bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Educating the Pediatrician of the 21st Century: Defining and Implementing a Competency-Based System
Authors: Carraccio Carol , Englander Robert , Wolfsthal Susan , Martin Christine , Ferentz Kevin 
Published: August 2004

Purpose. The final product of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Outcomes Project is to improve health care through ensuring the competence of physicians during their training and beyond. Its success depends on a paradigm shift to a competency-based model of medical education. This article presents an overview of the model and describes the first stages of this multistep transition in a university setting. Our hope is to raise awareness of the impact on the pediatric community at large and provide a foundation on which other educators can continue to build.Methods. The ACGME established 6 domains of competence as the first step in the paradigm shift. To begin work on the second step of establishing benchmarks for evaluation of competence and thresholds at which they should be achieved, the educational leadership from the primary care departments formed a work group with the support of a Health Resources and Services Administration grant.Results. Review of the literature led us to embark on a stepwise process for initiating a competency-based system of medical education. We established the benchmarks by a process of individual effort followed by group consensus. These benchmarks, in the aggregate, permit an evaluator to determine whether a given competency has been achieved. The next phases of step 2 required setting thresholds for the demonstration of competence and finally establishing consensus regarding the threshold for competence at each level of training for each specific benchmark. To accomplish the latter, we surveyed the program directors of the 202 accredited pediatric training programs that are members of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors. Eighty-one members (40%) completed our survey. Although some controversy existed for thresholds during the postgraduate-year-1 level, majority consensus was reached for nearly all benchmarks at the upper levels of training. Impact of the shift to competencies for medical students and practicing physicians is also reviewed.Conclusion. Having defined the benchmarks and thresholds for the 6 ACGME domains of competence, we are well positioned to move to step 3: developing the necessary tools to evaluate competence. The move to competency-based education impacts the entire pediatric community. Lessons learned from our experience may be generalized and thus be of value to the community at large.
How Do Primary Care Physicians Manage Children With Possible Developmental Delays? A National Survey With an Experimental Design
Authors: Sices Laura , Feudtner Chris , McLaughlin John , Drotar Dennis , Williams Michelle 
Published: August 2004

Objective. Although early detection and treatment of developmental delays can improve outcome, little is known about factors that influence how primary care physicians manage young children with probable developmental delays. The objective of this study was to describe physician referral practices for children with developmental delays and to test whether the probability of referral is increased by 1) the expression of parental concern; 2) female gender in a child with language delay; 3) disruptive, as opposed to avoidant behaviors; and 4) physician characteristics, including female gender or being a pediatrician.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was mailed to a national random sample of 800 pediatricians and 800 family practice physicians in primary care practice, using an experimental randomized block design. Recipients randomly received alternative variants of clinical vignettes, which differed only in regard to the variable specific to each of the first 3 hypotheses. Physicians answered questions about the likelihood of referral on a 5-point scale for listed referral options. Hypotheses were tested using multivariable logistic regression modeling. A total of 55% of pediatricians and 43% of family practice physicians returned the survey, for an overall response rate of 49%.Results. A girl with language delay was 60% more likely to be referred to audiology than a boy (odds ratio: 1.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–2.3), and respondents who were female or pediatricians were more likely to refer patients. The expression of parental concern did not increase the probability of referral to diagnostic and treatment services, and avoidant rather than disruptive patient behaviors were associated with an increased probability of referral.Conclusions. Patient gender and type of behavioral presentation seem to influence referrals to diagnostic and treatment services for young children with probable developmental delays described in clinical vignettes. These findings can guide targeted educational interventions to increase rates of detection and referral for young children with developmental delays.
Gender and Uninsurance Among Young Adults in the United States
Authors: Callahan S. Todd , Cooper William O. 
Published: August 2004

Objective. Although one third of young adults in the United States are uninsured, lack of insurance in this age group has been the subject of few published studies. Because opportunities to obtain public and private insurance are likely to differ for men and women, the objective of this study was to describe the gender-specific relationship of sociodemographic variables and lack of insurance among young adults.Methods. We examined data for 6884 young adults (aged 19–24 years) who completed the Sample Adult Questionnaire of the National Health Interview Survey for 1998, 1999, and 2000. Gender-stratified multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of being uninsured associated with race/ethnicity, household income, major activity in the previous week, marital status, and pregnancy (women).Results. Overall, 32% of male participants and 27% of female participants reported being uninsured at the time of the survey. Uninsured men outnumbered insured men in several sociodemographic categories, including Hispanic men (58% uninsured), men not attending high school (85%), and men employed in a workplace that did not offer health insurance (51%). High rates of uninsurance were reported by women not attending high school (65%), Hispanic women (46%), those who were keeping house (41%), and women with a household income between $10 000 and $20 000 (41%). In multiple logistic regression models, many of the sociodemographic variables studied were similarly correlated with health insurance for both men and women. Employment in a workplace where the young adult was not offered health insurance coverage, low household income, low educational attainment, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with increased odds of being uninsured for both genders. Having attended college, higher household income, and being a student or employed in a workplace that offers health insurance coverage were associated with lower odds of being uninsured for both genders.Conclusion. This study suggests that additional opportunities for health insurance coverage are needed for young adults—particularly men, Hispanics, and those in low- and middle-income households. Increasing the availability of employment-based health insurance, discouraging attrition from primary and secondary education, and the creation of insurance opportunities for minorities and near-poor and middle-income households are potentially important target areas for programs that seek to reduce the number of uninsured young adults.
Ultrasound Imaging of Milk Ejection in the Breast of Lactating Women
Authors: Ramsay Donna T. , Kent Jacqueline C. , Owens Robyn A. , Hartmann Peter E. 
Published: August 2004

Objective. Currently, the methods for assessing milk ejection in women include serial sampling of plasma oxytocin and measurement of intraductal pressure, both of which are invasive and may induce stress. We hypothesized that milk ejection would cause an increase in milk-duct diameter that could be observed noninvasively with ultrasound, and this could be used to investigate the physiology of milk ejection in women.
Methods. One milk duct was scanned in the unsuckled breast in 2 groups of mothers: group BB (n = 21) for the beginning of a breastfeed and group EB (n = 24) for the entire breastfeed. A duct also was monitored for a 5-minute period on 2 separate days in the absence of factors that may induce milk ejection in group EB to provide a baseline duct diameter. Milk intake at a breastfeed was measured by test weighing.
Results. A significant increase in milk-duct diameter was observed when milk ejection was sensed and/or the infant changed its swallowing pattern in both groups. Multiple increases and decreases (mean: 2.5 per breastfeed; standard deviation: 1.5; n = 62) in duct diameter occurred in group EB. Duct diameter remained relatively stable between breastfeeds (coefficient of variation: 1.4%–8.3%). Infant milk intake was positively related to the number of milk ejections (r2 = .365; n = 57).
Conclusions. Ultrasound is an objective, noninvasive technique for detecting milk ejection by observing an increase in milk-duct diameter. However, this technique requires an experienced ultrasonographer, adequate imaging time, and surroundings conducive to breastfeeding. Multiple milk ejections were common during breastfeeding, although they were not sensed by mothers. The number of milk ejections influenced the amount of milk the infant consumed.
Unmet Need for Routine and Specialty Care: Data From the National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Mayer Michelle L. , Cockrell Skinner Asheley , Slifkin Rebecca T. 
Published: August 2004

Objective. To assess the prevalence of unmet needs for routine and specialty care among children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and to identify factors associated with the likelihood of having unmet need for medical care.
Methods. Data come from the respondents for 38 866 children interviewed for the National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs. Bivariate analyses were used to assess differences in unmet need for medical care by various environmental, predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Logit analyses were used to determine independent effects of these variables on the likelihood of having an unmet need for medical care.
Results. Nationally, 74.4% and 51.0% of CSHCN needed routine and subspecialty physician care, respectively. Of those reporting that they needed routine care, 3.2% were unable to obtain these services. Of those reporting a need for specialty care, 7.2% reported not obtaining all needed specialty care. The prevalence of unmet need for specialty care significantly exceeded the prevalence of unmet need for routine care. In logit analyses, African American children and children whose mothers had less than a high-school education faced twice the odds of having an unmet need for routine care. Compared with nonpoor children, children living below the federal poverty level were significantly more likely to have an unmet need for routine (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–3.14) and specialty (aOR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.49–4.18) care. Near-poor children were also significantly more likely than nonpoor children to have unmet needs for routine and specialty care. Uninsured children were significantly more likely than continuously insured children to report an unmet need for routine (aOR: 7.51; 95% CI: 4.99–11.30) and specialty (aOR: 4.29; 95% CI: 2.99–6.15) care. Our findings also show that higher levels of general pediatrician supply, relative to the pediatric population, are associated with a significantly lower likelihood of having an unmet need for routine care. Likewise, a greater supply of pediatric subspecialists is associated with a decreased likelihood of having an unmet need for specialty care.
Conclusions. Compared with previous reports of the general pediatric population, CSHCN have higher levels of unmet need for medical services. Our regression results emphasize that children vulnerable because of their social circumstances (eg, poverty, etc) have significantly greater odds of having unmet need for routine and specialty physician care. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of insurance coverage in ensuring access to needed routine and specialty medical services.
Nonmyeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for X-Linked Hyper-Immunoglobulin M Syndrome With Cholangiopathy
Authors: Jacobsohn David A. , Emerick Karan M. , Scholl Paul , Melin-Aldana Hector , O’Gorman Maurice , Duerst Reggie , Kletzel Morris 
Published: August 2004

Objective. X-linked hyper-immunoglobulin M (X-HIM) syndrome is a rare genetic immunodeficiency syndrome caused by mutations in the gene encoding CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers the prospect of immune reconstitution in X-HIM syndrome. Standard HSCT using high-dose chemoradiotherapy can be followed by serious hepatic problems, including veno-occlusive disease, graft-versus-host disease, and/or drug-induced hepatotoxicity. In patients whose liver function is compromised before HSCT, such as in X-HIM syndrome caused by cholangiopathy and hepatitis related to opportunistic infections, there is a higher likelihood of hepatotoxicity. We explored nonmyeloablative HSCT in 2 patients with X-HIM syndrome. Nonmyeloablative HSCT without liver transplant for X-HIM syndrome, to our knowledge, has not been described previously.Methods. Two children with X-HIM syndrome and persistent infections had documented cholangiopathy on liver biopsy. Both children underwent nonmyeloablative HSCT from HLA-matched siblings with fludarabine, busulfan, and anti-thymocyte globulin as their preparative regimen. Graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine.Results. Both children are &gt;2 years after their HSCT. One remains a mixed chimera, and the other shows 100% donor chimerism. Both children are now free of infections and are no longer dependent on intravenous gammaglobulin. Both show response to immunizations. Both have had resolution of their cholangiopathy.Conclusions. Nonmyeloablative HSCT from HLA-matched siblings can offer immune reconstitution without hepatotoxicity in patients with X-HIM syndrome and preexisting cholangiopathy. Even with stable mixed chimerism after allogeneic HSCT, patients may be able to enjoy a normal phenotype. Nonmyeloablative HSCT warrants additional study in X-HIM syndrome.
Ultrafast Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Neonate in a Magnetic Resonance-Compatible Incubator With a Built-in Coil
Authors: Whitby Elspeth H. , Griffiths Paul D. , Lonneker-Lammers Torsten , Srinivasan Ravi , Connolly Daniel J.A. , Capener David , Paley Martyn N.J. 
Published: August 2004

Background. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the neonate is important clinically, because this group of patients often has complex and multiple problems due to prematurity and developmental abnormalities. MR imaging usually involves moving neonates away from their controlled environment to the scanner.Objective. In this study we present the results of our initial experience with an MR-compatible incubator used on a 1.5-T system.Methods. Seven neonates were imaged at 1.5 T without sedation or anesthesia. Images were obtained by using single-shot fast spin echo, 3-dimensional Fourier transfer gradient echo, and diffusion-weighted sequences. In 4 cases, time-of-flight angiography was performed.Results. All 7 neonates were stable throughout the scan time (10–21 minutes). Experienced observers graded the images for quality, and all were graded excellent or good. In no case was the image quality poor.Conclusion. Neonates can be imaged safely by using an MR-compatible incubator and fast image sequences. This method should allow neonates to be imaged by MR in sites at which a dedicated neonatal MR scanner is not available.
Both Relative Insulin Resistance and Defective Islet β-Cell Processing of Proinsulin Are Responsible for Transient Hyperglycemia in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Mitanchez-Mokhtari Delphine , Lahlou Najiba , Kieffer François , Magny Jean-François , Roger Marc , Voyer Marcel 
Published: August 2004

Objective. Many extremely preterm infants develop hyperglycemia in the first week of life during continuous glucose infusion. The objective of this study was to determine whether defective insulin secretion or resistance to insulin was the primary factor involved in transient hyperglycemia of extremely preterm infants.
Methods. A prospective comparative study was conducted in appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm infants &lt;30 weeks of gestational age with the aim specifically to evaluate the serum levels of proinsulin, insulin, and C-peptide secreted during transient hyperglycemia by specific immunoassays. Three groups of infants were investigated hyperglycemic (n = 15) and normoglycemic preterm neonates (n = 12) and normal, term neonates (n = 21). In addition, the changes in β-cell peptide levels were analyzed during and after intravenous insulin infusion in the hyperglycemic group. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and analysis of variance for repeated measures.
Results. At inclusion, insulin and C-peptide levels did not differ in hyperglycemic subjects and in preterm controls. Proinsulin concentration was significantly higher in the hyperglycemic group (36.5 ± 3.9 vs 23.2 ± 0.9 pmol/L). Compared with term neonates, proinsulin and C-peptide levels were higher in normoglycemic preterm infants (23.2 ± 0.9 vs 18.9 ± 2.71 pmol/L and 1.67 ± 0.3 vs 0.62 ± 0.12 nmol/L, respectively). During and after insulin infusion in hyperglycemic neonates, plasma glucose concentration fell and proinsulin and C-peptide levels were lowered (18.4 ± 7.6 and 20.7 ± 4.5 pmol/L, respectively).
Conclusion. These data suggest that 1) preterm neonates are sensitive to changes in plasma glucose concentration, but proinsulin processing to insulin is partially defective in hyperglycemic preterm neonates; 2) hyperglycemic neonates are relatively resistant to insulin because higher insulin levels are needed to achieve euglycemia in this group compared with normoglycemic neonates. These results also show that insulin infusion is beneficial in extremely preterm infants with transient hyperglycemia.
A Randomized Trial of Early Versus Standard Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy in Term and Near-Term Newborn Infants With Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
Authors: Konduri G. Ganesh , Solimano Alfonso , Sokol Gregory M. , Singer Joel , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Singhal Nalini , Wright Linda L. , Van Meurs Krisa , Stork Eileen , Kirpalani Haresh , Peliowski Abraham ,   for the Neonatal Inhaled Nitric Oxide Study Group
Published: August 2004

Objective. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) reduces the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)/incidence of death in term and near-term neonates with severe hypoxic respiratory failure. We conducted a randomized, double masked, multicenter trial to determine whether administration of iNO earlier in respiratory failure results in additional reduction in the incidence of these outcomes.
Methods. Neonates who were born at ≥34 weeks’ gestation were enrolled when they required assisted ventilation and had an oxygenation index (OI) ≥15 and &lt;25 on any 2 measurements in a 12-hour interval. Infants were randomized to early iNO or to simulated initiation of iNO (control). Infants who had an increase in OI to 25 or more were given iNO as standard therapy.
Results. The trial enrollment was halted after 75% of target sample size was reached because of decreasing availability of eligible patients. The 150 infants who were given early iNO and 149 control infants had similar baseline characteristics. Arterial oxygen tension increased by &gt;20 mm Hg in 73% of early iNO and 37% of control infants after study gas initiation. Control infants received standard iNO and deteriorated to OI &gt;40 more often than infants who were given early iNO. The incidence of death (early iNO, 6.7% vs control, 9.4%), ECMO (10.7% vs 12.1%), and their combined incidence (16.7% vs 19.5%) were similar in both groups.
Conclusion. iNO improves oxygenation but does not reduce the incidence of ECMO/mortality when initiated at an OI of 15 to 25 compared with initiation at &gt;25 in term and near-term neonates with respiratory failure.
Incidence of Outpatient Visits and Hospitalizations Related to Influenza in Infants and Young Children
Authors: O’Brien Megan A. , Uyeki Timothy M. , Shay David K. , Thompson William W. , Kleinman Ken , McAdam Alexander , Yu Xian-Jie , Platt Richard , Lieu Tracy A. 
Published: August 2004

Objective. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices currently encourages influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 to 23 months when feasible, based on studies that have demonstrated that young children have high hospitalization rates attributable to influenza. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently voted to recommend influenza vaccination for all children beginning during the 2004–2005 influenza season; information on the rate of outpatient visits due to influenza is needed to better evaluate the potential health impact and cost-effectiveness of the recommendation. We estimated the incidence of outpatient visits as well as hospitalizations for specific acute respiratory illnesses and for influenza-associated outpatient-visit and hospitalization rates among healthy infants and children in a Massachusetts health maintenance organization.Design/Methods. Surveillance data were used to identify when influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, and parainfluenza viruses were circulating in the greater Boston area during 1994–2000. Using computerized medical records, we identified outpatient visits and hospitalizations for selected respiratory illnesses. Outpatient-visit rates and hospitalizations attributed to influenza were calculated by subtracting the rate of visits during the periseasonal period from the rate of visits during the influenza period. Rates were stratified by age and risk for complications from influenza.Results. Between 1994 and 2000, there were 188 139 outpatient visits and 885 hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses in the study population. Among healthy children aged 6 to 23 months, the rate per 100 person-months for outpatient visits during influenza periods was 14.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.9 to 15.1), and the excess rate that could be attributed to influenza compared with the periseasonal period was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4). Among healthy children, the rate of hospitalizations for acute respiratory disease was 10.4 per 10 000 person-months (95% CI: 6.0 to 17.0), and the rate that could be attributed to influenza when compared with the periseasonal baseline period was 3.9 (95% CI: −2.0 to 0.0). Among children who were at high risk for complications from influenza, the rate of outpatient visits per 100 person-months was 28.7 (95% CI: 26.6 to 30.9) during influenza periods. The rate of hospitalizations among high-risk children was 44.6 per 10 000 person-months (95% CI: 19.0 to 17.0).Conclusion. Influenza season is associated with a substantial increase in outpatient visits by healthy children. These estimates of outpatient visits for influenza will help quantify the potential health benefits and cost savings from influenza vaccination of healthy children aged 6 to 23 months.
Protective Eyewear for Young Athletes
Authors:   Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness
Published: August 2004

This Policy Statement was retired September 2019.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Ophthalmology strongly recommend protective eyewear for all participants in sports in which there is risk of eye injury. Protective eyewear should be mandatory for athletes who are functionally 1-eyed and for athletes whose ophthalmologists recommend eye protection after eye surgery or trauma.