Smart Brief Archive

FDA Approves Luminex's Cystic Fibrosis Test

The FDA has granted approval to Luminex for its xTAG Cystic Fibrosis 39 Kit v2. The test can spot 39 gene variations that cause cystic fibrosis and can serve as a supplement to newborn screening. American City Business Journals/Austin, Texas (10/27).

Tools for Pediatricians on Vaccines

With an unusual influenza season approaching, the Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition has developed a tool, the "Health Care Professionals' Influenza Vaccination Commitment," or "proxy," to facilitate discussion among parents and health care providers about flu vaccination. The proxy is designed for display in medical practices, health care facilities and Web sites to let people know their doctor recommends annual flu vaccination. Amidst all the conversation about H1N1 influenza (swine flu), it is important that doctors continue to encourage people to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. The AAP offers other parent-friendly resources on vaccines here. (10/27).

Experts: Parents Give Too Much Meaning to Birth Order

Pediatricians say parents often bring up birth order to explain a variety of developmental issues in their children - especially speech and language issues - but that overall it doesn't mean much. "Birth order doesn't cause anything. It's simply a proxy for the actual mechanisms that go on in family dynamics that shape character and personality," said Dr. Frank J. Sulloway, an author and visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley. The New York Times (10/27).

Disaster Preparedness for Pediatric Practices: An Online Tool

The AAP Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council has developed an interactive Web-based tool that provides an easy way for members to review resources and take steps to develop a written disaster preparedness plan for their office practices. Pediatricians face special concerns including the inadequacy of disaster planning in addressing the needs of children, especially those with special needs. A working plan can help practices reduce risks, maintain practice operations and ensure a medical home for children in their care. Members can access this tool free in Practice Management Online. (9/2).

Low Bone Density Found in Adults Who Were Low-Weight Preemies

A study found very premature infants with low birth weights may have weaker bones later in life, raising their risk of osteoporosis as adults. Researchers studied former preemies as young adults and found they had lower bone mineral density at the lower back and hip compared with adults who had been born full-term. Reuters (9/2).

Neurofeedback Gains Attention as ADHD Treatment

Neurofeedback to retrain the brain to produce electrical patterns linked with calm and focus is being used to treat children with ADHD. Supporters claim the treatment may actually cure ADHD, while critics contend studies investigating the therapy so far have not met standards for rigorous design. U.S. News & World Report (9/10).

Parents Face Challenges in Storing Children's Cord Blood

Only one out of 10 new parents privately or publicly bank their babies' umbilical cord blood after birth. Many parents find that they can't afford the collection and storage fees of private banks, while public banks are hard for them to access because of the paperwork required and the lack of public collection and storage facilities in most states. The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) (8/30).

Researchers Start Largest Clinical Study of Galactosemia

A study funded primarily by Parents of Galactosemic Children brought 35 adult patients to Boston so a group of international physicians could conduct tests and study the potentially deadly genetic disease that makes milk toxic to infants. The rare disease is treatable by diet, but researchers don't know the range of problems children with it may face as they grow up. The Boston Globe (8/30).