On the AAP's latest clinical report on teen suicide
July 7th 2016I want to commend the new Clinical Report, “Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents,” issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Adolescence. The lead author, Benjamin Shain, MD, and the Committee wrote a clear, concise, well-referenced report that is highly relevant to the practicing primary care pediatrician.
Mild gastroenteritis? Try dilute apple juice!
July 1st 2016Among children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration, initial oral hydration with dilute apple juice followed by preferred fluids is more beneficial than providing electrolyte maintenance solution, a large study in a pediatric emergency department (ED) in Canada found.
Tdap booster in teens less effective after initial acellular vaccine series
July 1st 2016An analysis of data on the incidence of pertussis shows that although acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine had a positive impact among adolescents in the 4 years after it was introduced in 2005, in 2010 pertussis incidence in this age group began to increase more rapidly than it did in all other age groups.
Boy with fever, cough, and oral lesions
July 1st 2016A previously healthy, 16-year-old Hispanic boy initially presents to the clinic with a 5-day history of tactile fevers, achy malaise, congestion, and a dry cough. He was afebrile with negative rapid strep and monospot tests, but was prescribed fluticasone, benzonatate, and ibuprofen for a presumed upper respiratory infection. He was encouraged to return if symptoms did not improve.
Infection control: “When can my child return to school?”
July 1st 2016Two common questions asked of pediatricians by parents are “When can my child return to school?” and “how long will I be staying home with my child?” Understanding when, how long, and under what conditions a pediatric patient with an infection is contagious to others is an important part of disease prevention and treatment.
Sexting, dignity, and what we can learn from one another
June 29th 2016Pediatricians often find themselves sitting across from teenagers trying to counsel them on wise and safe sexual practices. Unsure how much or what kind of information parents provide about sex, these conversations can be as awkward as they are important.
Zika virus: Arming parents for prevention
June 27th 2016Over the past several months, we have received information from news reports, local and state departments of health, and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the Zika virus, a mosquito-transmitted disease, and the devastating outcomes experienced by some pregnant women who contracted the Zika virus during pregnancy.
Latest recommendations for pediatric skin infection treatments (VIDEO)
June 23rd 2016For Contemporary Pediatrics, Dr Bobby Lazzara explains the latest recommendations published in Current Opinion in Pediatrics for pediatric dermatology conditions like warts, molluscum contagiosum, and soft tissue infections.
Why isn't mental health viewed like every other screening test?
June 22nd 2016I believe we have an opportunity to improve the care of our children by overcoming the stigma of mental health disorders and other barriers, and by applying professional standards in the pediatric medical home for the provision of mental health services to children.