Artificial fingernails: Too hot to handle
November 1st 2000Artificial fingernails are all the rage among adolescents, but those who wear them may be playing with fire?literally. Educating yourself and your patients about the health and safety risks of acrylic nails, including the previously undocumented danger reported here, could prevent potentially disfiguring complications.
Recognizing and treating the nephrotic syndrome: Avoid unnecessary delays
November 1st 2000Prompt screening for proteinuria can bring this uncommon condition to light in children who present with periorbital edema. Close consultation with a pediatric nephrologist offers the best hope for minimizing complications.
Four controversies in pediatric asthma care
October 1st 2000Asthma management has come a long way in recent years, but many dilemmas remain: When is the right time to make the diagnosis and start anti-inflammatory therapy? What about growth suppression from steroids? Is an inhaler or nebulizer best for acute attacks?
Amenorrhea and acne in the adolescent girl: Is it polycystic ovary syndrome?
October 1st 2000Hyperandrogenism, most notably polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common cause of acne and menstrual difficulties in teenage girls, yet many pediatricians fail to recognize the condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can relieve a significant source of distress for patients, while helping to prevent serious complications later in life.
How substandard housing affects children's health
October 1st 2000Recognizing that a child?s substandard home may be the cause of his or her asthma attacks, lead poisoning, or injury is the first step toward bettering that child?s health. The second step is to help the family access available resources for improving the home environment.
Is it an endocrine disorder or a "non-disease"?
October 1st 2000Children referred for evaluation of an endocrine disorder often turn out to have findings that merely mimic the suspected disease. Early identification of these nondiseases can save patients and parents a lot of unnecessary testing and worry. First of two parts.
Autistic spectrum disorders: When traditional medicine is not enough
October 1st 2000Vitamins and supplements, special diets, and other nontraditional treatments for ASD are becoming increasingly popular. To advise families, pediatricians need to be knowledgeable about the efficacy and side effects of these therapies.