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This 21-month-old toddler was brought for a well child visit. His head had been large since birth; at this visit, head circumference was 51 cm (significantly above the 95th percentile). Neurological findings were normal; except for some early developmental gross motor delays, he was on a par with his peers. All other physical findings were normal. His mother's head circumference is 59 cm and his father's is 64 cm.

For years we have been prescribing prophylactic antibiotic therapy for children with a first-time urinary tract infection (UTI) before obtaining imaging studies-as is recommended in the 1999 American Academy of Pediatrics' practice parameter1-and for those with vesiculoureteral reflux (VUR). Although many pediatricians have raised questions about the efficacy and safety of this practice, the risks and benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis have not been well studied.

Does repeated antibiotic use in an individual patient increase his or her personal risk of infection with a resistant organism? Does such use also increase the risk for the community at large?

After studying the issue, the US Preventive Services Task Fore (USPSTF) cannot recommend for or against the routine screening for dyslipidemia in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to 20 years of age).[more]

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has issued a warning about the potential for dangerous mix-ups when administering insulin or heparin. [more]

After studying the issue, the US Preventive Services Task Fore (USPSTF) cannot recommend for or against the routine screening for dyslipidemia in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to 20 years of age).[more]

On August 15, the FDA issued an advisory that warns parents not to give over-the-counter cough and cold medications to children under 2 years of age, unless directed to do so by their child?s health care provider. [more]

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) said the FDA has agreed to review the company’s supplemental biologics license application for its arthritis drug, abatacept (Orencia). The drug is currently used by adults with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more anti-rheumatic medications. [more]

References - Autistic Spectrum Disorders

From generalized anxiety disorder, to obsessive compulsive disorder, to full blown panic disorder, children and adolescents are increasingly feeling the hands of anxiety take hold. But help is out there-for patient, family, and physicians.

Latest varicella vaccination recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Q and A with Alain Joffe, MD about current recommendations for adolescent vaccinations.

Large-scale studies examine pentavalent rotavirus vaccine and its effects on one of the world's most prevalent infections.

What is a pediatrician's ethical responsibility for informing parents about drug class action lawsuits?

The latest products for your practice.

Antibiotic/asthma link * Sickle cell pain * Breastfeeding benefits * Roller shoe injuries

An excerpt from AAP's recommendations on preparing the pediatric office for different types of emergencies.

An office newsletter is an ideal way to teach parenting skills, announce practice policies, pass on health care recommendations, and reinforce instructions on managing a child's illness.

From generalized anxiety disorder, to obsessive compulsive disorder, to full blown panic disorder, children and adolescents are increasingly feeling the hands of anxiety take hold. But help is out there-for patient, family, and physicians.

Chances are you've seen its handiwork. It's molluscum contagiosum, and while many 'peds' choose to let this infection run its course, there can be benefits to intervention.

Research into the progression of allergic diseases among infants shows that feeding choices can have an impact.

Counseling teenage patients on contraceptive options can and should be part of a day's work. Here's what you need to know.

You are asked to evaluate a 2 ;½-year-old healthy boy with a 2-day history of a generalized asymptomatic skin eruption.

Update on renewal of the State Children's Health Insurance Program and a report on pediatric antibiotic use.

A 3-year-old presented to the ED with "butt and penis pain". His parents reported that he had a gradual decrease in frequency of stools, increased straining, and development of small, hard "balls" of stool.

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