Pediatric News RSS feed: Current Issue. To order this journal, and for more information, go to http://www.imng.com/ http://www.pediatricnews.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Pediatric News0031-398X442February 2010 © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700382/abstract?rss=yesChanges are needed on all sides—insurers, the government, and physicians—to eliminate financial barriers for getting children recommended vaccines, according to Dr. Jon R. Almquist.Vaccine Reimbursement System Needs OverhaulJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70038-2Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3News12http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700394/abstract?rss=yesNew recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advise that children aged 6 years and older should be screened for obesity using body mass index calculations, and should be offered or referred to services that provide intensive counseling and behavioral interventions to promote improvements in their weight status.Task Force: Start Obesity Screening at Age 6 YearsJEFF EVANS10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70039-4Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3News11http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700400/abstract?rss=yesVital Signs: Medicaid Paid the Largest Portion of ADHD Costs in 200710.1016/S0031-398X(10)70040-0Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3News22http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700412/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Device helps reduce teens' BMI and rate of food consumption.Device May Teach Obese Teens to Eat SlowerJENNIE SMITH10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70041-2Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3News45http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700424/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: No increase found in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among most subgroups in the U.S.U.S. Obesity Rates May Be Leveling OffROBERT FINN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70042-4Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3News55http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700436/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The prevalence of abnormal lipid levels is estimated to be 14% for normal weight, 22% for overweight, and 43% for obese youths aged 12-19 years.Abnormal Lipid Levels Found in 43% of Obese YouthsJEFF EVANS10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70043-6Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3News66http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700448/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Progress has been made since 2000 in the proportion of children who receive the standard recommended vaccine series in the first 18 months of life and in disparities in vaccine coverage among population subgroups.Vaccination Rates on the Rise 2000-2008, CDC SaysSHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70044-8Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3News88http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X1070045X/abstract?rss=yesThe U.K. medical journal the Lancet has taken the unusual step of withdrawing an article it published—a study of 12 children with behavioral disorders that developed following administration of vaccines or the onset of measles or otitis media.Lancet Withdraws Article That Linked MMR, AutismJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70045-XPediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3News88http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700461/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The proportion of 5- to 14-year-olds infected with 2009 H1N1 flu in high-risk regions of England increased from 3.7% at baseline to 45.7% in September 2009.Serologic Survey Ups H1N1 Incidence 10-FoldMIRIAM E. TUCKER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70046-1Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases1414http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700473/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Between April 2009 and Dec. 12, 2009, there were an estimated 55 million cases of H1N1 influenza in the United States; between 7,880 and 16,460 of those infected have died. By Jan. 2, 2010, 61 million Americans had been vaccinated, including 38% of individuals in the limited vaccine subset of the initial target groups.CDC: About 18 Million Children Caught H1N1ROBERT FINN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70047-3Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases1515http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700485/abstract?rss=yes Main Finding: One dose of adjuvant vaccine may protect young children against 2009 H1N1 influenza.A Single Dose of Adjuvant H1N1 Vaccine May Be OKHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70048-5Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases1616http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700497/abstract?rss=yesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced a voluntary recall of certain lots of the Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 pediatric vaccine in prefilled syringes shipped in November 2009. Approximately 800,000 vaccine doses in these lots are affected.Pediatric H1N1 Vaccine Lots Being Recalled VoluntarilyDoug Brunk10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70049-7Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases1616http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700503/abstract?rss=yesThree Chilean patients had confirmed reinfection with the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus after successful treatment with oseltamivir, according to a letter published in the January 2010 issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases.H1N1 Reinfection Reported After Oseltamivir Tx in ChileHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70050-3Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases1616http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700515/abstract?rss=yesThe National Vaccine Advisory Committee has endorsed a working group report concluding that no safety signals have been identified so far with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine.Federal Advisory Panel Finds No Safety Signal With VaccineMIRIAM E. TUCKER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70051-5Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases1616http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700527/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Whether a child with bacterial meningitis had hearing loss depended on patient age and presenting status. Dexamethasone and glycerol treatment did not appear to be helpful.Clinical Condition Affects Hearing Loss in MeningitisDENISE NAPOLI10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70052-7Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases1919http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700539/abstract?rss=yes Dr. Harrison is a professor of pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Mo. Dr. Harrison disclosed he has received funding from GlaxoSmithKline for vaccine trials for MMR for 2009-2010 and MMR-V for 2009, but not for HPV. He participated in some of the original HPV vaccine trials for Merck from 1999-2000, and he was on Merck's speakers' bureau until end of December 2008. To comment, e-mail Dr. Harrison at pdnews@elsevier.com.Factors Affecting HPV ImmunizationCHRISTOPHER J. HARRISON10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70053-9Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3ID Consult2020http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700540/abstract?rss=yesMost commonly used antibacterial drugs were not associated with birth defects in a large surveillance study. The study was performed because even though some antibiotics have been used relatively safely during pregnancy for decades, until now “there have been no large-scale studies addressing safety or risk [of birth defects] for many classes of antibacterial drugs,” said Krista S. Crider, Ph.D., and her associates in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.Most Antibacterial Drugs Not Associated With Birth DefectsMARY ANN MOON10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70054-0Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases2020http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700552/abstract?rss=yesLAS VEGAS — Amid the alphabet soup of hepatitis virus types, the one that should most concern physicians these days is hepatitis C. “This is going to be the big virus in the next 20 years in the U.S.,” Dr. Marsha H. Kay predicted at a meeting sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics.Hepatitis C May Be Next ‘Big Virus,’ Expert SaysBETSY BATES10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70055-2Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases2222http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700564/abstract?rss=yesBERLIN — It is quite possible, 5-10 years from now, that adolescents will be able to get an antiacne vaccine, according to an acne expert. That was one of the potential therapeutic developments Dr. Harald P. Gollnick discussed at the annual congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.Recent Advances Pave Way For Novel Acne TherapiesBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70056-4Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Infectious Diseases2222http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700576/abstract?rss=yesI especially enjoyed Dr. William G. Wilkoff's Letters From Maine column titled, “Just Rewards” (December 2009, p. 16). As usual, his experience and sensitivity provided a wonderful insight to children's true needs and our society's needs.LettersJames Horspool, Sara DuMond, David H. Schell, Michael S. Patterson, Margaret Hennessy10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70057-6Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Opinion2424http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700588/abstract?rss=yes Dr. Wilkoff practices general pediatrics in a multispecialty group practice in Brunswick, Maine. To comment, e-mail him at pdnews@elsevier.com. If there is one quality that predominates among new parents, it is self-doubt. Fortunes have been made, (although not by me) in the publishing industry by tapping into the large and predictable market of confidence-deficient neo-parents. I suspect that to some extent it's always been this way. While familiarity may breed contempt, unfamiliarity has always bred trepidation.This Shot Won't HurtWILLIAM G. WILKOFF10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70058-8Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Letters From Maine2626http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X1070059X/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Students spent an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes daily using media.Electronic Media Use Continues to IncreaseJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70059-XPediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics2727http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700606/abstract?rss=yesWASHINGTON — Insurance company denials of claims for the diagnosis and management of behavioral and mental health problems in children and adolescents can—and should be—challenged by pediatricians, according to Dr. Joseph F. Hagan Jr.Confront Insurers on Denial of Mental Health ClaimsCHRISTINE KILGORE10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70060-6Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics2727http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700618/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: PTSD symptom severity correlated with a child's ability to modulate his startle response.Single Trauma Altered Startle Response in StudyDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70061-8Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics2828http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X1070062X/abstract?rss=yesLAS VEGAS — Thankfully, the death of a child in a pediatric practice is rare. Occasionally, pediatric residents lose a child they have treated in the emergency department; and sadly, children do succumb after long illnesses during which their care is shared by specialists.Reach Out to Families Promptly After Child LossBETSY BATES10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70062-XPediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics2828http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700631/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: A single, traumatic injury is linked with more psychiatric diagnoses and more psychotropic medication prescriptions among adolescents than among those uninjured.Traumatic Injury in Teens Increases Psychiatric DiagnosesDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70063-1Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics2828http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700643/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Exposure to valproate in utero was associated with significantly lower expressive and receptive language abilities at 3 years of age than was exposure to other individual antiepileptic drugs.Valproate Exposure Hits Language DevelopmentMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70064-3Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3030http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700655/abstract?rss=yesHONOLULU — Stress was the most frequently cited psychological factor adversely affecting the academic performance of college students in a survey conducted in spring 2008 by the American College Health Association.Students Say Stress Impedes Their Academic PerformanceROBERT FINN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70065-5Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3131http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700667/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The relative risk for depression after any cannabis use was 1.27, compared with no use, and 1.33 after use on 10 or more occasions.Depression Follows Use of Cannabis, Not Vice VersaBETSY BATES10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70066-7Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3131http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700679/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Male college athletes who use performance-enhancing substances may be at higher risk for drug abuse.Performance-Enhancing Substances Tied to Drug AbuseMARK S. LESNEY10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70067-9Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3131http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700680/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Children with benign focal epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes appear more likely to have psychiatric illnesses, ADHD, and developmental delay than children in the general population.Childhood Epilepsy Tied to Psychiatric Problems: Developmental delay, autism, ADHD, and tics also found to be more likely in these children.DIANA MAHONEY10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70068-0Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3232http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700692/abstract?rss=yesBALTIMORE — Poorly developed pragmatics skills in preschool children can impair communication, and require evaluation and intervention, according to speech expert Froma P. Roth, Ph.D.Preschoolers Must Master Pragmatics for CommunicationKERRI WACHTER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70069-2Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3232http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700709/abstract?rss=yesMajor depressive disorder is one of the most common disorders among adolescents, with prevalence estimates as high as 20%-24%. Less common in younger children, it nonetheless occurs and might signal a more severe lifetime course.Persistence Pays Off in Severely Depressed TeensBETSY BATES10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70070-9Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3434http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700710/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The prevalence of any abnormal behavior on the validated Child Behavior Checklist was not significantly different at 10.5% for children conceived with IVF versus 10.2% for those conceived without IVF.IVF Kids: No Red Flags Seen in BehaviorPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70071-0Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3535http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700722/abstract?rss=yes Dr. Jellinek is chief of child psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of psychiatry and of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Boston. To comment, e-mail him at pdnews@elsevier.com.Don't Let Self-Esteem Be Crushed by ADHDMICHAEL S. JELLINEK10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70072-2Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Consult3636http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700734/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Atopic dermatitis is independently associated with ADHD.German Studies Link Atopic Dermatitis and ADHDBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70073-4Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Behavioral Pediatrics3636http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700746/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Four percent of children presenting with recurrent abdominal pain met criteria for abdominal migraine.Abdominal Migraine Can Cause Recurrent PainMIRIAM E. TUCKER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70074-6Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds3939http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700758/abstract?rss=yes Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo is director of the division of allergy and immunology at Miami Children's Hospital. Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo disclosed that she has been a spokesperson for Schering-Plough Corp., which is now part of Merck & Co. To comment, e-mail her at pdnews@elsevier.com.The Child With Persistent HivesVIVIAN HERNANDEZ-TRUJILLO10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70075-8Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Subspecialist Consult4040http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X1070076X/abstract?rss=yesSEATTLE — Allergy testing is indicated when a child is not improving despite treatment, because it can show whether the symptoms are due to an IgE-mediated process rhinitis, according to Dr. John Kelso.Judicious Allergy Testing Can Aid Allergic Rhinitis DiagnosisSUSAN LONDON10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70076-XPediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4040http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700771/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The rates of teen pregnancy, birth, and abortion increased in 2006 after declining every year since 1990.Uptick Seen in Teen Pregnancy Rates, Study FindsROBERT FINN10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70077-1Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4242http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700783/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Abdominal aortic intima media thickness was significantly greater in infants with IUGR than in controls, as was blood pressure, in one small study. In a second study of 59 IUGR fetuses, fetal ultrasonographic cardiovascular indices were significantly worse in the fetuses that died compared with survivors.In Utero Environment Linked to Infant HypertensionPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70078-3Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4242http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700795/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: A urine test was 95% sensitive and 100% specific for OSA in young children.Urine Test May Help Identify Kids With OSATERRY RUDD10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70079-5Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4444http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700801/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Investigational bone-targeting therapy looks promising in five infants with severe hypophosphatasia.Tx May Be First for Severe HypophosphatasiaMIRIAM E. TUCKER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70080-1Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4545http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700813/abstract?rss=yesPORTLAND, ORE. — If an infant presents with at least three hypopigmented macules, think tuberous sclerosis. Tuberous sclerosis is described as a triad of neurologic impairment, multisystem hamartomas, and skin findings (such as ash leaf macules and facial angiofibromas). The disease is of autosomal dominant inheritance, with an incidence of 1:6,000 to 1:10,000. Spontaneous mutation occurs in 50%-75% of cases.How to Recognize Three Genetic Skin DisordersDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70081-3Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4646http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700825/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Only two patients (9%) treated with emollient therapy from birth have developed eczema.Emollient Therapy From Birth May Help Prevent EczemaDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70082-5Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4646http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700837/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: There is generally a plateau of weight loss at about 6-12 months in obese teens who have undergone bariatric surgery.Roux-en-Y Benefits in Teens Plateau at 6 MonthsMITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70083-7Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4848http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700849/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Overweight and obesity put adolescents at risk for spinal abnormalities.Spinal Abnormalities Typical of Aging Seen in Obese TeensPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70084-9Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Clinical Rounds4848http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700850/abstract?rss=yesLAS VEGAS — Physician office overhead costs are up 15%; reimbursements and collections are down. To say the least, 2009 hasn't been a boom year for pediatricians. But don't despair.Tips to Save Your Pediatric Practice Money NowBETSY BATES10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70085-0Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Practice Trends5253http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700862/abstract?rss=yesThe National Council on Patient Information and Education is launching the “Maximizing Your Role as a Teen Influencer: What You Can Do to Help Prevent Teen Prescription Drug Abuse” initiative, an online education workshop. For more information and to download the resource, visit www.talkaboutrx.org.‘Teen Influencer’ Initiative Online10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70086-2Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Practice Trends5252http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700874/abstract?rss=yesPublic health officials in Rhode Island are using electronic pharmacy data to track the use of oseltamivir and other antiviral medications being used to treat patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.R.I. Using E-Prescribing Data to Track H1N1MARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70087-4Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Practice Trends5353http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700886/abstract?rss=yesA survey from the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions found that shortages in pediatric subspecialists are leading to significant wait times for many patients and families to get needed care. Shortages in pediatric neurologists, gastroenterologists, general surgeons, and pulmonologists and developmental-behavioral pediatricians have the most effect, according to the survey. Some pediatric subspecialty openings—including those for neurology, endocrinology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and developmental-behavioral pediatrics—remain vacant for 12 months or longer, the hospitals reported. Half the children's hospitals said that wait times for seeing pediatricians in the subspecialties experiencing the most severe shortages exceed 2 weeks. The average wait time for seeing a developmental pediatrician is more than 13 weeks, according to the report.Policy & Practice: Want more health reform news? Subscribe to our podcast – search ‘Policy & Practice’ in the iTunes storeJane Anderson10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70088-6Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Practice Trends5455http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700898/abstract?rss=yesOfficials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released an initial set of pediatric quality measures that states can choose to use as part of their Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs.Pediatric Quality Measures for Medicaid ReleasedMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70089-8Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Practice Trends5656http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700904/abstract?rss=yes Dr. Beers is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Children's National Medical Center in Washington. She also is a member of the Pediatric News Editorial Advisory Board and the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Residency Scholarships. Dr. Beers had no conflicts of interest to disclose. To comment, e-mail Dr. Beers at pdnews@elsevier.com.Spearheading Organizational ChangeLEE SAVIO BEERS10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70090-4Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3On the Learning Curve5757http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700916/abstract?rss=yesWASHINGTON — E-prescribing can help reduce medication errors, lower practice costs, and save physician time, but it's important to understand the limits and problems of this rapidly evolving technology, according to Dr. Kevin Johnson.MDs Need to Understand E-Prescribing Benefits, ConcernsKERRI WACHTER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70091-6Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Practice Trends5757http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X10700928/abstract?rss=yesHealth care spending in the United States grew less than 5% in 2008, the slowest rate of growth since the federal government officially began measuring it in 1960, according to a new report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.U.S. Health Spending Hit $2.3 Trillion in 2008MARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70092-8Pediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Practice Trends5959http://www.pediatricnews.com/article/PIIS0031398X1070093X/abstract?rss=yesThe 2010 edition of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's “Yellow Book” on health information for international travelers is now available online (www.cdc.gov/travel) and in hard copy. Published by Elsevier, the yellow-covered book includes information on everything from adoptions to vaccines. For more information, go to www.us.elsevierhealth.com.CDC's Travel Health Book Is Online Now10.1016/S0031-398X(10)70093-XPediatric News 44, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Pediatric News2010-02-01442S0031-398X(10)X7002-3Practice Trends5959