News

Although young women often see their obstetrician-gynecologists or primary care physicians for pelvic exams, Pap smears and urinalyses, chlamydia testing is often not performed at the same time, according to study findings published in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Nurse Advice New Mexico provides 24-7 access to nurses via the telephone for those covered by Medicare and Medicaid, managed-care organizations, and anyone else.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists may reach out to their pediatric counterparts for assistance in ruling out medical causes for behavioral problems, evaluating medication risks, and more. What should you know and do to be ready?

A rock-hard lump on a boy's left great toe that has caused progressive nail distortion and previously diagnosed as a keloid may need a new diagnosis.

Medication remains the mainstay of pediatric ADHD treatment. But these efforts can be complemented by non-medication approaches, targeted at the major areas of functioning in a child's life.

A 17-month-old African-American girl is admitted for evaluation of fever and a limp. She is diagnosed positive for an unexpected pathogen, Kingella kingae.

A new pharmacy coalition, GetRXConnected.com, will give advice to physicians on e-prescribing, its financial impact, and new related technologies.

Sharing of medications is a widespread phenomenon that is putting patients at risk for a diverse range of consequences, according to a report published in the June issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

A higher density of trees along city streets may be associated with a lower prevalence of early childhood asthma, according to research published online May 1 in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

DATELINE: Honolulu, Hawaii. Over the next four days, the editors of Contemporary Pediatrics will bring you conference coverage from the floor of the Pediatric Academic Societies and Pediatric Research 2008 Joint Meeting.

One-third of children discharged from pediatric intensive care experience delusional memories of their experience and are at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, according to research published in the May 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

In children, most causes ofitching are the result of skin disease,not underlying systemic illness. The mostcommon dermatological causes of pruritusare atopic and contact dermatitis,urticaria, miliaria rubra, infections, insectbites or infestations, xerosis, and aquagenicpruritus. A careful history andphysical examination usually reveal thediagnosis. The location, chronicity, timeof occurrence, and nature of the itchingoffer important diagnostic clues, as doprecipitating factors, associated symptoms,drug use, exposure to infectious diseasesor pets, psychosocial history, past health,and family history. Treatment of the underlyingcause of itching should beaddressed whenever possible. Symptomatictreatment is essential to breakthe itch-scratch cycle.

An otherwise healthy 9-month-old girl was brought to the emergency department (ED) by her parents who reported a 12-hour history of nonbloody, nonbilious emesis. The patient had a mildly increased temperature and appeared to be dehydrated.

According to the National Center for HealthStatistics,1 almost one-fifth of American childrenaged 6 to 11 years are overweight-a proportion that has been increasing inrecent years. Overweight children are morelikely to become overweight adults, following a pathwaytoward such health complications as heart disease, diabetes,and sleep apnea.2 As pediatricians, we are constantlylooking for new ways to battle the obesity epidemic,and wonder what else we can do to slow theprogression of the trend.

An 8-week-old boy is brought for evaluation of gradually worsening yellow skin discoloration of about 1 week's duration. His parents report that he has had constipation for the past several days; before that, he had green diarrhea and occasionally spit up after breast-feeding. The infant has been irritable and has been sleeping more often. He has had no fever, no change in eating habits or in the frequency of wet diapers, and no sick contacts.