Get caught up with Contemporary Pediatrics! This list helps you navigate our top stories from the week, all in one place.
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Thank you for visiting the Contemporary Pediatrics® website. Take a look at some of our top stories from the week (Monday, February 17, to Friday, February 21, 2025), and click on each link to read and watch anything you may have missed.
Quiz: Recommendations for critical congenital heart disease newborn screenings
In December 2024, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) introduced updates to the critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening algorithm to enhance efficiency and accuracy in newborn screenings. These changes include a simplified process that reduces the number of retests and refines the criteria for passing oxygen saturation levels. The goal of these refinements is to decrease misinterpretation, improve sensitivity, and ensure more consistent implementation of CCHD screening across hospitals nationwide.
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Infant mortality rises after implementing abortion bans, study finds
Infant mortality rates were higher than expected in US states with abortion bans after the bans were implemented, according to a recent study published in JAMA. Total abortion bans were reported in 13 states and 6-week bans in 6 more as of November 2024. Data indicated a 2% to 3% increase in live births above expectation in these states. However, abortion bans may increase infant deaths through the continuation of pregnancies with congenital malformations.
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Identifying biliary atresia in primary care with Sanjiv Harpavat, MD, PhD, FAAP
A new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides a streamlined approach for pediatric primary care providers to identify biliary atresia (BA) by 2-4 weeks of life, a crucial window for improving outcomes and reducing the need for liver transplantation. Early detection is essential, and primary care providers can use a three-step approach to facilitate earlier referrals.
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Breaking down invasive meningococcal disease vaccines, including MenABCWY
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a life-threatening infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, and vaccines have been available for adolescents to protect against the five major serogroups. On February 14, 2025, the FDA approved the MenABCWY vaccine, combining protection against the five most common serogroups in a single shot. Vaccination rates remain low, with efforts needed to increase coverage, especially for adolescents.
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Positive initial data reported for SGT-003 to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Positive initial data has been reported by Solid Biosciences Inc. for SGT-003, a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene therapy candidate. Results from the phase 1/2 INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial in the first 3 patients dosed revealed improvements in microdystrophin expression and multiple biomarkers of muscle health. The trial remains ongoing, and the gene therapy is well tolerated among participants.
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