Search

SINCE Jenner's initial success with cowpox vaccination, active immunization with a wide variety of vaccines and toxoids has represented the most effective means of preventing infectious diseases and their disability [...]

A RECENT commentary in Pediatrics reviewed the documented medical benefits of newborn male circumcision, including protection against balanoposthitis, phimosis, infections of the urinary tract in male infants, and protection against [...]

The article discusses a survey of pediatricians and family physicians which aims to provide insights on how providers might discuss and recommend meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccines. Topics include factors that enhanced providers' likelihood of recommending the MenB vaccine, proportion of adolescents who have received MenB vaccines at the time of survey, and finding on rates for routinely recommended vaccines in adolescents.

The article discusses strategies in approaching infants with suspected or proven neonatal sepsis. The guideline "Prevention of perinatal group B streptococcal disease: revised guidelines from CDC" was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention together with several organizations. Several recommendations were cited in the guideline, which includes administering broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents to neonates with signs of sepsis.

Health care-associated infections in the NICU result in increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged lengths of stay, and increased medical costs. Neonates are at high risk of acquiring health care-associated infections because of impaired host-defense mechanisms, limited amounts of protective endogenous flora on skin and mucosal surfaces at time of birth, reduced barrier function of their skin, use of invasive procedures and devices, and frequent exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotic agents. This clinical report reviews management and prevention of health care-associated infections in newborn infants.

Health care-associated infections in the NICU are a major clinical problem resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged length of hospital stays, and increased medical costs. Neonates are at high risk for health care-associated infections because of impaired host defense mechanisms, limited amounts of protective endogenous flora on skin and mucosal surfaces at time of birth, reduced barrier function of neonatal skin, the use of invasive procedures and devices, and frequent exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics. This statement will review the epidemiology and diagnosis of health care-associated infections in newborn infants.

Drinking water for approximately one sixth of US households is obtained from private wells. These wells can become contaminated by pollutant chemicals or pathogenic organisms, leading to significant illness. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency and all states offer guidance for construction, maintenance, and testing of private wells, there is little regulation, and with few exceptions, well owners are responsible for their own wells. Children may also drink well water at child care or when traveling. Illness resulting from children's ingestion of contaminated water can be severe. This report reviews relevant aspects of groundwater and wells; describes the common chemical and microbiologic contaminants; gives an algorithm with recommendations for inspection, testing, and remediation for wells providing drinking water for children; reviews the definitions and uses of various bottled waters; provides current estimates of costs for well testing; and provides federal, national, state, and, where appropriate, tribal contacts for more information.