Pediatrics

Fast brain MRI detects more pathology than CT without delaying ED care

In this ED cohort, 159 children undergoing fast brain MRI were compared with 636 matched children imaged with head CT for new neurologic complaints. Time from arrival to completed imaging was nearly identical for fast MRI and CT, as was hospital length of stay. Fast MRI had fewer missed lesions on follow-up than CT (1.8% vs 8.5%), with markedly higher sensitivity and negative predictive value. These findings support fast MRI as a first-line, radiation-sparing option for many nontraumatic pediatric neurologic emergencies without throughput penalties. 1

Preterm and low–birth weight birth linked to lasting cognitive and school disadvantages

This umbrella review synthesized 40 systematic reviews, yielding 788 effect estimates on outcomes after preterm birth or low birth weight. Preterm or low–birth weight status was associated with lower IQ and poorer reading, math, and spelling performance (Hedges g around -0.6 to -0.8). Affected individuals more often required special educational support, with stronger associations at earlier gestational ages and lower birth weights. Deficits attenuated somewhat in adolescence but persisted into adulthood, reinforcing the need for long-term developmental and educational follow-up. 2

Housing redevelopment slowed obesity gain in low-income children

This longitudinal difference-in-differences study followed 399 children in a redeveloping public housing community versus a nearby comparison site. Two years into redevelopment, intervention-site children had a 14.7–percentage point lesser increase in overweight/obesity prevalence than comparison children. They also showed smaller increases in BMI z score, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio, with improved diet and neighborhood physical activity. Results suggest that comprehensive housing and neighborhood upgrades can meaningfully blunt obesity trajectories in disadvantaged pediatric populations. 3