August 2nd 2023
In the 18 studies that assessed the efficacy of closing a patent ductus arteriosus after 1 course of acetaminophen treatments, the results demonstrated that both oral and IV preparations were more effective than placebo.
Surgical repair of congenital heart disease increases child’s risk of death and ESKD
November 18th 2019Children who undergo cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease are at increased risk for both long-term end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and mortality, according to a new study in the Clinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology.
Kawasaki disease: AHA statement and recommendations
October 1st 2018Pediatricians must suspect Kawasaki disease (KD) in children with prolonged unexplained fever. This article reviews the latest scientific statement on KD from the American Heart Association that is of practical importance for all clinicians.
First guidelines for pediatric pulmonary hypertension
December 3rd 2015Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be difficult to spot, and a lack of research on this rare condition has resulted in a lack of evidence-based diagnosis and treatment guidance–until now. The American Heart Association and the American Thoracic Society have released new, extensive guidelines that task force members hope will pave the way for new research and continued development of care plans for pediatric PH patients.
CARDIOLOGY: Red flags in pediatric cardiology
November 1st 2013A wide range of cardiovascular signs and symptoms present to the pediatrician’s office, and clinician knowledge of key “red flags” alerting them to a higher likelihood of significant pathology or more urgent need for subspecialty referral is paramount.
Subclavian Central Venous Catheter Fracture and Embolization
February 17th 2010The imaging studies shown are from 2 children with cancer who underwent placement of 9.6 French left subclavian central venous catheters (CVCs) to facilitate treatment. Fracture of the catheters with subsequent embolization of the distal fragment to the pulmonary arteries was noted at about 18 months after placement. Findings suggestive of impending fracture were missed in previous radiographs. In both cases, an interventional radiologist removed the fragment via percutaneous catheterization of the right femoral vein.
Atypical Kawasaki Disease and Hepatosplenomegaly
January 3rd 2009A 4-month-old boy was transferred to our center from a community care hospital because of persistent fever (temperature up to 39.4°C [103°F]) of 5 days’ duration. He also had decreased activity, increased irritability, occasional vomiting after feedings, and a few episodes of loose stool.
AAP: Identifying the child with hypertension
October 14th 2008Over the last few years, the incidence of hypertension (HTN) in children has risen, noted Beth Vogt, MD, of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, as she spoke in Boston to a packed room of concerned pediatricians. In addition to a rise in HTN, the average blood pressure (BP) of American children is also increasing. Several studies have shown that elevated blood pressure is under-recognized; the increase in HTN may also be associated with the childhood obesity. The recommendations below offer some insight in how to identify the child with elevated BP, and how to approach treatment.
Case In Point: Aberrant Left Coronary Artery
April 1st 2007A 2-year-old girl was seen by her pediatrician because of a 3-day history of runny nose, cough, congestion, and low-grade fevers. A viral upper respiratory tract infection was diagnosed and supportive care was recommended. The child returned 2 days later with persistent cough, mild tachypnea, and an episode of vomiting. The cough and tachypnea prompted the pediatrician to order a chest film, which revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette.
Cardiac US reveals link between childhood obesity and pulmonary hypertension
September 13th 2006A report released in June at the 17th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Society of Echocardiography in Baltimore, Md., describes how ultrasonography of the heart can identify pulmonary hypertension in children who are obese and experience sleep apnea. The finding was an outcome of a study of the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in children who have systemic hypertension.
Pediatric Chest Pain: Keys to the Diagnosis
Chest pain in children evokes anxiety in patients and their parents--and prompts frequent visits to the pediatrician's office, urgent care facility, or emergency department (ED). In a prospective study, Selbst and colleagues reported that chest pain accounted for 6 in 1000 visits to an urban pediatric ED.