Unintended Consequences: Mandatory Tuberculin Skin Testing and Severe Isonia...

WHy we need to be judicious with tb testing

 

 

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Unintended Consequences: Mandatory Tuberculin Skin Testing and Severe Isoniazid Hepatotoxicity

via PEDIATRICS current issue by Lobato, M. N., Jereb, J. A., Starke, J. R. on 6/2/08

After mandatory school-enrollment tuberculin skin testing, a 4-year-old girl who was at low risk for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection had severe isoniazid hepatotoxicity that was managed with a liver transplant. Although severe isoniazid hepatotoxicity is very uncommon in children, this case emphasizes the need to limit skin testing to persons who have a risk factor for infection and to educate parents on how to monitor for adverse effects during treatment.

 

 

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Effects of Prolonged and Exclusive Breastfeeding on Child Behavior and Mater...

 

 

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Effects of Prolonged and Exclusive Breastfeeding on Child Behavior and Maternal Adjustment: Evidence From a Large, Randomized Trial

via PEDIATRICS current issue by Kramer, M. S., Fombonne, E., Igumnov, S., Vanilovich, I., Matush, L., Mironova, E., Bogdanovich, N., Tremblay, R. E., Chalmers, B., Zhang, X., Platt, R. W., for the Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT) Study Group on 2/29/08

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effects of breastfeeding on child behavior and maternal adjustment.

METHODS. We followed up children who were in the Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial, a cluster-randomized trial of a breastfeeding promotion intervention based on the World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. A total of 17046 healthy, breastfeeding mother–infant pairs were enrolled from 31 Belarussian maternity hospitals and affiliated polyclinics; 13889 (81.5%) were followed up at 6.5 years. Mothers and teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and supplemental questions bearing on internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Mothers also responded to questions concerning their relationships to their partner and child and their breastfeeding of subsequently born children.

RESULTS. The experimental intervention led to a large increase in exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months (43.3% vs 6.4%) and a significantly higher prevalence of any breastfeeding at all ages up to and including 12 months. No significant treatment effects were observed on either the mother or the teacher Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ratings of total difficulties, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, or prosocial behavior or on the supplemental behavioral questions. We found no evidence of treatment effects on the parent's marriage or on the mother's satisfaction with her relationships with her partner or child, but the experimental intervention significantly increased the duration of any breastfeeding, and mothers in the experimental group were nearly twice as likely to breastfeed exclusively the next-born child for at least 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS. On the basis of the largest randomized trial ever conducted in the area of human lactation, we found no evidence of risks or benefits of prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding for child and maternal behavior. Breastfeeding promotion does, however, favorably affect breastfeeding of the subsequent child.

 

 

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Pediatric Heel Pain - FootPhysicians.com

Avoid wearing cleated shoes for heel pain

 

 

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Pediatric Heel Pain - FootPhysicians.com

via www.footphysicians.com on 6/4/08

Home > Foot & Ankle Information > Pediatric Heel Pain Print this page Email this page Pediatric Heel Pain  What is Pediatric Heel Pain? What is the Difference Between Pediatric and Adult Heel Pain? Causes of Pediatric Heel Pain Diagnosis of Pediatric Heel Pain Treatment Options Can Pediatric Heel Pain Be Prevented? If Symptoms Return    Download a short podcast on pediatric heel pain. What is Pediatric Heel Pain? Heel pain is a symptom, not a disease. In other words, heel pain is a warning sign that a child has a condition that deserves attention. Heel pain problems in children are often associated with these signs and symptoms: Pain in the back or bottom of the heel Limping Walking on toes Difficulty participating in usual activities or sports The most common cause of pediatric heel pain is a disorder called calcaneal apophysitis (see below), which usually affects 8- to 14-year olds. However, pediatric heel pain may be the sign of many other problems, and can occur at younger or older ages. What is the Difference Between Pediatric and Adult Heel Pain? Pediatric heel pain differs from the most common form of heel pain experienced by adults (plantar fasciitis) in the way pain occurs. Plantar fascia pain is intense when getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting for long periods, and then it subsides after walking around a bit. Pediatric heel pain usually doesn't improve in this manner. In fact, walking around typically makes the pain worse. Heel pain is so common in children because of the very nature of their growing feet. In children, the heel bone (the calcaneus) is not yet fully developed until age 14 or older. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate (the apophysis), a weak area located at the back of the heel. Too much stress on the growth plate is the most common cause of pediatric heel pain. Causes of Pediatric Heel Pain There are a number of possible causes for a child's heel pain. Because diagnosis can be challenging, a foot and ankle surgeon is best qualified to determine the underlying cause of the pain and develop an effective treatment plan. Conditions that cause pediatric heel pain include: Calcaneal apophysitis. Also known as Sever's disease, this is the most common cause of heel pain in children. Although not a true "disease," it is an inflammation of the heel's growth plate due to muscle strain and repetitive stress, especially in those who are active or obese. This condition usually causes pain and tenderness in the back and bottom of the heel when walking, and the heel is painful when touched. It can occur in one or both feet. Tendo-Achilles bursitis. This condition is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) located between the Achilles tendon (heel cord) and the heel bone. Tendo-Achilles bursitis can result from injuries to the heel, certain diseases (such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), or wearing poorly cushioned shoes. Overuse syndromes. Because the heel's growth plate is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, pediatric heel pain often reflects overuse. Children and adolescents involved in soccer, track, or basketball are especially vulnerable. One common overuse syndrome is Achilles tendonitis. This inflammation of the tendon usually occurs in children over the age of 14. Another overuse syndrome is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. Fractures. Sometimes heel pain is caused by a break in the bone. Stress fractures—hairline breaks resulting from repeated stress on the bone—often occur in adolescents engaged in athletics, especially when the intensity of training suddenly changes. In children under age of 10, another type of break—acute fractures—can result from simply jumping 2 or 3 feet from a couch or stairway. Diagnosis of Pediatric Heel Pain To diagnose the underlying cause of your child's heel pain, the foot and ankle surgeon will first obtain a thorough medical history and ask questions about recent activities. The surgeon will also examine the child's foot and leg. X-rays are often used to evaluate the condition, and in some cases the surgeon will order a bone scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, or a computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scan. Laboratory testing may also be ordered to help diagnose other less prevalent causes of pediatric heel pain. Treatment Options The treatment selected depends upon the diagnosis and the severity of the pain. For mild heel pain, treatment options include: Reduce activity. The child needs to reduce or stop any activity that causes pain. Cushion the heel. Temporary shoe inserts are useful in softening the impact on the heel when walking, running, and standing. For moderate heel pain, in addition to reducing activity and cushioning the heel, the foot and ankle surgeon may use one or more of these treatment options: Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy. Stretching or physical therapy modalities are sometimes used to promote healing of the inflamed tissue. Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices prescribed by the foot and ankle surgeon help support the foot properly. For severe heel pain, more aggressive treatment options may be necessary, including: Immobilization. Some patients need to use crutches to avoid all weight-bearing on the affected foot for a while. In some severe cases of pediatric heel pain, the child may be placed in a cast to promote healing while keeping the foot and ankle totally immobile. Follow-up measures. After immobilization or casting, follow-up care often includes use of custom orthotic devices, physical therapy, or strapping. Surgery. There are some instances when surgery may be required to lengthen the tendon or correct other problems. Can Pediatric Heel Pain be Prevented? The chances of a child developing heel pain can be reduced by following these recommendations: Avoid obesity Choose well-constructed, supportive shoes that are appropriate for the child's activity Avoid, or limit, wearing cleated athletic shoes Avoid activity beyond a child's ability If Symptoms Return Often heel pain in children returns after it has been treated because the heel bone is still growing. Recurrence of heel pain may be a sign of the initially diagnosed condition, or it may indicate a different problem. If your child has a repeat bout of heel pain, be sure to make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon.

 

 

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