A study in Pediatrics shows that 15.4% of US children received at least one vaccine dose outside the recommended age over a 10-year period, with rotavirus vaccines most frequently involved. The study, which analyzed data from the 2011-2020 National Immunization Survey-Child, found that children with multiple health care providers or who moved between states were more likely to receive invalid doses.

Delaying anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in adolescents by more than four months was associated with increased meniscal and chondral pathologies, according to a retrospective analysis published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Surgical delays correlated with higher rates of lateral meniscal tears and reduced meniscal repairability.

A study in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology finds that 40% of children with severe asthma experience high levels of fatigue, which is associated with poorer asthma-related quality of life. The study highlights the need for routine monitoring of fatigue in asthma care, noting that fatigue is often overshadowed by more visible symptoms.

A study in Cancer finds that children with obesity at cancer diagnosis have significantly poorer survival rates, with the strongest associations seen in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and central nervous system tumors. The study, which analyzed data from 11,291 children, highlights the need for strategies to mitigate obesity's impact on cancer outcomes.

BrainChild Bio is moving forward with its CAR T cell therapy BCB-276 for treating the pediatric brain cancer diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, which currently has no approved therapies. Following a positive FDA meeting, the company plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial. Early Phase 1 trial results from Seattle Children's Hospital showed promising safety and efficacy for BCB-276.

A systematic literature review published in the Journal of Neurotrauma highlights key clinical actions to enhance post-acute care for nonhospitalized traumatic brain injury patients. The study emphasizes the need for follow-up care, early education and mental health screening to improve recovery and reduce chronic disability. The research underscores the importance of clinical practice guidelines to standardize care and address the fragmented and often inadequate treatment currently received by TBI patients.

A study in JAMA Network Open highlights significant bone mineral density deficits among childhood cancer survivors, with treatment exposures, comorbidities and lifestyle factors such as smoking and sedentary behavior as key contributors. The study suggests that some deficits are reversible through interventions like smoking cessation and physical activity.

A Clean Label Project investigation has found that over-the-counter protein powders, especially organic, plant-based, and chocolate-flavored varieties, contain significant levels of cadmium and lead. The study tested 160 products, revealing that 47% exceeded California's Proposition 65 guidelines for heavy metals.

The 'medical freedom' movement in the U.S., gaining momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic, is driven by growing distrust in health care institutions and the spread of misinformation, according to experts. This movement, which has become a political identity, advocates for access to unproven treatments and opposes certain public health measures. Experts note that this trend poses significant challenges to public health efforts.

ViGeneron's VG901 therapy for retinitis pigmentosa, caused by mutations in the CNGA1 gene, has received a rare pediatric disease designation from the FDA. This designation offers ViGeneron a priority review voucher upon marketing approval. A data safety board also has approved dose escalation in a Phase 1b trial of the therapy.

Danielle Jones is a health care editor at SmartBrief where she edits content about pediatrics, biotechnology and nuclear medicine. She's been a medical editor and writer for 15 years now and has a background in clinical practices. You can contact her by email with feedback and ideas. If you find this newsletter helpful, please share it with a friend or colleague who might like to subscribe. It's free!