Current opinion in pediatrics
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To provide a comprehensive review of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for the treatment of pulmonary disorders in children. ⋯ This review examines the latest evidence of CAM use and effectiveness in children with pulmonary disorders. Physicians should be aware of the many CAM therapy options and the research surrounding them in order to provide their patients with the most current and accurate information available.
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The review describes current evidence on the evaluation of febrile seizures in the acute setting, the need for further outpatient assessment, and predictors regarding long-term outcomes of these patients. ⋯ Routine diagnostic testing for simple febrile seizures is being discouraged, and clear evidence-based guidelines regarding complex febrile seizures are lacking. Thus, clinical acumen remains the most important tool for identifying children with seizures who are candidates for a more elaborate diagnostic evaluation. Similarly, evidence and guidelines regarding candidates for an emergent out-of-hospital diazepam treatment are lacking.
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Jun 2015
ReviewScratching the surface: a review of skin and soft tissue infections in children.
We present data from recently conducted research on the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in children. ⋯ Evidence to aid in the diagnosis and management of SSTIs in children has emerged in recent years; however, larger prospective pediatric studies are needed.
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Jun 2015
ReviewRed blood cell transfusion decision making in critically ill children.
To discuss the tradeoff between permissive anemia and administering red blood cell transfusion to children in pediatric ICUs. ⋯ Anemia is common in critically ill children and is well tolerated most of the time. RBC transfusion is required in cases of hemorrhagic shock and in children with a hemoglobin level below 5 g/dl. Children with sepsis, including septic shock, those with a severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding and all stable critically ill children, including noncyanotic cardiac children older than 28 days, do not require an RBC transfusion if their hemoglobin level is above 7 g/dl. Transfusion threshold in children with univentricular physiology and in critically ill children with a hemoglobin level between 5 and 7 g/dl remains to be determined.
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Jun 2015
ReviewCurrent surgical management of intestinal rotational abnormalities.
At present, there is a debate as to the management of malrotation in pediatric patients. This review highlights recent literature including the role of laparoscopy, and the management of asymptomatic patients with and without congenital cardiac disease. ⋯ Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure may be an acceptable alternative to an open procedure for asymptomatic patients. Observation of asymptomatic patients with congenital cardiac disease is a reasonable alternative in selected patients.