Pediatrics

Infant speech ABR strongly predicts early language delay

In 423 Chinese-learning infants, EEG speech auditory brainstem response predicted early language delay better than clinical predictors such as gestational age and birth weight. Non-neural models predicted Bayley-III language scores above chance but were clearly less accurate than EEG-based models. EEG-only models achieved sensitivity and AUC well above 90% for identifying children below the 16th language percentile. External validation maintained sensitivity above 80% and AUC above 90%, supporting generalizability within the studied setting. 1

Stopping antiseizure meds before discharge appears safe after acute neonatal seizures

This prospective comparative-effectiveness cohort followed neonates with acute provoked seizures managed at nine U.S. tertiary centers. Children whose antiseizure medication was stopped before discharge had similar or better full-scale IQ at 5–6 years than those maintained on medication. Functional development scores were equivalent between groups, and post-neonatal epilepsy risk was similar, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.93. Findings suggest that extending antiseizure medication for months after electrographic seizure resolution offers no clear neurodevelopmental or epilepsy benefit. 2

RAAS inhibitors outperform calcium-channel blockers in pediatric CKD hypertension

This target-trial emulation analyzed 2,762 children and adolescents with CKD stages 2–4 and hypertension initiating RAAS inhibitors or calcium-channel blockers. Propensity score methods balanced demographics, CKD etiology and stage, proteinuria, obesity, comorbidities, and baseline blood pressure control. RAAS inhibitor initiation was associated with a lower two-year risk of progression to kidney replacement therapy compared with calcium-channel blockers. RAAS blockade also reduced a composite of kidney replacement, 50% eGFR decline, or eGFR below 15 mL/min/1.73 m² versus calcium-channel blockade. 3

Control-IQ provides durable glycemic benefits in young children, including preschoolers

This real-world multicenter Italian cohort followed 253 children younger than 11 years using the t:slim X2 pump with Control-IQ for up to 18 months. In children 0.5–5 years, time in range and tight range improved significantly by six months and remained stable through 18 months. Children 6–10 years showed similar glycemic improvements, with no significant differences between age groups in trajectories. Severe hypoglycemia was very rare, and only one diabetic ketoacidosis episode occurred overall, indicating favorable safety. 4