Search

Objective: Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Guidelines about the use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and dietary management of acute gastroenteritis (GE) were recently revised and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Study aims were to examine Israeli pediatricians' knowledge and implementation of the revised AAP guidelines, the effect of medical school (Israeli versus foreign medical graduates) on the physicians' practice, and the effect of the type of practice (community vs hospital-based) on the management of gastroenteritis., Methods: A multiple-choice, written questionnaire was distributed at two pediatrics annual meetings., Results: A total of 87 pediatricians completed the questionnaire. They were aware of 73% of the current AAP guidelines and followed 60% of the guidelines. Most pediatricians (83%) use ORS for treatment of dehydration in GE, but 60% of pediatricians believe that full-strength feeds are inappropriate in the presence of GE, and 67% of them do not recommend full-strength formulas. In addition, 37% of the pediatricians stop feeding temporarily in the presence of GE, in contrast to the 1996 AAP guidelines. There were no differences in knowledge and management practices among pediatricians graduating in Israel, Europe, or the United States, and no differences between pediatricians working in an ambulatory setting or in a hospital., Conclusions: Pediatricians in Israel, regardless of country of origin, medical school, or place of practice, are aware of the correct use of ORS but do not follow nutritional practices recommended recently by the AAP. These findings suggest that steps for implementing the guidelines are needed in Israel and most probably worldwide.

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) has been increasing worldwide. While the incidence in the young is lower than in adults, it mirrors that of the adult population. Infants do not exhibit typical symptoms, and may present with only a low-grade fever and a mild cough which resolves within a few days. Often physical examination is within normal limits. Over the past year we diagnosed TB, confirmed by culture and histology, in 6 children under 2 years of age. We wish to increase awareness among pediatricians of the clinical forms of this disease in children.

Two hundred and sixty-eight children with pediculosis capitis took part in a comparative study to test the efficacy of five different pediculocides commonly used in Israel. The preparations used were pyrethrin shampoo, pyrethroid spray, malathion solution, carbaryl shampoo and carbaryl lotion. Carbaryl lotion and malathion solution were much more efficient when compared to the shampoo and spray preparations.