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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, December 23, to Friday, December 27, 2024), and click on each link to read and watch anything you may have missed.
The FDA has approved the first once-daily generic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Announced on December 23, 2024, this approval references liraglutide (Victoza) and is indicated for adults and children 10 years and older to improve glycemic control alongside diet and exercise.
This approval, granted to Hikma Pharmaceuticals, enhances access to GLP-1 medications, which have been pivotal in type 2 diabetes management for nearly two decades. Initially approved for adults, liraglutide expanded to pediatric use in 2019, becoming the first non-insulin option for children since metformin.
The FDA highlighted the affordability and accessibility of generics while noting the boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors and common side effects such as nausea and vomiting. This marks the second GLP-1 generic approval in 2024, following exenatide in November.
Needle phobia affects two-thirds of children, often hindering essential medical care such as vaccinations and allergy treatments. To address this, needle-free options are emerging, including the FDA-approved epinephrine nasal spray (neffy; ARS Pharmaceuticals) for type 1 allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Approved for patients weighing at least 66 lbs (30 kg), neffy offers a needle-free alternative that may increase adherence and reduce anxiety. Pediatricians highlight its stability across temperatures and extended shelf life as key advantages over traditional epinephrine autoinjectors.
Additionally, the FDA expanded the indication for Influenza Vaccine Live (FluMist; AstraZeneca) to allow self- or caregiver-administration for children aged 2 and older. This needle-free nasal spray option can increase flu vaccination rates by offering an alternative to injections. Future innovations, such as Aquestive Therapeutics' epinephrine sublingual film (Anaphylm), also show promise, with pediatric trials set for late 2024 and potential FDA submission in early 2025. These advancements represent significant progress in addressing needle phobia and improving pediatric care accessibility.
In 2024, pediatric care saw significant advancements highlighted in video content that provided key insights and demonstrations for practitioners. Contemporary Pediatrics compiled the top 5 must-watch videos, covering topics from nutrition to cutting-edge therapies.
One featured video explores the benefits of Kabrita goat milk-based infant formula, the first FDA-approved goat milk formula, offering an alternative to cow and soy milk. Pediatrician Ari Brown, MD, discusses its nutritional completeness and better tolerability. Another video focuses on managing ADHD in primary care, with Rakesh Jain, MD, emphasizing early screening and the benefits of newly approved treatments like ONYDA XR.
Key safety topics were also addressed, such as the rise in pediatric THC ingestions highlighted by Steven Selbst, MD, urging awareness and preventive measures. FDA approvals for new therapies, including roflumilast cream for atopic dermatitis and DB-OTO gene therapy for genetic deafness, demonstrate breakthroughs in treatment options. These videos provide valuable tools for pediatricians to enhance care and improve outcomes.
As families welcome new technology gifts this holiday season, ensuring safe and balanced use for children is essential. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers practical tips for parents to manage devices effectively.
To set up devices safely, parents can enable parental controls to block inappropriate content and limit screen time. Tools like Apple’s Downtime and Nintendo’s parental control apps help manage usage. Privacy is another key focus—activating privacy settings and discussing digital citizenship fosters safer online habits.
Establishing boundaries around media use through collaborative discussions and staying informed about social media trends promotes healthy engagement. By creating a balanced tech environment and leveraging available resources, families can enjoy their new gadgets while fostering a secure digital space.
Health care practitioners are naturally curious about diseases of all kinds, especially those that have remained undiagnosed mysteries.
Since the holiday season is upon us, the Contemporary Pediatrics editorial team decided to do a little research into Tiny Tim, the lovable son of Scrooge’s employee, Bob Cratchit, in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The little boy’s disability is never explained in the famous tale, with the author leaving it to readers—and practitioners—to take an educated guess as to what his ailment was.
Not surprisingly, a number of physicians have reflected upon the topic, and here’s what they’ve had to say.
