Current opinion in pediatrics
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Aug 2003
ReviewPostexposure prophylaxis: an intervention to prevent human immunodeficiency virus infection in adolescents.
Postexposure prophylaxis is an effective intervention to prevent transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Administration of antiretroviral medications within 72 hours of a percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure to HIV can prevent infection. The use of postexposure prophylaxis for occupational and perinatal HIV exposures is well established. ⋯ Clinicians should consider initiating postexposure prophylaxis in adolescents for any oral, anal, or vaginal exposure to definitely or possibly HIV-infected blood or body fluids. Adolescents treated should be followed closely for medication toxicity, acute seroconversion, and risk-reduction counseling. Further studies are needed to characterize the use and efficacy of postexposure prophylaxis in an adolescent population.
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Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease commonly seen in children, but it also occurs in adults. This skin disease is often triggered by bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections. The mechanisms resulting in this increased propensity for skin infections have been an area of active investigation. ⋯ The current review will examine recent literature on the etiology and pathogenesis of infection in atopic dermatitis. These observations are likely to have importance implications for management of atopic dermatitis.