Research Finds

HCPlive (2/22, Grossi) reports, “An assessment on exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and emergency department (ED) visits during the first year of life yielded a positive association between PM2.5 exposure and all-cause, infection-related, and re…

Combining Breathing Exercises With Gradual Aerobic Activity May Boost Concussion Recovery In Teens, Research Suggests

HealthDay (2/22, Murez) reports, “Combining breathing exercises with gradual aerobic activity may benefit teens who are recovering slowly from a concussion,” research suggests. Participants in the intervention group “reported greater improvements” in “sle…

Aspirin Discontinuation At 24-28 Weeks Appears To Maintain Efficacy While Potentially Reducing Bleeding Risk In Pregnant People At High-Risk For Preterm Preeclampsia, Trial Suggests

MedPage Today (2/21, Phend) reports, “For high-risk pregnant people taking aspirin to prevent preterm preeclampsia, stopping it toward the end of the second trimester appeared to maintain efficacy while potentially reducing bleeding risk, a randomized tri…

Enfamil ProSobee Infant Formula Recalled Over Possible Bacteria Contamination

The Washington Post (2/21, Gregg) reports, “The nutrition products company Reckitt is recalling 145,000 cans of its Enfamil ProSobee infant formula over possible contamination with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii, the Food and Drug Administration annou…

VR Intervention Significantly Improves Pain, Anxiety In Children Undergoing Venipuncture, Researchers Say

Healio (2/21, Bascom) reports, “A virtual reality intervention designed to distract children undergoing a blood draw significantly improved pain and anxiety, highlighting the possibility for virtual reality interventions for other procedures, according to…

Oral Immunotherapy For Egg, Peanut Allergy Appears Safe For Children On Asthma Medication Despite Greater Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness, Study Indicates

Healio (2/21, Gawel) reports, “Oral immunotherapy for egg or peanut allergy appeared safe for children on asthma medication despite greater bronchial hyperresponsiveness in this population, according to a study.” The findings published in Clinical and Tra…

RSV Vaccine For Newborns Could Be Approved By August

ABC News (2/21, Yamada, Salzman) reports, “After decades of research, a first-of-its kind vaccine designed to protect newborns against RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, could be approved by August.” Pfizer, maker of RSVpreF, “announced Tuesday that the…

Maternal Genitourinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy Linked To Development Of Leukemia In Offspring, Study Finds

MedPage Today (2/20, Short) reports, “Maternal genitourinary tract infections during pregnancy were linked to the development of leukemia in offspring, a Danish nationwide study found.” Investigators found that “children born to a mother who experienced a…

Monoclonal Antibodies Associated With Reduced RSV-Related Infections, Hospitalizations In Children Under Five, Systematic Review Suggests

MedPage Today (2/17, Short) reported, “Prophylactic use of three monoclonal antibodies was associated with substantial reductions in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related infections and hospitalizations in children under 5, a systematic review and met…

Systematic Review Reveals 22% Of Children, Adolescents Appear To Exhibit Disordered Eating

According to Healio (2/20, Weldon), the findings of a 32-study “systematic review and meta-analysis” published online Feb. 20 in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that “22% of children and adolescents exhibit disordered eating.” The 32 studies encompassed “63,181…

About One-Third Of Parents Too Quick To Give Children Fever-Reducing Medication, Poll Indicates

HealthDay (2/20, Murez) reports the “C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health” has “found that about one-third of parents reach for fever-reducing medicines too quickly.” This poll “surveyed nearly 1,400 parents of children aged 12…

Additional Text Message Reminder To Parents Of Children With Special-Risk Medical Conditions Led To Increase In Influenza Vaccine Uptake, Trial Shows

MedPage Today (2/20, Henderson) reports, “An additional text message reminder to parents of children with special-risk medical conditions led to an increase in influenza vaccine uptake compared with reminders from clinicians alone, a randomized trial…sh…

Study Examines Key Factors For Successful Pediatric Obesity Prevention Programs

PatientEngagementHIT (2/16, Heath) reports “the most successful pediatric obesity prevention programs take place over a stretch of time and seek to promote both access to more nutritious foods and more exercise,” according to an international study that “…

Scald Injuries From Instant Noodles Appear Common Among Children, Study Finds

HealthDay (2/16, Murez) reports a “study that examined pediatric admissions at” a single medical center “for burn injuries caused by hot liquids found that nearly one-third were caused by instant noodles between 2010 and 2020.” For this study published in…

During COVID-19 Pandemic, Teens Presented Similarly With E-Cigarette Product Use-Associated Lung Injury, Study Finds

HealthDay (2/16, Solomon) reports, “Teens continued to present similarly with electronic cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) during the pandemic, according to a study.” The researchers “retrospectively evaluated electronic hea…

COVID-19 Vaccination Rate Among Children Aged 6 Months To 4 Years Was Low Following FDA Authorization, Research Shows

MedPage Today (2/16, Henderson) reports “COVID-19 vaccination coverage in kids ages 6 months to 4 years was exceedingly low in the 6 months following FDA’s authorization last June, CDC data showed.” Through the end of last year, “only 10.1% of children in…

Many Young Children In US Not Eating Fruits, Vegetables Daily But Are Regularly Consuming Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, CDC Finds

According to CNN (2/16, Russell), “Children under 5 in the US are missing out on vital nutrition by drinking sugary drinks and passing up fruits and vegetables, a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.” The findings publis…

History Of Prepregnancy Migraine May Correlate With Higher Risk For Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Researchers Say

Neurology Advisor (2/15, Lopez) reports, “History of prepregnancy migraine and migraine phenotype (to a lesser extent) correlated with higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery,” resear…

WHO Says Mpox Remains Public Health Emergency Of International Concern

Reuters (2/15, Babu) reports that on Wednesday, the World Health Organization “said mpox remained a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), its highest level of alert, citing continued transmission in some countries.” Although “the mpox…

FDA Panel Recommends Making Naloxone Available Over The Counter

The New York Times (2/15, Hoffman) reports two FDA “panels of addiction experts on Wednesday unanimously recommended that” naloxone (Narcan), “the overdose-reversing nasal spray, be made widely available without a prescription, a significant step in the e…

Proximity To Major Road May Impact Risk For Atopic Dermatitis, Study Indicates

HealthDay (2/15, Murez) reports “how close a person lives to a major road could have an impact on” the risk for atopic dermatitis, researchers concluded in a study involving some 14,000 children. The study revealed that people “who live farther from one a…

Multiple Demand Network Operates Similarly In Brains Of Children And Adults, Study Finds

HealthDay (2/15, Murez) reports that for a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers “used brain scans and challenging work to assess how kids and adults might work through…tough problems and whether or not their problem-solving proces…

Up To 6.7M Children At Risk Of Losing Medicaid Coverage This Spring, Report Finds

CNN (2/15, Luhby) says, “The majority of American children now receive their health insurance through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, according to a new report published…by the Georgetown Center for Children and Families.” However,…

Video Game Playing Appears To Cause No Harm In Children’s Cognitive Abilities, Study Indicates

Healio (2/14, Weldon) reports, “Video game playing caused no harm in children’s cognitive abilities,” investigators concluded in the findings of a “small exploratory study” published in the Journal of Media Psychology.

USPSTF Reaffirms Recommendation Against Routine Screening For Genital HSV

MedPage Today (2/14, Hein) reports “the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has reaffirmed a 2016 recommendation against routine serologic screening for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) in asymptomatic adults and adolescents, including pregnant…

Nightly Use Of 0.05% Atropine Eyedrops In Children May Lead To Significantly Lower Incidence Of Myopia At Two Years And A Lower Percentage With Fast Myopic Shift, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (2/14, Henderson) reports, “Nightly use of 0.05% atropine eyedrops in kids led to a significantly lower incidence of myopia at two years, and a lower percentage with fast myopic shift,” investigators concluded. Their randomized trial reveale…

Children Exposed To AD/HD Medications In Utero May Not Be More Prone To Neurodevelopmental Disorders Such As AD/HD Or Autism, Study Indicates

HealthDay (2/14, Murez) reports, “Children who were exposed to” medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) taken by their mothers “during pregnancy are not more prone to neurodevelopmental disorders such as” AD/HD “or autism,” invest…

Risk For Injuries Requiring Hospitalization Higher Among Children With Epilepsy, Research Suggests

The American Journal of Managed Care (2/14, Gavidia) reports research found the “risk for injuries requiring hospitalization is greater among children with epilepsy, with fracture serving as the most common cause.” The researchers said, “While the spectru…

Acute Severe Pediatric NAEH Incidence Rate Rose Between 2019 And 2022, Study Suggests

Gastroenterology Advisor (2/14, Lopez) reports “the incidence rate of acute severe pediatric non-A-E-hepatitis (NAEH) increased between 2019 and 2022 compared with the historical incidence rate between 1990 and 2018, according to” a study. The findings we…

Senate Committee Members Pledge To Tackle Social Media’s Impact On Children With Legislative Proposals

The Hill (2/14, Klar) reports “senators emerged unified from a Tuesday hearing about the ways social media affects children and teenagers, pledging to tackle the issue in a divided Congress.” Senate Judiciary Committee members “heard from a panel of advoc…

High-Dose Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Offers Better Protection To Pediatric HSCT Recipients Than Standard-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine, Research Suggests

Medscape (2/13, Starr, Subscription Publication) reports “children who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) are at high risk for illness and death from influenza infections,” but new data “suggest that a high-dose trivalent influenza vaccine…

Increase In Babies Born With Congenital Syphilis Raises Concerns About Lack Of Prenatal Care Access

USA Today (2/13, Hassanein) reports, “A surge in babies born with congenital syphilis in Mississippi calls attention to rising cases throughout the nation, especially the South, experts say.” University of Mississippi Medical Center Infectious Disease Phy…

Law Boosting Nutrition Standards For School Lunches May Help Slow Rise In Childhood Obesity, Study Finds

The AP (2/13, Aleccia) reports, “A 2010 federal law that boosted nutrition standards for school meals may have begun to help slow the rise in obesity among America’s children – even teenagers who can buy their own snacks, a new study showed.” Researchers…

Nearly Three In Five Teenage Girls Felt Persistent Sadness In 2021, Double The Rate Of Boys, CDC Report Finds

The New York Times (2/13, Ghorayshi, Rabin) reports, “Nearly three in five teenage girls felt persistent sadness in 2021, double the rate of boys, and one in three girls seriously considered attempting suicide, according to data” (PDF) released Feb. 13 by…

Youths In States Where Only Medical Marijuana Is Legal Report Higher Cannabis Vaping Rates, Research Suggests

HealthDay (2/13, Murez) reports it is “not clear why, but youths in U.S. states where medical marijuana is legal report more vaping of cannabis than their peers in states where weed is legal for all adults or it is completely illegal.” A new study “found…

Child’s Death Raises Questions About Safety Of E-Bikes

The Washington Post (2/13, Reynolds, Amenabar) reports on the safety measures of electric bikes, which became a hot topic after the death of a 12-year-old girl who was in an accident on an e-bike. The “accident is raising questions about the safety of e-b…

FDA Approves Aflibercept For Preterm Infants With Retinopathy Of Prematurity

According to HCPlive (2/13, Iapoce), the FDA “has approved aflibercept (EYLEA®) injection as the first pharmacologic treatment for preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity.” The agency’s approval was announced in a Feb. 8 press release by Regeneron…

People With Autism May Be At Increased Risk For Cardiometabolic Diseases, With Risks Even Higher Among Children With Autism, Systematic Review Indicates

Healio (2/10, Weldon) reported, “People with autism are at an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases, and the risks are even higher among children with autism,” investigators concluded in findings that were published online in JAMA Pediatrics. The 34…

Highest-Income Black Families At Greater Risk For Maternal, Infant Mortality, Study Finds

The New York Times (2/12, Cain Miller, Kliff, Buchanan) reports, “In the United States, the richest mothers and their newborns are the most likely to survive the year after childbirth – except when the family is Black, according to a groundbreaking new st…

Survey Study Identifies Association Between Maternal Fermented Dairy Product Consumption And Development Of IgE-Mediated Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy In Children

Healio (2/10, Gawel) reported “mothers of toddlers with cow’s milk protein allergy consumed fewer fermented dairy products during pregnancy and lactation than those mothers of toddlers without cow’s milk protein allergy, according to a” survey study publi…

Disease Burden Of Human Coronaviruses Appears To Be Significant In Pediatric Patients, Review Indicates

Infectious Disease Advisor (2/10, Cimino) reported, “The disease burden of human coronaviruses (HCoVs) was found to be significant in pediatric patients, with hospitalization and care escalation commonly required among those aged younger than 5 years,” ac…

Social Media May Have Negative Effect On Mental Health Of Adolescents With Acne And Atopic Dermatitis, Study Suggests

Healio (2/11, Capaldo) reported “social media may contribute to the high rates of mental health problems and disorders among adolescents with acne and atopic dermatitis, according to” a study in which researchers “used a modified Delphi technique comprisi…

Many Children Do Not Receive Follow-Up Care After Mental Health ED Visit, Study Finds

CNN (2/13, Christensen) reports a study published online in Pediatrics that “looked at records for more than 28,000 children ages 6 to 17 who were enrolled in Medicaid and had at least one trip to the emergency department between January 2018 and June 201…

FDA Issues Warning Over Use Of Unapproved Potassium Phosphates Drug In Pediatric Patients Due To Aluminum Exposure

Bloomberg Law (2/9, Fleming, Subscription Publication) reports, “The FDA issued a ‘warning to health care professionals and pharmacies to avoid using Hospira’s unapproved potassium phosphates drug product in pediatric patients because the aluminum exposur…

Florida To Cut Questions About Menstrual History From Athletic Medical Forms

The AP (2/9, Schneider) reports, “Questions about female athletes’ menstrual history will no longer appear on the medical forms that Florida high school students have to fill out before participating in sports.” The state “High School Athletic Association…

Vacations Increase Risk For Severe Accidental Allergic Reactions Among Children, Adolescents With Food Allergies, Study Finds

Healio (2/9, Gawel) reports “vacations increased the risk for severe accidental allergic reactions among children and adolescents with food allergies, according to” a study. The findings were published in a letter in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immuno…

Low Recreational Screen Time And High Daily Step Count May Reduce Risk For Obesity, Overweight In Adolescents, Study Suggests

MedPage Today (2/9, Monaco) reports, “Pairing low recreational screen time with a high daily step count may be an effective combo for curbing weight gain in kids, findings from a cross-sectional study suggested.” Adolescents “averaging medium (more than 4…

Study Finds 41% Of Infant Deaths Tied To Genetic Disease

Healio (2/9, Weldon) reports “a study of 112 infant deaths found that 41% were associated with a genetic disease, a higher rate than previously recognized, according to” the findings published in JAMA Network Open. Overall, “the researchers found that sin…

States Working To Provide Urgent Mental Healthcare For Children Outside Of ED

NPR (2/9, Bebinger) reports “a handful of states and counties are” now “testing ways to provide urgent mental health care” for children outside of the emergency department (ED) “and reduce this strain on hospitals.” In one instance, “Massachusetts has con…

CDC Adds COVID-19 Vaccines To Routine Immunization Schedules For Children, Adults

CNN (2/9, Chavez) reports “Covid-19 shots are included in new schedules of routinely recommended vaccines released by the” CDC Thursday. These “immunization schedules summarize current vaccine recommendations for children, adolescents and adults, but do n…

President Biden Discusses Top Healthcare Issues During State Of The Union

Politico (2/8, Mahr, Payne) reports President Biden’s “State of the Union speech on Tuesday night made one thing clear as we inch closer to election season: The time for lingering on the messy details of the pandemic is over, and the time for talking abou…

More Information On Global Prevalence Of Eczema May Help Better Inform Prevention Strategies In Children, Adolescents, Analysis Suggests

The American Journal of Managed Care (2/8, Shaw) reports, “Having more information on how and why the global prevalence of eczema is so heterogeneous – with both decreases and increases seen over a 10-year period – accounting for income and region, should…

Exposure To Certain Air Pollutants May Impact Blood Pressure In Teens, Study Suggests

CNN (2/8, Christensen) reports, “Scientists know that air pollution can make it difficult to breathe and may ultimately cause serious health problems like cancer, but a…study shows that it might also have a negative impact on teens’ blood pressure.” Acc…

Global Health Experts Raise Concern Over Commercial Infant Formula Marketing Tactics

According to CNN (2/8, Chavez), a new report “from health experts at institutions around the world says that commercial milk formula sales tactics violate the international code on breastfeeding marketing and calls for stricter government regulation of ir…

Machine-Learning Model May Be Able To Detect Autism As Early As First Month Of Life, Study Suggests

USA Today (2/8, Weintraub) reports “signs of autism can be picked up as early as the first month of life, according to a” study that used “electronic medical records of 45,000 children” to “train and evaluate machine-learning models.” The “final algorithm…

Rhinoviruses, Enteroviruses Accounted For Nearly Three-Quarters Of Viral Detections Among Children During Pandemic, Researchers Say

Healio (2/8, Weldon) says, “Rhinoviruses and enteroviruses accounted for nearly three-quarters of viral detections among children during the COVID-19 pandemic and persisted amid declines in other viruses, researchers reported” in a study that “assessed pr…

Medicaid, CHIP Enrollment Increased By 28.5% Since Start Of Pandemic, Analysis Finds

HealthPayerIntelligence (2/7, Bailey) reports “enrollment in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has increased by 20.2 million beneficiaries,” or 28.5%, “since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an analysis from the K…

Transgender, Nonbinary Youths May Have Greater Appearance Congruence, Less Depression And Anxiety After Two Years Of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy, Research Suggests

Healio (2/7, Monostra) reports, “Transgender and nonbinary youths had greater appearance congruence – the experience that physical appearance aligns with gender – and less depression and anxiety after two years of gender-affirming hormone therapy,” invest…

FDA Approves Supplemental Biologics License Application To Expand Use Of Lanadelumab-Flyo For Prophylaxis In Children With Hereditary Angioedema Attacks

Healio (2/7) reports, “The FDA has approved a supplemental biologics license application to expand the use of lanadelumab-flyo for prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema attacks in children aged 2 to younger than 12 years, according to a press release” from…

Last Year’s Increase In Severe Strep Infections In Children Marked Return To Pre-Pandemic Levels, CDC Says

CBS News (2/7, Tin) says that “last year’s increase in” invasive group A streptococcal infections “in children amounted only to a return to levels of the disease from before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported la…

Recent Data Breaches In US Show Variation In Exposure Risks For Healthcare Providers

Reuters (2/6, Berry) reports, “Three recent data breaches from across the United States show that the risks of data breaches can come from multiple sources for healthcare providers.” Reuters adds, “Employees, third-party vendor tools and cybercriminals al…

Hospitals Nationwide Still Full Despite Decline In Respiratory Illness Activity

CNN (2/6, McPhillips) reports, “The winter triple threat of flu, Covid-19 and RSV is easing across the United States, and…most states are now reporting low or minimal levels of respiratory illness activity overall.” Also, federal data show that “nationw…

Among Children, Adolescents With Acne, Prescription Systemic Medications More Likely To Be Used By Those With A Higher BMI Than Those With A Low Or Normal BMI, Research Suggests

Healio (2/6, Volansky) reports, “Among children and adolescents with acne, prescription systemic medications were more likely to be used by those with a higher BMI than those with a low or normal BMI,” researchers concluded in a “population-based retrospe…

For Neonates With Complex Congenital Heart Disease, Rates Of Postoperative White Matter Injury Appear To Have Decreased Over Time, Investigators Say

HealthDay (2/6, Gotkine) reports, “For neonates with complex congenital heart disease (CHD), the rates of postoperative white matter injury (WMI) have decreased over time,” investigators concluded in findings published in the Journal of the American Colle…

Adding Just An Ounce Of Walnuts To Diets Of Children, Adults Who Typically Do Not Eat Nuts May Be Tied To Significant Improvements In Healthy Index Eating Scores, Researchers Say

Healio (2/6, Bascom) reports, “Adding just 1 oz of walnuts to the diets of children and adults who typically do not eat any nuts was associated with significant improvements in healthy index eating scores,” researchers concluded in a “diet modeling study”…

Maternal Tdap Vaccine Tied To Decrease In Pertussis Among Infants Younger Than Two Months, Data Show

MedPage Today (2/6, Short) reports, “Since its implementation 12 years ago, the maternal tetanus, reduced diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine has contributed to a decrease in pertussis among the youngest infants,” according to a study based…

More Convenient COVID-19 Vaccination Options May Increase Uptake Among Children, Adults, Survey Study Suggests

Healio (2/3, Weldon) reported, “More convenient COVID-19 vaccination options could increase uptake among children and adults, according to survey findings published in JAMA Network Open.” Overall, “participants indicated that vaccine effectiveness…was a…

RSV Vaccine, Treatments For Young Children Nearing But Questions Over Access Remain

Kaiser Health News (2/5, Allen) reports, “After more than five decades of trying, the drug industry is on the verge of providing effective immunizations against the respiratory syncytial virus, which has put an estimated 90,000 U.S. infants and small chil…

Officials Declare Measles Outbreak In Central Ohio Over After 85 Cases

CNN (2/5, Howard) reports, “A measles outbreak in central Ohio that sickened 85 children has been declared over, officials at Columbus Public Health announced Sunday.” There were 36 hospitalizations but no deaths. The outbreak had “spread among children w…

Biden Administration Announces Stricter School Nutrition Standards

The Washington Post (2/3, Reiley) reported that on Friday, the Biden Administration “announced more stringent nutrition standards for school meals, reviving efforts to improve the health of millions of public school students in the face of a staggering ri…

White House Announces New Cancer Initiatives To Reduce Deaths, Improve Care

The Hill (2/2, Samuels) reports that on Thursday, the White House “marked one year since President Biden relaunched the Cancer Moonshot initiative, announcing a series of new efforts to reduce cancer deaths and provide support to those getting treatment.”…

FDA Approves Tezepelumab-Ekko For Self-Administration With Prefilled, Single-Use Pen For Severe Asthma

Healio (2/2) reports, “The FDA has approved tezepelumab-ekko for self-administration in a prefilled, single-use pen among patients aged 12 years and older with severe asthma, according to a press release from the manufacturer.” Healio adds, “Tezepelumab-e…

States Preparing For Medicaid Unwinding As Pandemic Protections Expire

Kaiser Health News (2/2, Galewitz) reports, “States are preparing to remove millions of people from Medicaid as protections put in place early in the COVID-19 pandemic expire.” This “upheaval, which begins in April, will put millions of low-income America…

Universal Screening May Help Identify High School Students At Risk For Suicide, Researchers Posit

Healio (2/2, Weldon) reports, “Universal screening helped identify high school students at risk for suicide and made them more likely to engage in mental health treatment,” researchers concluded in a study that “included 12,909 students in 14 high schools…

Sex-Based Disparities In Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Care May Contribute To Differences In Outcomes, Systematic Review Suggests

HCPlive (2/2) reports a 90-study systematic review “suggests sex-based disparities in the care of type 1 diabetes in pediatric populations could be contributing to differences in outcomes observed among male and female patients.” These findings published…

Healthcare Spending In US Increasing, Health Outcomes Worsening Compared With Other High-Income Countries, Report Finds

RevCycle Intelligence (2/1, Bailey) reports that “despite spending the most on healthcare, the United States has the worst health outcomes among high-income countries, including the lowest life expectancy at birth and the highest rate of people with multi…

Children With Asthma/Wheeze Demonstrate Strong Relationship Between Age, Airway Microbiota, Study Finds

Healio (2/1, Hornick) reports “children with asthma/wheeze demonstrated a strong relationship between age and airway microbiota, with a modest difference observed based on asthma severity, according to” a “European multicenter study.” The findings were pu…

Substantial Differences In Outcomes By Race, Ethnicity Continue To Persist In Children And Young Adults With ALL, Analysis Finds

MedPage Today (2/1, Bassett) reports, “While survival outcomes for children and young adults with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) have improved significantly over the last several decades, substantial differences in outcomes by race and ethnicity continu…

Treatment Protocol For Children With Concussions Evolving Over Past Decade

The Washington Post (2/1, Chang) reports, “For years, the treatment protocol for children with concussions involved keeping them out of school to rest in a quiet, dark room with reduced access to screens until they felt better.” But in the past decade, ph…

Gray Matter Volume In Key Brain Regions Appears Lower In Black Children Compared With White Children, Likely Due To Disparities In Childhood Adversity, Scan Study Indicates

MedPage Today (2/1, DePeau-Wilson) reports, “Gray matter volume in key brain regions was lower in Black children compared with white children, likely due to disparities in childhood adversity,” investigators concluded in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Dev…

Complete Vaccination With Four-Component, Protein-Based Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccine Appears Effective In Children Under Five Years, Study Indicates

MedPage Today (2/1, Hein) reports, “Complete vaccination with the four-component, protein-based meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB; Bexsero) was found to be effective in the prevention of invasive serogroup B and non-serogroup B disease among child…

Substance Use Declined Among Teens But Was Inconsistent Among Adults During First Year Of Pandemic, Study Finds

CNN (1/31, LaMotte) reports that “use of marijuana and other substances dropped in teenagers during the first year of the pandemic,” but “adults’ use of cannabis, illegal drugs and alcohol, including binge drinking, either stayed the same or increased com…

Anti-TNF Biosimilars Appear To Produce Similar Clinical Outcomes As Their Originator Drugs In Pediatric Patients With IBD, Research Indicates

HCPlive (1/31, Walter) reports research indicates that “anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) biosimilars produce similar clinical outcomes as their originator drugs in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).” Included in the study were…

FDA To Overhaul Food Safety And Nutrition Division

The Washington Post (1/31, Bogage) reports the FDA “will create a senior position to oversee food safety and nutrition after recent foodborne-illness crises, including a baby formula shortage, exposed major flaws in the agency’s structure and culture.” Th…

Infants Living In Urban Areas Appear To Have Lower Transepidermal Water Loss Values Than Infants In Rural Areas, Research Suggests

Healio (1/31, Gawel) reports, “Infants living in urban areas had lower transepidermal water loss values than infants in rural areas,” an “association” that “occurred despite the fact that urban environments are typically associated with skin barrier damag…

Weekly COVID-19 Cases In Children Spiked In Early January, CDC Says

Medscape (1/31, Franki, Subscription Publication) reports, “Although new COVID-19 cases in children…have remained fairly steady in recent months, data from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention suggest that weekly cases took a big jump in earl…

Alcohol Use Among Youth That Escalates To High-Intensity Drinking Primarily Occurs During High School Years, Study Indicates

MedPage Today (1/30, Henderson) reports a study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that “most teen alcohol use that escalated to having 10 or more drinks in a row reached that level rapidly during the high school years.” In “a sample of youth who reported…

COVID-19 Eighth Most Common Cause Of Death Among Children In US, Study Finds

CNN (1/30, McPhillips) reports, “COVID-19 has become the eighth most common cause of death among children in the United States, according to a study” published in JAMA Network Open. This “analysis of data from the” CDC “found that there were 821 COVID-19…

Lawmakers Urge Greater FDA Action To Limit Heavy Metals In Baby Foods

Bloomberg Law (1/30, Castronuovo, Subscription Publication) reports, “A group of Democratic lawmakers are reigniting pressure on the FDA to limit heavy metals in baby foods, citing a recent Bloomberg Law investigation that found lead and other toxic metal…

Increased Use Of Screen Time During Infancy Was Associated With Poorer Executive Functioning At 9 Years Old, Study Finds

CNN (1/30, Holcombe) reports that investigators have “found that increased use of screen time during infancy was associated with poorer executive functioning once the child was 9 years old.” The findings were published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Children Lost About One-Third Of School Year Worth Of Learning During Pandemic, Analysis Indicates

The New York Times (1/30, Baumgaertner) reports “children experienced learning deficits during the COVID pandemic that amounted to about one-third of a school year’s worth of knowledge and skills, according to a…global analysis,” and learning “had not r…

Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Safe, Effective Option For Treatment Of Children With Complicated UTIs, Trial Finds

Healio (1/27, Weldon) said, “A phase 2 randomized clinical trial found that ceftolozane/tazobactam was a safe and effective option for the treatment of children with complicated UTIs, researchers reported.” These results were published in The Pediatric In…

Researchers Examine Dynamics Of Children’s T Cell Responses To COVID-19

HealthDay (1/27, Thompson) reported, “Children’s amped-up immune systems allow them to beat back COVID-19 easily, producing a strong initial response that quickly slaps away the virus.” But “because the initial response provides such a swift takedown, kid…

Utah Bans Gender-Affirming Healthcare For Transgender Youths

USA Today (1/29, Miller) reports, “Utah has become the first state this year to ban gender-affirming health care for transgender youths, part of a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation brewing in statehouses.” The state’s “Legislature fast-tracked the bill – whi…

Fiber Integral Part Of Child’s Normal Growth, Development

HealthDay (1/27, Reinberg) reported, “Just like adults, children need lots of fiber in their diets.” HealthDay added, “Fiber is part of what fuels a child’s normal growth and development,” and “helps them feel full longer, controls blood sugar levels, red…

US Surgeon General Says 13 Is “Too Young” For Children To Join Social Media Platforms

CNN (1/29, Gordon, Brown) reports US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, “says he believes 13 is too young for children to be on social media platforms, because although sites allow children of that age to join, kids are still ‘developing their identit…

FDA Advisers Recommend Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Become Standard Shot

The New York Times (1/26, Mueller, LaFraniere) reports, “An expert committee advising the Food and Drug Administration recommended on Thursday that regulators phase out the original versions of the Covid-19 vaccines, allowing Americans getting their first…

Nearly “No One” Who Is Islet Autoantibody Negative At Age 10 Despite High Familial Risk For T1D Will Develop Clinical Diabetes By Age 18, Researchers Conclude

Medwire News (1/26, McDermid) reports, “‘Almost no one’ who is islet autoantibody negative at age 10 years despite a high familial risk for type 1 diabetes” (T1D) “will develop clinical diabetes by the age of 18,” researchers concluded in an 1,890-child s…

Unlike Adults, Many Children With Atrophic Papulosis May Present With Gastrointestinal, Neurological Symptoms, Research Suggests

Dermatology Advisor (1/26, Nye) reports, “Unlike adults, many children with atrophic papulosis (AP) present with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms,” investigators concluded in a study that included “19 pediatric and 77 adult patients with AP.” Th…

In 2021, More Than A Quarter Of Adults And Children Experienced Some Kind Of Allergic Condition, Studies Suggest

MedPage Today (1/26, Short) reports, “More than a quarter of adults and children experienced some kind of allergic condition in 2021, according to two” reports from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). NCHS Data Brief. No. 459 revealed that “…

Bivalent COVID-19 Boosters Proving Effective Against XBB, XBB.1.5 Variants, CDC Says

USA Today (1/25, Weintraub) reports, “COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to hold up well against the latest viral variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.” The “Omicron variant known as XBB and its subvariant XBB.1.5 ha…

Record 16.3M People Signed Up For ACA Coverage This Year

The New York Times (1/25, Sanger-Katz) reports, “A record 16.3 million Americans have signed up for health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces during this year’s open enrollment period, beating last year’s sign-ups by 13 percent…

Three Vaccine Regimens For Zaire Ebola Virus Disease Appear Safe, Effective In Adults And Children, Trial Indicates

Infectious Disease Advisor (1/25, Nye) reports, “Results of a trial that assessed 3 vaccine regimens for Ebola virus disease (EVD) showed no safety concerns, with immune responses observed through month 12.” The “partnership for research on Ebola vaccinat…

Autism Rates Tripled Among Children In New York And New Jersey Metropolitan Area From 2000 To 2016, Study Finds

NBC News (1/26, Bendix) reports, “Autism rates tripled among children in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016, according to a study.” The findings were published in Pediatrics.

Siblings Of Infants Who Died Of SIDS Have Higher Risk Of Subsequent SIDS Compared To General Population, Study Indicates

USA Today (1/25, Rodriguez) reports “the cause of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, continues to be a medical mystery but a” study published in JAMA Network Open “suggests genetics may play a role.” According to the study, “over the course of 39 year…

Most Children In US Using Cosmetics, Body Care Products That May Contain Carcinogens, Other Toxic Chemicals, Survey Study Suggests

The Hill (1/25, Udasin) reports, “Most U.S. children are using cosmetics and body care products that could contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals,” according to a survey study. Nearly 70% “of parents surveyed said that their children use items such…

Community Programs Engaging Hispanic Teenagers As COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassadors

Kaiser Health News (1/24, de Marco) reports on community health groups in the United States enlisting Hispanic teenagers to inform their communities about COVID-19 vaccines. The need in such communities is legitimate as according to CDC data, “fewer than…

Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop Therapy Shows Promise In Youth With High-Risk Type 1 Diabetes Using Multiple Daily Injections, Study Indicates

HCPlive (1/24, Campbell) reports study findings have researchers “purporting advanced hybrid closed loop therapy should be considered a first-line option for youth with high-risk type 1 diabetes using multiple daily injections.” The findings from the “sin…

Higher Levels Of Physical Activity, Sports Participation Among Young Children Tied To Fewer Days Of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms, Study Shows

MedPage Today (1/24, Short) reports, “Higher baseline levels of physical activity and participation in sports among young children were associated with fewer days of symptoms from upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) such as the common cold, a cross…

USPSTF Unable To Make Recommendation On Screening Children For Lipid Disorders

Medscape (1/24, Schmidt, Subscription Publication) reports, “Citing a lack of available data, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced Tuesday that it is unable to make a recommendation on whether clinicians should screen children and adol…

FDA Proposes New Limits On Lead In Baby Foods

The New York Times (1/24, Jewett) reports the FDA “on Tuesday proposed maximum limits for the amount of lead in baby foods like mashed fruits and vegetables and dry cereals, after years of studies revealed that many processed products contained levels kno…

CDC Study Shows Fewer US Teens Being Prescribed Buprenorphine Amid Rise In Opioid Addiction

HealthDay (1/24, Norton) reports, “The number of American teenagers becoming addicted to opioids is on the rise, yet fewer are being prescribed a medication that can help them, a new” study by the CDC found. According to the research, “between 2015 and 20…

FDA Proposes Annual COVID-19 Vaccine Regimen

The Washington Post (1/23, A1, McGinley) reports, “Americans would receive an annual vaccine to protect against the coronavirus under a once-a-year regimen akin to what is used for influenza shots, according to a new strategy outlined Monday by the Food a…

Sensitization To Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Correlated With Type 2-High Inflammation Among Children With Moderate To Severe Asthma, Study Finds

Healio (1/23, Gawel) reports, “Sensitization to Staphylococcal enterotoxin was correlated with type 2-high inflammation among children with moderate to severe asthma, according to a study.” Furthermore, “based on a univariate logistic regression analysis,…

Study Observes Significant Dose-Response Relationship Between CT-Related Radiation Exposure And Brain Cancer Among Children, Young Adults

Neurology Advisor (1/23, Jacobs) reports, “A significant dose-response relationship has been observed between computed tomography (CT)–related radiation exposure and brain cancer among children and young adults, according to…a cohort study” that found “…

Children More Likely To Test Positive, Be Hospitalized For Influenza This Season, Data Show

Healio (1/23, Weldon) reports, “Children were twice as likely as adults to test positive for influenza and more likely to be hospitalized for influenza this season, according to data published in” the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from “a fi…

Omicron Subvariant XBB.1.5 Estimated To Make Up Nearly Half Of US Coronavirus Cases, CDC Data Suggest

Reuters (1/20, Mandowara) reported the Omicron subvariant “XBB.1.5 is estimated to make up nearly half of U.S. COVID-19 cases, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed on Friday, putting it on track to become the dominant subv…

RSV, Flu, COVID-19 Numbers Continue To Decline Across US

The Washington Post (1/22, A1, Nirappil) reports that across the US, “the RSV wave has receded,” influenza “cases have rapidly dwindled,” and COVID-19 “hospitalizations rose briefly after Christmas, only to fall again.” The “early waves of respiratory syn…

Medical Professionals Nationwide Increasingly Addressing Gun Violence Epidemic As Public Health Crisis

CNN (1/22, Tucker) reports St. Louis Children’s Hospital is offering “an assortment of cable gun locks free of charge, available to those who need them, alongside pamphlets explaining how to properly and safely store firearms.” This “initiative, aimed at…

Substantial Percentage Of Children With Crohn’s Disease Still Being Treated With 5-Aminosalicylate Despite Guidelines Discouraging Its Use, Researcher Says

MedPage Today (1/20, Susman) said, “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 problem…

Researchers See Disparities In Geographic Access To Pediatric Cancer Care

Healio (1/20, Shinkle) reported, “Approximately 83% of children, adolescents and young adults within the continental United States have access to pediatric cancer care within a 60-minute travel distance, according to a study.” But, “certain racial and eth…

Earlier Return To School May Be Tied To Better Outcomes For Some Children Following Concussion, Study Suggests

CNN (1/20, Christensen) reported, “Sending kids back to school rather than isolating and resting may be a better way to help them recover faster from a concussion,” according to a study that “finds that an earlier return to school was associated with bett…

Pregnant Patients With Syphilis, Substance Use More Likely To Pass Infection To Their Infants, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (1/19, D’Ambrosio) reports, “Pregnant patients with syphilis who used substances had a greater chance of passing the infection along to their baby compared with those without substance use,” CDC researchers concluded in the findings of a 770…

Moderate, Late Preterm Infants May Receive Better Care At NICUs With Fewer Complex Services, Study Suggests

Healio (1/19, Weldon) reports, “Moderate and late preterm infants may receive better care at NICUs with fewer complex services, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.” The investigators wrote that “this was not the case for extremely and very…

Children Under 14 Dying Of Fentanyl Poisoning At Faster Rate Than Any Other Age Group In US, Report Says

NewsNation (1/19, Clark) reports, “Children under 14 are dying of fentanyl poisoning at a rate faster than any other age group, according to a new report from Families Against Fentanyl, a nonprofit spreading awareness about the deadly opioid.” The report…

Infants Born Preterm May Have Poorer Cognitive Outcomes In Adolescence, Researchers Say

HealthDay (1/19, Murez) reports, “By the time they’re teenagers, babies born prematurely may be getting poorer school grades than their non-preemie peers,” according to researchers who “found that babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy had lower scores…

Concerns Growing Over Packaging, Marketing Of Flavored Cannabis

The AP (1/19, Calvan) reports, “For decades, health advocates have chided the tobacco industry for marketing harmful nicotine products to children, resulting in more cities and states, like New York, outlawing flavored tobacco products, including e-cigare…

Use Of Gender-Affirming Hormones In Transgender, Nonbinary Youth May Help Improve Psychosocial Functioning, Study Suggests

MedPage Today (1/18, Monaco) reports, “Use of gender-affirming hormones (GAH) in transgender and nonbinary youth helped improve psychosocial functioning in a four-site prospective, observational study” involving 315 participants. Among those participants,…

Utah Lawmakers Try To Limit Medical Options Physicians Are Allowed To Offer Transgender Youth

The AP (1/18, Metz) reports, “Utah lawmakers wasted no time this week before returning to an issue that has become a popular topic in GOP-led statehouses: Trying to limit medical options doctors are allowed to provide transgender youth.” On day two “of th…

Proposed Connecticut Bill Would Allow Children As Young As 12 To Receive Vaccines Without Parental Approval

The Hill (1/18, Sforza) reports, “A bill introduced to the Connecticut state legislature on Tuesday would allow children ages 12 and older to receive vaccines without a parent’s approval.” State Rep. Kevin Ryan (D) proposed the bill, which “would amend Co…

Children Hospitalized With COVID-19 Who Have Secondary Viral Infection More Likely To Have Severe Respiratory Illness, Study Finds

Healio (1/18, Weldon) reports, “Children hospitalized with COVID-19 who had a secondary viral infection like respiratory syncytial virus or rhinovirus were around twice as likely to have severe respiratory illness, a study found.” Specifically, one resear…

Preliminary Data Suggest There Were Significantly Fewer COVID-19 Deaths In US In 2022

CNN (1/17, McPhillips) reports “COVID-19 has killed more than 1 million people in the United States since the start of the pandemic,” but an “early look at data from 2022 suggests that there were significantly fewer COVID-19 deaths in the third year of th…

Uninsured Rate In US Declined During Pandemic, Report Finds

Health Exec (1/17, Baxter) reports, “The uninsured rate in the United States saw a drop from 11.1% in 2019 to 10.5% in 2021, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).” And “by early 2022, the U.S. reached a new, all…

Progress In Detecting, Treating HIV In Children Slowing

The New York Times (1/17, Nolen, Fezehai) reports, “It has been two decades since efforts to prevent the transmission of H.I.V…from mother to child during pregnancy and birth began in earnest in sub-Saharan Africa,” but “some 130,000 babies are still be…

Intranasal Mometasone Furoate Appears No Better Than Saline For Resolving Symptoms Of Sleep-Disordered Breathing In Children, Trial Indicates

MedPage Today (1/17, Short) reports, “Intranasal mometasone furoate was no better than saline for resolving symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children, but either treatment may reduce the need for specialty care or surgery, the randomized MI…

New Prognostic Model Improves Prediction Of Cerebral Palsy In At-Risk Term-Born Infants, Study Shows

MedPage Today (1/17, Henderson) reports, “A new prognostic model for identification of term-born neonates at increased risk for cerebral palsy (CP) may have brought better outcomes through early intervention one step closer,” according to study findings p…

Respiratory Viruses Contributed To Excess Burden Of Asthma-Related ED Visits For Children In Racial And Ethnic Minority Groups Outside Of COVID-19 Lockdown, Study Finds

Healio (1/17, Gawel) reports, “Respiratory viruses contributed to the excess burden of asthma-related visits to the ED for children in racial and ethnic minority groups outside of the COVID-19 lockdown, according to study results.” And based on these resu…

Walgreens Removes Online-Only Purchase Limits For Pediatric Fever-Reducing Products

Reuters (1/16, Kumar) reports that on Monday, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc “said…it has removed online-only purchase limits for its over-the-counter pediatric fever-reducing products, as supply conditions improve.” Last month, several pharmacy chains ha…

Holiday Gatherings Did Not Spark Surge In Respiratory Diseases, CDC Data Show

The AP (1/13, Stobbe) reported new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest “holiday gatherings didn’t spark surges in respiratory diseases.” On Friday the CDC “reported that visits to doctors’ offices for the flu-like illnesses fe…

Growing Body Of Research Exploring Long COVID In Children

CNN (1/14, Christensen) reported, “More than a quarter of kids who get COVID-19 may develop long-term symptoms, according to a study from June,” while “a 2021 study suggested that it may be even more.” It is “not clear why some kids develop long COVID and…

Analysis Finds Children Under 14 Dying Of Fentanyl Poisoning At Faster Rate Than Other Age Groups

Fox News (1/13, Conklin) reported, “Children younger than 14 are dying of fentanyl poisoning at a faster rate than any other age group, according to a new analysis from Families Against Fentanyl (FAF), a nonprofit spreading awareness about the deadly opio…

Researchers Find No Association Between Prenatal Exposure To Acid-Suppressive Medications, Risk For Allergic Diseases In Children

Healio (1/13, Gawel) reported, “Researchers found no association between prenatal exposure to acid-suppressive medications and risk for allergic diseases in children, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.” Furthermore, “infants exposed to the…

Federal Court Rules Parents Cannot Sue To Force FDA To Revoke COVID-19 Vaccine Authorization For Minors

Bloomberg Law (1/13, Pazanowski, Subscription Publication) reported that “parents who object to vaccinating their children against Covid-19 can’t sue to force the federal Food and Drug Administration to revoke orders authorizing the shots for minors, a fe…

COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy Increases Risk Of Maternal Mortality, Adverse Newborn Outcomes, Research Finds

The Hill (1/16, Sforza) reports, “A new scientific review…found that a COVID-19 infection at any time during a pregnancy increases the risk of maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidities and adverse newborn outcomes.” Investigators “synthesized data…

Report Finds No Change In Overall, Early, Or Late Fetal Mortality Rates From 2020 To 2021

HealthDay (1/12, Gotkine) reports, “From 2020 to 2021, there was no change in overall, early, or late fetal mortality rates, according to a January Vital Statistics Rapid Release report, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventi…

RSV-Associated Hospital Admissions Rose Among Children During 2021-2022 Season, Study Finds

MedPage Today (1/12, Short) reports, “While respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) did not appear to be more severe during its resurgence in 2021, hospital admissions increased for kids, possibly as a result of delayed first infection or no recent reinfection…

HHS Awards Nearly $245 Million To Support Youth Mental Health Programs, Help Healthcare Workforce Address Growing Challenges Of Mental Health In Adolescents

According to Healio (1/12, Rhoades), in a Jan. 9 press release, “HHS announced that it has awarded nearly $245 million to support youth mental health programs and help the healthcare workforce address the growing challenges of mental health in adolescents…

Revised Version Of The Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire Reliable, Valid, Researchers Say

HealthDay (1/12, Gotkine) reports, “A revised 39-item version of the Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire (ASDQ) is reliable and valid for evaluating symptoms of autism, according to a study” in which researchers “describe the development and initial p…

Childhood Immunization Rates Dropped During 2021-22 School Year, CDC Data Show

USA Today (1/12, Alltucker) reports, “Immunization rates for measles, polio and other diseases once again dropped among kindergartners last school year, a trend public health officials warn puts kids at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.” Nearly “93%…

Effects Of Long COVID Tend To Resolve Within One Year Of Mild Infection, Study Shows

Bloomberg (1/11, Pham) reports, “The effects of long COVID tend to resolve within a year of mild infection, with vaccinated people at lower risk of breathing difficulties compared with unvaccinated people, according to a study” in which “researchers exami…

Guidelines For Ear Infections In Young Children May Lead To Unnecessary Tympanostomy Tube Placement, Study Suggests

Healio (1/11, Weldon) reports, “Guidelines for ear infections in young children may lead to unnecessary tympanostomy tube placement, according to a study” that “found that recurrent cases of acute otitis media occur in a narrow ‘window of susceptibility’…

Teens With More Psychological Assets More Likely To Maintain Good Cardiometabolic Health In Adulthood, Researchers Say

Healio (1/11, Schaffer) says, “Teens who feel happy, accepted and loved are more likely to maintain good cardiometabolic health as adults, and data show Black youths in particular were more harmed by fewer psychological assets, researchers reported” in a…

US Officials Raise Concern Over Impact Of TikTok On Teens’ Mental Health

CNN (1/11, Yurkevich) reports, “In recent months, TikTok has faced growing pressure from state and federal lawmakers over concerns about its ties to China through its parent company, ByteDance.” However, “some lawmakers and researchers have also been scru…

HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Through Mid-April

Bloomberg (1/11, Griffin) reports, “The US government again extended the Covid-19 public health emergency, maintaining measures that have expanded access to health care for millions of Americans since the outbreak began in 2020.” HHS Secretary Xavier Bece…

Children Exposed In Utero To Maternal Cancer, Treatment Do Not Appear To Have Long-Term Health Consequences, Study Suggests

Medscape (1/11, McKnight, Subscription Publication) reports, “Children who were exposed in utero to maternal cancer and treatment do not appear to have any long-term health consequences as a result of this exposure, a nationwide Danish study suggests.” Co…

Food Insecurity Yielded $2.5K In Family Healthcare Expenditures In One Year, Study Finds

PatientEngagementHIT (1/10, Heath) reports “more studies are drawing a link between social determinants of health (SDOH), food insecurity and health outcomes, with the latest” study published in Health Affairs “showing that food insecurity yielded some $2…

About 100 Infant Deaths Over Last 13 Years Tied To Recalled Fisher-Price Sleeper, CPSC Says

The New York Times (1/10, Gross) reports, “About 100 infant deaths over the last 13 years have been linked to the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper that was recalled in 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Monday, in a repeated warnin…

Antipsychotic Prescriptions For Children In UK Have Doubled Over Past Two Decades, Researchers Say

Bloomberg (1/10, Pham) reports, “Strong psychiatric drugs used to control hallucinations and delusions are being prescribed more often for children in the UK, a trend that has experts concerned about safety and appropriateness.” Researchers “who examined…

Researchers Identify Presence Of Circulating Spike Protein In Adolescents, Young Adults Who Present With Myocarditis After SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination

Healio (1/10, Schaffer) reports, “Researchers identified the presence of circulating spike protein that evaded antibody recognition in adolescents and young adults who present with myocarditis after SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA vaccination.” Also, “antibody p…

Seattle Public Schools Sues Social Media Giants Over Impact On Children’s Mental Health

ABC News (1/9) reports, “Seattle Public Schools, the largest school district in the state of Washington, filed a lawsuit Friday against multiple social media giants, in an effort to hold the companies ‘accountable for the harm they have wreaked on the soc…

Nearly 700K Rocking Sleepers Recalled After 15 Infant Deaths

HealthDay (1/9, Murez) reports, “Following the deaths of 15 infants, families are advised to immediately stop using all models of Kids2 Rocking Sleepers, according to a second recall notice.” Four of these 15 infants “died after the first recall notice, t…

More Schools Across US Implementing Mask Mandates As COVID-19 Cases Climb

ABC News (1/9, Kekatos) reports, “More schools across the United States are putting mask mandates in place as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.” Before the “winter break, districts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania announced they would temporarily be requirin…

Number Of Kawasaki Disease Diagnoses In Japan Fell By Approximately One-Third In 2020, Data Show

Healio (1/9, Martin) reports, “The number of patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease in Japan fell by approximately one-third in 2020, with no indication that parents eschewed necessary hospital visits, according to” a “cohort study using data from the c…

Telehealth-Based Intervention Program May Help Improve Some Behavior Issues In Young Children With Developmental Delay, Research Suggests

HCPlive (1/9, Walter) reports, “A telehealth-based intervention program” of Internet-delivered parent-child interaction therapy “could help improve some of the behavior issues in young children with developmental delay,” psychologists concluded in a “rand…

CDC Extends BMI Measures For Children’s Growth Charts

The Washington Post (1/9, Blakemore) reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “has issued extended growth charts for children with BMIs that aren’t reflected on the older charts,” which “were issued in 2000 based on representative data from…

Children With T1D Appear To Miss More School Days Per Year Than Children Without The Disease, Study Indicates

Healio (1/9, Welsh) reports, “Children with type 1 diabetes” (T1D) “missed nine more school days, on average, per year than children without the disease,” researchers concluded in a study that included “263,426 children without diabetes and 1,212 children…

Omicron Subvariant XBB.1.5 Becoming Dominant Strain In Parts Of US

The Washington Post (1/8, A1, Nirappil, Weber) reports Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 “is quickly becoming the dominant strain in parts of the United States because of a potent mix of mutations that makes it easier to spread broadly, including among those who…

COVID-19 Rising In US As RSV, Influenza Numbers Decline

CNN (1/6, Goodman, McPhillips) reported that amid this cold and flu season in the US, “COVID-19, which had taken a back seat to” viruses including influenza and RSV, “is once again becoming a menace, and health officials are urging people to stay vigilant…

FDA Accepts For Priority Review Supplemental Biologics License Application For Pfizer’s 20-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine For Use In Infants, Children

Healio (1/6) reported, “The FDA has accepted for priority review a supplemental biologics license application for Pfizer’s 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for use in infants and children aged 6 weeks to 17 years, Pfizer announced.” This “20-valen…

Nearly 13% Of Childhood Asthma Cases May Be Tied To Gas-Stove Pollution, Research Suggests

The Washington Post (1/6, Joselow, Montalbano) reported, “Gas-burning stoves in kitchens across America are responsible for roughly 12.7 percent of childhood asthma cases nationwide – on par with the childhood asthma risks associated with exposure to seco…

Supervised Exercise Programs May Be Tied To Significant Reductions In Symptoms Of Depression Among Children And Teenagers, Systematic Review Concludes

HealthDay (1/6, Thompson) reported, “Supervised exercise programs are associated with significant reductions in symptoms of depression among children and teenagers,” investigators concluded in the findings of a 21-study systematic review and meta-analysis…

Study Finds No Reported Serious Adverse Events Among Children Who Received COVID-19 Vaccine After MIS-C

Healio (1/6, Weldon) reported, “A study found no reported serious adverse events among children who received a COVID-19 vaccine after recovering from multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C.” The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, s…

More Than 150M People Receive Health Insurance Through Public Programs, CMS Data Show

HealthPayerIntelligence (1/5, Bailey) reports, “More than 150 million people receive health insurance through public programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to the latest enrollment data from C…

FDA Accepts Biologics License Application For Long-Acting Antibody For RSV Prevention In Infants

CNN (1/5, Howard) reports the “Food and Drug Administration has accepted a biologics license application for a long-acting antibody for the prevention of lower respiratory tract infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, according to the develo…

Common Air Pollutants Tied To Nonviral Asthma Attacks Among US Youth Living In Dense, Low-Income Urban Areas, Research Shows

The Hill (1/5, Melillo) reports, “Common air pollutants ozone and fine particulate matter are associated with nonviral asthma attacks among U.S. youth living in dense, low-income urban areas…research shows.” In this study, published in The Lancet Planet…

Study Reveals Significant Racial Inequities In High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Programs For Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Healio (1/5, Weldon) reports a study published in Pediatrics “uncovered significant racial inequities in high-risk infant follow-up programs for extremely low birth weight infants.” Investigators “used data from the Vermont Oxford Network” and “found that…

Researchers Develop Test For Autism That Can Identify Risk Markers In Hair

NBC News (1/5, Bush) reports, “Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind test for autism that they say can find markers of risk in a single strand of hair, an innovation that might help clinicians identify it in young children before they miss develo…

Cases Of MIS-C May Be More Common, Severe Than Previously Reported, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (1/5, Hein) reports, “Cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) may be more common and severe than previously reported, research on hospitalizations from 31 U.S. states suggested.” Reviewing billing code data for MIS-C “…

Health Experts Raise Concern Over Spread Of Omicron Subvariant XBB.1.5

USA Today (1/4, Weintraub) reports, “The latest COVID-19 variant to sweep across the country, XBB.1.5, doesn’t appear to cause more serious disease than its predecessors, experts say.” According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,…

Shorter Course Of Antibiotic Therapy Appears Comparable To Longer Course In Children With Nonsevere Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Systematic Review Suggests

Healio (1/4, Hornick) reports, “In children with nonsevere community-acquired pneumonia, or CAP, a shorter course of antibiotic therapy appeared comparable to a longer course, according to results of a” nine-trial systematic review and meta-analysis. Thes…

New Federal Guidance Will Allow States To Introduce Initiatives Addressing Health-Related Social Needs Into Medicaid Managed Care Plans

Bloomberg Law (1/4, Belloni, Subscription Publication) reports, “States will be able to introduce initiatives addressing health-related social needs into their Medicaid managed care plans under guidance issued Wednesday by the Biden administration.” Bloom…

Systematic Review Identifies Several Familial Factors Seemingly Tied To Symptom Severity For Pediatric Patients With AD/HD

According to HCPlive (1/4, Walter), researchers have “identified several familial factors that are seemingly linked to symptom severity for pediatric patients with” attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). The 43-study systematic review and meta-…

Previous COVID-19 Infection Plus Vaccination Provides Most Robust Immunity Against Reinfection Among Adolescents, Case-Control Study Shows

Infectious Disease Advisor (1/4, Nye) reports, “Results of a case-control study…suggest previous COVID-19 infection plus vaccination provides the most robust immunity against reinfection among adolescents.” According to the results published in The Lanc…

Habitual Social Media Use May Be Associated With Heightened Sensitivity To Social Rewards From Peers Over Time, Scan Study Suggests

According to the New York Times (1/3, Barry), “children who habitually checked their social media feeds at around age 12 showed a distinct trajectory, with their sensitivity to social rewards from peers heightening over time,” while “teenagers with less e…

High Short-Acting β2-Agonist Use Tied To Increased Risk Of Asthma Exacerbations In Children, Study Finds

Pulmonology Advisor (1/3, Stong) reports, “Increased use of short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) is associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations in children, especially in those without comorbid atopic diseases, according to” a “population-based re…

Physical Activity May Help Alleviate Depressive Symptoms In Teens, Systematic Review Indicates

MedPage Today (1/3, Monaco) reports, “Physical activity can help alleviate depressive symptoms in teens,” investigators concluded in the findings of a 21-study systematic review and meta-analysis published online Jan. 3 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Children With Mental, Behavioral Health Conditions More Likely To Experience Pharmacologic Restraint In ED If They Are Young, Male, Or Black, Study Finds

Healio (1/3, Weldon) reports, “Children with mental or behavioral health conditions are more likely to experience pharmacologic restraint in the ED if they are young, male or Black, according to a study published in Pediatrics” that “analyzed the Pediatri…

Accidental Cannabis Edible Exposures Among Young Children In US Rising, Study Shows

HealthDay (1/3, Norton) reports, “As more U.S. states legalize marijuana, the number of preschoolers accidentally eating cannabis ‘edibles’ is rising in tandem, a…study shows.” Overall, the study found that from 2017 to 2021 “poison control centers reco…

Experts Discuss Global Preparedness For Future Pandemics

USA Today (1/1, Weintraub) reported that three years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, “the risk of a deadly pathogen spreading around the world remains.” And “now, in addition to worrying about a virus that might jump from animals to humans, expe…

Seasonal Flu Activity Remains High In US But Continuing To Decline, CDC Data Show

CNN (12/30, Howard) reported “seasonal flu activity remains high in the United States but continued to decline in most areas” in the week “leading up to Christmas, according to data published Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” T…

Researchers Identify Rate, Risk Factors, Sequelae Of Asymptomatic C Difficile Colonization In Pediatric Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

HCPlive (1/1, Walter) reported, “Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis commonly may have asymptomatic colonized Clostridioides difficile but did not result in increased rates of C difficile infections (CDI),” according to researchers who “identified the…

Omicron Subvariant XBB.1.5 Becoming Dominant In US, Data Show

CNBC (12/30, Kimball) reported, “The Covid omicron XBB.1.5 variant is rapidly becoming dominant in the U.S. because it is highly immune evasive and appears more effective at binding to cells than related subvariants, scientists say.” The subvariant “now r…

“Spontaneous” Newborn Movements Contribute To Sensorimotor System Development, Investigators Say

HealthDay (12/30, Murez) reported a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that with each spontaneous movement, a newborn “is developing its sensorimotor system.” Investigators “studying these ‘spontaneous’ newborn mo…

Number Of People Under Age 20 With Diabetes In The US Appears Likely To Substantially Increase In Future Decades, Data Indicate

CNN (12/29, Dillinger) reports, “The number of people under age 20 with type 2 diabetes in the US may increase nearly 675% by 2060 if trends continue,” and may increase “up to 65% in young people with type 1 diabetes,” investigators concluded in findings…

Sesame To Join List Of Major Food Allergens Starting January 1, FDA Says

CNN (12/29, Rogers) reports, “Starting January 1, sesame will join the list of major food allergens defined by law, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.” This “change comes as a result of the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Rese…

FDA Approves Injectable Semaglutide 2.4 Mg For Adolescents Ages 12 And Older With Obesity

MedPage Today (12/29, Monaco) reports, “The FDA approved injectable semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) for people with obesity ages 12 and up, maker Novo Nordisk announced.” The drug, “when paired with diet and exercise,” is “now indicated for use in adolescents…

Adolescents With Overweight Or Obesity May Consume More Calories During Snacking Than Those With Normal Weight, Research Suggests

Healio (12/29, Monostra) reports, “Adolescents with overweight or obesity consume more calories during snacking and eat more snacks with added sugars, dairy, solid fats and refined grains than those with normal weight,” researchers concluded after conduct…

Prenatal Exposure To Benzodiazepines And/Or Z-Hypnotics Not Tied To Increased Risk Of AD/HD, Study Indicates

Healio (12/29, VanDewater) reports, “Children exposed to benzodiazepines and/or nonbenzodiazepines, also known as z-hypnotics, prenatally may not have increased risk for” attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), researchers concluded in a study t…

CMS Issues Reminder To Insurers That Coverage Is Available Without Cost-Sharing For Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

Healthcare Finance News (12/29, Morse) reports, “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is reminding insurers that coverage is available without cost-sharing for the updated COVID-19 vaccines.” Regardless of coverage or lack thereof, “COVID-19 vac…

US Health Officials Warn About Increase In Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections

The Los Angeles Times (12/29, Money, Lin) reports physicians “should be on the lookout for a particular kind of invasive strep infection in children that can result in so-called ‘flesh-eating’ disease and organ failure, according to health officials.” Jus…

Influenza Vaccination Reduced Outpatient Visits During 2021-2022 Season, Data Show

Healio (12/27, Stulpin) reported, “During the 2021-2022 influenza season, vaccination significantly reduced outpatient visits, consistent with prior seasons during which A(H3N2) viruses were predominant, especially among younger patients…study data show…

Biden Administration Announces New COVID-19 Testing Requirements For Travelers From China

The New York Times (12/28, Stolberg, Mueller) reports that on Wednesday, the Biden Administration “announced…that travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macau must present negative Covid-19 tests before entering the United States, a move that it says is in…

Experts Warn Potential Post-Holiday Rise In Respiratory Infections May Exacerbate Shortfalls Of Some Medications

CNN (12/28, Christensen) reports, “Experts say there will likely be a post-holiday bump in respiratory virus numbers, and that could put an even greater strain on supplies of some medications that have been hard to find amid a severe illness season.” Pedi…

Risk Of Peri-Hippocampal Recurrence Is Low In Pediatric Patients With Medulloblastoma, Study Finds

Cancer Therapy Advisor (12/28, Lawrence) reports, “The risk of peri-hippocampal recurrence is low in pediatric patients with medulloblastoma, according to a retrospective study.” Cancer Therapy Advisor adds, “Based on this finding, researchers suggest tha…

In High-Risk Infants, Early Application Of Emollients Appears To Be Effective Strategy For Prevention Of Atopic Dermatitis, Systematic Review Indicates

Dermatology Advisor (12/28, Jacobs) reports, “In high-risk infants, early application of emollients is an effective strategy for the prevention of atopic dermatitis…and emollient emulsion may be the optimal type of treatment,” investigators concluded in…

Case Study Warns About Pediatric Poisonings From Fentanyl And Xylazine

HealthDay (12/28, Mozes) reports a case study published in Pediatrics warns about “pediatric poisonings from a particularly lethal combo – a potent synthetic opioid known as fentanyl and a powerful veterinary sedative called xylazine.” The study examines…

Flu Decreasing In Many Parts Of US, CDC Says

The AP (12/23, Stobbe) reported, “Flu is decreasing in many parts of the U.S. after an alarmingly early and strong start to the season.” According to data from the CDC, “the number of flu hospital admissions fell for the second week in a row” and “the per…

Ohio Measles Outbreak Raises Concern About Vaccine Hesitancy, Resurgence Of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

The Washington Post (12/26, A1, Sun) reported the “rapidly growing measles outbreak in Columbus, Ohio – largely involving unvaccinated children – is fueling concerns among health officials that more parent resistance to routine childhood immunizations wil…

Protection From Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Against Omicron Variant Wanes After Three Months But Is Restored By Booster Shot In Children Aged Five To 11 Years, Study Finds

Healio (12/23, Weldon) reported “protection against the omicron variant from the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine,” BNT162b2, “waned after 3 months in children aged 5 to 11 years but was restored by a booster shot, according to” a study. In the final anal…

Study Reveals Trends Among Adolescents Who Repeatedly Visit Hospital ED For Mental Health Emergencies

According to the New York Times (12/27, Barry), research published online Dec. 27 in JAMA Pediatrics revealed “a surprising trend among adolescents who repeatedly visited the hospital” emergency department (ED) for mental health emergencies. After analyzi…

House Passes $1.7T Spending Package

Modern Healthcare (12/23, Kacik, Subscription Publication) reported, “The House of Representatives passed the $1.7 trillion spending bill Friday, which drew mixed reactions from healthcare industry associations.” The bill, “which passed the Senate on Thur…

Continuous Eligibility Policies May Help Reduce Medicaid Churn, Disenrollment Among Children, Brief Says

HealthPayerIntelligence (12/23, Bailey) reported, “Continuous eligibility policies can help reduce Medicaid churn and disenrollment among children, according to an issue brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)” based on “Medicaid claims data from 20…

COVID-19, Respiratory Illnesses Still Rising Amid Holiday Season

The New York Times (12/22, Anthes) reports that amid this holiday season, “new, immune evasive versions of the Omicron variant are spreading,” and “this year the coronavirus has company: Common seasonal viruses, which lay low for the last two winters, hav…

Target Recalling About 204K Weighted Blankets Due To Asphyxiation Risk

USA Today (12/22, Mendoza) reports, “Target is recalling about 204,000 weighted blankets after federal regulators say two young girls died of asphyxiation earlier this year.” On Thursday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission “announced…the Pillowfort…

Gene Therapy Improves Artemis-Deficient Severe Combined Immunodeficiency In Infants, Study Shows

Healio (12/22, Gawel) reports, “Infants with Artemis-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency improved after corrected genes in their stem cells enabled them to grow their own T cells and B cells, according to a study” that “involved 10 infants.” For th…

Pediatric Medicine Manufacturers Say They Are Operating “24/7” To Meet Demand

The Hill (12/22, Choi) reports, “Pediatric medicine manufacturers told the White House this week that they are operating their facilities 24/7 in order to meet demand as parents across the country continue to deal with medicine shortages brought on by the…

Prolonged Lengths Of Stay In EDs Increased During Pandemic For Pediatric Patients With Mental Health Conditions, Study Finds

HealthLeaders Media (12/22, Cheney) reports, “For pediatric patients with mental health conditions, prolonged lengths of stay in emergency departments increased significantly during the coronavirus pandemic, according to” a study “based on data collected…

FDA Says It Is Working To Improve Supply Of Children’s Cold And Flu Medications, Urges People Not To Stockpile Drugs

CNBC (12/21, Coombs) reports, “The surge in flu cases and Covid-19 infections this month, along with elevated levels of childhood respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, infections has caused elevated demand for children’s over-the-counter cold and flu medic…

FDA Agrees To Pediatric Study Plan To Develop Obefazimod For Children Aged Two To 17 With IBD

Healio (12/21) reports, “The FDA has agreed on Abivax’s initial pediatric study plan for the development of obefazimod in children aged two to 17 years with inflammatory bowel disease” (IBD), “the company announced in a press release” dated Dec. 20.

Biden Administration Says It Will Release Prescription Flu Medicine From Strategic National Stockpile

The AP (12/21, Seitz) reports that on Wednesday, the Biden Administration “said…it will release doses of prescription flu medicine from the Strategic National Stockpile to states as…patients continue to flock to hospitals and doctors’ offices around t…

US, Europe Report Rise In Invasive Strep A Infections

The Washington Post (12/21, Cha) reports that while “infection with Streptococcus pyogenes – or group A strep, for short – typically produces mild symptoms,” in “recent months, cases related to a rare invasive form of the common bacteria have been popping…

Screening For Adverse Childhood Experiences Improves Receipt Of Behavioral Health Services, Data Show

PatientEngagementHIT (12/21, Heath) reports “adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are increasingly recognized as influencing pediatric health and well-being into adulthood,” as study data “signals that organizations that screen for ACEs can more successfu…

NYC Mayor Encourages Residents To Wear Masks, Take Precautions Against COVID-19

The New York Times (12/20, Fitzsimmons) reports New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) on Tuesday encouraged NYC residents to resume wearing masks in crowded, public places “in the face of a winter surge of Covid-19 cases.” The press conference “was the mayor…

DEA Seized More Than 379M Doses Of Fentanyl This Year, Agency Announces

The New York Times (12/20, Diaz) reports, “The Drug Enforcement Administration confiscated more than 379 million doses of fentanyl this year, the agency said, and it seized more than double the number of pills laced with the potent synthetic opioid than i…

Newly Unveiled $1.7T Spending Package Could Cause Millions Of People To Lose Medicaid Coverage, Revamp Pandemic Response

The AP (12/20, Seitz) reports “millions of people who enrolled in Medicaid during the COVID-19 pandemic could start to lose their coverage on April 1 if Congress passes the $1.7 trillion spending package leaders unveiled Tuesday.” The spending package “wi…

Some Pharmacies Limiting Number Of OTC Pediatric Pain Relievers Consumers Can Purchase

The New York Times (12/20, Tumin) reports that “as a ‘tripledemic’ of respiratory illnesses takes hold, some pharmacies in the United States have placed limits on the number of some over-the-counter medicines customers can purchase to soothe their symptom…

Children With Egg Allergy Who Practice Strict Avoidance Have Worse Quality Of Life Than Those Who Tolerate Baked Eggs, Study Shows

Healio (12/20, Gawel) reports, “Children with egg allergy who practiced strict avoidance had worse quality of life than those who…tolerated baked eggs, according to” results of a 26-patient study presented at the ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting 2022. Fu…

Former FDA Commissioner Says Antibiotic Drug Shortage Not Caused By Supply Chain Disruptions

The Hill (12/19, Dress) reports former FDA Commissioner Dr. “Scott Gottlieb said a shortage of antibiotic drugs in the U.S. is the result of pharmaceutical companies not expecting a surge in demand rather than any disruptions in the supply chain.” Gottlie…

Overall Prevalence Of Pregestational Diabetes Rose From 2000-2019, Increasing Risks Of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Researchers Say

Healio (12/19, VanDewater) reports, “From 2000 to 2019, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes quadrupled, increasing the overall prevalence of pregestational diabetes,” and this “rise in pregestational diabetes increased the odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes…

Number Of Twin Births In US Declined In First Year Of Pandemic, CDC Finds

The Washington Post (12/19, Blakemore) says, “In its first year, the pandemic lowered the twin birthrate in the United States, a report” (PDF) “from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests.” Investigators “analyzed birth records from 2019…

Pharmacies To Limit Purchases Of Children’s Pain Medicines

Bloomberg (12/19, Swetlitz) reports, “CVS Health Corp. and Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., two of the largest US pharmacy chains, are limiting purchases of children’s pain-relief medicines amid constrained supplies and high demand.” The article adds, “CVS…

Investigational RSV Vaccine In Pregnant Women Appears To Protect Infants Against Severe Disease, Study Suggests

Medscape (12/19, Eppinger, Subscription Publication) reports, “An investigational vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in pregnant women has been shown to help protect infants against severe disease, according to the vaccine’s manufacturer,”…

Incidence Of Firearm Injuries, Homicide Among Children In US Rose During Pandemic, Studies Find

The Wall Street Journal (12/19, Mosbergen, Subscription Publication) reports an analysis of data from children’s hospitals found that the incidence of firearm injuries in the US among children rose sharply between April 2020 and December 2021. A separate…

Children Youngest In Their Grade May Be Overmedicated For AD/HD, Researchers Say

According to HealthDay (12/16, Murez), research indicates that children “who are the youngest in their grade may be overmedicated for” attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), investigators concluded in a study that “included Norwegian children bo…

Shortage Of Pediatric Hospital Beds Places Strain On Hospitals As COVID-19, Flu, RSV Cases Spike

The Washington Post (12/17, Rowland) reported hospitals this year have been “strained under the load of RSV infections and, more recently, influenza and the coronavirus.” The shortage of available hospital beds has affected “infants and children” especial…

Excessive Screen Time Watching Videos, Playing Video Games Tied To Increased Risk Of Children Developing OCD, Data Indicate

Psychiatric News (12/16) reported, “Excessive screen time watching videos and playing video games is associated with an increased risk of children developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),” researchers concluded after analyzing “data from 9,208 chil…

CDC Investigating Apparent Increase In Invasive Group A Strep Infections Among Children

CNN (12/16, Hassan) reported that the CDC “says it’s investigating an apparent increase in invasive group A strep infections, but the rise may indicate a return to typical pre-pandemic levels.” Similar to “flu and RSV, invasive group A strep infections, k…

CDC Report Highlights Risks For Children Who Get Flu, COVID-19 At Same Time

HealthDay (12/16, Reinberg) reported “kids who get the flu and COVID-19 together may be in for a serious, even deadly, bout of illness, U.S. health officials said Friday.” Even though “the 2021-2022 flu season was mild, some children did get flu and COVID…

FDA To Hold Expert Meeting To Discuss Updating COVID-19 Vaccines To Combat Circulating Variants

Reuters (12/16, Satija, Mishra) reported the FDA “said on Friday it planned to hold a meeting of outside experts next month to discuss whether initial doses of COVID-19 vaccines need to be updated to combat circulating variants.” While updated booster sho…

About 35% Of Parents Oppose Vaccination Requirements For Schoolchildren, Survey Finds

The New York Times (12/16, Hoffman) reported 35% “of parents oppose requirements that children receive routine immunizations in order to attend school, according to a new survey released Friday by the Kaiser Family Foundation.” About 44% “of adults who ei…

For Children, Young Adults With T1D, Comorbidities May Increase Risk For COVID-19 Hospitalization, Researchers Say

Healio (12/15, Welsh) reports, “For children and young adults with type 1 diabetes” (T1D), “comorbidities such as obesity and asthma increased the risk for COVID-19 hospitalization,” researchers concluded in a “cross-sectional, multi-institutional surveil…

White House Announces Plans For Controlling COVID-19 Cases This Winter

USA Today (12/15, Weintraub) reports, “As COVID-19 cases rise again with the arrival of winter and holiday gatherings, the White House on Thursday announced its plans for controlling cases this winter.” These plans include “collaborating with communities…

CDC Publishes Revised Case Definition Of MIS-C

Healio (12/15, Weldon) reports, “The CDC and Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists published a revised case definition of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, a potentially serious complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection.” The CDC “said…

Despite Being Important Risk Factor, Obesity Not A Universal Phenotype Among Children With T2D, Systematic Review Indicates

Healio (12/15, Welsh) reports, “Obesity was not a universal phenotype among children with type 2 diabetes” (T2D), “despite being an important risk factor, according to” findings from a 57-study systematic review and meta-analysis published online in JAMA…

CDC Warns Co-Infections With COVID-19, Influenza May Cause More Severe Illness In Children

MedPage Today (12/15, Hein) reports, “The CDC warned that co-infections with COVID-19 and influenza can potentially cause more severe illness in children, and need to be tracked.” The article adds, “Surveillance data from the 2021-2022 influenza season re…

Maternal Stress During Pregnancy Tied To Shorter Telomeres Among Offspring Of White Mothers, But Not Those Born To Black Mothers, Data Show

Healio (12/15, VanDewater) reports, “Maternal stress during pregnancy was associated with shorter telomeres among the offspring of white mothers, but not those born to Black mothers, according to prospective data published in Psychological Medicine.” Furt…

CDC Releases Extended BMI-For-Age Growth Charts For Severe Childhood Obesity

Bloomberg Law (12/15, Court, Subscription Publication) reports the CDC “is expanding charts that doctors use to track kids’ growth and development to include Body Mass Index as high as 60.” The CDC “said it was making the change ‘to enable consistent, mea…

Parents Grapple With High Demand Of Over-The-Counter Medications As Respiratory Viruses Surge

USA Today (12/14, Rodriguez) reports, “The sniffles are running rampant among children this year as the country sees a surge in respiratory viruses, leading to an unprecedented demand for over-the-counter medications,” including pain relievers and antibio…

Researchers Calling For New Generation Of COVID-19 Vaccines

NBC News (12/14, Bendix) reports, “Two years after the first Covid shots went into arms, a growing chorus of researchers is calling for a new generation of vaccines that provide broader and more long-term protection against the disease.” Specifically, “re…

Vaccine Regimens For Zaire Ebola Virus Disease Produce Antibody Responses In Adults, Children, Studies Show

Reuters (12/14, Srinivasan, Leo) reports Ebola vaccine regimens targeting the Zaire virus strain “developed by Johnson & Johnson and Merck & Co produced virus-fighting antibodies and appear to be safe in children and adults, according to data from two stu…

CDC Publishes Resource On Mpox Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, And Management In Children, Adolescents

Healio (12/14, Weldon) reports, “CDC researchers published a resource for providers that outlines the epidemiology and clinical features of mpox in children and adolescents and how it can be diagnosed and managed.” The team “conducted a literature review…

Prevalence Of Bacterial Infections In Hospitalized Infants Fell To Prepandemic Levels Earlier This Year, Study Shows

Healio (12/14, Weldon) reports, “The prevalence of bacterial infections in hospitalized infants – after rising during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic – fell to prepandemic levels earlier this year, according to” a “retrospective…multicenter, cro…

For Adolescent Patients, Hospitalizations For Psychiatric Conditions Appear To Have Increased Since Beginning Of COVID-19 Pandemic, Study Suggests

HCPlive (12/14, Walter) reports, “Hospitalizations for psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, and suicidality increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 for adolescent patients,” investigators concluded in a study that included “9,696 a…

Several Children’s Hospitals In US Note Uptick In Invasive Group A Strep Infections

NBC News (12/14, Bendix) reports, “Several children’s hospitals in the U.S. have detected increases in invasive group A strep infections, a severe and sometimes life-threatening illness that occurs when bacteria spreads to areas of the body that are norma…

COVID-19 Vaccines Prevented More Than 18.5M Hospitalizations, 3.2M Deaths In US, Study Says

CNN (12/13, Christensen) reports “the Covid-19 vaccines have kept more than 18.5 million people in the US out of the hospital and saved more than 3.2 million lives,” according to a study from the Commonwealth Fund “– and that estimate is most likely a co…

Public Health Experts Urging People To Wear Masks Indoors

The New York Times (12/13) reports public health experts are urging people to wear masks indoors as respiratory diseases spike across the United States. Over the past two weeks, “Covid-19 case rates and hospitalizations have spiked by 56 percent and 24 pe…

Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection During First And Second Trimesters Tied To Greater Risks For Stillbirth, Preterm Birth Compared With Infection During Third Trimester, Data Show

Healio (12/13, VanDewater) reports, “Among pregnant women with symptomatic COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first and second trimesters was associated with greater risks for stillbirth and preterm birth compared with infection during the third tr…

Weekly Vitamin D Supplements Appear To Increase 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations But Not Affect Growth Or Body Composition Among School-Aged Children, Study Indicates

Healio (12/13, Bascom) reports, “Weekly vitamin D supplements increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations but did not affect growth or body composition among school-aged children,” researchers concluded in a three-year intervention study that “included 8…

Combination Of Morning Low-Dose Benzoyl Peroxide, Evening Stabilized Form Of Retinol Appears Effective, Well Tolerated In Adolescents And Young Adults With Mild To Moderate Acne, Research Suggests

Healio (12/13, Capaldo) reports, “The combination of a morning low-dose benzoyl peroxide and an evening stabilized form of retinol was effective and well tolerated in adolescents and young adults with mild to moderate acne,” researchers concluded in a “12…

Infants Born Preterm Who Are Exclusively Formula-Fed May Need Iron Supplementation, Research Suggests

HealthDay (12/13, Murez) reports, “Babies born prematurely who are fed formula may need iron supplementation like their breastfed counterparts…research suggests.” For this study, “researchers analyzed health records from 392 infants born before 31 weeks…

Number Of Uninsured Children Declined During COVID-19 Pandemic, Report Says

HealthPayerIntelligence (12/13, Bailey) reports, “The number of uninsured children declined during the COVID-19 pandemic due to Medicaid’s continuous coverage requirement, with 12 states seeing significant decreases, according to a report from the Georget…

HHS Warning Healthcare Sector About Ransomware Called Royal

Health Exec (12/12, Baxter) reports, “The healthcare sector is under threat of cyberattacks from a human-operated ransomware, Royal, warned the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).” The threat “was first observed in September 2022, and once a sy…

CDC Urges Face Masks As “Tripledemic” Continues

The Hill (12/12, Caprariello, Delandro) reports the CDC is urging Americans to wear masks indoors as the “tripledemic” of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to spread across the US. According to the CDC’s December 8 report, “13.7 percent of Americans n…

Scarcity Of High-Profile Prescription Drugs Caused By Supply Issues

CNN (12/12, Goodman) reports, “Scarcity of several high-profile prescription drugs, such as the antibiotic amoxicillin and the ADHD treatment Adderall, have had some patients searching pharmacies and rationing pills, and now parents in some areas are havi…

WHO, ECDC Warn Against A Streptococcus In Children Across Europe

Reuters (12/12, Mahobe) reports, “Europe should be vigilant against severe infections caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus in children below 10 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (E…

ByHeart Recalls Infant Formula Due To Potential Contamination With Bacteria

The Hill (12/12, Burbrink) reports, “An infant formula manufacturer is recalling an entire run of its product due to the possibility of cross-contamination with dangerous bacteria.” The FDA “said the recall involves ByHeart’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formul…

Study Finds Soothing With Digital Devices May Lead To More Problems With Emotional Reactivity In The Future

CNN (12/12, Holcombe) reports a new study has shown “soothing with digital devices may lead to more problems with emotional reactivity down the road” with small children. Researchers “looked at 422 parent and caregiver responses to assess how likely they…

Demand For Antivirals High Across US Amid Surging Flu Activity

TODAY (12/9, Kee) reported, “After virtually disappearing for the last two winters, the flu is back in the United States and worse than it has been in a long time.” And “as flu cases surge and hospitalizations reach record highs…antivirals are in demand…

FDA Is Failing To Police Online Tobacco Retailers, Report Says

According to CNN (12/9, Christensen), the FDA “is falling down on the job of policing online tobacco retailers, according to a…new report” (PDF) issued by the Office of the Inspector General of HHS. This “report criticizes the FDA for its lack of oversi…

Black Women Appear To Have Higher Rates Of CV Hospitalization, Maternal Morbidity, Maternal Mortality Than White Women Within One Year Of Delivery, Data Indicate

Healio (12/9, Firment) reported, “Black women had higher rates of CV hospitalization, maternal morbidity and maternal mortality than white women within one year of delivery,” researchers concluded in the findings of a research letter published online ahea…

Hospital Financial Decisions Impacting Availability Of Pediatric Beds Amid Surge In Respiratory Illnesses

Kaiser Health News (12/9, Szabo) reported the “shortage of pediatric hospital beds plaguing the nation this fall is a byproduct of financial decisions made by hospitals over the past decade, as they shuttered children’s wards…and expanded the number of…

FDA Approves Atezolizumab For Patients Ages Two Years And Older With Unresectable Or Metastatic Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma

OncLive (12/9, Rosa) reported, “The FDA has approved atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with unresectable or metastatic alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS).” The article added, “The safety and efficacy of the ag…

Adolescent Transition Package Shows Promise In Improving Transition To Independent Care Among Adolescents, Younger Adults With HIV, Trial Shows

Infectious Disease Advisor (12/9, Lopez) reported, “An adolescent transition package designed to improve the transition to independent care among adolescents and younger adults with HIV infection resulted in overall higher scores in transition readiness,…

CDC Expands Use Of Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines To Include Children Aged Six Months Through Five Years

Reuters (12/9, Mahobe) reported that on Friday, the CDC “expanded the use of” bivalent “COVID-19 vaccines that target both the original coronavirus and Omicron sub-variants to include children aged 6 months through 5 years.” This “development comes a day…

More Than 80% Of Hospital Beds In Use Nationwide, Data Show

CNN (12/8, McPhillips) reports hospitals in the US “are more full than they’ve been throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a CNN analysis of data from” HHS. CNN adds, “More than 80% of hospital beds are in use nationwide, jumping eight percentage…

In Phase 3 DINAMO Trial, Empagliflozin Achieves Significant Reduction In HbA1c In Children And Adolescents With T2D

Endocrinology Advisor (12/8, Park) reports, “Empagliflozin achieved a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients 10 to less than 18 years of age with type 2 diabetes” (T2D), investigators concluded in findings from a phase 3 trial present…

Increased Cumulative Exposure To Radiation From CT Exams Tied To Elevated Risks For Gliomas, Brain Cancer In Children And Young Adults, Study Shows

Diagnostic Imaging (12/8, Hall) reports, “Increased cumulative exposure to radiation from computed tomography (CT) exams led to elevated risks for developing gliomas and other forms of brain cancer in children and young adults, according to the findings o…

Exposure To Antibiotics Before Age Two May Increase Risk Of Developing Pediatric IBD, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (12/8, Susman) reports, “Exposure to antibiotics before two years of age appeared to increase the risk of developing pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),” investigators concluded in the findings of “a Norwegian nationwide study” revea…

FDA Authorizes Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines For Young Children

The Washington Post (12/8, McGinley) reports that on Thursday, the FDA “authorized an updated booster shot of Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine for young children.” In a statement, the agency “said children 6 months through 5 years old would be eligible for t…

Report Finds Maternal Mortality Rates Rising In US

PatientEngagementHIT (12/7, Heath) says a new Commonwealth Fund brief “found that maternal mortality is getting worse in all developed nations, but that the gap between the US and its similarly developed peers is getting bigger.” The report found that “th…

Public Health Officials Begin Recommending Face Mask Use As Respiratory Viruses Surge

The Washington Post (12/7, Nirappil, Parker-Pope) reports that “with three highly contagious respiratory viruses” – RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 – “sickening adults and children around the country and holiday gatherings just weeks away, public health offi…

Prenatal Exposure To Some Anti-Seizure Drugs Tied To Adverse Birth Weight Outcomes, Preliminary Analysis Shows

MedPage Today (12/7, George) reports, “Prenatal exposure to some anti-seizure drugs was associated with adverse birth weight outcomes, a preliminary analysis of SCAN-AED registry data suggested.” In the “study of nearly 4.5 million children…carbamazepin…

Early Ibuprofen Administration Does Not Help Infants Born Preterm With Patent Ductus Arteriosus, Trial Shows

MedPage Today (12/7, Lou) reports, “Early ibuprofen administration did not help babies born preterm with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), as waiting for the heart defect to close on its own was associated with non-inferior, perhaps even better clinical out…

About 21% Of Teens Newly Diagnosed With Epilepsy Experience Suicidal Ideation, Research Finds

Medscape (12/7, Anderson, Subscription Publication) reports, “About 21% of teens newly diagnosed with epilepsy experience suicidal ideation, and the percentage jumps to 31% within 3 years,” according to research presented at the 2022 American Epilepsy Soc…

About 18M People Could Lose Medicaid Coverage If COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends In April Of Next Year, Brief Says

HealthPayerIntelligence (12/7, Bailey) reports that “if the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends in April 2023, 18 million people may lose Medicaid coverage in the 14 months following its expiration, according to a brief from the Robert Wood Johnso…

Global Burden Of Type 2 Diabetes Among Young People Rose Significantly Since 1990, Researchers Say

MedPage Today (12/7, Monaco) reports, “The global burden of type 2 diabetes among young people significantly rose since 1990, researchers reported.” The “age-standardized incidence of type 2 diabetes from 1990 to 2019 increased from 117.22 to 183.36 per 1…

Lack Of Funding For COVID-19 Response In US Affecting Uninsured

The New York Times (12/6, Weiland, Kliff) reports, “Difficulty getting care for Covid-19 has become an increasingly common problem for poor, uninsured Americans.” But “after paying about $25 billion to health care providers over the course of the pandemic…

Survey Study Examines Impact Of FDA Flavored Vaping Products Ban On E-Cigarette Use

HealthDay (12/6, Murez) reports that when the FDA “banned fruit-flavored vaping products in early 2020, the idea was to reverse the rapid rise in electronic cigarette use among youths.” However, a survey study of more than 3,500 “adult e-cigarette users f…

Drug Overdose Deaths Among Pregnant, Postpartum People Reached Record High In 2020, Study Shows

NBC News (12/6, Edwards) reports, “The number of pregnant women and new mothers dying from drug overdoses grew dramatically as the pandemic took hold, reaching a record high in 2020,” according to a study. Investigators “looked at the death certificates o…

Bromocriptine May Improve BP, Central And Peripheral Aortic Stiffness Over Four Weeks In Adolescents With T1D, BCQR-T1D Trial Data Indicate

Healio (12/6, Buzby) reports, “Bromocriptine, a drug previously used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, improved BP and central and peripheral aortic stiffness over four weeks in adolescents with type 1 diabetes” (T1D), investig…

Central Ohio Measles Outbreak Grows To More Than 50 Children

CNN (12/6, Howard) reports, “A measles outbreak in central Ohio is growing, sickening more than 50 children, with many of them needing hospitalization, according to data updated Tuesday by Columbus Public Health.” Since the beginning “of the outbreak in N…

Minority Children Less Likely To Have Had Surgery In Prior 12 Months Than White Children, Study Finds

HealthDay (12/6, Solomon) reports, “Minority children are significantly less likely to have had surgery in the prior 12 months than White children, according to a study” that “included data from 219,098 children participating in the U.S. National Health I…

Pfizer, BioNTech Ask FDA To Authorize Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine For Children Under Age Five

The AP (12/5, Neergaard) reports, “Pfizer is asking U.S. regulators to authorize its updated COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 5 – not as a booster but part of their initial shots.” The article adds, “Children ages 6 months through 4 years already a…

Some Hospitals Facing Shortage Of Medical-Grade Cribs Amid Surge In Respiratory Viruses

CNN (12/5, Hassan) reports, “As a trio of respiratory viruses spreads across the country and pediatric hospitalizations remain high, some hospitals are running into a new problem: a shortage of medical-grade cribs.” According to company President Marjorie…

Use Of Ad26. ZEBOV As Booster Dose A Safe, Immunogenic Vaccine Regimen For Ebola Virus Disease In Children, Trial Shows

Infectious Disease Advisor (12/5, Barowski, RN) reports, “The use of the adenovirus type 26 vector-based vaccine encoding the Ebola virus glycoprotein of the Mayinga variant (Ad26. ZEBOV) as a booster for children who previously received 2 doses of the Ad…

Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Explore Effectiveness Of BCG Vaccination Against Tuberculosis In Children

Medscape (12/5, Tabakman, Subscription Publication) reports, “Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines are given to more than 100 million children every year, but there is considerable debate regarding the effectiveness of BCG vaccination in preventing tub…

Study Explores Risk Factors For Sleep-Related Suffocation, Unexplained Infant Death

HealthDay (12/5, Gotkine) reports, “Risk factors for sleep-related suffocation and unexplained infant death are explored in a study published…in Pediatrics.” Investigators “examined the association between unsafe sleeping practices and sudden infant dea…

Adolescent Depression, Anxiety Have Surged Among Isolation, Disruption, And Hardship Of COVID-19 Pandemic

According to the Washington Post (12/5, A1, St. George, Strauss), across the US, “adolescent depression and anxiety – already at crisis levels before the pandemic – have surged amid the isolation, disruption and hardship of” the COVID-19 pandemic. However…

Incidence Of Myocarditis, Pericarditis After COVID-19 Vaccination Low Among Teens And Young Adults, Systematic Review Finds

NBC News (12/5, Lovelace) reports, “The incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis after Covid vaccination is low and most patients make a full recovery, a” 23-study systematic review and meta-analysis found. According to the findings published in JAMA Ped…

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rise Following Thanksgiving Holiday

The Washington Post (12/4, Dupree, Nirappil) reports a post-Thanksgiving uptick in patients with COVID-19 “at U.S. hospitals is arriving even as health systems contend with waves of feverish, coughing people stricken with RSV and influenza infections.” CO…

Experts Warn Latest Omicron Subvariants Show Greater Immune Escape, Will Likely Lead To Rising Cases

MedPage Today (12/2, DePeau-Wilson) reported, “The latest circulating COVID-19 variants have shown greater immune escape, which will likely lead to increasing cases over the coming months, experts said.” The “new Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 togeth…

US Health Officials Warn Of Worsening Flu Season

The AP (12/2, Stobbe) reported US “health officials said Friday that 7.5% of outpatient medical visits last week were due to flu-like illnesses,” which is “as high as the peak of the 2017-18 flu season and higher than any season since.” The article added,…

Some Areas In US Facing Shortages Of Pediatric Cold, Flu Medicines

NPR (12/3, Wamsley) reported some areas in the US are experiencing shortages of medicines to treat the cold and flu in children, particularly the fever-reducing medicines acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). NPR added, “Drug manufactur…

Certain Pediatric Patients With HCM May Find Clinical Benefit In Exercise Stress Testing, Researchers Posit

Cardiology Advisor (12/2, Goldberg) reported, “Certain pediatric patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may find clinical benefit in exercise stress testing,” researchers concluded in the findings of a 140-patient study published in the JACC: Adv…

Study Examines Association Between Shortages In Mental Health Workers, Increases In Youth Suicide Rates

Healio (12/2, Weldon) reported research indicates that there may be an “association between shortages in mental health workers and increases in youth suicide rates.” The study team arrived at this conclusion after having “obtained data on 5,034 suicides t…

Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Find No Statistically Significant Association Between ADHD Medications, CVD Risk

HealthDay (12/2, Gotkine) reported, “There seems to be no statistically significant association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, according to a” 19-study systematic review and meta-…

Childhood Poverty May Be Tied To Increase In Externalizing Problems Over Time In Early Adolescence, Research Suggests

Healio (12/1, Downey) reports, “Childhood poverty was associated with increases in externalizing problems,” such as “aggression and hyperactivity,” but “not internalizing” (i.e., depression, anxiety), “over time in early adolescence,” investigators conclu…

Review Identifies Association Between Pediatric Psoriasis And Anxiety Or Depression

HCPlive (12/1, Smith) reports a literature review published in Pediatric Dermatology identified an association “between pediatric psoriasis and anxiety or depression, although a causal link in one direction or another remained unidentified.” Researchers r…

Zika Exposure In Utero May Demonstrate Developmental Differences In Preschool Age, Results Show

Healio (12/1, Weldon) reports children “exposed to Zika virus in utero may demonstrate developmental differences into preschool age, even if they did not have congenital Zika syndrome, according to” researchers who “performed neurodevelopmental assessment…

Socioeconomic Disadvantages May Explain Association Of Young Maternal Age With AD/HD In Offspring, Researchers Say

According to HCPlive (12/1, Walter), “several factors, mostly involving socioeconomic disadvantages, increase the risk of young mothers giving birth to children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder” (AD/HD), investigators concluded in the “cross-…

Baby Formula Maker Expects US Shortage To Last Until Spring

Reuters (12/1, Naidu) reports Enfamil maker Reckitt Benckiser said the US infant formula shortage likely will “persist” until spring 2023. “Supplies are yet to return to normal since the peak of the crisis in May and June, despite the U.S. making progress…

Medical Groups Urge Federal Judge To Maintain Free Access To Preventive Care Under ACA

Reuters (12/1, Pierson) reports several national medical groups “are urging a federal judge in Texas not to interfere with free access to preventive health care services under the Affordable Care Act.” In amicus briefs filed in federal court Wednesday, “t…

Pandemic Stress Aged Brains Of Teens By About Three Years, Study Suggests

The Washington Post (12/1, Reynolds Lewis) reports, “The stress of pandemic lockdowns prematurely aged the brains of teenagers by at least three years and in ways similar to changes observed in children who have faced chronic stress and adversity,” accord…

Recommendations Proposed To Improve Clinical Care Of Pediatric Patients With CKD

Healio (11/30, Keenan) reports, “A group of experts, patients and caregivers proposed recommendations to improve clinical care of pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease” (CKD) “in a special report published” online ahead of print in the American J…

Early Surge In Cold, Flu Cases Creating Shortages Of Needed Antivirals, Antibiotics, Pharmacists Say

HealthDay (11/30, Thompson) reports, “An early surge in cold and flu cases has created shortages in key antiviral and antibiotic drugs needed for the annual ‘sick season,’ pharmacists report.” Antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) “is in short supply for b…

Real-World Use Of Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery Tied To Improved Glycemic Control, Sleep Quality In Children, Young People With T1D, Study Shows

Medwire News (11/30, McDermid) reports, “Real-world use of hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery is associated with improved glycemic control and sleep quality, as well as reduced fear of hypoglycemia in children and young people with type 1 diabetes” (T1D)…

Simulated Driving Program Reduces Inattention, Risk Of Crashing Compared With Conventional Driver’s Training Among Teens With ADHD, Study Shows

MedPage Today (11/30, DePeau-Wilson) reports, “A simulated driving program reduced inattention and risk of crashing among teens with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with conventional driver’s training, according to a small study t…

Children Diagnosed With ADHD Appear To Have Brain Abnormalities Observable With MRI, Study Indicates

MedPage Today (11/30, Susman) reports, “Children diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appear to have brain abnormalities that can be observed with MRI, findings that may allow for a more objective diagnosis of the disorder,” acco…

Exposure To Air Pollutants May Harm Development During Early Childhood In Children Living In Neighborhoods With High Rates Of Poverty, Study Suggests

The Washington Post (11/30, Ajasa) reports, “Young children living in neighborhoods with high rates of poverty are more likely to be exposed to many different air pollutants, and that can harm their development during early childhood, according to a study…

Pregnant Women With SLE May Be More Prone To Cardiovascular Complications During Delivery, Data Indicate

MedPage Today (11/29, Lou) reports, “Pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were more prone to cardiovascular complications during delivery, and their risk seems to have increased over the past 15 years,” according to findings published on…

Flu Season Intensifying In US With More Than 6M Cases Confirmed So Far, CDC Says

The Hill (11/29, Dress) reports, “Flu season is intensifying in the U.S. with more than 6 million cases confirmed so far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Monday.” The CDC “said in a weekly update it has already recorded mo…

Maternal Influenza Vaccination Around 65% Effective At Preventing Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations Among Infants, Study Finds

Healio (11/29, Stulpin) reports, “Maternal influenza vaccination was around 65% effective at preventing influenza-associated hospitalizations among infants when the viruses matched what was in the vaccine, according to a study” conducted in South Africa….

Clinical, Imaging Findings Of Children With T1D, Obesity Appear Similar To Those For Children Without Diabetes With Similar Degrees Of Obesity, Researchers Say

Healio (11/29, Welsh) reports, “Clinical and imaging findings of children with type 1 diabetes” (T1D) “and obesity were similar to those for children without diabetes with similar degrees of obesity,” researchers concluded in a study that “compared 49 chi…

Research Finds Structural, Functional Brain Impairments In Children With Overweight Or Obesity That May Harm Cognitive Development

HealthDay (11/29, Mann) reports children with overweight or obesity “struggle with school work, and now…research provides clues on how excess weight may harm the developing brain.” Investigators “looked at several types of brain scans in more than 5,100…

Survival Rates Have Nearly Doubled For Children Who Experienced In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest During Past 20 Years, Research Suggests

Healio (11/28, Schaffer) reports, “Survival rates have almost doubled for children who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest during the last 20 years, with the greatest gains in children who experienced cardiac arrest after cardiac surgery, researchers r…

WHO Recommends Renaming Monkeypox As “Mpox”

The New York Times (11/28, Jacobs) reports, “The World Health Organization, responding to complaints that the word monkeypox conjures up racist tropes and stigmatizes patients, is recommending that the name of the disease be changed to mpox.” Both of the…

Children Exposed To Unintentional Maternal Injuries In Utero Have Heightened Risk Of Cerebral Palsy, Study Shows

MedPage Today (11/28, D’Ambrosio) reports, “Kids born to mothers accidentally injured during pregnancy had a heightened risk of developing cerebral palsy, according to” a “retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of pregnant patients in Ontario.” The arti…

Study Finds Steroid Use Among Male Teens, Young Adults “Relatively Common” Despite Side Effects

HealthDay (11/28, Murez) reports, “Steroid users, especially teen boys and young men, seem indifferent to the serious side effects and dependency associated with use of the drugs, a…study finds.” The study, published in the journal Performance Enhanceme…

Mothers Taking Etanercept For Autoimmune Arthritic Conditions Appear To Pass Drug Into Breast Milk At Very Low Concentrations, With No Abnormalities Reported For Infants, Study Suggests

MedPage Today (11/28, Gever) reports, “Breastfeeding mothers who were taking etanercept (Enbrel) for autoimmune arthritic conditions passed the drug into their breast milk, but at very low concentrations and their infants showed no abnormalities, a small…

Point-Of-Care Ultrasonography Program Should Be Developed For Use In NICU, Clinical Report Contends

HealthDay (11/28) reports, “A point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) program should be developed for use in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), according to a clinical report published…in Pediatrics” in which the authors “describe the clinical lands…

Exercise Key Component Of Family-Based Lifestyle Intervention Program Aimed At Helping Children Lose Fat, Analysis Says

MedPage Today (11/28, Monaco) reports, “Exercise is a key component of a family-based lifestyle intervention program aimed at helping kids lose fat, according to a secondary analysis of a nonrandomized controlled trial.” Over this “22-week program, kids w…

Omicron Still Driving Up New Coronavirus Cases Across US

The AP (11/25, Ungar) reported that one year after the emergence of Omicron, “the ever-morphing coronavirus mutant drove COVID-19 case counts higher in many places just as Americans gathered for Thanksgiving.” Nationwide, “new COVID cases averaged around…

Experts In US Raise Concern Over Drug Shortages As Respiratory Illnesses Surge

The New York Times (11/23, Jacobs, Rabin) reported amoxicillin “is in short supply across the” US, “alarming pediatricians and parents as a surge in respiratory illnesses strains hospitals, many of which are still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.” A…

Nearly 3% Of Pregnancies In US Exposed To Opioids, Researchers Say

HealthDay (11/25, Murez) reported, “Researchers have found that nearly 3% of pregnancies in the United States were exposed to addictive opioid drugs,” according to results “from an analysis of data from 21,905 pregnant women in what’s dubbed the ECHO prog…

WHO, CDC Warn Measles Is An “Imminent Threat” Worldwide

The Washington Post (11/24, Jeong) reported measles “could be on the verge of a comeback after a lull in the immediate months following the emergence of the coronavirus, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

Green Sprouts Recalls More Than 10K Bottles, Cups For Toddlers Over Lead Poisoning Risk

The New York Times (11/27, Rubin) reports Green Sprouts “has recalled about 10,500 bottles and cups for toddlers over lead poisoning concerns to children if a part of the product breaks off, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.” The base of t…

Marijuana Use During Pregnancy May Be Tied To Adverse Maternal, Infant Outcomes, Study Suggests

ABC News (11/23, Manickam) reported, “Women who used marijuana during pregnancy were more likely to give birth to babies who were preterm, had lower birth weight and had a higher rate of birth defects, according to a major study of 1.28 million Canadian b…

Demand For Inpatient, Pediatric ICU Beds Continues Rising Amid Surge In Respiratory Illnesses

The Washington Post (11/22, Portnoy) reports that as the US “grapples with a surge in respiratory illnesses making very young children and babies ill, the high demand for inpatient and pediatric intensive-care-unit beds means children are spending days an…

Bivalent COVID-19 Boosters Better At Preventing Symptomatic COVID-19 Than Previous Shots, CDC Study Finds

Bloomberg Law (11/22, Langreth, Muller, Subscription Publication) reports bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech “that fight the latest omicron variants provide only modest short-term protection against mild infections, and ex…

FDA Approves Extending Dulaglutide Use To Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years Or Older Who Have T2D

Medwire News (11/22, McDermid) reports, “The FDA has approved” (PDF) “extending use of dulaglutide to children and adolescents aged 10 years or older who have type 2 diabetes” (T2D). While not significantly reducing weight, “treatment with the weekly inje…

Individuals Exposed To Childhood Adversity Appear At Higher Risk Of Developing CVD In Young Adulthood, Study Indicates

Healio (11/22, Swain) reports, “Children who experienced adversity from age 0 to 15 years were at elevated risk for developing CVD in young adulthood compared with those who did not,” investigators concluded in findings published online in the European He…

Shortages Of Key Medications Exacerbating Respiratory Virus Season For Children

CNN (11/22, Goodman, Charles) reports, “Shortages of key medications used to treat common childhood illnesses like flu, ear infections and sore throats are adding to the misery of this year’s early and severe respiratory virus season.” Prescription “fills…

Exposure To Ustekinumab, Vedolizumab During Pregnancy Appears Not To Increase Maternal And Fetal Complications, Research Suggests

Healio (11/22, Burba) reports, “Exposure to ustekinumab and vedolizumab during pregnancy did not increase maternal and fetal complications, and” investigators “recommend continued use in pregnant mothers with inflammatory bowel disease” (IBD). Included in…

Exposure To Even Low Levels Of Alcohol In Utero May Change Fetal Brain Structure, Researchers Say

HealthDay (11/22) reports “exposure to even low levels of alcohol” in utero “can change the structure of the fetus’ brain, according to Austrian researchers” who “used MRI scans to assess the impact of drinking on 24 fetuses.” The study found that “the fe…

One In Seven Parents In US Have Not Talked With Child’s Primary Care Provider About Vaccines During Pandemic, Poll Reveals

The Hill (11/21, O’Connell-Domenech) reports, “Some parents have completely avoided talking about their children’s vaccines during the pandemic,” according to a poll “based on the responses given by 1,483 parents with at least one child between the ages o…

Having One Or More Off-Premises Alcohol Outlet In Census Tract Tied To Increase In Substantiated Cases Of Child Abuse And Neglect In Single Year, Researchers Say

Healio (11/21, Downey) reports, “Having one or more off-premises alcohol outlets in a census tract was linked with a 13.5% increase in substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in a single year, researchers reported” after assessing “326 census block…

Study Examines Kids’ Perspectives On Terms, Phrases Describing Body Weight

HealthDay (11/21, Murez) reports, “With U.S. health officials calling childhood obesity a public health crisis, conversations about weight are important;” however, “what you say to your kids can be challenging, and even counterproductive, a…study found….

Black Children With Sepsis Have Higher Risk Of Mortality Than White Children, Research Shows

MedPage Today (11/21, Hamza) reports, “Black children have not benefited as much from recent declines in sepsis mortality as other groups, a national database showed.” From “2009 to 2018, admission rates for sepsis rose from 42.5 to 49.4 cases per 1,000 h…

Financial Barriers, Lack Of Clinicians Keeping Exposure Therapy Out Of Reach For Many Children

According to the New York Times (11/21, Hughes), “relatively few children…have tried exposure therapy.” This “decades-old treatment, which is considered a gold-standard approach for tackling anxiety, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder, encourages…

House Democrats Urge DOJ To Counter Alleged Threats Against Children’s Hospitals

The Hill (11/21, Weixel) reports House Democrats “are calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to counter online threats of violence directed against several children’s hospitals across the country.” In a letter “to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the…

Children Born To Mothers Who Smoked Cigarettes During Pregnancy And Took Daily Vitamin C Supplements Have Improved Airway Function, Lower Risk Of Wheeze Later On, Follow-Up Study Finds

MedPage Today (11/21, D’Ambrosio) reports, “Mothers who smoked cigarettes during pregnancy, but also took vitamin C supplements, had children with improved airway function and lower risk of wheeze later on, according to a follow-up study of” the randomize…

Omicron Subvariants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 Account For Nearly Half Of Coronavirus Cases In US, CDC Says

Reuters (11/18, Mandowara) reported the CDC “estimated on Friday that Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 account for nearly half of the COVID-19 cases in the country for the week ending Nov. 19, compared with 39.5% in the previous week.” The proportion o…

Some Scientists Raising Doubts Over Ability Of Updated COVID-19 Boosters To Prevent Winter Surge

The New York Times (11/18, A1, Mandavilli) reported, “As winter looms and Americans increasingly gather indoors without masks or social distancing, a medley of new coronavirus variants is seeding a rise in cases and hospitalizations in counties across the…

Seasonal Flu Activity “Elevated” Across US, CDC Says

CNN (11/18, McPhillips) reported, “Seasonal flu activity is ‘elevated across the country,’ with ‘high’ or ‘very high’ respiratory virus activity in more than half of US states, according to an update published Friday by the” CDC. Also, “health care system…

Supplies Of Amoxicillin, Albuterol Sulfate Reportedly Running Low

The Boston Globe (11/20, Lazar, Freyer, Bartlett) reports parents are dealing with dwindling supplies of amoxicillin, an antibiotic commonly used for children’s infections. While antibiotics do not work for viral infections, the flu, the common cold, and…

GnRHa Use Not Tied To Increased Use Of Subsequent Gender-Affirming Hormones Among Transgender, Gender-Diverse Youths, Research Suggests

Healio (11/18, Welsh) reported, “Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue” (GnRHa) “use was not associated with increased use of subsequent gender-affirming hormones among transgender and gender-diverse youths,” researchers concluded in a study that collec…

Use Of Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure Device Alone Or With Additional Airway Clearance Improves Lung Function Among Children With Cystic Fibrosis, Data Show

Healio (11/18, Hornick) reported, “Use of an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure device alone or with additional airway clearance improved lung function among children with cystic fibrosis, according to data” from a “retrospective longitudinal analys…

School Districts Across US Struggle To Staff Up To Address Students’ Mental Health Needs

The AP (11/18) reported, “Despite an influx of COVID-19 relief money, school districts across the country have struggled to staff up to address students’ mental health needs that have only grown since the pandemic hit.” Among 18 of the “largest school dis…

Latino Parents Still Hold Safety Concerns Regarding Vaccinating Children Against COVID-19, Survey Reveals

PatientEngagementHIT (11/17, Rodriguez) reports, “While COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is not a new concept, especially among minorities, Latino parents still hold safety concerns when it comes to vaccinating their children, according to a survey sent to jour…

COVID-19 May Increase Risk Of Seizure, Epilepsy In The Next Six Months, Study Suggests

HealthDay (11/17, Norton) reports, “A bout of COVID-19, even a milder one, may raise the risk of having a seizure in the next six months, a large…study suggests.” Investigators “found that of over 300,000 Americans who had suffered a case of COVID-19 or…

FDA Approves Second Interchangeable Insulin Glargine Biosimilar For Adult And Pediatric Patients With Diabetes

Healio (11/17) reports “the FDA approved the second interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar,” insulin glargine-aglr (Rezvoglar), “to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes, according to a drug information update from t…

Biologic Therapy Improves Quality Of Life, Reduces Asthma Exacerbations And ED Visits In Children With Moderate To Severe Asthma, Review Finds

Pulmonology Advisor (11/17, Goldberg) reports, “Children with moderate to severe asthma experience improved quality of life and reduced asthma exacerbations and fewer emergency department (ED) visits within 1 year of starting biologic therapy with dupilum…

Roughly 10.5% Of US Babies Born Premature In 2021, Report Finds

USA Today (11/17, Hassanein) reports, “Preterm births last year reached their highest peak since 2007 – with more than 18,000 babies born before 37 weeks of gestational age in the United States, according to” the annual March of Dimes “Report Card.” The r…

Children Who Spend More Hours In Day Care Centers Not More Likely To Have Behavioral Issues, Study Shows

HealthDay (11/17, Mann) reports a large study suggests that “kids who spend long hours in day care centers aren’t any more likely” to have more externalizing behavioral problems. Investigators “reviewed teacher and/or parent reports on more than 10,000 to…

FDA Issues Warning Letters To E-Cigarette Companies Over Product Packaging That Looks Like Toys, Appeals To Children

The Hill (11/16, Shapero) reports the FDA “issued warning letters to several e-cigarette companies on Wednesday for packaging their products to look like toys and appeal to children.” The agency “criticized the five relatively unknown companies – Wizman L…

Preterm Birth More Frequent Among Unvaccinated Pregnant Patients With Rheumatic, Musculoskeletal Diseases And COVID-19 Vs Fully Vaccinated Patients, Study Finds

Healio (11/16, Stott) reports, “Preterm birth is more frequent among unvaccinated pregnant patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and COVID-19 vs. fully vaccinated patients, according to” a study of “data on pregnant women” in “the COVID-19…

US Home Births Reach Highest Level Since 1990, CDC Report Says

The AP (11/17, Tanner) reports US “home births increased slightly in the pandemic’s second year, rising to the highest level in decades, according to a government report published Thursday.” Among nearly four “million births in 2021, nearly 52,000 occurre…

Growing Number Of Indigenous And Black Children In US Experiencing Racial Discrimination, Study Shows

CNN (11/16, Moges-Gerbi) reports, “A growing percentage of Indigenous and Black parents in the United States reported that their children have faced racist experiences, according to a study” that “looked at parental reporting of racist experiences their c…

Babies Born Via Cesarean Section May Not Mount As Strong An Immune Response After Some Childhood Vaccines Compared To Those Delivered Vaginally, Study Indicates

HealthDay (11/16, Mann) reports, “Babies born via cesarean section may not mount as strong an immune response after some childhood vaccines compared to babies delivered vaginally, researchers suggest.” The study showed that “babies born vaginally had high…

Young People With Gender Dysphoria-Related Diagnoses Hospitalized Due To Suicidality, Self-Harm More Often Than Those Without Such Diagnoses, Study Finds

MedPage Today (11/16, DePeau-Wilson) reports “hospitalizations due to suicidality and self-harm were four or fives times more common in young people with gender dysphoria-related diagnoses compared with those without such diagnoses, a serial cross-section…

Up To 1.35B Young People Worldwide May Be At Risk Of Hearing Loss Due To Unsafe Music Listening Habits, Research Suggests

The Washington Post (11/16, Sands) reports, “Unsafe music listening habits are jeopardizing the hearing of up to 1.35 billion young adults around the world, according to” research. Investigators “found that many people between ages 18 and 34 regularly lis…

Children Born To Women Who Experience Preeclampsia May Be Roughly A Third More Likely To Develop Cardiovascular Disease Later In Life Than Those Not Exposed To The Condition, Study Suggests

Medscape (11/15, Thompson, Subscription Publication) reports, “Children born to women who experience preeclampsia are roughly one-third more likely to develop cardiovascular disease later in life than those not exposed to the condition,” investigators con…

FDA To Review Infant Formula Manufacturing Rules In Effort To Prevent Bacterial Illness

Reuters (11/15, Leo) reports the FDA “said on Tuesday it would review guidance and rules about manufacturing infant formula as part of its strategy to prevent bacterial illness similar to Abbott Laboratories’ products this year.” Also, the agency will “co…

Sleeve Gastrectomy Tied To Lower Five-Year Risk Of ED Use Compared With Gastric Bypass In Teens, Analysis Finds

MedPage Today (11/15, Monaco) reports, “In the years after bariatric surgery for severe obesity, teens who had opted for sleeve gastrectomy had fewer brushes with the emergency department (ED), according to an analysis of Medicaid claims data.” Over the “…

Analysis Finds Higher Uptake Of Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccinations, Boosters Could Prevent Thousands Of Hospitalizations, Lost School Hours

CNN (11/15, McPhillips) reports, “Higher Covid-19 vaccination rates among US children could prevent thousands of pediatric hospitalizations and millions of missed school days, according to an analysis published Tuesday by the Commonwealth Fund and the Yal…

WHO Issues New Guidelines On “Kangaroo Mother Care” For Infants Born Preterm

Reuters (11/15, Rigby) reports, “Babies born too early or too small should be kept in ‘skin-to-skin’ contact with a caregiver rather than being put in an incubator straight after birth to improve their chances of survival, the World Health Organization sa…

Rate Of Premature Birth In US Rising, Report Says

CNN (11/15, Howard) reports, “The rate of premature birth in the United States is climbing, according to the…March of Dimes.” The organization on Tuesday “released its annual ‘report card’ on maternal and infant health” which “found that the US preterm…

Study Finds Yearly Increase In Reports Of Child Poisonings Connected To Prescription Cough Medication

NBC News (11/15, Lovelace) reports, “Poison control centers in the U.S. have seen an increase in reports of children ingesting a type of prescription cough medicine, a study published Tuesday” in the journal Pediatrics “by the Food and Drug Administration…

Peanut Allergen Powder Treatment Appears Effective In Children Under Four Years With Peanut Allergies, Trial Indicates

MedPage Today (11/14, Susman) reports, “Kids under 4 years old with peanut allergies seemed to overcome their sensitivity with a treatment using peanut (Arachis hypogaea) allergen powder (PTAH, Palforzia), according to results from the POSEIDON trial.” At…

Experts Raise Concern Over Shortages Of Common Drugs Amid RSV, Flu Surges

Fox Business (11/14, Altus) reports, “In the thick of RSV and flu season, pediatricians and families across the country are raising concerns about difficulty getting access to common pharmaceuticals that are essential during this time of year.” And “with…

Average Screen Time Among Children Rose 52% During Pandemic, Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Find

WebMD (11/14, Ellis) reports, “The average amount of time children spent staring at screens during the COVID-19 pandemic rose 52%,” according to a 46-study systematic review and meta-analysis. This “increase amounts to an average of 84 more minutes per da…

Study Finds Well-Child Visits Increased In 2016 And 2017, But Disparities Remain

The Washington Post (11/14, Blakemore) reports a study “sheds light on both growth and inequality in well-child visits.” Investigators “analyzed data from more than 36,500 children documented in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey,” comparing “data from…

Study Examines Gender Differences In Children With Binge Eating Disorder

HealthDay (11/14, Roberts Murez) reports, “The brains of girls and boys who have binge eating disorder show key differences,” researchers concluded in a neuroimaging study that included “38 boys and 33 girls who had a diagnosis of binge eating disorder” w…

Illinois Hospital Data Reveal Steady Increase In Number Of Children Seen In EDs For Suicidal Thoughts

CNN (11/14, Christensen) reports, “There has been a steady increase in the number of children who are seen in emergency” departments (EDs) “for suicidal thoughts,” an increase that “started even before the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought record high dema…

Study Finds Weight Loss Surgery Among Teens Has Doubled From 2010 To 2017, But Experts Argue The Procedure Is Still Severely Underutilized In The US

USA Today (11/14, Rodriguez) reports, “A new study” published online in Pediatrics “found the rate of weight loss surgery among teenagers has doubled” from 2010 to 2017, “but experts argue the procedure is still severely underutilized in the United States…

Omicron Subvariants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 Account For About 44.2% Of Coronavirus Cases In US, CDC Says

Reuters (11/11, Mandowara) reported the CDC “said on Friday that Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 were estimated to account for about 44.2% of COVID-19 cases in the country for the week ending Nov. 12, compared with 32.6% in the previous week.” These t…

Moderna, Pfizer Launch Trials On Potential Long-Term Impacts Of COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Myocarditis

NBC News (11/12, Lovelace) reported the “research in the U.S. is underway, tracking adverse health effects – if any – that may appear in the years following a diagnosis of” COVID-19 “vaccine-associated heart problems,” specifically myocarditis or pericard…

Influenza Cases, Deaths Continue To Rise In US As Vaccination Rates Lag

ABC News (11/11, Egan, Benadjaoud) reported the CDC “estimates that, so far this season, influenza has already claimed 1,300 lives in the U.S. and also estimates there have been at least 2.8 million illnesses and 23,000 hospitalizations.” Infections, “hos…

Liability Fears Appear To Hamper Access To Albuterol Asthma Inhalers In Some Schools, Study Suggests

HealthDay (11/11, Mann) reported that “some U.S. school administrators don’t keep life-saving albuterol asthma inhalers on hand because they’re afraid of getting sued for misuse,” according to a study conducted “in Illinois, where schools can stock and ad…

Fentanyl Deaths Rising Among Young People In US

The Los Angeles Times (11/12, Lin) reported, “Drug use among teens ages 14 to 18 remained relatively stable between 2010 and 2020, according to data from the” CDC. However, “more young people are dying from fentanyl than ever before.” This “shift can be a…

More Than 80% Of Population Of Infants Presenting To ED With Anaphylaxis Receive Epinephrine, Only 10% Require Hospitalization, Study Finds

Healio (11/11, Todak) reported, “More than 80% of a population of infants presenting to the ED with anaphylaxis received epinephrine there or prior to arrival, but only 10% of patients required hospital admission, according to study results” that also “sh…

Masking Mandates Tied To Reduced Numbers Of COVID-19 Cases In Schools, Study Shows

The New York Times (11/10, Rabin) reports a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine “details a so-called natural experiment that occurred when all but two school districts in the greater Boston area lifted mask requirements in the spring.”…

Exposure To Lead In Childhood May Be Tied To Worse Cognitive Functioning In Late Life, Data Suggest

HealthDay (11/10) reports, “Exposure to lead in childhood is associated with worse cognitive functioning in late life,” researchers concluded in a study that “used a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults linked to historical administrative…

SARS-CoV-2-Related Neurologic Effects Endured Among Children, Adolescents In US Who Were Hospitalized In 2021 For COVID-19 Or MIS-C, Researchers Say

Healio (11/10, Downey) reports, “SARS-CoV-2-related neurologic effects endured among children and adolescents in the United States who were hospitalized in 2021 for COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome, researchers reported” in “a case series inv…

One In 50 Deaths Of Otherwise Healthy Children Under Age Five Due To RSV Globally, Study Estimates

CNN (11/10, Christensen) reports a study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine “estimates that 1 in 50 deaths of otherwise healthy children under age 5 around the world is due to” respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), “and in high-income countries, 1…

COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy Provides Higher Levels Of Maternal, Neonatal Antibodies Than Infection, Study Shows

HealthDay (11/10, Munez) reports, “Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 while pregnant provides higher levels of antibodies for both mom and baby than catching the virus does, a…study finds.” According to the findings published in JAMA Network Open, “when pr…

COVID-19 Hospitalization Rates Among Infants Younger Than Six Months Surged During Omicron Wave, Researchers Say

MedPage Today (11/10, Firth) reports, “COVID-19 hospitalization rates among infants younger than 6 months jumped during the Omicron wave, outpacing hospitalizations during the earlier Delta wave, CDC researchers reported” in a study that used “data from t…

More Than 3M US Middle, High School Students Report Tobacco Use In 2022, Data Show

Reuters (11/10, Satija) reports, “An estimated 3.08 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using a tobacco product in the last 30 days in 2022, down from 4.47 million in 2020 and 6.20 million in 2019, according to government data released o…

FDA Panel Backs Novel Two-Drug Combination Inhaler For Use Only In Adults With Asthma

MedPage Today (11/9, Bassett) reports, “An FDA advisory panel on Tuesday gave near unanimous backing to a novel two-drug combination inhaler for use in adults with asthma, while rejecting the product for younger children.” The FDA’s Pulmonary-Allergy Drug…

WHO Reports A Nearly 90% Decline In Global COVID-19 Deaths Since February

The AP (11/9, Keaten) reports that on Wednesday, World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus “said a nearly 90% drop in recent COVID-19 deaths globally compared to nine months ago provides ‘cause for optimism,’ but still urge…

In Phase III Trial, Odevixibat Treatment Appears To Lead To Early, Rapid, Sustained Improvements In Pruritus Among Pediatric Patients With Alagille Syndrome

MedPage Today (11/9, Hamza) reports, “Treatment with odevixibat (Bylvay) led to early, rapid, and sustained improvements in pruritus among pediatric patients with Alagille syndrome, as well as reductions in bile acid levels,” investigators concluded in th…

In Utero Enzyme Replacement Therapy Appears Safe, Effective For Treatment Of Infantile-Onset Pompe Disease, Case Study Indicates

The New York Times (11/9, Kolata) reports, “For the first time, doctors have successfully treated a fetus by infusing a crucial enzyme into its minuscule umbilical cord, halting an otherwise fatal inherited disorder known as severe infantile Pompe disease…

History Of Violence, Having An Impulsive Or Behavioral Disorder May Be Predictors Of Substance Use Among Youths Admitted To A Child And Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient Unit, Study Suggests

MedPage Today (11/9, DePeau-Wilson) reports, “A history of violence and having an impulsive or behavioral disorder were predictors of substance use among youths admitted to a child and adolescent psychiatry inpatient unit,” investigators concluded in a st…

Inpatient And Outpatient Volume Appear To Have Increased For Pediatric Patients With An Eating Disorder Following The Onset Of The COVID-19 Pandemic, Study Suggests

Healio (11/9, Weldon) reports, “Inpatient and outpatient volume increased for pediatric patients with an eating disorder following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” researchers concluded after examining “data from 14 U.S. medical centers, as well as on…

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rising Among Infants Under Six Months Old, CDC Director Warns

Bloomberg (11/9, Griffin) reports, “Covid-19 hospitalizations are rising among babies under 6 months old, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging mothers to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection in those not yet eligible f…

Medical Groups Warn President Biden EDs Are Reaching “Breaking Point” Amid Lack Of Beds, Staffing Shortages

The Hill (11/8, Choi) reports, “A group of medical organizations on Monday warned President Biden that hospital emergency departments were reaching a ‘breaking point’ as they deal with influxes of patients seeking beds that are not available.” The organiz…

Improved Family-Clinician Communication May Help Address Healthcare Discrimination, Study Indicates

PatientEngagementHIT (11/8, Heath) reports, “The human in touch in healthcare – helping people work around care access barriers, empathic communication, and clear healthcare communication – could all help stem the tide of healthcare discrimination, accord…

Rhode Island’s Pediatric Hospital Beds Reach 100% Capacity Amid Surge In Respiratory Infections, Analysis Says

NBC News (11/8, Bendix) reports, “Every one of Rhode Island’s pediatric hospital beds was full on Sunday and Monday, according to an NBC News analysis of data from the Department of Health and Human Services.” The state is among those “most severely affec…

Number Of New Cases Of Childhood Asthma Fell Significantly During COVID-19 Pandemic In Japan, Study Finds

Healio (11/8, Gawel) reports “the numbers of new cases of childhood asthma significantly fell during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan,” with “children aged 0 to 2 years” experiencing “the largest decrease,” according to a study published in The Journal of A…

MRI Study Finds Correlations Between COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Stress In Pregnant Women And Fetal Brain Development

The Radiology Business Journal (11/8, Pearson) reports, “Pregnant women who felt stressed by healthcare disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic radiated the unease to their developing offspring,” as “the effects were observable on fetal MRI of both br…

Study Finds Consistent Increase In Rate Of HPV Vaccinations Per Encounter In Children Aged 9 To 22 Years Despite Overall Decrease In Patient Encounters During COVID-19 Pandemic

Infectious Disease Advisor (11/8, Lopez) reports, “Despite an overall decrease in the number of patient encounters during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a consistent increase in the rate of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations per encounter in childr…

Vaccine Developers Starting Studies To Evaluate Combination Shot For Flu And COVID-19

USA Today (11/7, Rodriguez) reports, “Vaccine developers are looking to relieve people from the unpleasant nature of getting two shots by creating one that offers strong protection against both viruses.” Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna “say they’re beginning…

Study Finds No “Singular Definitive Etiology” For Outbreak Of Acute, Severe Hepatitis In Children

Healio (11/7, Stonehill) reports, “Although adenovirus infection has been widely implicated in an outbreak of acute, severe hepatitis in children, data…found no ‘singular definitive etiology’ for these cases.” For the study presented at The Liver Meetin…

Text Message Reminders Help Raise Influenza Vaccination Rates, Results Suggest

Drug Topics (11/7, Krewson) reports text message reminders helped increase influenza vaccination uptake, with many patients “receiving the vaccine sooner,” according to a trial “which involved 2086 parents or primary caregivers throughout 50 primary care…

Study Finds Earlier Maternal TDF, Vaccine Combination Eliminates Vertical Transmission Of Chronic HBV From Viremic Mothers

According to MedPage Today (11/7, Hamza), “Earlier maternal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) combined with infant vaccination completely eliminated vertical transmission of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) from highly viremic mothers, even without the u…

Pediatric Telemental Health Initiative Increases Confidence, Interest Among Social Work Students In Providing Those Services After Graduation, Small Study Shows

MedPage Today (11/7, DePeau-Wilson) reports, “An initiative designed to cross-train social work students to provide mental health services remotely to children and adolescents increased confidence and interest in providing those services after graduation,…

Adolescents Who Vape Are Starting Younger, Vaping More Intensely, Study Finds

CNN (11/7, Howard) reports on research finding that though a smaller percentage of teens use e-cigarettes, “those who do vape are starting younger and they’re using e-cigarettes more intensely.” According to the study, among teens who “only use e-cigarett…

Children’s Hospitals Across US Confronting Surge In RSV Cases

The Hill (11/4, Choi) reported, “Children’s hospitals across the country are dealing with a surge in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), stressing health care services and millions of parents with ailing children.” The article added, “RSV is a com…

Omicron Subvariants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 Account For About 35% Of Coronavirus Cases In US, CDC Says

Reuters (11/4, Mahobe) reported that on Friday, the CDC “estimated that Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 accounted for about 35% of coronavirus cases in the country in the week ending Nov.5 compared with 23.2% in the previous week.” The two “subvariant…

European Commission Authorizes World’s First One-Dose Drug To Protect Infants Against RSV

The AP (11/4, Stobbe, Babwin) reported, “The European Commission has authorized the world’s first one-dose drug against a respiratory virus that sickens millions of babies and children globally every year.” AstraZeneca and Sanofi in a statement Friday “sa…

Children, Families Living In Low-Income Neighborhoods May Have Highest Rate Of RSV Hospitalizations, Investigators Posit

The American Journal of Managed Care (11/4, Steinzor) reported, “Children and families living in low-income neighborhoods have the highest rate of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations,” investigators concluded in a “statistical analysis stud…

Very Young Teens Face Higher Rates Of Pregnancy Complications Than Older Teens, Study Finds

HealthDay (11/4, Munez) reported, “When preteen children or very young teenagers become pregnant, they face higher rates of complications and a greater risk of winding up in the intensive care unit than older teens do,” according to study findings publish…

Florida Medical Board Votes To Ban Gender-Affirming Care For Adolescents

The New York Times (11/4, Ghorayshi) reported, “Florida has effectively banned medications and surgery for new adolescent patients seeking gender transitions after an unprecedented vote by the state’s medical board.” The board voted “on Friday to adopt a…

Children Under Eight Years Of Age At Elevated Risk For Monkeypox Complications, Review Article Contends

Healio (11/4, Weldon) reported, “Children aged younger than 8 years are at an elevated risk for monkeypox complications and should be considered a high-risk group, according to a review article published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.” The a…

Malaria Vaccine Candidate Demonstrates Overall Efficacy Of 75% In Young Children With No Serious Safety Concerns, Trial Shows

MedPage Today (11/3, Hein) reports the malaria vaccine candidate R21/Matrix-M “demonstrated an overall efficacy of 75% in young children, and with no serious safety concerns, results from a phase III trial spanning four African nations showed.” In “modifi…

FDA Releases Safety Bulletin Warning Against Use Of Infant Head-Shaping Pillows

ABC News (11/3, Pezenik) reports the FDA “has released a safety bulletin urging parents and caregivers not to use head-shaping pillows intended to change an infant’s head shape or symmetry.” The article adds, “There has been no proven benefit of using the…

Simple Diagnostic Model Appears To Accurately Determine Which Pediatric Patients Are Suffering From MIS-C, Research Suggests

MedPage Today (11/3, Gever) reports, “A simple diagnostic model accurately determined which pediatric patients were suffering from multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) as opposed to the many other conditions that include similar symptoms,…

Adolescents With Overweight Or Obesity May Have Different Degrees Of Weight Gain During Adulthood Based On Their Obesity Phenotype, Research Suggests

Healio (11/3, Monostra) reports, “Adolescents with overweight or obesity may have different degrees of weight gain during adulthood based on their obesity phenotype,” investigators concluded in a study in which adolescents with overweight or obesity were…

Monkeypox Appears Rare In Adolescents, Children In US, CDC Finds

HealthDay (11/3, Mundell) reports, “Out of the more than 25,000 U.S. cases of monkeypox reviewed in a new study, just 0.3% occurred in people under the age of 18,” according to data from the CDC published in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Fift…

Infants Exposed To Gestational Diabetes Who Breastfeed For Less Than Six Months, Drink Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Or Natural Fruit Juice Are More Likely To Have Obesity During Childhood, Presenter Says

Healio (11/3, Monostra) reports, “Infants exposed to gestational diabetes who breastfeed for less than six months and drink sugar-sweetened beverages or natural fruit juice are more likely to have obesity during childhood,” according to a presentation giv…

Routine Vaccination Coverage Among Infants Globally Fell To 13-Year Low In 2021, Data Show

Healio (11/3, Weldon) reports, “Globally, routine vaccination coverage among infants plummeted to a 13-year low in 2021, according to data published” in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Investigators “found that 25 million children worldwi…

Despite Improvements Globally In COVID-19 Vaccine Equity, Some Disparities In Access Remain, Experts Say

Healio (11/2, Stulpin) reports, “Although COVID-19 vaccine equity has improved globally as the pandemic has progressed, some disparities in access have remained, according to experts.” According to findings from “Our World in Data, 67.9% of the world popu…

Biden Administration Officials Still Grappling With Supply Challenges For Infant Formula

Politico (11/2, Lee) reports Biden Administration officials “are still grappling with baby formula supply challenges across the country, eight months” after the shortage started. Officials in charge of responding to the shortage “blame hoarding, supply ch…

Increased Demand Causing Shortage Of Amoxicillin As Respiratory Illnesses Surge Across US

The Washington Post (11/2, McDaniel) reports, “As respiratory illnesses spread rapidly among children across the country, an increased demand for amoxicillin is causing a shortage of the commonly prescribed antibiotic.” However, “amoxicillin in some form…

Once Weekly Semaglutide Plus Lifestyle Intervention May Lead To Greater Reductions In BMI, Body Weight For Adolescents With Obesity, Phase IIIa Trial Data Indicate

MedPage Today (11/2, Dotinga) reports, “In addition to lifestyle intervention, taking 2.4-mg semaglutide (Wegovy) once a week led to greater reductions in body mass index (BMI) and body weight for adolescents with obesity,” investigators concluded in a 20…

HHS Renews Monkeypox National Public Health Emergency

The Hill (11/2, Choi) reports that on Wednesday, HHS “renewed the national public health emergency for the monkeypox outbreak, with officials stating that the virus is still very present in the U.S. even as cases continue to drop.” The Hill adds, “HHS Sec…

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination Protection Fades Rapidly Against Omicron Variant In Younger Children, But Proves More Durable In Adolescents, Data Show

MedPage Today (11/2, Hamza) reports, “Protection with mRNA vaccination for COVID-19 faded rapidly against infections from the Omicron variant in younger children, though proved more durable in adolescents, likely due to the higher dose, real-world data fr…

Women With Autism More Likely To Experience Depression, Anxiety During Pregnancy, Survey Study Reveals

HealthDay (11/1, Munez) reports, “Women who have autism are more vulnerable during pregnancy to depression and anxiety, according to a…British study” that “surveyed more than 900 women about their pregnancy experience.” The results revealed that “about…

Monkeypox Outbreak Still A Global Health Emergency, WHO Says

Reuters (11/1, Vijayaraghavan) reports, “The monkeypox outbreak continues to represent a global health emergency, which is the World Health Organization’s highest level of alert, the UN agency’s Emergency Committee said on Tuesday.” This “label, a ‘public…

Children’s Hospitals Struggling To Meet Demand Amid RSV Spike

The New York Times (11/1, Baumgaertner, Davis) reports the “drastic and unusually early spike in” respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “is overwhelming pediatric units across the United States, bringing long waits for treatment and prompting hospital systems…

Compared With Placebo, Once-Daily Liraglutide Not Tied To Greater Weight Loss For Youths With Obesity And Prader-Willi Syndrome, Research Suggests

Healio (11/1, Monostra) reports, “Once-daily liraglutide was not associated with greater weight loss for youths with obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome compared with placebo,” researchers concluded in a study that “included 32 adolescents, of whom 20 were…

Fluoxetine Leads To Significant Short-Term Symptom Relief In Children With Refractory Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis, Small Trial Shows

MedPage Today (11/1, Bankhead) reports, “Children with refractory primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis…obtained significant short-term symptom relief with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor…fluoxetine, a small placebo-controlled trial sh…

CDC Issues Health Advisory Over Waterborne Bacteria In Dental Plumbing Systems After Outbreaks Of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

NBC News (11/1, Alsharif) reports that on Monday, the CDC “issued a health advisory about waterborne bacteria in dental plumbing systems after children who visited pediatric dental clinics were infected with nontuberculous Mycobacteria.” The article adds,…

Pfizer Says Its Maternal RSV Vaccine Given During Pregnancy Protects Infants From Severe Illness During First Six Months After Birth

The Washington Post (11/1, Johnson) reports, “Pfizer announced Tuesday that its maternal RSV vaccine, given during pregnancy, protected infants from developing severe symptoms during the first six months after birth – a critical window of vulnerability.”…

FDA Announces Shortage Of Tracheostomy Tubes

Reuters (10/31, Mandowara) reports the FDA “said on Monday there was a shortage of tracheostomy tubes, a surgical device that helps patients to breathe, including those manufactured by ICU Medical.” The FDA “said the shortage was due to difficulties in ra…

Four New RSV Vaccines May Be Close To FDA Review

CNN (10/31, Goodman) reports, “After decades of disappointment, four new RSV vaccines may be nearing review by the US Food and Drug Administration, and more than a dozen others are in testing.” There is “also hope around a promising long-acting injection…

Children Especially Vulnerable To Injuries From Use Of ATVs, Study Says

Healio (10/31, Weldon) reports, “Children are especially vulnerable to injuries from the use of ATVs, also known as quads, according to a study published in BMJ Open.” And while “children comprise only about 15% of ATV riders, the researchers found that t…

Gestational Exposure To Phthalates Tied To Lower Lung Function During Childhood, Particularly Early Childhood, Research Finds

Healio (10/31, Ellis) reports, “Gestational exposure to phthalates was linked to lower FVC and FEV1 during childhood, particularly early childhood, with four phthalates demonstrating a significant association,” according to research that “included 641 ges…

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Variant Panels Have Lower Detection Rates When Used For Newborn Screening In Racial, Ethnic-Minority Groups, Analysis Says

HealthDay (10/31) reports, “Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) variant panels have lower detection rates when used for newborn screening…in racial and ethnic-minority groups, according to” a “cross-sectional analysis of the detec…

Children, Adolescents Who Experience Migraines May Be More Likely To Have Anxiety, Depression Than Their Peers Without Migraines, Systematic Review Suggests

MedPage Today (10/31, DePeau-Wilson) reports, “Children and adolescents who experience migraines are more likely to have anxiety and depression compared with those who don’t have migraines,” researchers concluded in a 51-study systematic review and meta-a…

Children Exposed To Small Amounts Of Caffeine In Utero Appear To Be Shorter Than Children Of People Who Do Not Consume Caffeine While Pregnant, Study Suggests

CNN (10/31, Holcombe) reports, “Children who were exposed to small amounts of caffeine before birth were found on average to be shorter than the children of people who did not consume caffeine while pregnant, according to” study findings published in JAMA…

Pharmacies Across US Experiencing Shortages Of Amoxicillin

CNN (10/28, Christensen) reported that according to the FDA, amoxicillin “is in short supply,” and the agency “told CNN on Friday that it was aware of ‘some intermittent supply interruptions’ in the US and is working with manufacturers to evaluate the sup…

New Omicron Subvariants Responsible For Majority Of Infections In US, CDC Data Show

CNN (10/28, Goodman) reported, “The Omicron BA.5 subvariant is no longer the dominant cause of Covid-19 infections in the United States, according to estimates released Friday by the” CDC. And “instead, a host of new sublineages – offshoots of BA.2, BA.4…

Ocrelizumab For MS Appears To Confer No Increased Risk Of Adverse Pregnancy And Infant Outcomes, Data Indicate

MedPage Today (10/28, George) reported, “Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were treated with ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) had no increased risk of adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes,” investigators concluded in a study in which “outcomes were known for 2…

Families Of Children Diagnosed With Mental Illness Facing Difficulties In Getting Needed Treatment Resources

The Wall Street Journal (10/30, Petersen, Subscription Publication) reports on the difficulties faced by families of children diagnosed with mental illness in getting needed treatment resources.

Number Of Mental Health Clinicians Say They Are Seeing Uptick In Young People Diagnosing Themselves With Mental Illnesses After Learning More About The Conditions Online

The New York Times (10/29, Caron) reported, “A number of mental health” clinicians “say that they are seeing an uptick in teenagers and young adults who are diagnosing themselves with mental illnesses…after learning more about the conditions online.” Sh…

Florida Committee Approves Prospective Rule To Ban Medical Or Surgical Gender-Affirming Care For Trans Youth

ABC News (10/29, Zellmer, Ross, Alfonseca) reported, “The Florida medical board committee on Friday approved a prospective rule that will ban medical or surgical gender affirming care for trans youth under the age of 18.” The committee’s recommendation “w…

Flu-Related Hospitalizations In US Reach Highest Levels In Over A Decade, CDC Says

ABC News (10/29, Benadjaoud, Egan) reported, “Flu season is making an early comeback as flu-related hospitalizations are the highest in over a decade for this point in the season, according to” CDC data issued Friday. The data revealed that “there have be…

Black Women Have Lower Live Birth Rates Compared With White Women Despite Having Higher Rates Of Ovarian Response To Gonadotropin Stimulation During IVF, Study Finds

MedPage Today (10/27, D’Ambrosio) reports, “Despite having higher rates of ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF), Black women had significantly lower live birth rates compared with white women, according to a ret…

Systematic Review’s Findings Highlight Need For Better Evidence On Long-Term Health Consequences Of Gestational Diabetes

According to Healio (10/27, Welsh), the findings of a 15-study systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism “highlighted the need for better evidence on long-term health consequences of gestational diabetes.” Investiga…

Public Health Officials Call For Improved Disease Surveillance To Better Predict Virus Surges

CNN (10/27, McPhillips, Howard) reports the US “is dealing with a unique season of respiratory virus transmission: Flu cases are on the rise earlier than usual…RSV case rates are extra high,” and “Covid-19 is still a public health emergency.” While “pub…

Upadacitinib Appears Safe, Well-Tolerated For Long-Term Treatment In Adults, Adolescents With Atopic Dermatitis, Researchers Say

Dermatology Advisor (10/27, Mermelstein) reports, “Upadacitinib, a selective, reversible Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor with established efficacy for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD),” appears to be “safe and well-tolerated for long-term treatment…

Validated Prognostic Tool Using Common Clinical Markers May Help Clinicians Evaluate Patients With JIA For Chronic Uveitis Risk, Study Suggests

Healio (10/27, Martin) reports, “A validated prognostic tool using common clinical markers could help clinicians evaluate patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis” (JIA) “for chronic uveitis risk,” researchers concluded after developing a model “using…

Early Initiation Of Daily Emollient Use Through First Two Months Of Life May Reduce Incidence Of Atopic Dermatitis In First Year Of Life In High-Risk Infants, Research Suggests

Healio (10/27, Gawel) reports, “Infants at high risk for atopic dermatitis” (AD) “who used emollients daily through their first two months of life experienced less disease in their first year than high-risk infants who did not use emollients,” investigato…

Delta Brain Waves May Help Diagnose Concussions In High School Football Players, Study Suggests

According to HealthDay (10/27, Reinberg), delta brain waves “may help diagnose concussions in high school football players and predict when it’s safe for them to return to play, new research suggests.” Included in the study were “data on 24 high school at…

Quieter Operating Room May Improve Children’s Behavior After Surgery, Study Suggests

HealthDay (10/26, Munez) reports, “The key to better child behavior after surgery may be a more peaceful operating room,” according to a study that “looked at post-operative behavior in children by creating two different types of operating room conditions…

Some Manufacturers Reporting Shortages Of Amoxicillin

The Hill (10/26, Weixel) reports, “Three of the largest manufacturers of the common antibiotic amoxicillin are reporting supply concerns.” Companies “Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, have…

Children Coming Out Of General Anesthesia With Emergence Delirium Do Not Have Lasting Behavior Problems, Small Study Shows

MedPage Today (10/26, Lou) reports, “Children coming out of general anesthesia with emergence delirium did not have lasting behavior problems in a small single-center study,” according to results presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Annu…

Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation In Preterm Infants Appears To Modestly Boost IQ Scores At Five Years Of Age, Researchers Say

MedPage Today (10/26, Boyles) reports, “Giving omega-3 fatty acid supplements in the first few months of life to preterm infants born before 29 weeks gestation appeared to modestly boost IQ scores at 5 years of age, researchers reported” in a study that “…

Neonates With Sepsis Are Exposed To More Antibiotics Throughout NICU Admissions, Appear To Have Microbiome Dysbiosis, Researchers Say

Healio (10/26, Weldon) reports, “Neonates with sepsis were exposed to more antibiotics throughout their NICU admissions than controls and were found to have microbiome dysbiosis, researchers reported.” One researcher said, “We found that compared [with] n…

Physicians Raise Concern About Impact Of Ending COVID-19 Public Health Emergency On Medicaid Coverage For Children

NPR (10/26, Valdivia) reports, “Millions of children across the U.S. rely on Medicaid for health coverage,” and “since the start of the COVID pandemic, a federal emergency declaration has allowed them to receive continuous coverage.” For instance, “in Mis…

UNICEF Estimates That Nearly All Children Will Be Exposed To High Heat-Wave Frequency By 2050

The Washington Post (10/26, Cho) says “a new report from UNICEF estimates that nearly all the world’s children – more than 2 billion – will be exposed to high heat-wave frequency by 2050,” which “is about 1.5 billion more children than are exposed now.” T…

White House Warns Existing COVID-19 Treatments May Not Work Against Emerging Subvariants

The Hill (10/25, Weixel) reports, “White House coronavirus response coordinator Ashish Jha on Tuesday warned that existing COVID-19 treatments may not work against emerging subvariants of the omicron strain and a lack of congressional funding puts immunoc…

New Omicron Subvariants Gaining Ground Globally

CNBC (10/25, Fernandez) reports, “Though BA.5 still accounts for most U.S. Covid-19 cases, percentages are rising for the other Omicron variants circulating throughout the country, per the CDC.” Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Div…

Serum Α-Synuclein Linked To Impaired Executive Function In Children With Obesity And Type 1 Diabetes, Study Says

The American Journal of Managed Care (10/25, Bonavitacola) reports, “A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that α-synuclein could have a role in the impairment of executive function (EF) in children with obesity and those with ty…

Outcomes For Children With Lupus Nephritis Appear To Have Improved In Recent Years, Researchers Conclude

The American Journal of Managed Care (10/25, Kaltwasser) reports research indicates that “outcomes for children with lupus nephritis (cLN) have improved in recent years thanks to better immunosuppression and medication adherence, as well as careful drug t…

Brain Development May Be Key Driver In Children’s Transition Out Of Napping, Researchers Say

HealthDay (10/25, Norton) reports, “The hippocampus plays a major role in memory processing and learning,” and researchers “hypothesize that the maturity of the hippocampus, rather than a child’s age, may be a key driver of young children’s transition out…

Shortage Of Pediatric Hospital Beds Across US Hampering Care For Children

CNN (10/25, Goodman) reports parents “are facing agonizing” emergency department “waits in many parts of the United States because of a shortage of hospital beds” in systems that “say they are being overwhelmed by an early surge in respiratory infections…

Intracapsular Adenotonsillotomy May Be Effective Treatment For Children With OSA, Follow-Up Study Suggests

Pulmonology Advisor (10/24, Stong) reports, “Intracapsular adenotonsillotomy (ATO) may be an effective treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are otherwise healthy, according to results of a 5-year follow-up study” that compared ade…

COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbated Racial Maternal Health Disparities Caused By Neighborhood Segregation, Researchers Say

PatientEngagementHIT (10/24, Heath) reports, “The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of the racial maternal health disparities caused by neighborhood segregation, fueling a maternal health crisis that lands the US among the worst for maternal health in th…

Physicians In US Bracing For Possible Impact Of RSV, Flu, COVID-19 Surges On Children’s Hospitals

The AP (10/24, Johnson) reports, “Children’s hospitals in parts of the U.S. are seeing a surge in a common respiratory illness that can cause severe breathing problems for babies.” Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “cases fell dramatically two years ago a…

Severe COVID-19 Illness Commonly Leads To Long-Term Negative Impacts On Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Ethnically Diverse Children From Low-Resource Backgrounds, Review Says

Healio (10/24, Ellis) reports, “Among ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds, severe COVID-19 illness commonly led to long-term negative impacts on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, concluded findings” from a “retrospecti…

Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreaks Occur Frequently In Schools, Child Care Facilities, And Spread Via Person-To-Person Transmission, Study Indicates

HealthDay (10/24) reports, “Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks frequently occur in schools and child care facilities and most outbreaks spread via person-to-person transmission,” CDC investigators concluded after analyzing data from “AGE outbreaks occu…

Children Who Lose Sleep Tend To Eat More Calories The Next Day, Particularly In Non-Core Foods, Researchers Say

HealthDay (10/24, Munez) reports children “who are deprived of sleep tend to eat more calories the next day, researchers found. And some of those extra calories come from less-healthy, sugar-laden snacks or treats.” One researcher said, “When children los…

Video Gaming May Improve Cognitive Performance In Children, Study Suggests

CNN (10/24, Kounang) reports a study published in JAMA Network Open “finds that gaming may help with both cognition and impulse control” in children. The study “found that kids who played video games for three or more hours a day did better on tasks assoc…

US Children’s Hospitals Experiencing Unusually High Cases Of RSV, Other Respiratory Viruses

The Washington Post (10/21, A1, Nirappil, Cha) reported, “Children’s hospitals are under strain in the United States as they care for unusually high numbers of kids infected with RSV and other respiratory viruses.” Almost “three-quarters of pediatric hosp…

Most Transgender Boys Reach Their Predicted Adult Height After Treatment With GnRH Analogs, Testosterone Therapy, Researchers Say

Healio (10/21, Monostra) reported, “Most transgender boys reach their predicted adult height after treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH] analogues and testosterone therapy,” researchers concluded after conducting “a retrospective cohort stu…

In Utero Or Early Life SARS-CoV-2 Exposure May Impact Infant Neurologic Development, Study Suggests

Healio (10/21, Weldon) reported, “Some infants with in utero or early life exposure to SARS-CoV-2 had borderline to low developmental scores, a study found, and this was most common among babies born to mothers with symptomatic COVID-19.” Researcher Sarah…

Use Of Acid Suppressants Among Children May Increase Risks For Incident Asthma, Atopic Dermatitis, And Allergic Rhinitis, Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Suggest

Healio (10/21, Gawel) reported “the use of acid suppressants among children may increase their risks for incident asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, according to a” five-study systematic review and meta-analysis. The results were published i…

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy May Improve Symptoms In Children With Post-Concussion Syndrome, Researchers Say

Medscape (10/21, Salahi, Subscription Publication) reported, “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help resolve symptoms of concussion in children years after they have suffered a brain injury, researchers in Israel have found.” The 25-patient study published in…

Patients Struggling To Find Alternative Treatments, Fill Prescriptions Amid Adderall Shortage

The Washington Post (10/20, Nirappil) reports, “A national shortage of Adderall [racemic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine] has left patients who rely on the pills for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder scrambling to find alternative treatments and unce…

Experts Raise Concern Over Winter COVID-19 Surge As New Variants Gain Traction

CNN (10/20, Goodman) reports, “A flurry of new Covid-19 variants appears to be gaining traction globally, raising fears of a winter surge.” In the US, “these are BQ.1, BQ.1.1, BF.7, BA.4.6, BA.2.75 and BA.2.75.2.” While “Covid-19 cases are dropping” as th…

Children’s Hospitals Nationwide Reportedly Overwhelmed With Cases Of Respiratory Illnesses

The Hill (10/20, Masciadrelli, Martichoux) reports, “Some children’s hospitals around the country are being overwhelmed with patients suffering from respiratory illnesses.” In particular, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “is on the rise, according to the…

Almost All Teens With Gender Dysphoria Who Start Hormone Therapy Continue Treatment Into Adulthood, Study Says

MedPage Today (10/20, Monaco) reports, “Nearly all individuals with gender dysphoria who initiated hormone treatment as adolescents continued that treatment into adulthood, a…study found.” Researchers reported that among 720 people “who started puberty…

Daily Treatment With Risdiplam Over 24 Months Improves Motor Function In Infants With Type 1 SMA, Research Finds

Healio (10/20, Herpen) reports “daily treatment with risdiplam over 24 months resulted in improved motor function and achievement of developmental motor milestones in infants with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy [SMA], according to” a “multicenter, open-la…

Physicians Across US To Begin Screening Children For Anxiety Following New Recommendations

The Washington Post (10/20, Somasundaram) reports physicians across the US are likely to begin screening children for anxiety after the US Preventive Services Task Force “last week recommended it for children ages 8 to 18, signaling the need for early int…

CDC Panel Recommends COVID-19 Shots Be Added To 2023 Childhood And Adult Vaccination Schedules

Bloomberg (10/20, Rutherford, Milton) reports “COVID-19 shots should be added to the 2023 childhood and adult vaccination schedules, according to” the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The panel “voted 15-0 on Thursday to recommend COVID…

Economic Factors Played Key Role In Increased US Birth Rates In 2021, Economists Say

CNN (10/19, Wallace) reports, “Economic factors, not just lockdown-induced forced proximity, played a key role in last year’s ‘baby bump,’ according to the economists behind a new working paper released earlier this week.” The economists “found that pande…

Increased Risk For Stillbirth Appears To Be Passed Down Through Male Relatives, Study Suggests

HealthDay (10/19, Munez) reports a study suggests that “stillbirth risk appears to be inherited through male members of the family on either side.” For the study published in the journal BJOG, researchers “looked at 9,404 stillbirths and 18,808 live birth…

COVID-19 Contributed To About 25% Of All US Maternal Deaths In 2020 And 2021, Report Says

USA Today (10/19, Hassanein) reports, “COVID-19 contributed to a quarter of all U.S. maternal deaths last year and in 2020, according to an oversight report” released by the US Government Accountability Office. Out of the “1,178 reported maternal deaths”…

EMA Recommends Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine-Tailored Boosters

Reuters (10/19) reports the European Medicines Agency “on Wednesday recommended authorization of Moderna Inc’s COVID-19 vaccine-tailored booster shots for 12 and above ages to further vaccination campaigns in the region.” The agency “also authorized Pfize…

Use Of CGM Among Children, Young Adults With T1D Nearly Doubled From 2017 To 2020 In The US, Data Indicate

Healio (10/19, Welsh) reports, “Use of continuous glucose monitoring [CGM] among children and young adults with type 1 diabetes [T1D] nearly doubled from 2017 to 2020 in the U.S. from 25% to 49% and was associated with lower HbA1c for users vs. non-users,…

CDC Panel Says Low-Income Children Should Receive Free COVID-19 Vaccinations Under Vaccines For Children Program

Bloomberg (10/19, Rutherford, Milton, Baumann) reports that “low-income children should be able to receive Covid-19 vaccinations at no cost under the federal Vaccines for Children Program, according to” the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practic…

Improving Micronutrient Supplementation For Mothers During Pregnancy May Help Reduce Prevalence Of Noncommunicable Diseases In The Next Generation, Researchers Say

Healio (10/19, Bascom) reports, “Improving micronutrient supplementation for mothers during pregnancy could help reduce the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in the next generation, according to researchers” who “estimated cases of hypertension, diab…

Multiple Versions Of Omicron Variant Could Drive Winter Surge, Experts Warn

The Washington Post (10/18, A1, Johnson) reports that “this fall and winter…experts are nervously eyeing a swarm of” Omicron variants, as “one or more of the multiple versions of the Omicron variant that keep popping up could drive the next wave.” The v…

Dupilumab Tied To Clinical Improvements In Children Aged Six To 11 Years With Uncontrolled, Moderate To Severe Type 2 Asthma Over Two-Year Study Period, Results Show

Healio (10/18, Gawel) reports “children aged 6 to 11 years with uncontrolled, moderate to severe type 2 asthma experienced clinical improvements with dupilumab through a 2-year study period, according to” results from the Liberty Asthma Excursion study pr…

COVID-19 Pandemic, H1N1 Epidemic Tied To Adverse Mental Health Events In Adolescents, Youth From Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Scoping Review Indicates

Healio (10/18, Downey) reports, “The COVID-19 pandemic and H1N1 epidemic were associated with adverse mental health events in adolescents and youth from low- and middle-income countries, researchers” concluded in a study that “used six databases to assess…

Study Finds Substantial Numbers Of Children, Teens Experience Online Sexual Abuse

HealthDay (10/18, Mann) reports “substantial numbers of kids and teens are being tracked, lured and sexually abused online,” and “in many cases, it’s friends and dating partners who are doing the grooming,” according to a study published in JAMA Network O…

Black-White Disparities In Fertility Medicine Reflected In Outcomes For Infants, Study Finds

According to the AP (10/19, Johnson), “Black-white disparities exist in fertility medicine” and are “reflected in life-and-death outcomes for babies,” a large study published in Pediatrics suggests. Researchers evaluated “data for more than 7 million U.S….

CDC Sees Signs Flu Activity Picking Up In Parts Of US

STAT (10/17, Branswell) reports, “Flu transmission has been low since the start of the pandemic, but an odd spurt of activity in April, May, and even early June of 2022 – which coincided with the onset of an early and robust flu season in Australia – sugg…

Monkeypox Cases Continue To Decline Across US

ABC News (10/17, Kekatos) reports, “Monkeypox cases are continuing to decline in the United States as the outbreak keeps showing signs of receding.” According to the CDC, “as of Oct. 12, the U.S. recorded a seven-day average of 60 cases,” which marks the…

Officials Brace For Potential COVID-19 Surge In US As Europe Sees Rising Cases

The Hill (10/17, Choi) reports, “Rising COVID-19 cases in Europe are setting off warnings that the U.S. could experience a new surge this winter.” Previous spikes “in the U.S. have followed a pattern in which cases first rise in Europe, making officials n…

All Women Should Receive Timely Prophylactic Antibiotics To Prevent Infection Following Operative Vaginal Birth, Including Those With Perineal Trauma, Analysis Says

Infectious Disease Advisor (10/17, Nye) reports research has “found that all women should receive timely prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection following operative vaginal birth, including those with perineal trauma.” According to investigators, th…

FDA Grants ODD To ET140203 For Treatment Of Patients With Hepatoblastoma

OncLive (10/17, Seymour) reports, “The FDA has granted an orphan drug designation (ODD) to ET140203 for the treatment of patients with hepatoblastoma, a rare childhood tumor in the liver that typically occurs in children under the age of 5.”

Adolescents With Subclinical Hypothyroidism Appear Not To Have Increased Risk For MDD, Investigators Say

Healio (10/17, Monostra) reports, “Adolescents with subclinical hypothyroidism do not have an increased risk for major depressive disorder [MDD] compared with those with normal thyroid function,” investigators concluded in a 4,118-adolescent study, the fi…

AD/HD Diagnosis Appears Not To Lower Overall Self-Reported QOL Among Adolescents, Investigators Conclude

HealthDay (10/17) reports, “A diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder” (AD/HD) “does not appear to lower overall self-reported quality of life (QOL) among adolescents,” investigators concluded in a study that “compared QOL in 393 matched ado…

New Omicron Subvariant BQ.1 Becoming Increasingly Prevalent In US, CDC Says

The Hill (10/14, Gans) reported “a new subvariant of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States, according to data from the” CDC that “shows that the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 variants each made up 5.7 percent of…

FDA Calling For Withdrawal Of Approval For Preterm Birth Drug 17-OHPC

MedPage Today (10/14, D’Ambrosio) reported, “The FDA is calling for withdrawal of the approval for the injectable agent 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC; Makena) for pregnant women with a history of at least one spontaneous preterm birth, stating…

Abbott Recalls Some Infant Formula Liquid Products Over Bottle Cap Defect

Reuters (10/14, Mishra) reported, “Abbott Laboratories said on Friday it was recalling some ready-to-feed baby formula liquid products including Similac-branded items due to inadequate sealing of some bottle caps.” This “recall, which equates to less than…

Initial Uptake Of Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Appears Slow Across US

The New York Times (10/15, Weiland) reported that “only about 15 million doses of the” updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters “have been administered nationally since their introduction at the beginning of September, representing less than one in 10 p…

Children Experienced Significant Increases In BMI During COVID-19 Pandemic, Study Finds

HealthDay (10/14) reported, “Children, particularly girls, experienced significant increases in body mass index (BMI) during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study” that also identified “positive associations…between increase in BMI percentile over…

CDC Notes Increasing Flu Activity, Reports Of Other Respiratory Illnesses

NBC News (10/13, Edwards) reports, “Reports of flu and other respiratory illnesses are higher than what would normally be seen in the United States at this time of year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.” The agency has “‘noted…

Review Examines Effects Of Race And Ethnicity On Pediatric Crohn Disease Diagnosis, Pathology, Treatment, And Outcomes

Gastroenterology Advisor (10/13, Stong) reports “Black children with Crohn disease (CD) have lower rates of 2-year steroid-free remission (SFR) compared with non-Hispanic White children with CD, according to” a “retrospective review” that “sought to deter…

Researchers Suggest Limiting Contact In Football Practices May Have Greater Impact On Reducing Head Injuries In High Schoolers

CNN (10/13, Christensen) reports football practices that limit contact “are exactly what the authors of a new study say it may take to reduce the number of chronic brain problems in high school football players without getting rid of the sport altogether….

Study Identifies Variables Tied To Need For Additional Care Before Student Athletes With Concussion Can Return To Play

Healio (10/13, Downey) reports, “A patient’s age, severity of symptoms, number of previous concussions and family history of psychiatric disorders were associated with a need for additional care before student athletes with concussion could return to play…

About Three In Four High School Students Reported At Least One Potentially Traumatic Experience During Pandemic, Survey Reveals

USA Today (10/13, Rodriguez) reports a survey of nearly 4,400 high school students in the US found a majority of respondents “reported a potentially traumatic event during the COVID-19 pandemic that may have contributed to poor mental health and suicidal…

Novavax Says COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Elicits Robust Antibodies Against Several Omicron Variants In Two Studies

Reuters (10/12, Roy) reports, “Novavax Inc said on Wednesday data from studies in adults and adolescents showed that the booster dose of its COVID vaccine produced robust antibodies against several Omicron variants, including BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5.” These d…

Initiation Of ART Less Than Two Weeks After Initiating Treatment For Pulmonary TB Does Not Increase Risk Of Mortality In ART-Naive Pediatric Patients With HIV, Study Says

Infectious Disease Advisor (10/12, Lopez) reports “the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) less than 2 weeks after initiating treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) infection does not increase the risk of mortality in ART-naive pediatric patient…

Air Pollution With Smaller Particulate Matter Has Stronger Associations With Childhood Asthma, Study Shows

Healio (10/12, Gawel) reports, “Air pollution with smaller particulate matter had stronger associations with childhood asthma than pollution with larger particles, indicating that smaller particles may be more toxic, according to a study” including “careg…

Certain Emollients Appear Highly Effective For Treatment Of Atopic Dermatitis In Babies And Children, Research Suggests

Dermatology Advisor (10/12, Terrill) reports, “Emollients containing licochalcone A, menthoxypropanediol, ceramides, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are highly effective for the treatment of atopic dermatitis…in babies and children,” investigators c…

Suicides Rose 29% Among Adolescents Ages 15 To 19 In US During Pandemic, Report Reveals

MedPage Today (10/12, Firth) reports “suicides jumped 29% among adolescents ages 15 to 19 during the pandemic compared with prior years, according to” a “new edition of America’s Health Rankings Health of Women and Children Report from the United Health F…

FDA Authorizes Updated Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Shots For Children As Young As Five

The Washington Post (10/12, McGinley) reports that on Wednesday, the FDA “authorized updated coronavirus booster shots for children as young as 5, making it likely the shots will be available shortly.” The agency “gave emergency use authorization to the P…

About 2.2M Women Of Childbearing Age In US Live In Maternity Care Deserts, Report Shows

CNN (10/11, Howard) reports, “About 36% of all US counties are ‘maternity care deserts,’ and the number of counties where there is limited or no access to maternity care appears to be growing, according to a new report” from the March of Dimes. The report…

Myocarditis, Pericarditis After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination Rare Across Demographic Groups, Study Finds

Healio (10/11, Feller) reports, “Myocarditis and pericarditis after [mRNA] COVID-19 vaccination is rare across demographic groups and most likely to occur in teen boys in the week after their second shot of a two-dose vaccine, according to a study” that u…

Playing Video Games May Be Enough To Trigger Life-Threatening Heart Arrhythmias In Certain Vulnerable Children, Investigators Posit

HealthDay (10/11, Norton) reports, “Playing video games may…be enough to trigger life-threatening heart arrhythmias in certain vulnerable children,” investigators concluded in findings published online ahead of print in the journal Heart Rhythm. In arri…

Respiratory Illness Among Children Spiking In US

NPR (10/11, Restrepo, Kelly) reports the US “is seeing a significant spike in respiratory illness among children,” as infected children “are crowding emergency [departments] in various parts of the country, and some pediatric hospitals say they are runnin…

Opioids Most Common Cause Of Fatal Poisonings In Young Children, Research Finds

Medscape (10/11, Haelle, Subscription Publication) reports, “Opioids are the most common cause of fatal poisonings in young children, and their contribution to children’s deaths has been increasing, according to research” that “found that the proportion o…

USPSTF Recommends Screening All Children Aged Eight And Older For Anxiety

According to the New York Times (10/11, Pearson), on Oct. 11, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) “recommended for the first time that primary care” physicians “screen all children ages eight to 18 for anxiety, new guidance that highlights the…

Prescriptions For Controlled Stimulants Among Adolescents, Young Adults Have Increased Significantly In The US Since 2008, Study Indicates

HCPlive (10/10, Kunzmann) reports, “Prescriptions for controlled stimulants among adolescents and young adults have increased significantly in the US since 2008,” investigators concluded. The findings of the 9.3 million adolescent and young adult analysis…

Waiting List Times For Pediatric Heart Transplants Rose During COVID-19 Pandemic, But Mortality Did Not Change, Study Says

Healio (10/7, Swain) reported that “during the COVID-19 pandemic, the waiting list times for pediatric heart transplants were longer than before the pandemic, but waiting list mortality did not change, according to a” study that revealed the “mean waiting…

Over 1M Children, Teens In US Have Suffered Bicycle Injuries In Past 20 Years, Research Shows

HealthDay (10/7, Munez) reported, “Over 1 million U.S. children and teens – many of them male – have broken bones and fractured their skulls in bicycle injuries over the past 20 years, according to…research that brought together two decades of data” fro…

Ultraprocessed Food Intake Among Mothers Tied To Increased Risk For Overweight, Obesity Among Children, Researchers Say

Healio (10/7, Bascom) reported, “Ultraprocessed food intake among mothers was associated with an increased risk for overweight and obesity among their children, according to researchers” who “analyzed two sets of data: one to assess the effect during preg…

Reducing Women’s Exposure To Air Pollution From Cooking Fuels Does Not Improve Birth Weight, Trial Shows

MedPage Today (10/10, Phend) reports, “Reducing women’s exposure to air pollution from cooking with wood or other biomass fuels didn’t improve the birth weight of their babies, a randomized trial showed.” Daily “personal exposure to fine particulate matte…

Reports Of Anxiety, Depression Decreased Among Student Athletes Who Returned To Sports Following Pandemic Disruptions, Surveys Show

Healio (10/8, Weldon) said “reports of anxiety and depression decreased among student athletes who returned to sports following disruptions caused by the pandemic, according to” results from two surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021, respectively. These resu…

Study Finds Pre-Existing Comorbidity Strongest Indicator Of Risk For Severe COVID-19 In Children

Healio (10/9, Weldon) reported, “A study found that having a pre-existing comorbidity was the strongest indicator of risk for severe COVID-19 in children, according to data.” The “retrospective observational study” was presented at a recent medical confer…

CDC Finds More Than 80% Of Kids Under Age 17 Have Antibodies From Past SARS-CoV-2 Infection

ABC News (10/6, Haslett) reports that “more than eight in 10 kids under the age of 17 have antibodies from a past COVID-19 infection, according to” CDC data. This “analysis shows that as of August, 86% of children between 6 months and 17-years-old have ha…