Pediatrics
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized pilot study comparing oral ibuprofen with intravenous ibuprofen in very low birth weight infants with patent ductus arteriosus.
We conducted a prospective, randomized, single-masked pilot study with the principal aim of comparing efficacy and tolerance between oral and intravenous ibuprofen in early closure of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight infants. The possibility of ductal closure with only 1 or 2 doses of treatment was a secondary objective. ⋯ In very low birth weight infants, the rate of early ductal closure with oral ibuprofen is at least as good as with the intravenous route. Ductal closure may be obtained with an incomplete course of ibuprofen. Oral ibuprofen is associated with fewer adverse effects. However, a larger sample is needed for more definitive conclusions.
-
Review
Medical diagnoses commonly associated with pediatric malpractice lawsuits in the United States.
In this article we discuss the medical diagnoses underlying the most common lawsuits involving pediatricians in the United States. Where applicable, specific and general risk-management techniques are noted as a means of increasing patient safety and reducing the risk of medical malpractice exposure.
-
Studies of pediatric resident career plans and preferences help to forecast changes in the demographic profile and practice patterns of North American pediatricians, providing insights that can guide child health care and medical education policy making. With this study we aimed to compare 4 aspects of Canadian pediatric resident career plans in 1998 and 2006: (1) weekly work hours; (2) scope of practice; (3) professional activities; and (4) community size. ⋯ Between 1998 and 2006, there was no overall change in the number of hours that Canadian pediatric residents planned to work, but the gender gap widened because of an increase in planned weekly work hours among men. The results also suggest that new strategies may be needed to improve future pediatrician availability in small communities by addressing barriers to nonmetropolitan practice, especially for women.
-
Comparative Study
Prevalence and impact of respiratory viral infections in young children with cystic fibrosis: prospective cohort study.
We aimed to investigate differences in upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms in relation to respiratory viral infections detected with polymerase chain reaction assays in young children with cystic fibrosis and healthy control subjects. ⋯ Although there were no differences in the seasonal occurrences and distributions of polymerase chain reaction-detected respiratory viruses, acute respiratory illnesses were frequently associated with increased lower respiratory tract morbidity in young children with cystic fibrosis.
-
Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Surgical repair of pectus excavatum markedly improves body image and perceived ability for physical activity: multicenter study.
This study evaluated changes in both physical and psychosocial quality of life reported by the parent and child after surgical repair of pectus excavatum. ⋯ Surgical repair of pectus excavatum can significantly improve the body image difficulties and limitations on physical activity experienced by patients. These results should prompt physicians to consider the physiologic and psychological implications of pectus excavatum just as they would any other physical deformity known to have such consequences.