News

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.

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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.

To determine when an athlete with a head injury can safely return to play, you'll need to evaluate the blow's severity and identify residual symptoms. Concussions beyond the first call for special attention.

Letters

Letters from our readers.

All of us want to see children become selfsufficient, selfrespecting adults; the question is: What makes it happen? A landmark study has identified a single variablethe age of a child's mother when she first gives birthwith some striking longterm effects. The data should give every pediatrician pauseand food for thought.

A future for pediatrics

How will pediatrics be practiced in 2010? What will pediatricians need to know to provide the care children will need in the decades to come? How can we ensure that pediatricians in training and in practice have the skills and knowledge they should? How many pediatricians should we train?

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Behavior: Ask the experts

Behavior problems of interest to pediatricians with expert advice responding to questions.

Strabismus is more than a misalignment of the eyes. It affects how well a child sees and occasionally signals pathology. Identifying the condition promptly and knowing when to refer are crucial.

When SSRIs make sense

When does your patient merit a serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor for depression, OCD, or another mental disorder? This review of the effectiveness of these agents and their sometimes serious side effects will help you decide. The authors also offer tips on choosing the right SSRI and dosage.

Updates

To err is human, managed care backs off, the electronic pediatrician; Eye on Washington

Resurgences of this dangerous disease during the past two decades make it clear that we cant afford to relax our vigilance. This update reviews the latest thinking about diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

New technologiesthe electronic medical record, the smart healthcare card, web-based healthcare services, and integrated diagnostic devices will help pediatricians streamline their practices in the future.

Cryptorchidism is more common that you might think, especially in premature infants. Accurate diagnosis and early correction, made easier by laparoscopy, relieve stress on the family and may reduce the risks of long-term complications such as infertility.

Millennium matters

Thoughts on what progress will mean in the 21st century, especially to those born very late in this century.

The mother of a 16-month-old boy brings him to your office for evaluation of a painful blistering rash on the tip of his right thumb. The rash began two days ago as a single blister.

Understanding the characteristics of breath-holding spells and how to differentiate them from serious conditions will help you reassure parents so they can better deal with these alarming but benign episodes.