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December 28, 2012

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News for pediatricians and other child health professionals

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Preoperative imaging is common in pediatric appendectomy patients
Most children who underwent appendectomy for presumed appendicitis first had preoperative imaging, Washington University researchers found. Patients who were first taken to a community hospital were 4.4 times more likely to be given a CT scan and less likely to get preoperative ultrasound than those admitted at children's hospitals, according to the study published in the journal Pediatrics. About 7% of the children were found after surgery to have a normal appendix, and 23.6% had perforated appendicitis, showing a need for strategies to maximize diagnostic accuracy and reduce ionizing radiation exposure, the researchers write. DoctorsLounge.com/HealthDay News (12/27)

Review finds improved infantile hemangioma management
Research concerning infantile hemangioma has led to a better understanding of its pathogenesis and treatment, according to a review in the journal Pediatrics. As clinicians' understanding of long-term sequelae has improved, new therapies such as oral propranolol have expanded therapeutic options, but risks and benefits must always be evaluated in choosing a treatment, the researchers write. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News (12/27)

Pediatric Health Care

Children's hospitals are increasingly handling severe chronic diseases
Records from 28 urban children's hospitals show a significant increase in hospitalizations from 2004 to 2009, with chronically ill children registering greater increases in admissions than those without a chronic condition. Patients with a severe chronic condition involving at least two body systems had the highest increase in hospitalizations, according to a study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. DoctorsLounge.com/HealthDay News (12/27)

Study links poor reading skills to risk of teen pregnancy
Seventh-grade girls with below-average reading test scores may be more likely than their peers with average or above-average reading skills to become pregnant in high school, a study of 12,339 girls found. Giving at-risk girls academic and vocational opportunities might reduce their risk of pregnancy as teens, one expert said. Reuters (12/27)

Nap Nanny recliners recalled over injury risk
Four major retailers in the U.S. have agreed to recall Baby Matters' Nap Nanny recliners because of design defects and inadequate instructions that could put infants at risk for injury or death, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced. The models included in the recall are Generation One, Generation Two and Chill. MyHealthNewsDaily.com (12/27)

Trends & Technology

Survey examines major concerns among U.S. doctors
A lack of balance between professional and personal life was the main concern of physicians responding to an Epocrates survey. Uncertainty about future regulations was also cited as a major challenge. BeckersHospitalReview.com (12/27)

Primary care institutes may help ease doctor shortage
U.S. hospitals in 2012 looked toward primary care institutes as one way to reduce the shortage of physicians. The Connecticut Institute for Primary Care Innovation opened in November, and the California Advanced Primary Care Institute is scheduled to open in 2013. Hospitals also created affiliations with medical schools and increased residency slots and programs, including a new family medicine residency program at the University of Montana in Missoula. BeckersHospitalReview.com (12/26)

The Last Word - News from the AAP

CMS releases updated FAQ guide on Medicaid payment increase
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a Q-and-A document that outlines eligibility requirements and other details of the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid payment increase. The increase, which takes effect Tuesday, will raise Medicaid payments for immunization administration and primary care services to at least Medicare rates in 2013 and 2014.

Collaborative Mental Health Care PediaLink Course
Primary care clinicians cite a lack of referral sources as a major barrier to expanding their role in mental health care. This online course addresses this barrier by answering the following question: I've identified a mental health or substance abuse concern that requires expertise or time I don't have -- so now what do I do?

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If all misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart."

--Socrates,
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This news roundup is provided as a timely update to AAP members and other health professionals about child health topics in the media. Links to articles are provided for the convenience of pediatricians who may find them of use in discussions with patients or colleagues.

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