Monthly Archives :

August 2025

Pediatric Restless Legs Syndrome: More Common (and Impactful) Than You Might Think
Pediatric Restless Legs Syndrome: More Common (and Impactful) Than You Might Think 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

This underdiagnosed condition is more than just a bedtime annoyance — it may reflect nutrient deficiencies and have major impacts on daytime behavior. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects 2-4% of school-aged children, with symptoms that can significantly impact sleep quality, family relationships and daytime behavior. The condition causes discomfort in the arms or legs during…

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Shows Promise for Diagnosing Renal Obstruction
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Shows Promise for Diagnosing Renal Obstruction 480 320 Pam Georgiana

Feasibility study demonstrates DCEUS may be a safer, more accessible alternative to nuclear medicine. In a recent study, Bryan S. Sack, MD, chief of Pediatric Urology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo, and colleagues demonstrated the potential of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCEUS) to diagnose ureteropelvic junction obstruction or blockages where the kidney connects to the…

Featured Expert: Anna J. Kerlek, MD
Featured Expert: Anna J. Kerlek, MD 150 150 Gina Vitale, PTA

Anna J. Kerlek, MD, is a physician specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. The Division of Behavioral Health at Nationwide Children’s is the largest of its kind at a pediatric institution in the United States, and The Ohio…

Featured Researcher: Laura Chavez, PhD, MPH
Featured Researcher: Laura Chavez, PhD, MPH 150 150 Gina Vitale, PTA

Improving access to health care for all, regardless of age, race, gender and socioeconomic background, is essential for numerous health and economic reasons — especially for children. It’s vital to understand and prevent health disparities from impacting children to ensure the best outcomes for physical and mental health into adulthood. Laura Chavez, PhD, MPH, is…

Study Explores Impact of Duffy Null Phenotype on Neutrophil Count and Hydroxyurea Dosing in Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Study Explores Impact of Duffy Null Phenotype on Neutrophil Count and Hydroxyurea Dosing in Children With Sickle Cell Disease 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck

Children with sickle cell disease and the Duffy null phenotype may have lower measured neutrophil counts, but new research suggests that there are opportunities to optimize hydroxyurea regardless of Duffy null status. Sickle cell disease (SCD) primarily affects individuals of minority populations and can cause numerous morbidities, including vaso-occlusive pain, acute chest syndrome episodes, and…

Comparing Two Diagnostic Tools for Upper Gastroenterology Symptoms
Comparing Two Diagnostic Tools for Upper Gastroenterology Symptoms 1024 680 Pam Georgiana
Close up color photo of little boy holding hands on his belly

A retrospective analysis of the clinical correlation between gastric emptying scintigraphy and antroduodenal manometry in pediatric patients with upper GI symptoms. Children with persistent nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain often undergo extensive testing to evaluate for underlying etiologies such as pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction, rumination or gastroparesis. Two primary diagnostic tools, gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) and…

Predicting Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Predicting Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates Using Machine Learning Algorithms 480 320 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

A new model accurately identifies neonates at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) — and the factors physicians should address to prevent it — offering the first AKI prediction tool specific to this vulnerable population. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and irreversible, making preventive measures essential to maintaining health. Multiple risk prediction tools exist…

Studying the Clinical Progression of Congenital Hypopituitarism
Studying the Clinical Progression of Congenital Hypopituitarism 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
Black baby smiling up at his mother

New research reveals the clinical progression and evolution of pituitary hormone deficiencies in the first 3 years of life. In a recent retrospective study published in Clinical Endocrinology, Jennifer M. Ladd, MD, MSc, pediatric physician in the Division of Endocrinology and associate program director of the Endocrinology Fellowship Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and colleagues…

High Rates of Readmission and Airway Complications Found in Tracheostomy-Dependent Infants With BPD
High Rates of Readmission and Airway Complications Found in Tracheostomy-Dependent Infants With BPD 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck

While tracheostomy can be lifesaving for infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, new data highlights the risks and outcomes that families and providers must be prepared to face. Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the most common morbidity of prematurity, often require long-term respiratory support. Severe BPD can necessitate tracheostomy that is often paired with mechanical ventilation,…