New Guidance Addresses Early Dx of Dysmenorrhea in Adolescents

Endometriosis is most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, looks different in teens than adults

For Anxiety Relief in Kids, Dogs Have It Down Pat

Interacting with dogs increases positive emotions in children and reduces anxiety, demonstrating that this type of pet therapy "can improve clinically relevant symptoms," researchers note.

Skipping Cannabis for One Month Improves Memory in Teens

Not using cannabis for one month could improve learning ability for adolescents and young adults who use the drug at least weekly, a U.S. study suggests.

Progress Made Toward Global Measles Milestones

Estimated coverage with MCV1 up from 72 to 85 percent globally; measles deaths dropped 80 percent

AAP Updates Screening Policy for ROP

A policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics provides updated guidelines for screening and treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

ABCD study completes enrollment, announces opportunities for scientific engagement

The study will use advanced neuroimaging to observe brain development in children throughout adolescence.

Pediatricians want parents to stop giving toddlers digital toys

All those interactive digital toys and mobile apps designed for little kids are exactly the type of gifts parents should take off their holiday shopping lists, U.S. pediatricians say.

Prevalence of Ever-Diagnosed ASD 2.79 Percent in U.S. Children

~70 percent of children with current ASD are treated; 20.3 percent receive behavioral tx and meds

Polio-like disease sparks new sense of urgency

The problem for doctors now is that little is known about the disease: why just one child in a family will get it even though all got sick with the same virus thought to be at its root; why it may be on the rise now; what can be done to prevent it.

Results of Pediatric Genomic Epilepsy Tests Often Reclassified

Over 30 percent of pediatric patients with genetic dx, undiagnosed conditions had results reclassified

Liquid Biopsy Can Assess Tx Response of Peds Brain Tumors

Study is the first to document the utility of liquid biopsy in a pediatric brain tumor population

'First Evidence' Music Improves Brain Connectivity in Kids With Autism

A new study 'provides the first evidence' that a music intervention may improve auditory-motor brain connectivity and social communication in kids with autism.

No Reason to Delay BCG Vaccine in Low Birthweight Preterm Babies

There is no reason to delay administration of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination for preterm and/or low birthweight infants, according to findings from a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Reading Speed, Motor Skills Affect Self-Perception in Kids With Amblyopia

Slower reading speed and worse motor skills are associated with lower self-perception in school-aged children with amblyopia, researchers report.

Prevalence of Eating Disorders 1.4 Percent in Preteens

No statistically significant differences in prevalence rates seen between boys and girls

Less Pediatric Screen Time Tied to Better Well-Being

High users of screens more likely to have history of depression, anxiety, mental health tx

One in 40 U.S. kids have autism, parent survey finds

Roughly one in 40 U.S. children has been diagnosed with autism, and a national survey of parents suggests these kids have a harder time getting mental health services than youth with other emotional or behavioral issues.

EpiPens Withstand 24 Hours of Freezing

Researchers froze 104 EpiPens at -25 C (-13 F) for 24 hours, thawed them, then fired them into marbleized beef to test their performance. The autoinjectors delivered the same volume of drug as unfrozen control devices.

Probiotics Show No Benefits for Pediatric Acute Gastroenteritis

No benefits seen with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or L. rhamnosus R0011 and L. helveticus R0052

Smallest patients have highest risk from radiation accidents, doctors warn

Infants, children and teens who are unexpectedly exposed to radiation from nuclear power plants or improper disposal of medical equipment may be more at risk for health problems than adults, U.S. pediatricians warn.

Child Overweight, Obesity Linked to Increased Asthma Risk

In absence of overweight and obesity, 10 percent of all pediatric asthma cases would be avoided.

AAP Guideline Recommends Isotonic IV Fluids for Most Children

In a new evidence-based clinical guideline, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends isotonic intravenous fluids (IVFs) with appropriate potassium chloride and dextrose for most children aged 28 days to 18 years who require maintenance IVFs.

Early Antibiotic Use May Be Tied to Higher Childhood Body Weight

Antibiotics before age 2 associated with very small increase in body weight at 5 years of age

Later school start may help teens get needed sleep

Letting teens start school just 10 minutes later each day might help them get more than 20 minutes extra sleep on a typical night, a Canadian study suggests.