Physical Activity and Cancer

Studies in pediatric oncology have indicated a positive effect of physical activity on disease- and treatment-related side effects. Single studies demonstrate positive effects on the immune system, body composition, sleep, and activity levels. Results are very promising, but further high-quality research is needed in order to establish evidence-based exercise recommendations for children with cancer.

See Clinical exercise interventions in pediatric oncology: a systematic review

Biallelic Mutations and Lung Injury

Heterozygous ABCA3 (ATP-binding-cassette subfamily A member3) mutations are associated with neonatal respiratory complications. Using a murine model, Herber-Jonat and coinvestigators found that ABCA3 haploinsufficiency results in a lung phenotype with altered biochemistry and mechanics. The inability to maintain a normal phosphatidylcholine-to-phosphatidylglycerol ratio appears to play a key role.

See Abca3 haploinsufficiency is a risk factor for lung injury induced by hyperoxia or mechanical ventilation in a murine model

Infant Cardiac Surgery

The utility of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein (CRP) as biomarkers of infection following cardiothoracic surgery in infants has not been well established. Davidson and colleagues conducted a cohort study to evaluate procalcitonin and CRP levels after such surgery. Procalcitonin appears to be independently associated with circulatory-support requirements at 72 hours postoperation, as well as with development of infection, and might have greater utility than CRP as a biomarker in this population.

See Kinetics of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein and the relationship to postoperative infection in young infants undergoing cardiovascular surgery

Pediatric Obesity in China

Guo et al. determined the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as the associated risk profiles, among children and adolescents in rural northeastern China. Using data from 4,094 participants, they found the prevalence of pediatric obesity in rural China to be relatively high. Risk profiles should be fully considered when planning prevention and treatment programs for obese children.

See Prevalence and risk factors of being overweight or obese among children and adolescents in northeast China

Aps 2013 Presidential Address

In her Presidential Address to the American Pediatric Society on its 125th anniversary, Barbara J. Stoll reflects on the organization’s past as well as its future.

See American Pediatric Society 2013 presidential address: 125th anniversary of the American Pediatric Society–lessons from the past to guide the future