Pediatrics
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Comparative Study
Yield of lumbar puncture among children who present with their first complex febrile seizure.
To assess the rate of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) among children who present with their first complex febrile seizure (CFS). ⋯ Few patients who experienced a CFS had ABM in the absence of other signs or symptoms.
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Comparative Study
Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella combination vaccine and the risk of febrile seizures.
In February 2008, we alerted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to preliminary evidence of a twofold increased risk of febrile seizures after the combination measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine when compared with separate measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines. Now with data on twice as many vaccine recipients, our goal was to reexamine seizure risk after MMRV vaccine. ⋯ Among 12- to 23-month-olds who received their first dose of measles-containing vaccine, fever and seizure were elevated 7 to 10 days after vaccination. Vaccination with MMRV results in 1 additional febrile seizure for every 2300 doses given instead of separate MMR + varicella vaccines. Providers who recommend MMRV should communicate to parents that it increases the risk of fever and seizure over that already associated with measles-containing vaccines.
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Comparative Study
Fractures and traumatic brain injuries: abuse versus accidents in a US database of hospitalized children.
The goal was to use a national database to determine the incidence of abusive traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and/or fractures and the frequency of abuse versus accidents among children <36 months of age. ⋯ There was overlap in TBIs and fractures attributable to abuse. Among <12-month-old children, TBIs and/or fractures attributable to abuse occurred in 1 of 2000. Falls occurred more commonly than abuse, even among very young children.
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The goal was to examine pediatric hospitalist rounding practices and characteristics associated with programs conducting family-centered rounds (FCRs). ⋯ FCRs were the most-common rounding category among respondents. FCRs were not associated with a self-reported increase in rounding duration. Successful FCR implementation may require educating staff members and trainees about FCR benefits and addressing FCR barriers.
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We report here the case of an infant who developed life-threatening rigid-chest syndrome after receiving an accidental overdose of methadone. The child responded to narcotic reversal. Pediatric physicians should be aware of this possible complication.