Tumors in the central nervous system (CNS) account for 20% of childhood cancers, with 5.65 cases and 0.72 deaths per 100,000 children under 14 in the United States. Brain tumors are second only to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in incidence. While recent advances have resulted in greater life expectancy for some childhood CNS tumor patients, the…
Clinicians managing a child or adolescent with Type 1 diabetes often have very little accurate information about the patient’s physical activity, but a new study shows activity monitors like wearable fitness trackers provide a clear picture to help balance activity with nutrition or insulin needs. “Patients often overestimate their amount of physical activity. This study demonstrated…
Primary care providers play an invaluable role in the diagnosis of diabetes in children. The hallmark clinical symptoms of diabetes include polyuria and polydipsia. Nocturia and fatigue are also common. If the hyperglycemia has been long-standing, weight loss occurs at presentation. Glycosuria and ketonuria also may be present at the time of diagnosis. About a…
Over the past 20 years, the number of psychotropic medications children receive has increased dramatically, with large increases in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications and antipsychotics. Psychotropic medications can level the biologic playing field for children by treating established mental health disorders and controlling disabling symptoms such as hyperarousal and impulsivity. But they do not change…
The patient A 12-year-old boy born with double-inlet left ventricle (DILV), mitral stenosis, left-sided superior vena cava coronary sinus and pulmonary stenosis: The patient had been through surgical palliation as a baby, leaving him with Fontan circulation. The challenge Over the past decade we’ve learned that single-ventricle Fontan circulation has significant impacts on the heart…
The patient A 14-year-old female presented with worsening headache and deterioration of vision especially in the left eye. MRI detected a large hypothalamic enhancing tumor causing mass effect on the optic nerves. The pituitary gland appeared to be pushed inferiorly. The challenge Because of tumor location and potential complications with tumor resection, the multidisciplinary team…
When children have headaches or experience migraine, it is usually not necessary to make a referral to a neurologist right away. Michael K. Sowell, M.D. and Elizabeth S. Doll, M.D., pediatric neurologists at Norton Children’s Neuroscience Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, share tips for how to begin treating a patient before making…
Wilson E. Reinke, M.D. Pediatrics Lilly Giang, APRN Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Children with scoliosis or other conditions that require frequent imaging and the accompanying radiation risks now have a low-dose imaging option. The EOS Imaging full-body imaging system delivers 50% to 85% less radiation than traditional X-ray and 95% less radiation than CT. Radiation from EOS technology is equivalent to a week’s worth of natural radiation….
When should a pediatrician refer an asthma patient to a pulmonologist? Primary care providers can help manage treatment for a child’s mild asthma, but when the patient’s symptoms exceed routine care or simple maintenance, it’s time to make a referral. “If a patient is taking their medications and avoiding triggers, and their asthma still is…
Eating disorders are increasing among males, making up about a quarter of anorexia nervosa patients and running a greater risk of death, said Brittany K. Badal, M.D., an adolescent medicine physician with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Novak Center. Later diagnosis in males typically contributes to morbidity, Dr. Badal said during a recent pediatric grand…
Cadmium, a natural element used for rechargeable batteries and other industrial applications, can induce a novel type of testicular cell death in mice after low-dose exposure, according to a groundbreaking study. Cadmium is known to bioaccumulate and is linked to many health disorders, including male infertility. The study discovered low-dose cadmium exposure induces damage in…