Gene variants relate to risk of respiratory infections and AOM
June 1st 2017Certain polymorphisms in mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and toll-like receptors (TLRs), genes that have a role in the innate immune system, promote susceptibility to or protection against respiratory and rhinovirus infections and acute otitis media (AOM), according to a study in Finnish infants.
Lactose intolerance: Diagnosis and diet strategies
June 1st 2017Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence following ingestion of milk or products containing milk are common complaints in pediatric practices. The pediatrician needs to be aware of the management of lactose intolerance to help guide a reasonable workup and plan.
Supplement omega-3 based on weight
June 1st 2017Older, larger children using omega-3 fatty acid supplements as therapy for mood disorders-as well as those taking the supplement for general brain and heart health-may need more of the essential nutrient than smaller children, leading researchers to call for new studies into weight-appropriate dosing.
DHA fails to prevent BPD in preterm infants
June 1st 2017Previous studies conducted in animals and in humans have suggested that DHA might be helpful in reducing the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, the results of a very recent study demonstrated that the supplementation of an emulsion containing DHA did not reduce the risk of preterm infants developing BPD compared with infants who received a control emulsion without DHA.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip
June 1st 2017Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) refers to a spectrum of abnormalities that range in severity from mild instability to frank dislocation. The vast majority of clinical and anatomic hip abnormalities identified in early infancy resolve spontaneously. Left untreated, however, a hip that is persistently unstable and anatomically abnormal can lead to functional limitations, pain, and premature degenerative changes.
Pediatrician compensation: Are you earning enough?
June 1st 2017Readers of Contemporary Pediatrics will be pleased to know that according to Merritt-Hawkins, one of the nation’s leading physician search firms, the average starting salary offered to recruit pediatricians rose from $195,000 in 2015 to $224,000 in 2016, a 15% increase. You may be curious how your current compensation as well as your compensation model compares with that of your colleagues. More importantly, there may be ways for you to earn more-or avoid a painful pay cut if your patient visits are dwindling.
Acute pruritic eruption on a child’s face and hands
June 1st 2017You are asked to evaluate a healthy 9-year-old girl with an itchy rash on her face, neck, and hands for a week. She had a similar eruption 1 month ago that resolved over several days. Although she has a history of poison ivy, her parents knew of no exposure. There was no history of new topical skin products. However, she had begun to eat more seasonal fruits recently, including strawberries, grapes, and mangos.
How one state reduced antipsychotic medications in Medicaid (VIDEO)
May 15th 2017For Contemporary Pediatrics, Dr Bobby Lazzara discusses a report published in the Health Services Research that examined how Washington state reduced the number of antipsychotic prescriptions written for children in the Medicaid system.
Familial link of OM requiring tympanostomy tubes
May 12th 2017A recent study found that there is a significant familial link in otitis media requiring tympanostomy tubes in both close and distant relatives, with shared environments possibly playing a role, given the fivefold increased risk seen in siblings.
Acute otitis media warrants 10 days of antibiotics
May 12th 2017Ear infections remain a top reason for parents to bring their children to the pediatrician-and the top reason for antibiotic prescriptions among pediatric patients. Diagnosis and treatment methods vary, but a new study reveals that a 10-day course of treatment with antibiotics in cases of acute otitis media (AOM) may be the gold standard.
CDC: Most children don’t get full benefit of flu vaccine
May 9th 2017Most children are not being adequately vaccinated against influenza, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also just published a new report demonstrating the efficacy of the vaccine in reducing influenza-related deaths in children.
HPV vaccination rates are rising but have far to go
May 9th 2017Despite controversy surrounding the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, more adolescents and young adults are getting vaccinated. However, overall vaccination rates of HPV compared with other teenaged-years vaccines are still low, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Office preparedness for childhood emergencies
May 1st 2017Studies highlight a need for pediatrician offices to be ready to handle emergencies, available data also demonstrate that many practices, including those that have already needed to treat a critically ill child, are not adequately prepared because they lack the relevant protocols, training, and tools.
Toilet training kids with ASD: Part 2
May 1st 2017Like typical children, children with intellectual disabilities or autism will toilet train at different rates and with different strategies. For some families, this can be a frustrating and depressing time. Discussing the use of positive rewards and avoiding punishment will help these parents slowly make progress. Here is a detailed program to help patients achieve continence.