The Pediatric infectious disease journal
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Jul 2019
Observational StudyOutcomes of Congenital Zika Virus Infection During an Outbreak in Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
Despite increasing information in the literature regarding congenital Zika infection, gaps remain in our knowledge of its clinical manifestations. ⋯ We observed a high frequency of gestational and neonatal complications in pregnant women who acquired Zika infection, especially in early pregnancy, resulting in a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Preventive measures are urgently needed to reduce the clinical burden during future Zika outbreaks.
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Jul 2019
A Population-based Observational Study of Childhood Encephalitis in Children Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units in England and Wales.
Encephalitis is a serious neurologic condition that can result in admission to intensive care. Yet, there are no studies on pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission rates and usage of intensive care resources by children with encephalitis in England and Wales. The objectives of this study were to (1) define the PICU incidence and mortality rates for childhood encephalitis, (2) describe the usage of intensive care resources by children with encephalitis admitted to PICU and (3) explore the associated cost from PICU encephalitis admissions. ⋯ These data suggest that encephalitis places a significant burden to the healthcare service. More work is needed to improve outcomes for children with encephalitis.
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Jun 2019
Multicenter StudyDeterminants of Influenza and Pertussis Vaccination Uptake in Pregnancy: A Multicenter Questionnaire Study of Pregnant Women and Healthcare Professionals.
Uptake rates of antenatal vaccination remain suboptimal. Our aims were to determine (1) the acceptability of routine vaccination among pregnant women, (2) the confidence of maternity healthcare professionals (HCPs) discussing vaccination and (3) HCP opinion regarding the optimum healthcare site for vaccine administration. ⋯ Misconceptions exist regarding safety/efficacy of antenatal vaccination, and framing information towards the child's safety may increase uptake. Education of HCPs is essential, and vaccine promotion should be incorporated into routine antenatal care, with an emphasis on women from ethnic minorities. Administration of vaccines in primary care presents logistical barriers; however, support for alternative sites appears low among HCPs.
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Jun 2019
Impact of Rapid On-demand Molecular Diagnosis of Pediatric Seasonal Influenza on Laboratory Workflow and Testing Costs: A Retrospective Study.
Seasonal influenza imposes a considerable burden worldwide. We aimed to evaluate impact of rapid pediatric seasonal influenza diagnosis on laboratory workflow and cost using a rapid antigen detection-based test combined with either a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or the Alere i Influenza A and B (Alere i) assay for confirmation of negative results as well as single Alere i testing on nasopharyngeal aspirates. A secondary objective was assessing performance of Alere i against RT-PCR. ⋯ Rapid Alere i testing facilitated efficient laboratory workflow near the patient during influenza epidemics while contributing cost savings when compared with serial testing by antigen and RT-PCR assays.