Debora Porter

To evaluate whether implementing more restrictive NICU platelet transfusion guidelines following the PlaNeT-2 randomized controlled trial (transfusion threshold changed from 50,000/μL to 25,000/μL for most neonates) was associated with fewer NICU patients receiving a platelet transfusion, without adversely affecting outcomes. source https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(23)00190-7/fulltext?rss=yes

  OUT OF THE OLD BLACK BAG   Letter to the Editor: Unbreakable Record By  Anthony L. Kovatch, M.D.   Musical Accompaniment: “Bolero” by French composer Maurice Ravel (1875-1937). This unforgettable single-movement composition is known for beginning softly and ending, according to Ravel’s instructions, as loudly as possible. There is debate as to whether its monotonous repetition was a consequence or even a cause of the composer’s mental decline and progressive aphasia.   Some claim that listening to the piece can trigger insanity.   It was played for 36 hours straight to intimidate the pledges during my college fraternity’s initiation weekend.     “I have to say I never expected The PediaBlog would have a run like this.” — Editor, Ned Ketyer, M.D. ( “4,000!” from February 20, 2023)   And neither did anybody else!   How could one individual — no matter how energetic and dedicated — possibly produce 4,000 consecutive daily...

The rates of significant mental health concerns among U.S. college students have risen steeply over the past decade.1 2 3 This surge is acute enough to qualify as a crisis—a crisis that warrants close attention from anyone with a professional or personal interest in the well-being of children and adolescents transitioning to adulthood. source https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(23)00192-0/fulltext?rss=yes

To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome at school age in children newly diagnosed with fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). source https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(23)00184-1/fulltext?rss=yes

Patalon et al colleagues have contributed to this issue of The Journal of Pediatrics a valuable study on naturally acquired immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in children 5 to 18 years of age.1 The study was performed in Israel during a surge of coronavirus (CoV) activity and just prior to introduction of mRNA vaccines for this age group. The data show that children who had previously had PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection had protection from reinfection that was substantial (ie, upwards of 80%) and durable (generally through 18 months). source https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(23)00193-2/fulltext?rss=yes

To evaluate the effectiveness of newborn screening for sickle cell disease in eastern Jamaica by determining what proportion of screen-positive infants were registered with the Sickle Cell Unit (SCU) by two months (60 days) of age and identifying parents’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers impacting age at registration. source https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(23)00183-X/fulltext?rss=yes

  Earlier this month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of bamboo plates designed for children’s use because of elevated levels of lead and formaldehyde detected in the product. Formaldehyde and lead are both toxic if ingested, and exposure can result in significant adverse health impacts. They can also be absorbed through the thin and porous skin, a characteristic of infants and young children. Other reasons why young children are more susceptible to these types of toxics: • As every parent knows, infants and children put everything in their mouths — food, toys, dirt, rocks, dirty fingers — making exposure more likely. • Children eat more food, drink more water, and breathe more air per unit body weight compared with adults, increasing the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals in their environment, indoors and outdoors. • Infants and children grow and develop rapidly, so their organs and body systems are more likely to be damaged by dangerous ch...