News

Volunteering overseas, Advocate extraordinaire, Another salvo in the co-sleeping wars, The high cost of hazing; Eye on Washington

Asthma management has come a long way in recent years, but many dilemmas remain: When is the right time to make the diagnosis and start anti-inflammatory therapy? What about growth suppression from steroids? Is an inhaler or nebulizer best for acute attacks?

Hyperandrogenism, most notably polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common cause of acne and menstrual difficulties in teenage girls, yet many pediatricians fail to recognize the condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can relieve a significant source of distress for patients, while helping to prevent serious complications later in life.

Pediatricians are advised to do what they can to keep parents informed about children's issues as election day approaches.

Boy with dark brown streak in fingernail.

The chief complaint, as stated by Grandmother, is increased "drinking and peeing."

A hospital in Michigan has developed a program to aid compliance with AAP guidelines on newborn discharge. Its plan could serve as a model for other institutions.

Recognizing that a child?s substandard home may be the cause of his or her asthma attacks, lead poisoning, or injury is the first step toward bettering that child?s health. The second step is to help the family access available resources for improving the home environment.

A hospital in Michigan has developed a program to aid compliance with AAP guidelines on newborn discharge. Its plan could serve as a model for other institutions.

Children referred for evaluation of an endocrine disorder often turn out to have findings that merely mimic the suspected disease. Early identification of these nondiseases can save patients and parents a lot of unnecessary testing and worry. First of two parts.

Vitamins and supplements, special diets, and other nontraditional treatments for ASD are becoming increasingly popular. To advise families, pediatricians need to be knowledgeable about the efficacy and side effects of these therapies.

The request for a neurologic consultation sounded a bit out of the ordinary: "Please evaluate a 22-month-old with odd, shaking movements of the legs."

The request for a neurologic consultation sounded a bit out of the ordinary: "Please evaluate a 22-month-old with odd, shaking movements of the legs."

Parents of children with ADHD need assistance adapting to their child's condition, enhancing his or her achievement and self-esteem, and getting the special help the youngster needs and deserves. These books, videos, and Web sites point the way.

Parents increasingly are turning to alternative therapies to manage their child's ADHD. This review of the pharmacology an toxicology of the most popular herbs and dietary supplements for treating ADHD and what the literature shows about their efficacy should help you advise parents.

Minimizing the risk that your patients and employees will acquire a contagious disease in your office demands diligent infection control. This review summarizes guidelines and offers recommendations that can reduce the spread of infection?from what soap and lotion to use for handwashing to what immunizations your office staff need.

Though not as deadly as it once was, HUS remains a serious threat to young children, with a real risk of dangerous complications. Continuing outbreaks caused by E coli O157:H7 highlight the need for accurate diagnosis, intensive supportive care, and effective prevention.

Vaccine news, A Red Book for the new millennium, Preventing SIDS; Eye on Washington

Not at all rare in teens, endometriosis is sometimes severe even in early adolescence. Accurate and early diagnosis is important so you can start treatment before this disease affects reproductive potential. Family history is one red flag.

Emesis in the first year of life, though generally not a cause for concern, can suggest serious disease. Certain signs and symptoms associated with vomiting, particularly the presence of bile, call for imaging studies and other tests.

Editorial discusses the value of continuing medical education for pediatricians.