Pediatrics
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Foreign body ingestion is a potentially serious clinical problem in children. We report a case of an 8-month-old infant who developed complete bowel obstruction requiring laparotomy due to ingestion of a superabsorbent polymer ball with advertised growth up to 400 times its original size. ⋯ Other household products and toys on the market use a similar polymer-based water-absorbing technology, thus increasing the risk for accidental ingestion by young children. These rapidly expanding objects can cause significant morbidity, and timely diagnosis and treatment are prudent to improve patient outcomes.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of mortality and morbidity of very low birth weight infants between Canada and Japan.
To compare neonatal outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted to NICUs participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network and the Neonatal Research Network of Japan. ⋯ Composite outcome of mortality or major morbidity was significantly lower in Japan than Canada for VLBW infants. However, there were significant differences in various individual outcomes identifying areas for improvement for both networks.
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Multicenter Study
Erythropoietin for neuroprotection in neonatal encephalopathy: safety and pharmacokinetics.
To determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of erythropoietin (Epo) given in conjunction with hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). We hypothesized that high dose Epo would produce plasma concentrations that are neuroprotective in animal studies (ie, maximum concentration = 6000-10000 U/L; area under the curve = 117000-140000 U*h/L). ⋯ Epo 1000 U/kg per dose intravenously given in conjunction with hypothermia is well tolerated and produces plasma concentrations that are neuroprotective in animals. A large efficacy trial is needed to determine whether Epo add-on therapy further improves outcome in infants undergoing hypothermia for HIE.
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To assess the current status of pediatric residency training on tobacco use and smoke exposure. ⋯ Pediatric residency training programs must do more to prepare residents to address tobacco use and smoke exposure. Given the many competing priorities of residency training, there is a need to explore new ways of integrating tobacco control into the 3-year curriculum.
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Variation in energy intake by weight status at different ages may explain inconsistencies in previous research on energy intake and obesity. Therefore, our objective was to determine the relationship between reported daily energy intake and categorized weight status across childhood. ⋯ In a nationally representative cross-sectional sample, overweight and obese girls older than 7 years and boys older than 10 years reported consuming fewer daily calories than their healthy-weight peers. One explanation for this would be that increased energy intake in early childhood is related to the onset of obesity, but other mechanisms, such as differences in energy expenditure, may contribute more to maintaining obese/overweight status through adolescence.