Tomás Fernández-Comparini, María Emilia Riquelme, María Jesús Tuca
{"title":"Anatomy and development of the pediatric knee: what do we know so far?","authors":"Tomás Fernández-Comparini, María Emilia Riquelme, María Jesús Tuca","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001473","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001473","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Understanding the normal anatomy and development of the pediatric knee is crucial due to its structural complexity and significant changes over time. This review covers current knowledge of various anatomical structures of the knee and provides insights into differentiating normal development from their variations.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent literature highlights advancements in imaging techniques for assessing bone age and skeletal maturity. Knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional X-rays, based on key features visible on standard MRI that demonstrate a predictable ossification pattern. However, further validation may be required. Studies have explored the morphologic development of the knee, including the different components, physis and vascularity. Several studies have aimed to elucidate the physiology of normal variants of development, though the etiology of many conditions remains unknown.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The findings emphasize the importance of accurate interpretation and detailed knowledge of developmental changes in the pediatric knee. Improved imaging techniques and understanding of normal variants are essential for distinguishing between benign developmental changes and pathological conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":" ","pages":"108-116"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143983254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samuel A Beber, Katherine D Groff, Shevaun M Doyle
{"title":"From growing pains to growing evidence: a 2025 update on novel insights in lower limb osteochondroses.","authors":"Samuel A Beber, Katherine D Groff, Shevaun M Doyle","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001523","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001523","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Osteochondrosis encompasses a heterogenous group of pathologies affecting endochondral ossification in the growing child and adolescent. The cause of each disease is multifactorial, though many are often related to overuse injury, and may be epiphyseal, physeal, or apophyseal. Identification and treatment of this group of disorders is complex, thus this review aims to briefly describe common pathologies, their management, and highlight novel developments within the field.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Machine learning as well as advanced diagnostic tools for more precise evaluation and prognostication of osteochondroses have been studied including perfusion MRI in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Novel treatments include leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP), which offer promising improvements in pain and function in Osgood-Schlatter disease. Surgical technique studies have begun to examine optimal operative management of Freiberg's disease.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The osteochondroses are an often-self-limiting spectrum of pathologies affecting the physis in children and adolescents that may be managed with conservative treatment, though some require surgical intervention. Advances in imaging, prognostication tools, and treatment modalities support earlier and accurate diagnoses, as well as better informed treatment decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":" ","pages":"100-107"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145353934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The increasing role of genetic counseling in pediatric oncology.","authors":"Mary Egan Clark, Rose B McGee, Kristin Zelley","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001525","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001525","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Availability and uptake of somatic and/or germline genetic testing is increasing for children with or at risk for cancer. Diagnosis of a cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) necessitates long-term oncology care or surveillance. Genetic counseling is imperative to optimize genetic testing for providers and patients/families and to identify and manage those with a CPS.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>In pediatric oncology, genetic counseling aids in patient identification, test selection and/or methodologies, and clinical and psychosocial management of new CPS diagnoses. As a member of a multidisciplinary care team, a genetic counselor is well positioned to provide these services. There is an ongoing shift in pediatric oncology toward universal paired somatic/germline testing at diagnosis, increasing the demand for genetic counseling. Current challenges include limits of testing technology, equitable access to testing and subsequent care, and evolution of CPS diagnoses.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Demand for genetic counseling will only grow as molecular testing is increasingly utilized in pediatric oncology and expands into nontraditional care settings. Genetic counselors will continue to play key roles in identifying patients with CPS, coordinating management in collaboration with a medical team, facilitating patient and family comprehension of a diagnosis, and promoting psychosocial adjustment for those impacted by a CPS.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":"38 1","pages":"65-72"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145833381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current opinions on Noonan syndrome and RASopathies.","authors":"Kathryn Nicole Weaver, Carlos E Prada","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001524","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001524","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Noonan syndrome and related disorders (RASopathies) affect ~1 in 2000 individuals and are associated with a wide range of phenotypic manifestations. It is highly likely that pediatricians and other pediatric subspecialists will encounter multiple patients with these diagnoses in their clinical practice. It is important that pediatric providers recognize common diagnostic features and are informed regarding recent advances in diagnosis and emerging treatment options for patients with these conditions.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Major themes of research articles published about RASopathies in the past 18 months include the utilization of pathway targeted drugs such as trametinib for treatment-refractory cardiac and lymphatic manifestations, emerging genotype-phenotype correlations, and detailed characterization of neurologic manifestations.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The potential for pathway targeted therapy, with increasing reported use of trametinib for severe cardiac and lymphatic manifestations of RASopathies, exemplifies the importance of recognizing RASopathy diagnoses and of clearly defining natural history and treatment endpoints. Further refinement of genotype-phenotype correlations and the phenotypic spectrum, particularly the delineation of neurologic manifestations clinically and radiographically, are likely to be areas of significant knowledge growth in upcoming years.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":" ","pages":"126-132"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145502559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hypertension and vascular health in the young.","authors":"Shobha S Natarajan, Kevin E Meyers","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001504","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001504","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review examines the role of vascular health in children and adolescents with systemic hypertension. Like other areas of target organ damage (TOD), arterial dysfunction can have deleterious effects over time, leading to adverse cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke as an adult.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Literature in the last few years has focused on TOD to the vascular tree in pediatric patients with hypertension. These data also included vascular dysfunction in ambulatory and masked hypertension, particularly in secondary causes of hypertension, which emphasize the importance of ambulatory BP monitoring in these patients. While subclinical TOD exists early on, longitudinal studies that follow diverse populations with hypertension from childhood into late adulthood are needed to determine if abnormal vasculature is independently associated with suboptimal cardiovascular outcomes. Consistent conduct of these tests would more formally incorporate them into pediatric clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Hypertension is a chronic medical condition that needs a multipronged treatment approach. The vasculature is an important yet understudied area of TOD. Longitudinal studies in this realm could link subclinical disease in youth to adult adverse events and develop more precise management to mitigate these events and to enable a better quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":"37 6","pages":"633-639"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12594106/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145444204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Stroke in children with congenital or acquired heart disease.","authors":"Elizabeth W Mayne","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001517","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000001517","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Children with congenital or acquired cardiac disease are at increased risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. This review covers the epidemiology, presentation, acute management, and outcomes of stroke in children with heart disease.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The major advances in endovascular thrombectomy for adults with large vessel occlusions (LVOs) have had significant ramifications for children with cardioembolic stroke, who often present with LVO. Several large registry studies have shown that thrombectomy likely improves outcomes for children with LVO, including those with acquired or congenital heart disease. Improving both primary and secondary stroke prevention remains both vital and challenging; as more children with congenital heart disease survive into adulthood, studies show that they remain at increased risk for stroke and may be susceptible to earlier frailty and cognitive impairment.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Children with cardiac disease have a lifelong increased risk of stroke. While new interventions such as thrombectomy may improve outcomes, more research is needed to improve long term neurologic outcomes in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":"37 6","pages":"591-596"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145444198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tanvi Devi, Julia Caton, Rebecca Dougherty, Pratichi K Goenka
{"title":"Words that heal, words that harm: how the language we use shapes patient care.","authors":"Tanvi Devi, Julia Caton, Rebecca Dougherty, Pratichi K Goenka","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001521","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001521","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The mandated accessibility of the electronic health record (EHR), including direct patient access through a portal, has created a unique and important opportunity for clinicians to examine their communication. This development underscores the importance of understanding how language - both written and verbal - may inadvertently reinforce biases, perpetuate existing disparities, and potentially distance patients from care. Indeed, the language clinicians use - whether written or verbal - is not merely descriptive; it is a powerful intervention that can either build trust or perpetuate harm. While often unintentional, the misuse of language in a clinical context is a significant and modifiable driver of health disparities. We will examine the mechanisms by which biased words erode patient care and then propose concrete strategies to foster communication that are precise, respectful, and actively promotes health equity.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The connection between language in a clinical context and bias, whether spoken or written, is increasingly acknowledged in medical education and research literature. This evolving field is especially pertinent to pediatric care, where communication plays a critical role in health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This review defines stigmatizing language and explores how linguistic patterns can influence the physician-patient relationship. We delve into the ways the use of stigmatizing language reinforces broader societal frameworks, shapes clinicians' attitudes, and healthcare disparities. We illustrate how shifting towards person-centered language can transform linguistic patterns. As our digital age continues to evolve, with increasing reliance on social media and artificial intelligence, we urge physicians to model language that fosters inclusivity by offering strategies, at both the individual and system levels, to integrate into their healthcare communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":" ","pages":"625-632"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145354022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giavanna Verdi, Farah H Salman, Dana H Goodloe, Taylor McClinchey, Nathaniel H Robin
{"title":"Beyond the cleft: dual diagnoses in patients with cleft lip and/or palate unrelated to orofacial malformations.","authors":"Giavanna Verdi, Farah H Salman, Dana H Goodloe, Taylor McClinchey, Nathaniel H Robin","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001515","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000001515","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":"37 6","pages":"527-528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145444123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Genetic medicine in the US military.","authors":"Maj Grace Raines, Col Luis Rohena","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001516","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000001516","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The use of genetic testing within the pediatric population continues to expand as broad-based sequencing becoming more incorporated into routine practice. While these evaluations are also utilized within the military population, key points should be considered when providing these recommendations. This review aims to highlight the important differences between civilian and military genetics evaluations.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Review of the available literature and recent current events including an emphasis on military readiness and operational mission completion, reveals that the role of a military geneticist both within the pediatric and Active Duty population will only continue to expand.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Broad-based sequencing is increasingly offered as a first-line evaluation during routine genetic appointments for entities, such as unexplained symptoms, multiple congenital anomalies, or developmental delay. Within the military realm, considerations for potential impact to the Active Duty Service Member must be understood regarding future eligibility, current retainability, and possible effect on disability benefits. This is imperative as protection such as the Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act do not apply to the military population, but with proper and thorough pretest counseling, Soldiers will be able to make sound, informed decisions surrounding their own healthcare and their families as well.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":"37 6","pages":"529-532"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145444189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: an update in diagnostics, criteria, and treatment considerations.","authors":"Kara Coffey, Samantha Minnicozzi","doi":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001508","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOP.0000000000001508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory state in adult and pediatric patients, with associated severe morbidity and mortality. Here, we provide an updated overview of HLH, associated triggers, diagnostic tools and criteria, as well as treatment considerations.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Hemophagocytosis lymphohistiocytosis, a state of severe inflammation and immune overactivation, can be life threatening with significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic criteria initially used remain valid to this day, while newer laboratory measurements can be informative and helpful in identifying patients with this diagnosis, such as CXCL9, IL-18, and other serum cytokines. Initially thought to occur only in patients with inborn errors of immunity or malignancy, HLH is recognized as a spectrum of inflammation, occurring in healthy individuals in response to common infections. With this realization comes a pressing need for earlier consideration, identification, and treatment initiation to prevent severe or fatal outcomes.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Recent insights into the diagnosis of HLH have led to earlier identification, associated triggers and laboratory criteria, with the goal of decreasing delays in time to treatment and improved outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10985,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in pediatrics","volume":" ","pages":"619-624"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145205890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}