People exposed to sugar rationing in utero and during their first two years of life had lower risks of cardiovascular disease and related conditions after age 40, according to an analysis of data from the World War 2 era when sugar rationing was common. The study, published in The BMJ, compared people who experienced sugar rationing with those who had not and suggested diabetes and hypertension may account for 31% of the link between sugar rationing and cardiovascular disease, with birth weight linked to 2.2%.

A study in the journal Pediatric Research found a link between maternal oxidative stress and neurodevelopmental and behavioral issues in children. The study of 259 mother-child pairs in Puerto Rico found that higher levels of proinflammatory lipids were associated with behavioral issues in children, while higher levels of anti-inflammatory lipids were associated with better outcomes.

A research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that stillbirths affect about 1 in 150 pregnancies in the US, higher than the CDC's reported rate of 1 in 175. Researchers used commercial insurance claims data, which they said is more reliable than fetal death certificates. They also found disparities in stillbirths, with rates rising to 1 in 112 births in low-income areas and 1 in 95 in Black families, compared with white families.

A study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress found that the iPeer2Peer Mentorship Program helps young patients with congenital heart disease transition from pediatric to adult care. The program pairs youth with young adult mentors who have CHD.

A study in the European Journal of Pediatrics associated the use of surfactant with improvements in aeration in the right lung more than the left lung in extremely preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. "We hypothesize that surfactant probably reaches the right side more easily and the basal regions of the lung to a greater extent than the apical ones, leading to focal heterogeneous air distribution that might reflect a combination of both over-expanded and collapsed alveoli, observations that warrant continued future studies," researchers wrote.

Data from three Phase 3 trials showed that roflumilast cream was linked to improved itch and reduced sleep disruption for pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, researchers reported at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference. Long-term data on two formulations of the treatment showed it was well-tolerated and reduced the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Intermountain Health plans to build a stand-alone children's hospital in Las Vegas, the first in the city, to address the need for specialized pediatric care. The $1 billion facility will be built on the University of Nevada Las Vegas Reid Research Campus, with construction starting in 2026 and completion expected by the end of 2029.

Procter & Gamble is focusing on product innovation and sustainability to drive growth, particularly in its fabric care and baby care businesses, with the launch of a new Tide detergent formula, the upcoming eco-friendly Tide EVO and upgraded versions of Pampers products.

Public health experts say Louisiana officials delayed public and provider alerts during the state's worst whooping cough outbreak in 35 years, leading to hospitalizations and deaths, including those of two infants. Pediatrician Joseph Bocchini, president of the Louisiana chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, called for regular updates and reminders to get vaccines and to get care for coughs.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is facing a funding crisis as the government shutdown threatens to extend into November, and millions of families may lose benefits starting Nov. 1, according to the National WIC Association. The USDA has indicated it will use tariff revenue to fund WIC for now, but it's unclear how long these resources will last. The association, in a joint letter with 40 organizations including Consumer Brands, is calling for an additional $300 million in emergency funds to sustain the program into November, warning that some state agencies may have to furlough staff beginning today without additional funding.