The Journal of pediatrics
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The Journal of pediatrics · Feb 2003
ReviewSelecting a systemic corticosteroid for acute asthma in young children.
Oral corticosteroids are as effective as intravenous therapy for treating acute exacerbations of asthma. They are available in tablets that can be crushed and mixed with soft food or syrup, and in a variety of liquid formulations that differ in volume required, palatability, patient acceptance, and cost. The most important consideration in product selection for a young child is that the doses can be easily swallowed and retained.
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The Journal of pediatrics · Feb 2003
ReviewViruses and asthma: Inception, exacerbation, and possible prevention.
Viral respiratory tract infections have been epidemiologically associated with asthma in at least 3 ways. First, during infancy, certain viruses have been implicated in the inception of the asthmatic phenotype. ⋯ Third, and perhaps counterintuitively, certain infections may actually prevent the development of allergic respiratory tract diseases, including asthma. This review discusses these associations as they pertain to both the pathogenesis and treatment of childhood asthma.
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To test the hypothesis that red blood cell transfusions are associated with increased resource utilization and mortality in critically ill children. ⋯ Red blood cell transfusions are associated with an increase in resource utilization in critically ill children. The decision to transfuse patients should incorporate this potential morbidity.
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The Journal of pediatrics · Feb 2003
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) fracture and embolization in the pediatric population.
To document and characterize fracture and embolization of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in the pediatric population and define predisposing features for these complications. ⋯ Fracture and embolization of PICCs occur and may pose a potential risk of serious consequences. It is prudent to list PICC fracture as a rare but potentially serious complication of this device when obtaining informed consent for its insertion.