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Top takeaways from Pediatric Academic Society meeting

The Pediatric Academy Society recently wrapped up its annual meeting — the largest international meeting focused on research in child health, according to organizers — in San Francisco. Topics discussed included reducing autism-associated wandering, depression indicators in teenagers, marijuana’s legalization’s impact on ED visits and more.

As a service to its readers, Healio Family Medicine provides some of the top takeaways from this year’s event.

Tracking devices reduce wandering frequency, risk among children with autism

Tracking devices using radio, Bluetooth or GPS technology significantly reduce the frequency — and associated risks — of wandering behavior among children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders, as well as minimizing parental anxiety, according to survey results. Read more

Gun access higher among youth with violent, mental health history

Data show youth who screened positive for ADHD, conduct problems, violence and aggression were more likely to report increased access to firearms. Read more

Teen angst may indicate depression risk to PCPs

Common expressions of teen angst may indicate the need for further evaluation for depression among adolescents. Read more

Saliva biomarkers may help predict concussion symptom duration in children

Analyzing saliva for changes in the micro-ribonucleic acid levels served as a prognostic indicator of symptom duration among children following a concussion, according to research presented at the meeting. Read more

Online health information undermines parental trust in physician diagnosis

Parents were more likely to trust their child’s physician when the physician’s diagnosis corresponded with information the parent procured online, but they were more inclined to seek a second opinion when their own search results contradicted the diagnosis, according to research presented at the meeting. Read more

Teen ED visits related to marijuana use skyrocket after legalization in Colorado

ED and urgent care center visits at a Colorado hospital increased rapidly among adolescents after the legalization of marijuana for commercialized medical and recreational use, according to recent data. Read more

Find all of Healio's coverage of the 2017 Pediatric Academic Society meeting by clicking here.