Key finding: 606 patients were randomized to treatment (placebo: n=202; lubiprostone: n=404). No statistically significant difference in overall SBM (spontaneous bowel movement) response rate was observed between the lubiprostone and placebo groups (18.5% vs 14.4%; P=.2245).
This study collected prospective data from 212 children. Key finding: The median and 95th percentile for fCP were 18.8 mg/kg and 104.5 mg/kg, respectively. “We found a statistically significant association between the 95th percentile of fCP concentrations and age (p < 0.001).”
My take: This is another study showing that calprotectin cut off values need to be higher in younger children.
Safe sleep initiatives briefly discussed by Dr. Sarah Lazarus which aligns with Strong4Life campaign:
From Dr. Evan Anderson’s presentation to AAP Board MeetingDr. Anderson notes that COVID-19 mortality and morbidity IN CHILDREN exceeding other conditions with vaccines like Varicella and Influenza.Letter from AAP President to FDA (Dr. Hahn) and HHS (Alex Azar)
Other information:
Update on E-Cigarettes Webinar*+: Wednesday, October 28 at 12:30 pm Please note new date! Here’s a chance to still register. First in a series of three webinars offered to Georgia Pediatricians on the growing epidemic of youth e-cigarette use Faculty: Alice Little Caldwell, MD, FAAP https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8457518617359610381
Disclaimer: This blog, gutsandgrowth, assumes no responsibility for any use or operation of any method, product, instruction, concept or idea contained in the material herein or for any injury or damage to persons or property (whether products liability, negligence or otherwise) resulting from such use or operation. These blog posts are for educational purposes only. Specific dosing of medications (along with potential adverse effects) should be confirmed by prescribing physician. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, the gutsandgrowth blog cautions that independent verification should be made of diagnosis and drug dosages. The reader is solely responsible for the conduct of any suggested test or procedure. This content is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a condition
The latest report shows a rate of 680 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 children.
Children make up 9.8% of the total cases and about 1.7% of all COVID-19 hospitalizations, up from 0.8% of hospitalizations in late May.
Roughly 1.9% of children diagnosed with COVID-19 have been hospitalized, according to data from the 23 states and New York City that are publicly reporting hospitalization data.
There also have been at least 103 pediatric deaths in 42 states and New York City, making up about 0.07% of all COVID-19 deaths. Roughly 0.02% of children who have contracted known cases of COVID-19 have died.
Children younger than 18 years of age who had Covid-19 composed only 1% of the total number of patients; 11% of these children were hospitalized, and none died
The Coronavirus Infection in Pediatric Emergency Departments (CONFIDENCE) study involved a cohort of 100 Italian children younger than 18 years of age with Covid-19 (median age 3.3 years)
.Common symptoms were cough (in 44% of the patients) and no feeding or difficulty feeding (in 23%) (especially if <2 years)
Fever, cough, or shortness of breath occurred in 28 of 54 of febrile patients (52%)
Of the 9 patients who received respiratory support, 6 had coexisting conditions
My take: This study provides additional data indicating that severe outcomes are rare in children with Covid-19.
Researchers have found that the coronavirus is mutating relatively slowly compared to some other RNA viruses, in part because virus proteins acting as proofreaders are able to fix some mistakes. Each month, a lineage of coronaviruses might acquire only two single-letter mutations.
In the future, the coronavirus may pick up some mutations that help it evade our immune systems. But the slow mutation rate of the coronavirus means that these changes will emerge over the course of years.
That bodes well for vaccines currently in development for Covid-19. If people get vaccinated in 2021 against the new coronavirus, they may well enjoy a protection that lasts for years.
COVID-19 Projections -IHME DataIHME Link:IHME Website for COVID-19 This post details the projected needs (ventilators, ICU beds) and projected mortality. Currently, peak of this pandemic in U.S. is anticipated to be April 16th.
The obesity rate for preschoolers who receive government food aid has declined, according to a study released Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Obesity rates dropped steadily to about 14% in 2016 — the latest data available — from 16% in 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
The improvement affected youngsters ages 2 through 4 who receive food vouchers and other services in the federal Women, Infants and Children nutrition program. About 1 in 5 U.S. kids that age were enrolled in 2016…
My take: This is good news. Hopefully, this report will be one of many indicating that the rates of obesity could actually improve.
gutsandgrowth 