News
Hitting the dirt road: How to prep families for travel to developing countries
February 1st 2006A trip to a developing country offers exciting opportunities-and some dangers-for children. Here's what you can do to help ensure that the family enjoys a happy, healthy adventure. Includes a Guide for Parents. First of two parts.
Photoclinic: Imperforate Anus With Anocutaneous Fistula
February 1st 2006During their physical examination of this infant who had been born at term via cesarean section, Richard W. Hartmann, Jr, MD, and J. Christiane Salansky, MD, of Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach, Fla, found no evidence of an external anal opening (A). A soft bulge was present at the anal site, and the external sphincter was palpable. The median raphe was thick; a drop of meconium was noted on the surface of the perineum midway from the anus to the base of the scrotum (B). The remainder of the examination findings were normal.
Trials show that two vaccines are effective against genital cancers and warts
January 13th 2006Two separate studies show that Merck & Co.'s and GlaxoSmithKline's human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines appear highly effective in preventing cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, and genital warts.The recently completed trials involved Merck's Gardasil and GlaxoSmithKline's experimental vaccine. Earlier studies showed that Gardasil also protects against cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)-precancerous lesions that can develop into cervical cancer.
Surprise revelation: Dermatologist's novel head lice treatment is an OTC skin wash
January 13th 2006After an unsuccessful attempt to persuade pharmaceutical companies to fund further research on a head lice treatment he says he discovered and developed, dermatologist Dale Pearlman, MD, has revealed that the treatment is actually a brand-name over-the-counter skin cleanser.
New evidence: Mental health problems in teenagers may be traceable to early-life stress
January 13th 2006Parents' complaints about sudden mood swings of teenagers are common, but new research shows that children who experience early-life stresses such as abuse, neglect, or loss of a parent have an increased risk in adolescence of behavioral and emotional disorders. The research, conducted on rhesus macaque monkeys at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University and at the University of Pittsburgh, suggests that adolescents who have been exposed to early-life stress have a greater incidence of developing an attachment disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, suicide, drug abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Anti-influenza drug's age indication expanded—downward—by FDA
January 13th 2006The US Food and Drug Administration in December approved the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) for preventing seasonal influenza in children 1 to 12 years old. Tamiflu's labeled use had previously been for prevention and treatment of flu in children 13 years and older, as well as in adults.
Winter means it's time to advise parents about OTC meds
January 13th 2006This is the time of year when over-the-counter cold and flu preparations fly off store shelves as parents administer these products to their cough-, runny nose-, and congestion-plagued children. But a word to the wise from you can be key: Parents need to know that, just because these medications are sold over-the-counter, doesn't mean they shouldn't be used according to directions on the bottle or box.
