The current authoritative trend estimate: using consistent definitions over 2011-2023, chronic-condition prevalence in U.S. children rose roughly 5-6 percentage points — a real increase, far smaller than the book's 12.8%-to-54% framing.
Chronic-condition prevalence rose from 25.8% to 31.0% (general-population composite) and from 39.9% to 45.7% (PEDSnet), 2011-2023.
Abstract (JAMA 2025)
The current authoritative trend estimate: using consistent definitions over 2011-2023, chronic-condition prevalence in U.S. children rose roughly 5-6 percentage points — a real increase, far smaller than the book's 12.8%-to-54% framing. Open-access JAMA article (PMID 40622733).