Background: NT-proBNP is a marker that is released from ventricles in response to pressure and volume overload. Raised plasma level of NT-proBNP is seen in ventricular dysfunction, ventricular muscular mass reduction or ventricular ischemia. Anthracyclines are widely used in treatment of pediatric cancer but their use is associated with cardiotoxicity which increases mortality and morbidity. We...

BACKGROUND Multiple clinical, demographic, and genetic factors affect the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in children, yet in daily practice, a uniform body-weight based starting dose is used. It can take weeks to reach the target tacrolimus pre-dose concentration. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to determine the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus immediately after kidney transplantat...

The question about the role of family physicians in the treatment and care of obesity in children and adolescents arose during recent work on clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents in primary and secondary care settings in Quebec.1 To design these guidelines, we examined evidence-based data, conducted systematic reviews of the literature, and integ...

OBJECTIVE This article outlines the consensus guidelines for symptomatic treatment for children with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS). METHODS Extant literature on behavioral, psychotherapeutic, and psychopharmacologic treatments for PANS and PANDAS was reviewed. Members o...

Combined immunosuppression by immunomodulators and biological therapy has become standard in the medical management of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) because of clearly demonstrated efficacy. Clinical studies, registries, and case reports warn of the increased risk of infections, particularly opportunistic infections; however, already in the steroid monotherapy era, patient...

Background: Irrational use of antimicrobials is a complex and multifactorial problem in developing countries. Prescriptions not adhering to the treatment guidelines, self-medication, inappropriate drugs by patients can inadvertently lead development antimicrobial resistance. An observational study was designed evaluate pediatric population with respiratory tract infections its adherence nationa...

Introduction Emergency medicine is a relatively new field in sub-Saharan Africa and dedicated training in pediatric emergency care is limited. While guidelines from the African Federation of Emergency Medicine (AFEM) regarding emergency training exist, a core curriculum in pediatric emergency care has not yet been established for providers at the district hospital level. Methods The objective...

BACKGROUND Computed Tomography (CT) contributes up to 50% of the medical exposure to the United States population. Children are considered to be at higher risk of developing radiation-induced tumors due to the young age of exposure and increased tissue radiosensitivity. Organ dose estimation is essential for pediatric and adult patient cancer risk assessment. The objective of this study is to v...

BACKGROUND Most airway problems in children are identified in advance; however, unanticipated difficulties can arise and may result in serious complications. Training for these sporadic events can be difficult. We identified the need for a structured guideline to improve clinical decision making in the acute situation and also to provide a guide for teaching. OBJECTIVE Guidelines for airway m...

INTRODUCTION A 13-year-old African-American female presented to her primary care physician's office with fatigue, syncope, and hematemesis. After initial evaluation, the patient was referred to pediatric gastroenterology clinic for further evaluation. MAIN CONCERNS, IMPORTANT FINDINGS An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to evaluate the source of her bleeding. Endoscopy revealed ...