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Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
[Pediatrics]
C J Fischer1, E Giannoni, A C Truttmann
1Service de néonatologie, Département médico-chirurgical de pédiatrie, Hôpital de l'enfance, CHUV et Université de Lausanne.
Insights
Prophylactic probiotics may reduce necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, though breast milk remains key. The McCarthy score aids bacterial infection risk assessment in febrile infants, and growth velocity changes warrant investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Disease
Context:
- Preliminary studies indicate probiotics may prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants.
- Breast milk feeding is the primary method for NEC prevention.
- The McCarthy clinical score is a valuable tool for assessing bacterial infection risk in febrile infants, especially post-vaccination.
- New WHO growth charts are used in Switzerland to account for demographic variations.
Purpose:
- To review current evidence and practices in neonatal care, including NEC prevention, hemangioma treatment, infection risk assessment, and growth monitoring.
Summary:
- Prophylactic probiotics show promise in reducing NEC incidence in preterm infants.
- Propranolol is effective for treating various hemangiomas.
- The McCarthy score offers a reliable and economical alternative to laboratory tests for predicting bacterial infection risk.
- Monitoring growth velocity is crucial for identifying potential health issues in infants.
Impact:
- Highlights the evolving landscape of neonatal care, emphasizing evidence-based practices and updated clinical tools.
- Suggests potential adjunctive therapies for NEC and hemangiomas.
- Underscores the importance of accurate diagnostic tools and growth surveillance in pediatric health.
Abstract:
Several preliminary studies suggest that prophylactic administration of probiotics reduces the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, and several neonatology units have introduced this treatment under strict surveillance. Nonetheless, breast milk feeding remains the mainstay of NEC prevention. The beta-blocker propranolol, known for its effectiveness on cutaneous hemangiomas, is also proving useful for the treatment of subglottic or visceral hemangiomas. Following the decrease in severe bacterial infections thanks to widespread vaccinations, the McCarthy clinical score has regained importance in the prediction of the risk of bacterial infection in febrile infants. It is easy to use, economical, and has a diagnostic value comparable to laboratory tests. The new WHO growth charts have been introduced in Switzerland in 2011 to take into account the increasing regional and ethnic variations in our country. Any significant change in growth velocity should prompt an evaluation of the need of further investigations.
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