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December 11, 2012

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News for pediatricians and other child health professionals

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Prenatal exposure to oxygen deprivation may raise ADHD risk
Health records of almost 82,000 5- to 11-year-olds showed that those who were exposed to ischemic-hypoxic conditions while in the womb had a 16% higher risk of having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder later in childhood. Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome carried the highest risk for ADHD, followed by preeclampsia and birth asphyxia, according to the study in the journal Pediatrics. CNN/The Chart blog (12/10)

Iron drops may lessen behavioral issues in low birth weight babies
Babies born with low birth weight who took iron supplements were less likely to develop behavioral problems than those in the placebo group, Swedish researchers reported in the journal Pediatrics. They found no significant differences in IQ scores between the babies receiving iron versus a placebo. Reuters (12/10)

Winter blues? It's 79° here!
Miami Children’s Hospital’s 48 Annual Pediatric Postgraduate Course, Feb 18-21, 2013 in sunny Miami features world renowned faculty in symposia, workshops, panel discussions, Redbook, Telehealth and much more. For pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. Register Today.

Pediatric Health Care

Prepregnancy obesity may affect children's cognitive ability
A 10-point increase in maternal body mass index before pregnancy was linked to a decline in their children's cognitive performance at ages 5 and 7, according to a U.K. study in the journal Pediatrics. Although the overall effect of prepregnancy weight on cognition was modest, the link seemed to strengthen as the children got older, researchers said. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News (12/10)

USPSTF urges physicians to discuss smoking with young patients
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released draft guidelines urging physicians to counsel teens and school-aged children about the consequences of cigarette smoking and ways to handle peer pressure. The guidelines are modified from the agency's 2003 recommendations. "Smoking or nicotine addiction really is a pediatric disease that carries over into adulthood," said tobacco researcher Dr. Joseph DiFranza, who was not involved in developing the document. Reuters (12/10)

Study suggests overeating can predict drug use in youths
Data from the Growing Up Today Study involving 16,882 9- to 15-year-olds showed that those who had a habit of overeating or binge eating were more likely to use marijuana or other drugs. Researchers found that binge eating, not overeating, predicted the start of overweight or obesity as well as worsening depression symptoms. The findings appear in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. CNN/The Chart blog (12/10)

More U.S. cities report decline in childhood obesity
Large cities such as New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles have witnessed their first declines in childhood obesity rates, as have some smaller cities such as Anchorage, Alaska, and Kearney, Neb. Although small, the declines may be an initial sign that the prevalence of obesity may be waning, experts said. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (12/10)

Research and treatment advances in neonatology
What breakthrough enables physicians to rapidly diagnose critically ill infants that have genetic disorders? How are we improving surgical procedures for premature babies with intestinal problems? Get these answers and more in the neonatology SmartBrief sponsored by Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City.

Trends & Technology

Agencies release interactive map on health IT adoption
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and CMS have released an interactive map that enables users to monitor advances in the use of health IT across the country. The map, featured at ONC's Health IT Dashboard, shows data on payments made under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentives initiatives, health information exchanges, and more. Modern Healthcare (subscription required) (12/7)

Studies: Computer use leads to pain for doctors
Data from two Cornell University studies showed physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are spending more time at the computer and paying a price in repetitive strain injuries linked to poorly designed work spaces. One study found that most female physicians and more than 40% of the males had repetitive strain-related pain in the neck, shoulder and back at least once a week. HealthDay News (12/7)

Health Policy & Regulations

USDA allows schools to serve more meat, grains
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has relaxed new school-lunch requirements for this school year, allowing more grains, starches and protein to be served. The change was welcomed by some federal lawmakers, and at least one senator is advocating making the change permanent. "I'm grateful to [Agriculture] Secretary [Tom] Vilsack for recognizing that the rules need to allow for individual differences among children and the prerogatives of local school districts, and resources available to them," said Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. The Hill/Blog Briefing Room (12/8)

The Last Word - News from the AAP

CMS conference call on Medicaid payment increase
As part of health reform implementation, qualifying pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists who treat Medicaid patients will be paid at least 100% of Medicare rates in 2013 and 2014 for immunization administration and primary care services. The increase takes effect on Jan. 1, 2013. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. ET, the CMS is hosting a conference call to discuss the Medicaid payment increase in more detail.
Dial 1-800-837-1935 and enter the conference ID of 80451033 to access the call at 4 p.m. ET tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 12.
After CMS staff provides an overview of the payment increase, there will be an opportunity for pediatricians and others on the call to ask questions about its implementation.
The call is open to AAP members and physicians who belong to the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians and the American Optometric Association. Please feel free to encourage colleagues to participate. The conference call will be recorded and posted online as well.

Participate in a survey on civil lawsuits
HHS is working with the American Bar Association to conduct a study to examine the frequency, outcomes and consequences that civil lawsuits, or the threat of suits, have on medical and other professionals who consult on child abuse and neglect cases. Visit the ABA website to complete a short questionnaire about your experience. The survey must be completed by Dec. 17.

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Put a grain of boldness into everything you do."

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This news roundup is provided as a timely update to AAP members and other health professionals about child health topics in the media. Links to articles are provided for the convenience of pediatricians who may find them of use in discussions with patients or colleagues.

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