When 'firing' a patient for vaccine refusal is the only response
December 8th 2015Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and pertussis have led pediatricians to take a hard line, sometimes dismissing patients who are non-compliant with immunizations. A new study examines the prevalence-and consequences-of patient dismissal.
First guidelines for pediatric pulmonary hypertension
December 3rd 2015Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be difficult to spot, and a lack of research on this rare condition has resulted in a lack of evidence-based diagnosis and treatment guidance–until now. The American Heart Association and the American Thoracic Society have released new, extensive guidelines that task force members hope will pave the way for new research and continued development of care plans for pediatric PH patients.
Maternal supplements can provide breast milk with adequate vitamin D
December 1st 2015Breastfeeding mothers can supply enough vitamin D in their milk to satisfy their infants’ requirements by taking 6400 IU of vitamin D each day, a 6-month randomized trial among mothers of exclusively breastfed babies showed.
Mucositis and rash in a 9-year-old boy
December 1st 2015The anxious parents of a 9-year-old boy bring him to clinic for the evaluation of progressive sores in his mouth for 2 days and a rash that erupted last night. Nine days earlier, he had felt warm and had a cough with wheezing and abdominal pain.
Young violinist notes persistent red patch
December 1st 2015A healthy 14-year-old girl who is an avid violin player is brought to the office for evaluation of facial acne. The examination notes a rash on her left neck that has been present for a few years. The patch is mildly tender and itchy but otherwise asymptomatic.
Immunizations… A healthcare priority
November 30th 2015An array of challenging issues confronted by pediatric providers on a regular basis were presented and included, but were not limited to, best practices for migraine variants, sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent obesity, enuresis and encopresis, developmental hip dysplasia, alternatives to spanking, and the arduous task of breaking bad news to parents and families.
AAP recommends Apgar score expansion
November 10th 2015Agpar scoring offers an useful initial assessment of a neonate’s physiological status and fetal to infant transition, but more data should be collected to adequately assess infants in distress that require additional interventions during the scoring period.