Get caught up with our journal! Review some of the top stories from the Contemporary Pediatrics website over the last week, and catch up on anything you may have missed.
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Thank you for visiting the Contemporary Pediatrics® website. Take a look at some of our top stories from last week (Monday, September 16, to Friday, September 20, 2024), and click on each link to read and watch anything you may have missed.
The FDA has approved FluMist (AstraZeneca) for self- or caregiver-administration in individuals aged 2 to 49 years to prevent influenza caused by subtypes A and B. FluMist, a nasal vaccine containing a weakened form of live influenza virus, was originally approved in 2003 for individuals aged 5 to 49, with its use extended to children aged 2 in 2007.
This approval offers greater convenience, allowing administration by caregivers or self-administration for those aged 18 and older, although children aged 2 to 17 should have the vaccine administered by a caregiver.
The FDA has approved arimoclomol (Miplyffa; Zevra Therapeutics), marking the first treatment for Niemann-Pick disease, type C (NPC) in both adults and children aged 2 years and older. NPC is a rare, inherited disorder that leads to progressive neurological deterioration and organ dysfunction due to improper cholesterol and lipid transport within cells. Without treatment, the life expectancy for those affected by NPC is approximately 13 years.
Arimoclomol, approved for use in combination with the enzyme inhibitor miglustat, was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-month clinical trial involving 50 patients aged 2 to 19 years. These patients had a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of NPC and, in most cases, were also on miglustat. The trial assessed the progression of NPC symptoms using the rescored 4-domain NPC Clinical Severity Scale (R4DNPCCSS), which focuses on key functional abilities such as ambulation, speech, swallowing, and fine motor skills. Patients receiving arimoclomol experienced slower disease progression compared to those on placebo, as demonstrated by significant differences in the R4DNPCCSS scores.
Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician based in Southern California, explains California Assembly Bill 899 (AB 899), which will go into effect January 2025. AB 899 will mandate that baby food manufacturers test for toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
"AB 899 will impact baby food production, safety, and transparency standards in California, with a ripple effect across the United States. It is essential that we educate ourselves and each other so that we can help parents make informed decisions regarding their child’s health," wrote Altmann.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that sleep disturbances in preadolescents may be a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts during early adolescence. Led by Joshua Gowin, PhD, of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the study analyzed children aged 9 to 10 years at baseline and followed up two years later to assess the relationship between parent-reported sleep disturbances and suicidal behaviors.
Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents, with sleep disturbances commonly seen in this group. According to the study, there are over 20 suicide attempts for every death by suicide. Recognized as a risk factor for suicidal behaviors, sleep disturbances have been included in the top 10 warning signs of suicide by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Results showed that disturbed sleep at age 10 was significantly associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviors by age 12. These findings suggest that sleep could be a critical intervention target for preventing suicide in early adolescence. The study calls for further research on sleep disturbances as a treatable, non-stigmatizing factor in youth suicide prevention.
A study published in JAMA Network Open emphasized the need for caution when prescribing first-generation antihistamines to young children, as these medications were linked to a 22% higher risk of seizures.
The case-crossover design evaluated the short-term impact of first-generation antihistamines on seizure events by comparing the hazard period (1-15 days before a seizure) with two control periods (31-45 days and 61-75 days before the event). This approach allowed each participant to act as their own control, reducing confounding factors.
The study highlights the need for further research to better understand the link between antihistamine use and seizure risk in young children.
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A discussion evaluating how social media can impact an individual's mental health, and what specific elements of social media could be causing it.
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Linda DiMeglio, MD, MPH, joined us to discuss the “Consensus Guidance for Monitoring Persons with Islet Autoantibody-Positive Pre-Stage 3 Type 1 Diabetes."
