Date: January 13th 2004

Baby 411 E-News January 2004: Vaccine shortage, new ear infection rules


(Need to change your email address? Want to have a friend get this newsletter? Need to unsubscribe? Click here: http://www.windsorpeak.com/baby411/newsletter.html)

===================================================
BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: January 2004
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
January 2004
===================================================

In this email:
1. FDA Bans Ephedra dietary supplements
2. Prevnar vaccine shortage
3. On the horizon- New ear infection treatment guidelines
4. The usual suspects… croup, RSV, and rotavirus:

-------------

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. We are in the midst of cold and flu season across the country. The ‘usual suspects’ (viruses we see every year) have arrived and are making our little ones bark, wheeze, and barf. That makes your pediatrician’s office a popular spot to be. See below for details of the winter bugs.

Here is a rundown of the latest pediatric health info for this month:

1. FDA Bans Ephedra dietary supplements:

After numerous research studies and deaths linked to Ephedra, the Food and Drug Administration issued a consumer alert on December 30, 2003 advising consumers to stop purchasing and using ephedra products. The FDA also issued an intent to remove all ephedra-containing products from the market within 60 days. Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, is a potent decongestant used in cold and allergy remedies, as well as sports performance and energy drinks.

2. Prevnar vaccine shortage:

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals announced a spot shortage of the popular Prevnar vaccine that protects against Strep (bacterial) meningitis, blood infections, and pneumonia in infants and toddlers. The Prevnar vaccine is routinely administered at the 2, 4, 6, and 15-month well baby visits. Due to the shortage, some pediatric practices will need to defer the 15-month booster shot until the shortage is over.

3. On the horizon- New ear infection treatment guidelines:

Don’t be surprised if your doctor sends your child with an ear infection home without an antibiotic prescription in the near future. The American Academy of Pediatrics is in the process of revising guidelines for treatment of ear infections. The new guidelines will offer an option of watchful waiting instead of treating every ear infection with an antibiotic, because a significant percentage resolve without therapy (see Denmark Plan in Baby 411). But, the AAP will leave the treatment plan up to the doctor examining the patient-since the plan depends on the severity of the infection. Stay tuned for details.

4. The usual suspects… croup, RSV, and rotavirus:

With winter upon us, the virus epidemic season is in full swing. As you have already heard in the media, the flu season is one of the most severe we have seen in many years. Influenza virus, commonly known as ‘the flu’, causes prolonged fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, and sore throat. Here are the other bugs making their way to your neighborhood:

Croup- Virus that causes a characteristic bark that sounds like a seal for about 3 nights. Although impressive, it can usually be managed with some quality time in a steamy bathroom. When the airway tube is markedly swollen, the bark changes to a high-pitched squeal, called stridor. Call your doctor if you hear this noise.

RSV or Bronchiolitis- Virus that causes swelling of the tiny lung airways called bronchioles. The swelling causes air turbulence, creating a wheeze with inspiration (similar to asthma) It can infect anyone, but is more likely to cause problems with babies born prematurely. If your child is breathing fast or shallowly, it’s time to check in with your doctor.

Rotavirus-This is a stomach virus is also known as the stomach flu (don’t let the word ‘flu’ confuse you-there’s currently no vaccine for this one!). Rotavirus causes frequent vomiting and profuse, watery diarrhea for 7 to 10 days. Babies are at risk of getting dehydrated from the large amount of water loss. If your baby is not urinating (having wet diapers) at least 3 times a day, call your doctor.

Have a healthy new year!
Dr. B
Author, BABY 411