Artificial intelligence in pediatric healthcare: current applications, potential, and implementation considerations

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed pediatric healthcare by supporting diagnostics, personalized treatment strategies, and prognosis predictions. Although it offers significant promise in these areas, its application in pediatric settings poses distinct challenges compared with that in adults due to variable developmental status, the limited availability of pediatric data, and ethical concerns regarding bias and transparency. This narrative review summarizes the key concepts of AI and its clinical applications across clinical fields in the treatment of children and adolescents. Here we highlight the emerging role of large language models in performing administrative tasks and clinical documentation and supporting decision-making. We also address the evolving impact of AI integration in surgical care as an example while exploring ongoing concerns regarding reliability and diagnostic safety. Furthermore, we survey AI-enabled medical devices and discuss the current regulatory frameworks relevant to pediatric care. This review provides a balanced overview of opportunities and challenges from a pediatrician's standpoint and aims to facilitate effective alignment and collaboration with key stakeholders in pediatric healthcare. Pediatricians must implement AI solutions cautiously and accountably to avoid unintended harm and realize their potential.