PEDIATRIC NEWS UPDATE Updates from January 2002

VACCINE SHORTAGE UPDATE
A couple of months ago we sent out an article discussing the U.S. vaccine shortage problem. We listed which vaccines are in short supply, which illnesses you need to be more careful of during this shortage, and which diseases you don't need to be concerned about. We told you that your doctor may withhold toddler booster doses of the Prevnar vaccine until the shortage is over, thus insuring that infants get the complete initial series.

Now a brief update - the CDC has now recommended that toddlers should not get their 18-month booster dose (4th) dose of DTaP, and five-year-olds should not get their kindergarten booster dose of DTaP until this shortage is over. Exactly when is this shortage going to end? Officials are not sure, but it is believed that vaccine manufacturers will be able to increase production so that the shortage will be over in the middle of 2002. We will keep you posted.
Click here to read our complete discussion on the U.S. vaccine shortage.

SMALLPOX VACCINE UPDATE
Just a quick update. Health officials have released a plan to deal with any smallpox outbreaks. If any confirmed cases of smallpox occur, then a small population of susceptible people around this case will be vaccinated.
Why not just vaccinate our whole country so everyone is protected? Click here to read more about this illness and the vaccine.

DOUBLE DOSE ACETAMINOPHEN (TYLENOL) MAY BE AVAILABLE SOON
Researchers studied 120 children with fevers. Half got the regular dose, and half got a double dose. The higher dose group's fevers were reduced within 110 minutes on average, and the regular dose group took 140 minutes on average. The double dose was only a one-time dose. Makers of this medicine may now try to get approval for this one-time double dose, followed by regular doses, in order to increase the effectiveness of the drug.

 

Dr. Sears comments: Over the years it has been the practice of some doctors to recommend an initial double dose for high fevers. I am not so sure this is wise. Yes, it may be more effective, but more research needs to be done to make sure this higher dose is safe. Another danger is that some parents may continue to give the double dose repeatedly thinking that it is safe. I recommend waiting for more safety research. Click here to read our complete guide to treating fevers.

 

INFANTS WITH A FAMILY HISTORY OF ALLERGIES WHO ARE IN DAYCARE ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF LUNG INFECTIONS
We have long known that infants in daycare usually catch more colds and ear infections. Now there is one more risk to worry about. A study of 4000 children in the Netherlands showed that infants whose parents suffer from allergies AND who are in daycare have a significantly higher risk of catching pneumonia or other lung infections during the first year of life than infants in daycare whose parents do NOT have allergies.

 

Dr. Sears comments: I realize that for some families, daycare is the only option. For those parents who suffer from allergies, AND are considering putting their infant in daycare, you may want to think hard about this decision and look for some other options. Infants who catch lung infections have a high risk of suffering from asthma throughout their childhood. Click here to read about choosing the right daycare for you. Click here to read about alternatives to daycare for the working mom.

 

ACUPUNCTURE AGAIN SHOWN TO BE EFFECTIVE
A new German study of 40,000 people revealed that 9 out of 10 people had significant pain relief from a variety of chronic pain conditions, including back pain, headaches, hip and knee pain. Half of the patients got better after only 4 treatments. Less than 2% took more than 10 treatments to show improvement. The next phase of this study will begin this year, and involve over 400 physicians.

 

Dr. Sears comments: I am a firm supporter of alternative medicine and am very glad to see that it is becoming more widely accepted.

 

NEW NATIONWIDE POISON CONTROL CENTER HOTLINE
There are currently 65 separately run poison control centers in the U.S., each with its own phone number. Now there is a hotline that will connect people anywhere in the U.S. to the nearest poison control center. The number is 1-800-222-1222. It is part of a federal program to update our nation's poison control centers.

 

NEW ASTHMA MEDICATION APPROVED FOR CHILDREN
The FDA just approved Xopenex for children down to age 6. This medication is very similar to the widely used albuterol, but is more effective at lower doses than albuterol, thus having fewer side effects. This drug is only available in nebulizer form, not in an inhaler yet.

 

Dr. Sears comments: I have started using this medication in my practice, and am happy with the results. If people use albuterol too much, it can lose its effectiveness. Xopenex theoretically does not have this problem. People with asthma who use nebulizers should ask their doctor about switching to Xopenex. It is expected the drug will be approved for younger children in the future. Click here to read our complete asthma guide.

 

ANTHRAX VACCINE PRODUCTION TO START
In 1998, the U.S. government halted the production of this vaccine by its manufacturer due to quality concerns. The FDA has now given the company permission to resume production.

 

Dr. Sears comments: click here to read a complete discussion on this disease and the vaccine.

 

CHICKENPOX CASES HAVE DECLINED MARKEDLY
Since the introduction of the vaccine six years ago, there has been a 75% decline in this illness in three major metropolitan cities studied. Click here for our Q & A discussion on the chickenpox vaccine.