Age of Onset of Peanut Allergies
Pediatrics reports that the age of the first initial reaction to peanuts has dropped from 24 months to 18 months of age over the past 10 years. The researchers report that this may be due to earlier exposure to peanuts. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children wait until 3 years old to introduce peanuts if there is a family history of peanut allergy. This study also indicated that egg and sesame allergies are common in children who are allergic to peanuts.
Reference: Todd D. Green, Virginia S. LaBelle, Pamela H. Steele, Edwin H. Kim, Laurie A. Lee, Vaishali S. Mankad, Larry W. Williams, Kevin J. Anstrom, and A. Wesley Burks. Clinical Characteristics of Peanut-Allergic Children: Recent Changes. Pediatrics, Dec 2007; 120: 1304 – 1310
Newborns with Seizures and Neurological Outcome
Neurology reports that newborns who experience status epilepticus (continous seizure activity for more than 30 minutes or recurrent seizures for more than 30 minutes) are at high risk for severe neurological disability and postneonatal epilepsy when assessed at 24 months of age.
Reference: Pisani, Francesco, Cerminara, Caterina, Fusco, Carlo, Sisti, Lisa Neonatal status epilepticus vs recurrent neonatal seizures: Clinical findings and outcome. Neurology 2007 69: 2177-2185
Autism and Fever
Pediatrics reports that children with autism exhibit fewer behaviors during a fever. The research indicated that irritability, hyperactivity, stereotypy (repetitive movements) and inappropriate speech decreased when the children were febrile (body temperature 38.0°C/100.4°F). More research is needed to determine whether the decreased behaviors were a result of being sick or some underlying biological issue.
Reference: Curran, Laura K., Newschaffer, Craig J., Lee, Li-Ching, Crawford, Stephen O., Johnston, Michael V., Zimmerman, Andrew W. Behaviors Associated With Fever in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Pediatrics 2007 120: e1386-e1392.
Positioning and Reflux in Preterm Infants
Recent research states that placing premature infants in prone or in left lateral position is a simple way to limit reflux after eating.
Reference: Corvaglia, L, Rotatori, R, Ferlini, M. Aceti, A., Ancora, G and Faldella, G. The Effect of Body Positioning on Gastroesophageal Reflux in Premature Infants: Evaluation by Combined Impedance and pH Monitoring. Journal of Pediatrics 2007 151(6):591-596.e1
Developmental Outcomes for Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants with Major Congenital
Anomalies Pediatrics reports that extremely low birth weight infants with major congenital anomalies have nearly twice the risk for neurological problems and increased risk of poor growth when assessed at the corrected age of 18-22 months when compared to extremely low birth weight infants without congenital anomalies. The researchers found increased rates of moderate to sever cerebral palsy and scores at <70 on Bayley Mental Development Index in this population of children.
Reference: Walden, Rachel V., Taylor, Sarah C., Hansen, Nellie I., Poole, W. Kenneth, Stoll, Barbara J., Abuelo, Dianne, Vohr, Betty R., for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Major Congenital Anomalies Place Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants at Higher Risk for Poor Growth and Developmental Outcomes. Pediatrics 2007 120: e1512-e1519.
Increased Activity with Balls and Hoops
In a recent study, researchers studied the amount of physical activity for children at child care centers. It was reported that children who attend childcare centers have more moderate to vigorous physical activity per day if the centers utilized portable play equipment such as playground balls, hula hoops and jump ropes. In addition, centers who offered more indoor and outdoor play and had trained staff in physical activities resulted in more moderate to vigorous physical activity levels for children. Stationary equipment such as climbers and swings were associated with lower levels of physical activity intensity.
Reference: Retrieved Kids More Active When Playground Has Balls, Jump Ropes, UNC Study Shows from the web at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/91433.php on December 12, 2007.
Leg Pain and Foot Structure
Researchers in Australia, found no connection between foot structures (navicular height), functional health and growing pains.
Reference: Evans, A., Scutter, S. (2007) Are foot posture and functional health different in children with growing pains? Pediatrics International, Volume 49, Number 6, December 2007 , pp. 991-996(6).
ADHD and Iron Supplements
Pediatric Neurology reports that iron supplements (80mg/day) appeared to improve ADHD symptoms in children who had low iron levels in blood. This was a small study with 18 children in the treatment group and 5 in the placebo group. Larger studies are recommended.
Reference: Konofal, E., Lecendreux, M., Deron, J., et. al. (2007) Effects of Iron Supplementation on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. Pediatric Neurology 38 (1):20-26.