| News 08/04-08/10
【MedlinePlus-HealthDay】
Maternal drinking during pregnancy harms child's brain (HealthDay08/05)
Chickenpox vaccination can protect you and your child. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 08/04)
Pregnant mothers can receive Tdap immunization during the third trimester to protect an infant against whooping cough (CDC and Prevention 08/04)
Children can suffer from depression as early as preschool age (HealthDay08/04)
【AAP SmarBrief 08/04-08/08】
CDC reports uptick in breastfeeding rates among American mothers
Breast-feeding rates in the U.S.: 77% in 2010 and 79.2% in 2011. AHA News Now (8/5)
Depression less prevalent among young girls with better physical fitness HealthDay News (8/7)
Increased rate (aged 12 and older) of drug-related suicidal attempts in the U.S. HealthDay News(8/7)
Better social skills among children with high levels of oxytocin in the body HealthDay News (8/4)
One-third of children seen in EDs develop complications due to influenza Pediatrics.
Behavioral and learning problems linked to daytime sleepiness in kids Science World Report (8/2)
For Physicians
X-ray less effective than CT scans in identifying pediatric pelvic trauma Diagnostic Imaging (8/7)
Lasting harm to kidneys arises from childhood urinary tract infections (HealthDay08/05)
Almost 1/8 children having UTI will have kidney scar and increased risk of kidney failure later in life.
A three factor-combination is the clue identifying those kids early: high fever, detection of kidney abnormalities via ultrasound, and the type of bacteria involved.
Advice from the CDC about Ebola prevention and control
News 07/29--08/03
Ebola virus in West Africa is spreading faster than control efforts【BBC 2014/08/01】
Early Intensive Treatment Boosts Survival in Ebola 【MedlinePlus-HealthDay 2014/07/31】
Oxytocin May Help with Autism 【MedlinePlus-HealthDay 2014/07/29】
Eye protection from chlorine suggested during pool use 【MedlinePlus-HealthDay 2014/07/29】
Running may add 3 years to lifespan 【MedlinePlus-HealthDay 2014/07/28】
New cures for Hepatitis C are faster and easier 【MedlinePlus-HealthDay 2014/07/28】
| Traditional Medication |
New Regimens |
Interferon-based injections
Treatment lasts six to 12 months
Side Effects: feel ill and flu like symptoms
Can make very advanced liver disease worse
The viral cures rate 40 to 50% |
Oral pills - protease inhibitors
Sovaldi (sofosbuvir)
Olysio (simeprevir), Victrelis (boceprevir) and Incivek (telaprevir)
Treatment lasts 3 months
The viral cures rate 90 to 100% |
【美国儿科协会短讯AAP SmartBrief 】
Differences found between autism and sensory-processing disorder
Brain scans of children with autism and sensory-processing disorder indicate key differences in brain connections, according to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE. HealthDay News (7/30)
Early transplant shown to improve survival in children with severe combined immunodeficiency
Pediatric severe combined immunodeficiency patients who received hematopoietic-cell transplantation from matched sibling donors exhibited better five-year survival than those who received donations from others, researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. Good outcomes were seen in all patients who received transplant prior to the onset of infection, regardless of donor type. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News(7/30)
Study determines vital role for environmental factors in cognitive development of preemies
Full-term children performed better in cognitive tests than their premature counterparts, possibly due to reduced brain connectivity associated with preterm birth, according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. However, researcher Luke Schneider said that these cognitive deficits "seem to be amenable to improvement depending on the environment the child grows up in, particularly as an infant." Science World Report (7/29)
Neural tube defect risk predicted using low folate levels in pregnancy
In an analysis of two population-based studies from China, researchers found that women who had a lower red blood cell folate concentration on the 28th day of pregnancy had a greater likelihood of having babies with neural tube birth defects compared with those with higher folate levels. The findings appear in The BMJ.
Blood test for mom's folate concentration might prevent certain birth defects 【MedlinePlus-HealthDay 2014/07/30】
Narrowed recommendation for use of palivizumab in preemies
AAP new guidance recommends it only for: infants born before 29 weeks; older preemies with chronic lung disease and those with certain heart problems; and certain other at-risk children younger than age 2.” USA Today/The Associated Press (7/28)
Exposure to background TV linked to delayed cognitive development
A University of Iowa study found that background TV exposure can redirect children's attention away from playing and learning. Watching educational TV programs was associated with improved executive functioning in children, even those who came from high-risk households, researchers wrote in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. The Times of India/Press Trust of India (7/26) Updated guidelines for meningococcal vaccination pediatrics.aappublications.org
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other infectious diseases.
Meningitis affects 800 to 1,200 people in the United States annually with up to 15 percent death rate and 20% of permanent disabilities.
Recommended meningococcal vaccines by age group
2mo – 10y
High risk only (complements component deficiency, asplenia, sickle cell disease, HIV infection, or other higher infection risks)
Primary dose – MCV4
Booster dose – MCV4 for persons who remain at risk for invasive meningococcal disease
After three years in high-risk children whose last dose was before age 7
After five years in high-risk children whose last dose was at age 7 or older
11 -21y
Age 11 to 15 y: 1-dose MCV4 with booster at 16 to 21 y
Age 16 to 21 y: 1 dose MCV4, no booster necessary
For children in high risk: booster after five years whose last dose was at age 7 or older
News 07/21-07/25
【MedlinePlus-HealthDay 2014/07/21-25】
Regular probiotic consumption may improve blood pressure (American Heart Association)
Effective help for parents of children with autism (HealthDay) Study found mothers who were taught stress-reduction skills had less depression, anxiety
Smoking during pregnancy is linked to childhood ADHD (HealthDay)
Raised asthma risk in kids whose mothers were obese during pregnancy (HealthDay)
【AAP SmarBrief 2014/07/21-25 】
New, easy, and effective lice treatment spray performs well in study
"A recently published preliminary study suggests that non-toxic Licefreee Spray is an effective alternative to traditional OTC permethrin lice treatments. The one-step spray application starts killing lice and nits on contact making head lice treatment easy".
Higher IQ scores later in children with strong reading scores early on DailyRx.com (7/24)
Unacceptably low HPV vaccination rates reported among U.S. teens Reuters (7/24), HealthDay News (7/24)
Fetuses can recognize nursery rhymes NBC News (7/23)
Early day care may raise risk of respiratory infection, otitis media MedWire News (U.K.) (7/21)
WHO: Childhood obesity may increase to 70M by 2025 Voice of America (7/18)
Common gene variants have greater influence on autism risk HealthDay News (7/20)
Early cord clamping may raise infant admission, death risk PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News (7/18) Pediatrics.
【MedlinePlus 2014-07-15 to 07-20 】
Relationship between lifestyle and risk for dementia
Organic Foods Potentially Healthier
Even Mild Concussion May Result in Problems with Thinking and Memory
Genetic Contribution to Cerebral Palsy Risk (HealthDay)
【AAP SmarBrief 2014-07-14 to 07-18 】
First reported cases of chikungunya in the U.S. "It is not known what course chikungunya will take now in the United States," the CDC said. Reuters (7/17), USA Today/The Associated Press (7/17)
In young asthma patients, inhaled corticosteroid use may stunt growth. Reuters(7/16)
Child HIV cases become less common. HealthDay News (7/16)
Early treatment for amblyopia results in good visual acuity at age 15. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News (7/15)
Zinc supplementation may have no effect on ear infection in children. MedWire News (U.K.) (7/14)
Before they speak their first words, babies rehearse speech movements . HealthDay News (7/14)
For Physicians
AAP toolkit for pediatric patients with genetic conditions A new toolkit provides practice improvement strategies for primary care physicians.
06/30/2014 to 07/06/2014
Glaucoma Can Affect Babies, Too
"Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases in which fluid builds up in the eye, creating pressure that damages the optic nerve and leads to vision loss. The primary congenital glaucoma affects about one in 10,000 infants born in the United States, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Quick action is essential, because the vision loss that comes with glaucoma is irreversible. If parents think something is wrong with their baby's eyes, and their pediatrician has "any doubt" about the cause, see a pediatric ophthalmologist."
The classic symptoms: enlarged, cloudy corneas
Early "triad" of symptoms: eyelid spasms, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing
Electronic Cigarettes: The New Face of Nicotine pediatrics.aappublications.org
Summer time and Hearing Risk nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
For Heat Stroke Victims, Cool First, Then Transport nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
Lead in kids’ blood, even with low exposure to lead, linked with behavioral and emotional problems. “It is well-documented that lead exposure lowers the IQ of children.” nih.gov/news
Evidence report: Serious adverse events from childhood vaccines ‘extremely rare’ aapnews.aappublications.org
Ebola: WHO calls emergency talks on outbreak bbc.com “So far, 763 people have been infected with the virus - and 468 of these have died. Most of the cases have been in Guinea where the outbreak started.”
iPads May Help Boost Speaking Skills in Kids With Autism: Study http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_147088.html
Children with autism who have access to an iPad during traditional therapy may make more progress with communication and interaction skills than peers who do not have such access, according to a recent study. MedicalXpress.com/HealthDay News (7/1)
For Physicians: New treatment guidelines for skin infections 【Contemporary Pediatrics 07/03/2014】
AAP News/SmartBrief 06/14-20/2014
Study: Children won’t trust those who lie by omission Los Angeles Times 06/10
The journal Cognition has published an MIT study showing that kids as young as 6 years of age mistrusted people who did not tell them the full truth. Researchers said that children who doubt the credibility of their source "engage in compensatory exploration.”
Increased substance abuse risk in children brought up with strict parenting Time.com (6/12)
The journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence has published a European study showing a higher likelihood of tobacco, marijuana and alcohol use in children raised by strict parents. The researchers suggest that the most efficient parenting method to prevent drug use in children was persuasion and reasoning with children.
Background TV reduces parent-toddler talk HealthDay News (6/13)
A study in Journal of Children and Media demonstrates that parents spoke fewer words and phrases while playing with their toddlers if a TV was on in the background. The AAP recommends no screen time for children younger than 24 months.
New U.S. cases of chikungunya virus Reuters (6/12)
According to the CDC, confirmed and suspected cases of chikungunya virus have been reported in North Carolina, Nebraska, Indiana, Tennessee, and most of all in Florida. The CDC is watching for cases of the virus in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Chikungunya virus has spread rapidly in the Caribbean and causes headaches, high fever, and joint pain. There is currently no vaccine or treatment available.
Calif. whooping cough outbreak reaches epidemic levels, officials say Science World Report (6/13) A Friday report states that that pertussis has reached epidemic proportions in the state of California. More than 800 cases have been reported in the past two weeks. This year's total number of cases has already surpassed the total for all of 2013.
New HbA1C recommendation for young diabetes patients HealthDay News (6/16)
New guidelines from the American Diabetes Association recommend that children and teens with type 1 diabetes maintain HbA1C levels under 7.5%. Personalized treatment is recommended for pediatric patients in order to achieve the best results.
Child’s IQ not affected by epilepsy drug use during breast-feeding HealthDay News (6/16) A study in JAMA Pediatrics demonstrated that children breast-fed by mothers taking epilepsy medications were no more likely to have lower IQ scores at age 6 than their counterparts who were not breast-fed during that time.
Children's executive function improved by less-structured schedule Science World Report (6/18) A research report published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children who played, read, and did other less-structured activities developed better self-directed executive functioning than children who had a more structured schedule.
AAP News/SmartBrief 06/9-13//2014
Information on the pediatrician’s role in managing food allergies in schools
FDA and EPA advise young children and women to eat more fish
New CDC website on vitamin K deficiency and bleeding in infants
Late premature birth linked to delay in brain development
Impaired gross motor skills linked to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Child’s lifetime cancer risk potentially increased by heart imaging
Reduction in chickenpox-related hospitalizations after vaccine introduction
Three genetic networks linked to autism
AAP SmartBrief 06/02-6/2014
Dirt and germ exposure protective against allergies and asthma A new study showed that children exposed to animal dander, certain bacteria, and roach and rodent allergens were less likely to develop allergies and wheezing by age 3.
Better bone health tied to childhood physical activity A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrates that high levels of activity in early childhood led to improved bone density and shape at age 17. Exercise levels tended to diminish with age, and daily exercise was more common in boys than girls .
Reducing Risk of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease CDC June 6, 2014
Norovirus is the U.S.’s most common cause of disease outbreaks from contaminated food CDC June 3, 2014
Opening of first US medical school in Japan BMJ June 6, 2014: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, which is south of Tokyo, will be the site of Japan’s first US medical school. Medical Innovation School will be a joint venture between Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and Japanese universities. The Kanagawa governor, Yuji Kuroiwa, plans to make the prefecture into a hub of excellence in healthcare. Classes will be held in English with opportunities to qualify in America.
Young Americans increasingly exposed to e-cigarette ads on TV; pediatrics.aappublications.org Between 2011 and 2013 there was a 256% increase in exposure to e-cigarette TV advertisement among 12- to 17-year-olds and a 321% increase among 18- to 24-year-olds, mostly on cable network shows.
Increased melanoma risk in those with multiple sunburns while young
An analysis of almost 109,000 white female nurses revealed an 80% increased risk of melanoma later in life in those experiencing five or more bad sunburns between ages 15 and 20. There was also a link between multiple sunburns and higher basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Obesity markers in children and teens with diabetes
Children and teens with type 1 diabetes or significant weight gain were more likely to have been diagnosed at a younger age, have longer disease duration, and be female, suggested an Austrian study. Short-acting insulin medication was tied to excess weight in girls, while long-acting insulin was linked to obesity in boys.
Healthier eating habits in children with frequent vegetable intake before age 2; BBC (5/30)
U.K researchers report in the journal PLoS ONE that children who are more repeatedly offered vegetables before age 2 may be more likely to eat vegetables later in life.
Higher premature birth risk in those with unhealthy diet before pregnancy HealthDay News (6/2)
Australian research found that women with diets higher in saturated fat and sugar in the year before becoming pregnant were more likely to give birth to premature babies.
Global Health News 05/26 -30/2014
Minor but sustained weight loss improves health News BMJ 2014-05-28
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has concluded that small amounts of weight loss resulting from programs focusing on activity, diet, and lifestyle are cost effective granted that the weight loss is sustained for the rest of one’s life.
Tanning Beds to Require New Warning Labels, says FDA MedlinePlus 2014-05-30
Warning labels must explicitly state that the devices should not be used by those under age 18. Growing evidence suggests that indoor tanning during childhood and early adult life heightens lifetime exposures and increases risk of melanoma later in life.
Environmental Influences Genes in Autistic Youth MedlinePlus 2014-05-29 The development of autism is shown by a new study to be modulated by environmental influences on genes, aside from gene mutations themselves.
Fire Retardants May Raise Risk Lower Birth IQ MedlinePlus 2014-05-29 Substances in fire retardants may enter the bodies of pregnant women, elevating the incidence of hyperactivity and lower IQ in their children, says a team of researchers from the University of Cincinnati, Canada, and the U.S. CDC.
Summer Safety Includes Insect Safety NIH MedlinePlus 2014-05-30.
Summer’s fun comes along with a considerable threat posed by deer ticks. Deer ticks are small pests and potential carriers of Lyme disease.National Institutes of Health experts give the guide to avoid tick bites.
Heightened risk of diabetes and other conditions in high birth weight babies AAP SmartBrief 05-29
According to a study in Science News, babies weighing 9 pounds or more at birth may have increased lifetime risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and other conditions. Average birth weights over the past 70 years were correlated with the incidence of certain diseases in the study
sAAP recommends iodine supplementation during pregnancy AAP SmartBrief 05-27-14
The AAP recommends daily iodine consumption of 220 to 290 micrograms for pregnant and breast-feeding women, respectively, to promote babies' brain development, but only about 15% of women take supplements containing adequate iodide, the group said. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid nitrate and thiocyanate because they could disrupt the processing of iodine into hormones, according to the group's statement published in the journal
Be Aware of Your Child’s Internet Behaviors MedlinePlus HealthDay 05/26/2014
The internet can be an excellent tool for children, but may also be a dangerous place for those who do not take the proper precautions. The following suggestions come from The University of Michigan Health System. Make sure your child:
· knows to exit inappropriate websites, or those that make him or her feel uncomfortable.
· does not share personal information, including passwords.
· refrains from using chat rooms.
· does not meet anyone in person who he or she initially met online.
A new resource for doctors treating children with learning disabilities AAP SmartBrief 05-28-14
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners have together developed the LD Navigator, a new guide about learning challenges and disabilities for pediatric healthcare workers, available at no cost. |
