Efficacy of Rotavirus Vaccine in Developing Countries
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
The efficacy of live pentavalent rotavirus vaccine against severe gastroenteritis in infants was 48% in Asian countries and 39% in African ones.
By Mary E. Wilson, MD
August 18, 2010
Covering:
Zaman K et al., Lancet 2010 Aug 6
Armah GE et al., Lancet 2010 Aug 6
Nelson EAS and Glass RI., Lancet 2010 Aug 6
Acyclovir Use in Infants with Suspected Herpes Simplex Virus
Emergency Medicine
Summary and Comment
The authors' argument for a selective approach to acyclovir use in febrile infants is not convincing.
By Katherine Bakes, MD
August 13, 2010
Covering:
Meadows JT et al., Pediatr Emerg Care 2010 Jul; 26:495
Cervical Lymphadenitis: What Differentiates Tuberculosis from Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection?
In Italy, children with TB are older than those with atypical mycobacterial infections and are more likely to be born in a developing country and to have abnormal chest x-rays.
Mumps: How Well Are We Protected?
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
The seroprevalence of antibody to mumps virus in the U.S. population is at the low end of what is needed for herd immunity.
Prevention and Treatment of Cochlear Implant–Related Infections in Children
Infectious Diseases
Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
Recommendations regarding management of children who have received (or are scheduled to receive) cochlear implants, which put them at risk for certain infections
Looking Far Afield . . .
Understanding the detailed biology and genomics of the body louse will direct us to new eradication strategies.
New Approaches to Diagnosing Pediatric Tuberculosis
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
Gastric-aspirate specimens cultured using the microscopic-observation drug-susceptibility technique yielded the best results.
By Mary E. Wilson, MD
August 4, 2010
Covering:
Oberhelman RA et al., Lancet Infect Dis 2010 Jul 26
Graham SM., Lancet Infect Dis 2010 Jul 26
Risk for Acute Bacterial Meningitis in Children with Complex Febrile Seizure
Bacterial meningitis is uncommon in children who present with a first complex febrile seizure.
Updated Guidelines for Perinatal Antiretroviral Use
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care
Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
The panel reaffirms its clinical recommendations, using a new rating system.
By Sally Hodder, MD
July 12, 2010
Covering:
Panel on Treatment of HIV-Infected Pregnant Women and Prevention of Perinatal Transmission., 2010 May 24
IL-17 Cells Fight Staphylococcus aureus
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
The T-cell–generated interleukin IL-17 is crucial for host defense against cutaneous <$EMPH_O>Staphylococcus aureus<$EMPH_C> infection.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 9, 2010
Covering:
Cho JS et al., J Clin Invest 2010 May 3; 120:1762
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Survival in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
MRSA colonization is independently associated with shortened survival.
Timing of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
Free
The timing of RSV seasons varies by region. Should the timing of RSV prophylaxis vary accordingly?
Challenges in Polio Eradication: Cost and Vaccine-Derived Polioviruses
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
Seroconversion rates were similar between intradermally administered fractional doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine and intramuscularly administered full doses. Circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses remain a challenge.
By Mary E. Wilson, MD
June 23, 2010
Covering:
Jenkins HE et al., N Engl J Med 2010 Jun 24; 362:2360
Mohammed AJ et al., N Engl J Med 2010 Jun 24; 362:2351
Topical Timolol Gel for Infantile Hemangiomas
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
A pilot study showed only modest results.
By Mary Wu Chang, MD
June 18, 2010
Covering:
Pope E and Chakkittakandiyil A, Arch Dermatol 2010 May; 146:564
After Bacterial Enteritis: Beware Intussusception
Risk for intussusception increases after bacterial gastrointestinal infection in children younger than 5 years.
Preventing Mother-to-Infant HIV Transmission
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
Free
In two large, randomized studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, antiretroviral regimens given to lactating mothers or their infants reduced postnatal HIV acquisition.
By Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
June 16, 2010
Covering:
Shapiro RL et al., N Engl J Med 2010 Jun 17; 362:2282
Chasela CS et al., N Engl J Med 2010 Jun 17; 362:2271
Mofenson LM., N Engl J Med 2010 Jun 17; 362:2316
An Urban Outbreak of Q Fever
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
A self-limited outbreak of Q fever at a religious school in Tel Aviv was linked to a contaminated air-conditioning unit.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
June 16, 2010
Covering:
Amitai Z et al., Clin Infect Dis 2010 Jun 1; 50:1433
Staphylococcus Epidermidis: Stick It up Your Nose?
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Certain strains of <$EMPH_O>Staphylococcus epidermidis<$EMPH_C> inhibit nasal <$EMPH_O>S. aureus<$EMPH_C> colonization, and their introduction into the nares may prevent recurrent infections.
Severe Viral Pneumonia in Kenyan Children
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
Respiratory syncytial virus was the most commonly detected viral pathogen.
How Long Does Passive Immunity to Measles Last in Infants?
Maternal antibodies to measles in infants might completely disappear before the first measles vaccination.
By Robin Drucker, MD
June 2, 2010
Covering:
Leuridan E et al., BMJ 2010 May 18; 340:c1626
Treating Bronchiolitis Through the Nose
High-flow nasal cannulae have potential as a treatment for severe bronchiolitis.
Incidence of Human Metapneumovirus Infection in Hospitalized Children
Infectious Diseases
Summary and Comment
Human metapneumovirus caused as many hospitalizations for acute respiratory infection in young children as did influenza and parainfluenza viruses.
By Larry M. Baddour, MD
May 26, 2010
Covering:
Williams JV et al., J Infect Dis 2010 Jun 15; 201:1890
Clinical Diagnostic Model for Predicting Serious Bacterial Infections in Febrile Children
The diagnostic model was more accurate than physician judgment.
By Robin Drucker, MD
May 19, 2010
Covering:
Craig JC et al., BMJ 2010 Apr 20; 340:c1594
Thompson MJ and Van den Bruel A., BMJ 2010 Apr 20; 340:c2062
The Continuing Saga of the Young Febrile Child
Is a general consensus emerging around treatment of young febrile infants?
Evaluation of Children with Periorbital Swelling
Classic signs of proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and pain with external ocular movements were absent in 50% of children with orbital infections.