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2001 AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION: PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE HIGHLIGHTS The annual American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition is an excellent forum to present new data, review old data, and allow for academic discussions to take place that ultimately have an impact on the care delivered to children throughout the world. This year's meeting was no exception, particularly in the area of infectious diseases. Medscape Pediatrics, 2001 http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46522.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

What would be the recommended vaccines for children traveling to China? http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46520.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

REVISED ACIP RECOMMENDATION FOR AVOIDING PREGNANCY AFTER RECEIVING A RUBELLA-CONTAINING VACCINE Because no cases of congenital rubella syndrome had been identified, ACIP shortened its recommended period to avoid pregnancy after receipt of rubella-containing vaccine from 3 months to 28 days. MMWR 50(49):1117, 2001. Centers for Disease Control http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46559.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE USE OF PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE IN A SETTING OF VACCINE SHORTAGE For infants who receive their first dose before age 6 months, vaccination with a maximum of 3 doses is recommended; the fourth dose should be deferred. MMWR 50(50):1140-1142, 2001. Centers for Disease Control http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46561.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

The remaining supply of flu vaccine is being made available in December, and itís not too late for patients to get their flu shots. Get the latest flu facts, vaccine supply news, CDC weekly surveillance reports, and treatment and management information, free online from Medscape. http://www.medscape.com/mp/rc/influenzone

COXSACKIE VIRUS INFECTION OF PLACENTA LINKED TO DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS Coxsackie virus of the placenta is associated with respiratory failure and central nervous system abnormalities in newborns. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46538.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

Infants exposed to high concentrations of endotoxin appear to develop protection against atopic eczema during the first 6 months of life, but their risk of nonspecific respiratory disease is increased. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46458.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

Children who move from air-polluted communities to areas with cleaner air are likely to show improvements in their lung function. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46470.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

ALLERGEN AVOIDANCE SHOWS PROMISE AS ASTHMA TREATMENT STRATEGY IN POOR SETTING Allergen avoidance strategies can be difficult to implement in lower socioeconomic settings, but they can reduce the number of acute pediatric visits for asthma. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46572.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

ASTHMA PREVALENCE PARADOXICALLY HIGH IN CELIAC DISEASE, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS The risk of asthma is higher in children who have celiac disease or rheumatoid arthritis than among children without either of these autoimmune diseases. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46542.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

CHILDHOOD DISORDERS PREDICT RISK OF HEADACHES IN ADULTHOOD Anxiety symptoms in childhood are tied to an increased risk of migraines in adulthood, while neck or back injuries in childhood are predictive of future tension-type headaches. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46461.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

(GERD) is associated with an increased risk of sinusitis, laryngitis, asthma, pneumonia, and bronchiectasis. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46543.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

EATING PROBLEMS IN CHILDHOOD PREDICTIVE OF DISORDERS IN ADULTHOOD Eating conflicts, struggles with food, and unpleasant meals in early childhood are linked to the development of eating disorders in adulthood. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46494.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

CHILDHOOD ABUSE, FAMILY DYSFUNCTION STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDE ATTEMPTS Adverse childhood events, from abuse to incarceration of a family member, strongly influence the risk of suicide attempts throughout a person's life span. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46492.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

NUCLEAR SCAN CAN RULE OUT OSTEOMYELITIS IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE-CELL DISEASE In children with sickle-cell disease and acute bone pain, sequential radionuclide scan findings can help in the otherwise difficult differentiation of bone infarction from acute osteomyelitis. http://pediatrics.medscape.com/46577.rhtml?srcmp=ped-122801

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ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.