Skeletal survey identifies sibling abuse
July 19th 2012Siblings of abused children, especially twins, are at high risk for physical abuse that may not be detected on physical examination, according to a new report. The findings support routine skeletal surveys for contacts of injured, abused children who are younger than 24 months, regardless of physical examination findings. More >>
Vaccine has early, significant effect on HPV
July 12th 2012Just 4 years after the licensing of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, researchers found a substantial decrease in vaccine-type HPV prevalence and evidence of herd immunity among at-risk minority, low-income young women. This discovery could lead to a reduction in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and, ultimately, cervical cancer in the community. More >>
Physical punishment leads to mental disorders
July 12th 2012Physical punishment such as spanking is associated with a range of mental and personality disorders in adulthood, researchers have found. The findings point to the importance of more positive parenting approaches that will ensure children’s future mental health. More >>
Cerebral damage key factor for impaired vision
July 5th 2012Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is widely considered the primary cause of visual impairment in extremely premature children. Now Danish researchers report that cerebral damage may be the strongest risk factor. This finding could affect how children with cerebral damage are managed. More >>
Contemporary Pediatrician, Digital Edition, July 2012
July 1st 2012Type 2 Diabetes : Diagnostic, treatment challenges Dyslipidemia : New NHLBI guidelines Adolescent anxiety disorders : Effective therapy, medication options Dermcase : Newborn with persistent rash on foot Puzzler : Vomiting and failure to thrive in breastfeed infant In type 2 diabetes, the ability of insulin protein (left) to interact properly with glucose molecules (right) is compromised.
Metformin combo best for maintaining glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
July 1st 2012Investigators compared the efficacy of 3 treatment regimens in 699 youngsters aged from 10 to 17 years with type 2 diabetes: metformin monotherapy (1,000 mg twice daily), metformin plus rosiglitazone (4 mg twice daily), or metformin plus a lifestyle-intervention program focused on weight loss through family-based changes in eating and activitiy behaviors.
Study explores characteristic developmental patterns in autism
July 1st 2012To describe the typical longitudinal developmental trajectories of social and communication functioning and repetitive behavior in children with autism, investigators analyzed data from birth records and a database of the California Department of Developmental Services that recorded symptom severity and functioning in nearly 7,000 children aged from 2 to 14 years with autism.
An emerging dyslipidemia: New NHLBI and NLA treatment guidelines
July 1st 2012Elevated blood lipids in childhood are risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young adults. New guidelines for universal lipid screening and treatment of dyslipidemia in children will help clinicians to identify these patients and establish treatment goals that will reduce overall cardiovascular risk factors later in life.
Medical home model is underused for children with autism spectrum disorder
July 1st 2012Children with autism spectrum disorder need greater access to the coordinated care available through a medical home, according to a systematic review of 13 studies that examined health care use, health care expenditures, and access to services by children with ASD.
GBS meningitis has long-lasting effects
June 28th 2012Significant numbers of infants who survive meningitis caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS) suffer long-term adverse outcomes such as developmental delay, academic underachievement, neurologic impairment, blindness, hearing loss, and cerebral palsy, a new study reports. More >>
Contraceptives most prescribed meds for kids
June 28th 2012Researchers from the US Food and Drug Administration reported that for US children aged 17 years and younger, outpatient prescriptions for birth control medications soared 93% and for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder 46% since 2002, although overall prescription drug use declined. What is behind these trends? More >>