News

Journal Club

Abstracts from the literature of interest to pediatricians.

The baby born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid is at risk for acute respiratory distress, long-term sequelae, or even death. Early identification and treatment of sick infants limits complications.

Most children with gastroenterologic disorders feel ill because of a complex mix of psychologic, developmental, and social factors. Using several case histories, this specialist shows how focusing on these areaswhich conventional medical management addresses inadequatelyis the key to helping such patients get better.

A 7-year-old boy is brought to your office for evaluation of an asymptomatic birthmark on his left buttock. Except for proportional growth, there have been no changes in the lesions.

Updates

News items interpreted for pediatricians.

When an illness is serious or a child dies, parents deserve to be told in a way that helps them cope with their grief. Here are guidelines, drawn from study findings and personal experience, for carrying out this difficult.

Journal Club

Items from professional journals of interest to pediatricians.

Guns and violence

Crossword puzzle with questions and answers about guns and violence.

The love of science

Continuing quest for realistic medicine is discussed for the 21st Century.

A painful or swollen scrotum is a potential emergency. Be sure you know how to distinguish testicular torsion from less urgent problems.

Toddlers are prime candidates for accidental poisonings, and certain medications found in many households dramatically increase the risk of death from swallowing even one or two pills. Recognizing the dangers of these drugs and taking a careful history can save a childs life

The recently recognized link between intussusception and rotavirus vaccination has led to renewed awareness of this uncommon but potentially fatal condition. New diagnostic and treatment modalities are challenging barium enema as the gold standard.

Letters

Letters of special interest to pediatricians from our readers.

Herbs and supplements are heavily marketed to teens, who think they are well educated about their use. What many dont realize is that natural is not synonymous with safe. Staying one step ahead with informed questions and answers is your best defense against overlooking an important diagnosis.

What are the genetic and acquired risk factors for thrombosis? How is it treated, and what follow-up is required? Two experts offer some answers&151;and call for additional research.

Fluorides are a major defense against dental decay, the most prevalent infectious disease of childhood. Here is the latest thinking on systemics vs. topicals, when to prescribe supplements, and how to prevent fluorosis.

Cover

cover for February

Magnets in the ED

ER doc struggles to remove magnetic earrings from nose of an 11 year old.

When children are incontinent during the day, it's generally because of a functional bowel or bladder disorder. Successful treatment calls for a systematic evaluation to identify the disorder, followed by behavioral modification and medication. Strong motivation is a must.

Updates

New items and interpretation of interest to Pediatricians.

Despite widespread concern about the limitations managed care organizations place on referrals, pediatricians are sending patients to subspecialists more often now than in the past, our latest survey shows.