Category Archives: Issues

Biotechnology startups break into pediatric care

Companies looking to bring to market the next great solution to a thorny problem in medical care for children and adolescents are forming across the nation. The market is ripe for disruptive ideas, but to succeed, entrepreneurs have to show investors and clinicians that what they’re selling can truly make a difference.

By Keith Loria and Emily Delzell

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, May, 2019 | Leave a comment

Kickball has surprising burden of moderate to severe injuries

Game sends 10,000 kids a year to ED. Kickball, a traditional and ubiquitous school­yard game children often begin playing as early as preschool, has higher rates of injury than martial arts and tennis, according to an epidemiological review from the University of Pennsylvania that calls for heightened awareness of the risks and modifi­- cations to the way the game is played.

By Emily Delzell

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Posted in 2019, May, Pediatric Clinical News | Leave a comment

AFOs improve postsurgical gait in kids with spastic unilateral CP   

Devices correct residual drop-foot. Compared with walking barefoot, ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) improved gait parameters in children with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy a year after they had undergone lower limb surgery to improve their ambulation, according to research from Norway. Children with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy often have gait deviations that are most frequently caused by…

By Emily Delzell

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Posted in May, Pediatric Clinical News, 2019 | Leave a comment

Kids with Down syndrome have an increased risk of arthritis

Delayed diagnosis leads to joint damage – Arthritis in Down syndrome, or Down syndrome arthropathy, remains underrecognized, according to research from Kansas City, Missouri, that found that while treatment with several classes of medications leads to a significant reduction in active and limited joints, treatment approach, optimal therapy, and escalation are unclear.

By Katie Bell

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Posted in Pediatric Clinical News, December, 2018 | Leave a comment

Yoga improves gait, quality of life in obese adolescents

Practice may help kids get active – Iyengar yoga can improve both malalignment of the lower extremities during ambulation as well as emotional functioning in children with obesity, according to a pilot study from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, supporting a role for yoga in pediatric obesity.

By Katie Bell

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Posted in Pediatric Clinical News, December, 2018 | Leave a comment

High-intensity intervals more enjoyable than moderate activity    

Challenging activity boosts good feelings – Despite greater rates of perceived exertion teens do not find high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) unpleasant, and in fact report greater postexercise enjoyment than after completing moderate-intensity interval exercise (MIIE), according to research from the UK.

By Hank Black

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Posted in Pediatric Clinical News, December, 2018 | Leave a comment

HHS updates federal physical activity guidelines

The new federal physical activity guidelines include the first-ever recommendations for children aged 3 to 5 years, as well as updated guidelines for older kids. Here, we cover what you need to know about the new advice and offer tips from experts to help kids with lower extremity conditions get and stay active.

By Keith Loria

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, December, 2018 | Leave a comment

Transitions: Helping kids make the leap to adult care

In healthcare, transition refers to planning for and making the move from child to adult services. When the process isn’t managed well, young adults can fall into gaps in care and declining function, health, and quality of life. Transition takes provider time and energy, but reimbursement is available.

By Emily Delzell

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, December, 2018 | Leave a comment

Understanding the ‘odd gait’ of autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often described as “uncoordinated” or “clumsy” and many have clear motor control impairments. Early intervention to address motor deficits may improve physical skills and the difficulties with social functioning that are the hallmark of the disorder.

By Keith Loria

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Posted in 2018, Pediatric Feature, August | Leave a comment

Connecting with patients can improve outcomes

Building bonds with patients and their families, as well as a deeper understanding of their day-to-day lives, gives practitioners insight they can use to create a management plan that everyone can embrace. Experts offer advice on connecting, and weigh in on the management challenges and opportunities of hand-held tech.

By Shalmali Pal

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, August, 2018 | Leave a comment