November is Prematurity Awareness Month

One in eight babies is born prematurely in our country and premature birth is the number one cause of death during the first month of life. Through Prematurity Awareness Month in November, and its Prematurity Campaign, the March of Dimes aims to reduce the rate of premature birth in the United States and raise aware awareness of this common, costly and serious problem.

Chronically Ill Children May Have More Persistent Sleep Problems

Sleep problems may be particularly persistent in children with chronic illness, according to a study done in Norway. Researchers suggested using consistent bedtime routines, removing distractions and ensuring good sleep hygiene, and added that melatonin might be effective for some children. Reuters (11/4).

House Resolution Puts Focus on Low Birth Weight Babies

U.S. House members are seeking approval of a resolution to bring attention to the high rate of low birth weight and premature babies in the U.S. the resolution asks Congress to help solve the problem by investing in prenatal education and care. The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tenn.) (11/4).

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Drops Require Additional Preparation Before Administration

Due to the shortage of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance on alternative agents, including the use of azithromycin ophthalmic solution. However, there are other important differences physicians and medical personnel need to know about azithromycin ophthalmic drops. The product Web site features a patient video on how to use the product. (11/4).

Pregnant Women Strongly Urged to Get Flu Shot

(09/21/09) A national coalition of health care and information providers for pregnant women and children have an urgent message for pregnant women concerning influenza. The normal changes of pregnancy place pregnant women at increased risk of the harmful effects of flu infection, and as such, they should take increased precautions.

Section Partners with the March of Dimes for Prematurity Awareness Month

One in eight babies is born prematurely in our country and premature birth is the number one cause of death during the first month of life. Through Prematurity Awareness Month in November, and its Prematurity Campaign, the March of Dimes aims to reduce the rate of premature birth in the United States and raise aware awareness of this common, costly and serious problem.

ABP Explains Maintenance of Certification

In the past, medical specialists and subspecialists focused on Board certification. The new standard, however, is Maintenance of Certification (MOC), of which Board certification is just one of four parts. The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) has created a new presentation to demystify MOC and to detail how MOC will change in 2010.

Program to Enhance the Health and Development of Infants and Children (PEHDIC)

The AAP was awarded the PEHDIC, a 5-year cooperative agreement with the CDC. Primarily housed with the AAP Division of Children with Special Needs, PEHDIC aims to translate critical research and guidelines, focused on preventive health care, continuity of care, and transition to adulthood, into practice as well as to expand provider and public education related to health promotion and disease prevention.

AHA Issues Statement on Comparative Effectiveness Research

Choosing the best among various effective therapies can prove to be a vexing clinical challenge. Comparative effectiveness research can assist clinicians in their efforts to weighh the risks and benefits of therapeutic options. The American Heart Association recently issued a vision statement of principles for the conduct of comparative effectiveness research that will be useful to researchers conducting these studies as well as to clinicians assessing the merits of such research.

Best Practice for Infant Surgery - New Position Statement

Infants who have surgical problems are among the most vulnerable hospitalized newborns. Optimal care of these infants requires collaboration among members of skilled multidisciplinary teams. The American Pediatric Surgical Association has issued a position statement, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which outlines best practice standards for infants with surgical conditions.

2009 Marshall Klaus Perinatal Research Awardees

This year the Section's research committee, led by Ron Ariagno, MD, FAAP awarded three Marshall Klaus Research Awards. This program of annual awards was made possible through an endowment established by Johnson & Johnson.

Katherine Bennett, MD - University of Texas/Southwestern
Mentor: Margaret Schwarz, MD

"The role of ephrin B2 reverse signaling in lung morphogenesis."

Azadeh Farzin, MD - University of California/Los Angeles
Mentor: Yvonne Bryson, MD

"Role of amniotic fluid and vernix in intrauterine HIV transmission"

Erin Plosa, MD - Vanderbilt University
Mentor: Lawrence Prince, MD, PhD

"Regulation of FGF-10 expression by inflammatory signals."

Learn more about Marshall Klaus Research Awardees»