Pediatric Dermatology Research: Doing the Right Things in the Right Way

In this episode of Derms and Conditions, host James Q. Del Rosso, DO, welcomes Adelaide Hebert, MD, chief of pediatric dermatology at McGovern School of Medicine and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, to discuss the intricacies and challenges of pediatric clinical research. They begin by noting that past limitations left clinicians with few FDA-approved treatment options for younger patients, often relying on off-label therapies without robust pediatric data. However, legislative changes and incentives, such as patent extensions for drugs studied in pediatric populations, have encouraged pharmaceutical companies to invest in pediatric trials, enabling dermatologists to gain access to more targeted therapies for children. Despite this progress, enrolling young children in clinical trials remains challenging, partly due to concerns from parents about potential risks. Dr Hebert shares her approach to easing these concerns, often by conducting trials with adult and adolescent populations first so parents have a better understanding of a therapy's safety profile. Drs Hebert and Del Rosso then address the logistical aspects of pediatric trials, from initial phone screenings to addressing parents’ concerns about risk-benefit profiles, placebo arms, and the long-term safety of therapies. Dr Hebert underscores the need to accommodate the unique schedules and needs of young patients, such as adjusting appointments to fit around school hours. She also shares tips for administering injections to children, including using ice packs, straightforward explanations, and comforting strategies to make the experience as positive as possible. Throughout the conversation, Dr Hebert emphasizes the trust placed in dermatologists by parents and highlights the importance of respectful, compassionate communication, which ultimately strengthens the therapeutic alliance. Tune in to the full episode to learn more about pediatric clinical trials, hear insights on patient and parent communication, and get valuable guidance for dermatologists aiming to expand their expertise in pediatric patient care.