Gluten-free diet: Not for all children
June 1st 2016The popularity of gluten-free diets continues to grow as people increasingly turn to diet as a way to manage copious symptoms from gastrointestinal disturbances, which can range from headaches to skin rashes, behavioral problems, and psychological difficulties.
Hypoglycemia guidelines: AAP vs PES
June 1st 2016The topic of hypoglycemia in neonates and children has generated significant debate of late, with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) having advanced apparently conflicting guidelines. Here's what community pediatricians need to know to avoid overscreening healthy infants and children without discharging babies who may have glucose-regulation problems beyond the first days of life.
Impact of probiotics on C diff-associated diarrhea (VIDEO)
May 19th 2016For Contemporary Pediatrics, Dr Bobby Lazzara explains key findings from a meta-analysis published in the International Journal of General Medicine. The analysis examined whether probiotics were effective at reducing or preventing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
AAP updates guidelines for random, resolved infant events
May 12th 2016Sometimes babies briefly stop breathing. Sometimes they can turn shades of blue. Sometimes, these things are not serious. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending a new, less threatening label for such events, in hopes of reducing unnecessary treatment and stress.
Irritable bowel syndrome and psyllium fiber in kids (VIDEO)
May 12th 2016For Contemporary Pediatrics, Dr Bobby Lazzara explains key findings from a randomized, double-blind trial published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The study examined whether psyllium fiber could provide nonmedical relief to children and teenagers suffering from IBS.
Nasal cytology: An untapped diagnostic tool
May 9th 2016Although still underused among available diagnostic procedures, nasal cytology is viewed by many specialists as an indispensable adjunctive diagnostic exam that clinicians can and should use more often to optimally diagnose, treat, and manage the myriad of nasal disorders and diseases occurring in pediatric patients.
Small-particle inhaled corticosteroids: Paradigm shift in asthma treatment
May 9th 2016New research suggests that the use of small-particle inhaled corticosteroids as a first-line or step-up therapy for uncontrollable asthma in children would be more helpful in clearing symptoms and preventing exacerbations than traditional treatment approaches such as large-particle inhaled corticosteroids with or without the addition of long-acting beta 2 agonists.
Traditional toys are best for babies' language development
May 1st 2016Parents who want to stimulate their young child’s language development during their playtime together should put aside electronic toys in favor of traditional toys or books, an almost 1.5 year study in 26 parent-infant pairs suggests.
Delivery mode, diet influence infants’ intestinal microbiome
May 1st 2016Both mode of delivery and feeding method are significantly associated with intestinal microbial community composition, according to a study in 102 full-term infants, whose gut microbiota investigators analyzed using stool samples taken at the age of 6 weeks.
Pediatric drug voucher program moves through Congress
May 1st 2016The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) practically pleaded with Congress not to renew a 4-year-old program to give special voucher incentives to companies that develop drugs for rare pediatric diseases, saying it skews the agency’s work away from other priorities.
Toddler with lesions on cheeks, ears, and arms
May 1st 2016Alarmed parents bring their healthy 14-month-old son to the office for evaluation of a rash that appeared on his face and arms 3 days ago. He had a fever and runny nose at that time, but the fever has since resolved and he is behaving normally.
Can we prediagnose opiate addiction?
May 1st 2016We have a serious public health problem called “opiate addiction.” It affects all age groups, and in the last 2 decides it has spread across the country. It used to occur only among the poor and minorities. Now it impacts everyone, even family members of those running for presidential office.
Counseling parents about safe infant sleep
May 1st 2016Counseling parents about safe infant sleeping recommendations is an important step for preventing sudden infant death syndrome. Yet, many providers, including pediatricians, do not give families with infants basic advice regarding the AAP-recommended infant sleep practices.
Transgender kids: At greater risk of poor mental health?
April 28th 2016Despite earlier studies that reveal increased depression an anxiety in transgender children and adolescents, new research published in Pediatrics reveals that children who were supported in their choice of gender identity were no more likely to suffer negative psychosocial effects than other children.