Contemporary Pediatrics Staff

Is it possible that a synthetic compound known as serum di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is contributing to the obesity epidemic among our nation’s children? Find out what the results of 1 study say. More >>

If you think that West Nile virus is the most common cause of neuroinvasive arboviral disease in juveniles, think again. Another arthropod-borne virus has its sights set on children. More >>

More than a third of children taking dietary supplements failed to meet intake recommendations for calcium and vitamin D, a new study reports. Supplementation also raised the likelihood of excess intake of other micronutrients. Which nutrients were above recommended dietary levels? More >>

Of all the neonatal morbidities that commonly plague moderately preterm-born babies, only hypoglycemia is associated with increased risk of developmental delays by the time the children reach preschool. What glucose value increases the risk of developmental delay? More >>

Although it is widely held that uncircumcised boys are at increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared with circumcised boys, researchers from Canada set out to determine whether that increased risk varies with the degree of phimosis. Here’s what they discovered. More >>

Siblings of abused children, especially twins, are at high risk for physical abuse that may not be detected on physical examination, according to a new report. The findings support routine skeletal surveys for contacts of injured, abused children who are younger than 24 months, regardless of physical examination findings. More >>

Earlier treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with stimulant drugs may reduce the risk of academic decline, especially in mathematics, a new study suggests. What are the relative benefits for girls and boys? More >>

Just 4 years after the licensing of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, researchers found a substantial decrease in vaccine-type HPV prevalence and evidence of herd immunity among at-risk minority, low-income young women. This discovery could lead to a reduction in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and, ultimately, cervical cancer in the community. More >>

Physical punishment such as spanking is associated with a range of mental and personality disorders in adulthood, researchers have found. The findings point to the importance of more positive parenting approaches that will ensure children’s future mental health. More >>

There may be a good medical reason for parents to get a dog or cat as a pet. It appears that children exposed to a dog or cat in their homes during the first year of life are healthier than those without a furry family member. More >>

Household contacts of children infected with Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are not routinely sampled for S aureus colonization. Failure to do so may facilitate persistent colonization or recurrent infections, according to a new report. More >>

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is widely considered the primary cause of visual impairment in extremely premature children. Now Danish researchers report that cerebral damage may be the strongest risk factor. This finding could affect how children with cerebral damage are managed. More >>

Hospitalizations of children with hypertension doubled over a 10-year period. A recent study suggests why and reveals which children are at greatest risk. More >>

Infants and toddlers with food allergies suffer a high rate of allergic reactions because of lack of vigilance on the part of caregivers, researchers report. What kinds of exposures caused the most problems? More >>

Investigators compared the efficacy of 3 treatment regimens in 699 youngsters aged from 10 to 17 years with type 2 diabetes: metformin monotherapy (1,000 mg twice daily), metformin plus rosiglitazone (4 mg twice daily), or metformin plus a lifestyle-intervention program focused on weight loss through family-based changes in eating and activitiy behaviors.

To describe the typical longitudinal developmental trajectories of social and communication functioning and repetitive behavior in children with autism, investigators analyzed data from birth records and a database of the California Department of Developmental Services that recorded symptom severity and functioning in nearly 7,000 children aged from 2 to 14 years with autism.

A new study shows that infant weight gain may be associated with the way the milk is consumed, not only with the type of milk.

The US FDA has approved a combination vaccine for preventing invasive diseases caused by Hib and Neisseria meningitis serogroups C and Y in children aged 6 weeks to 18 months.

Children with autism spectrum disorder need greater access to the coordinated care available through a medical home, according to a systematic review of 13 studies that examined health care use, health care expenditures, and access to services by children with ASD.

Significant numbers of infants who survive meningitis caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS) suffer long-term adverse outcomes such as developmental delay, academic underachievement, neurologic impairment, blindness, hearing loss, and cerebral palsy, a new study reports. More >>

Exposure to antimicrobial agents commonly used in personal-care products may increase children’s risk of food and environmental allergies, a study of a large, nationally representative sample suggests. More >>

Teenagers may have a new and legitimate reason to sleep longer. New research shows that lack of weekday sleep during adolescence may be an important predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. More >>

Researchers from the US Food and Drug Administration reported that for US children aged 17 years and younger, outpatient prescriptions for birth control medications soared 93% and for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder 46% since 2002, although overall prescription drug use declined. What is behind these trends? More >>

Serum uric acid level may be a predictor of metabolic syndrome in adolescents, a new study reports. The findings offer clinicians another diagnostic tool for identifying children who are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Children aged as young as 7 years report that they have engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury, hurting themselves without the intent to die. Who is most at risk?

Increased intake of dietary fiber is associated with less visceral fat and lower levels of inflammatory markers in adolescents, a new study found. Getting adolescents to eat more fiber might also lower the long-term risks associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Negative results on newborn screening do not rule out classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and can delay the diagnosis, according to a new report. The study showed that over a 12-year period, 22% of babies diagnosed with CAH were not identified by newborn screening.

Auditors found that there is room for improvement in numerous areas of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vaccines for Children program. What areas failed to make the grade?

In children younger than 15 years, 2 to 3 computed tomography (CT) scans of the head might triple the risk of brain tumors; 5 to 10 of them might triple the risk of leukemia. New research tries to answer the ongoing question of whether radiation from diagnostic scans causes these pediatric cancers.

A pilot trial of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in children with autistic disorder has demonstrated reduced irritability with minimal adverse effects. Can NAC improve other symptoms as well?