Pediatrics
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Comparative Study
Consistently inconsistent: a snapshot of across- and within-state disparities in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity.
The epidemic of childhood overweight and obesity is characterized by known disparities. Less is known about how these disparities vary across and within the state in which a child lives. ⋯ Disparities in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity vary significantly both within and across states. Patterns of variation are inconsistent within states, highlighting the need for states to undertake state- and population-specific analyses and interventions to address the epidemic.
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Comparative Study
Empiric antimicrobial therapy for pediatric skin and soft-tissue infections in the era of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
The goal was to compare the clinical effectiveness of monotherapy with beta-lactams, clindamycin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the outpatient management of nondrained noncultured skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs), in a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-endemic region. ⋯ Compared with beta-lactams, clindamycin monotherapy conferred no benefit, whereas trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was associated with an increased risk of treatment failure in a cohort of children with nondrained noncultured SSTIs who were treated as outpatients. Even in regions with endemic community-acquired MRSA, beta-lactams may still be appropriate, first-line, empiric therapy for children presenting with these infections.
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Comparative Study
A prospective comparison of diaphragmatic ultrasound and chest radiography to determine endotracheal tube position in a pediatric emergency department.
Investigators report endotracheal tube misplacement in up to 40% of emergent intubations. The standard elements of confirmation have significant limitations. Diaphragmatic ultrasound is a potentially viable addition to the confirmatory process. Our primary hypothesis is that ultrasound is equivalent to chest radiography in determining endotracheal tube position within the airway in emergent pediatric intubations. ⋯ Diaphragmatic ultrasound was not equivalent to chest radiography for endotracheal tube placement within the airway. However, ultrasound results were timelier, detected more misplacements than standard confirmation alone, and were highly reproducible between sonographers.
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The justification of neonatal intensive care for extremely premature infants is contentious and of considerable importance. The goal of this report is to describe our experience implementing consensus medical staff guidelines used for counseling pregnant women threatening extremely premature birth between 22 and 26 weeks' postmenstrual age and to give an account of family preferences and the immediate outcome of their infants. ⋯ Rational, consensus periviability guidelines are well accepted and can be used by all neonatologists, obstetricians, and nurses who provide care to pregnant women and infants at extremely early gestational ages. Pregnant women see these guidelines as highly understandable, useful, consistent, and respectful. When encouraged to participate with attending staff in discussions involving morbidity and mortality outcomes of premature infants and consensus medical practice recommendations, a substantial proportion of parents will choose palliative comfort care for their extremely premature infant up through 25 weeks' postmenstrual age. We believe the choice of neonatal intensive care versus palliative comfort care in extremely premature infants rightfully belongs to medically informed parents. More research is needed to examine how these decisions are made under diverse conditions of culture, religion, and technology.
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The objective of this study was to determine if children who contracted pertussis infection were more likely to have parents who refused pertussis vaccinations than a similar group of children who did not develop pertussis infection. ⋯ Children of parents who refuse pertussis immunizations are at high risk for pertussis infection relative to vaccinated children. Herd immunity does not seem to completely protect unvaccinated children from pertussis. These findings stress the need to further understand why parents refuse immunizations and to develop strategies for conveying the risks and benefits of immunizations to parents more effectively.