A recent study found that emergency department visits for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among US children aged 8-12 years doubled from 5% to 10% of pediatric mental health ED visits between 2010 and 2020. Children who initially presented with STB were nearly ten times more likely to return for similar issues within a year, indicating a significant rise in suicide risk and recurrence among this age group.

A study in The BMJ found that early drug treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder was associated with reduced risks of suicidal behavior, substance misuse, transport accidents and crime. The research, involving 148,581 children and adults, suggested the benefits might stem from improved impulsivity, attention and executive functioning.

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Chase Anderson shares a framework for discussing suicidality with teenagers, emphasizing the importance of understanding external and internal problems, and finding alternative solutions to suicide. Anderson highlights the increased risk among minoritized youth, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, and the need for effective communication to save lives. The framework involves reframing suicidal thoughts, identifying specific problems, and utilizing existing coping mechanisms.

A study in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that oral vancomycin may help achieve remission in pediatric patients with non-primary sclerosing cholangitis inflammatory bowel disease. The study found that 55% of patients responded to treatment, with many able to reduce or stop other medications. The treatment was most effective for those with mildly active ulcerative colitis and unclassified IBD.

Infants diagnosed with presymptomatic spinal muscular atrophy and treated with risdiplam within their first six weeks of life achieved key developmental milestones and showed improved survival rates, according to the RAINBOWFISH trial. Early initiation of therapy, enabled by widespread newborn screening, allowed most infants to sit, stand, or walk unsupported after 12 months of treatment, and all infants treated for 24 months survived without respiratory support, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.

A presentation at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology Congress focused on the importance of early cardiovascular risk assessment for young adults to prevent premature cardiac events, at a time when obesity and diabetes have become more prevalent. The PREVENT risk age calculator may improve communication about the need for preventive interventions.

An electronic sleep screening tool for use during well-child visits was associated with an increase in sleep disorder diagnoses, orders for a polysomnogram and referrals to sleep or otolaryngology clinic, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. Researchers found the tool, which screens for issues such as snoring, infant bed sharing, short sleep time and daytime sleepiness, was used in 89.5% of visits.

HHS has re-established the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines in response to a lawsuit from Children's Health Defense, a group formerly led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The task force will be led by NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya include officials from the CDC and FDA.

The CDC's new Core Elements of Hospital Diagnostic Excellence offers guidance for optimizing diagnostic processes to reduce unnecessary tests, promote diagnostic stewardship and prevent incorrect diagnoses. The guidance centers on six core elements, including leadership and accountability, engagement, and tracking and reporting. Three actions are needed to reach diagnostic excellence, according to the guidance: stewardship, developing strong processes and systems, and learning from diagnostic errors.

I don't usually change the about the editor information, but I noticed the large number of articles about suicide in today's brief and wanted to highlight not just the growing numbers, but also the warning signs adults may miss. I also wanted to provide expert insight on how to talk to children about suicide. Together, these articles show that while the problem is serious, there are steps we can take to start better conversations and offer stronger support. You can contact me 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!