Pediatrics

Family navigation increases EI evaluation completion and service initiation in low-income urban children

In this RCT of 358 mostly Black, low-income children <30 months referred to Part C EI, family navigation improved service uptake. Navigation increased odds of completing the multidisciplinary evaluation, with adjusted odds ratio 2.1 (95% CI 1.2–3.5) vs usual care. More children in the navigation arm initiated EI services (64.4% vs 54.7%; P = .02), but EI duration did not differ. Bayley-3 scores at 12 months were similar between groups, indicating better access without detectable short-term developmental benefit. 1

HFOV modestly reduces BPD in preterm infants with NARDS vs conventional ventilation

This single-center RCT randomized 386 preterm infants ≤34 weeks with NARDS, stabilized on CMV, to continue CMV or elective HFOV. Elective HFOV reduced BPD by NICHD 2001 definition (34.3% vs 44.9%; RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86–0.99) compared with CMV. By a 2019 BPD definition, HFOV yielded a larger relative reduction (17.1% vs 25.4%; RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.45–1.00). Mortality and major morbidities, including severe ROP, NEC, severe IVH, air leak, and hsPDA, did not differ significantly. Modest absolute benefit and single-center design suggest cautious consideration of HFOV as a BPD-reduction strategy. 2

Early discontinuation of neonatal antiseizure medication appears safe long term

This multicenter prospective cohort compared neonates with acute provoked seizures whose antiseizure medications were stopped before discharge vs maintained. At 5–6 years, full-scale IQ was similar, with an adjusted difference favoring early discontinuation by 10 points. Adaptive functioning at 3–8 years showed no difference (adjusted difference 0 points) between groups. Post-neonatal epilepsy risk was comparable (adjusted hazard ratio 0.93; 95% CI 0.48–1.80). Findings align with ILAE guidance supporting ASM discontinuation soon after acute provoked neonatal seizures resolve for most infants. 3

Longitudinal data link digital media use with small but widespread adverse youth outcomes

This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled 153 longitudinal studies (115 cohorts; 1072 effect sizes) on digital media and child outcomes. Social media use correlated with higher depression, externalizing and internalizing behaviors, self-injury, problematic internet use, and substance use (r up to 0.21). It was also associated with lower academic achievement, poorer self-perception, and less positive development (negative correlations to about r = -0.14). Video gaming was linked to higher aggression and externalizing behaviors (r ≈ 0.16–0.17) but modestly better attention and executive functioning (r = 0.10). Small but consistent effects across predominantly Western cohorts support counseling focused on content, vulnerable youth, and overall balance. 4