Infectious Diseases

Palivizumab appears to be effective for reducing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in high-risk infants, according to results of a study in Australia.

Discussing vaccination against influenza can go a few different ways. For parents who are either unconcerned with the influenza immunization or who had children who received it in previous seasons but still got influenza, a targeted, evidence-based patient education supported by the influenza immunization and hospitalization data could turn the tide.

Recent research advances are providing insight on infectious causative mechanisms for this recently described disease in children.

The guidelines for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease may soon be changing, although pediatricians aren't expected to readily adopt all the recommendations.

Using antibiotics for extended periods in preterm infants can have long-term damaging effects to their gut microbiota, according to a recent study.

After assessing a child who is presenting with some type of infectious disease, the next step is to run a diagnostic test, such as a rapid strep test or measles. However, is that always the best decision?

The 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) is performing well since its 2010 introduction but still has some flaws, according to a recent report.

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal how well influenza vaccine works in reducing hospitalization rates for serious disease among children.

Dr Eden remembers a patient who suffered extreme neurologic complications as a result of the disease.

The AAP and ACIP have issued recommendations for the upcoming flu season, and they include the intranasal vaccine and a warning about watching carefully dosages on different brands of the vaccine.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have released updated guidelines on the management of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in both mothers and babies.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection requiring hospitalization may be associated with later asthma development, especially when RSV hospitalization occurs in the later part of an infant's first year of life.

Contemporary Pediatrics recently spoke with Mary Koslap-Petraco, DNP, PNP-BC, CPNP, FAANP, a nationally known expert in immunization practice, about why measles infection rates have skyrocketed in her home state of New York, what’s in store for the rest of the United States during the current measles outbreak, and how physicians can engage with parents to boost immunization rates.

In the July 2019 edition of Contemporary Pediatrics, Pat F. Bass III, MD, MS, MPH, discusses measles and its hallmark signs and symptoms. For most of us practicing today, we have never seen the disease outside of a textbook or a website.

Measles cases continue to add up in the worst outbreak of the viral infection in the United States since 1992.

A new study from researchers at Columbia University indicate that the solution to increasing influenza immuinzation rates may be simple.

Measles is once again a significant public health problem in the United States. Many pediatricians and most parents have never seen actual measles in a child, hence the urgent need to reeducate clinicians and caregivers about clinical manifestations and prevention of the disease.

As in adults, antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that change the microbiota of the gut can increase risks for developing Clostridium difficile-C diff-in pediatric patients.

A new study investigating antibiotic prescribing found that 17% of these prescriptions written for children were inappropriate-and the number climbs even higher in adults.

Infections and how they are treated early in life may impact how mental health disorders develop early on, according to a new report, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the mind/body connection.

Lymph node enlargement is common in children. Focused assessment and quick diagnosis of cause are key to ensure proper treatment.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Influenza are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in children. Pediatricians must step up vigilance to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

A new study has identified a higher risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection-with higher hospitalization and mortality rates-in children with Down syndrome.

Adhering to a 1-hour plan for blood culture collection, and administering fluids and antibiotics, helped improve outcomes across New York hospitals in pediatric sepsis cases.

Despite the high prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus, many pediatricians and even obstetricians lack knowledge and awareness of the adverse sequelae of this disease on children.

A 15-year-old Caucasian male with a past medical history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder presents to the hospital emergency department with a 1-week history of fever, headache, arthralgias, vomiting, and rash.

A change in the H1N1 component may have solved efficacy problems from prior formulations of the intranasal vaccine.

There are two articles in the March 2018 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics that merit your attention: Dr. Bass’ article on “Is it the flu?” and Ms. Zimlich’s article on “Major vaccines addressed in updated ACIP guidelines.”

There are some notable revisions in 2018 to recommendations concerning hepatitis B vaccination for newborns and a third dose of mumps-containing vaccines, among others.

When and how to use rapid testing for influenza