Asthma and Lung Function 20 Years After Wheezing in Infancy: Results From a Prospective Follow-up Study
Although there are many studies on the short-term outcome of bronchiolitis or early childhood wheezing, there are limited data on these children as they enter adulthood. This longitudinal study from Finland followed 127 children hospitalized for bronchiolitis or pneumonia in the first 24 months of life to age 18 to 21 years. They were compared with a control group of individuals without a family history of atopy, followed up from birth. Asthma was significantly more common in the young adults who had been hospitalized for respiratory infections as infants, whereas there was no difference in atopy. The increased risk of asthma appears to persist until adulthood after bronchiolitis in infancy.
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Safety of the Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Among Children: A Population-Based Study
With the recommendations for increased use of influenza vaccination in children, attention has been focused on its safety as well as its efficacy. France and colleagues used data from 5 managed care organizations to examine medically attended events in the 2 weeks following vaccination. This study found no serious adverse effects in 251 600 children and adolescents who received influenza vaccine, indicating the safety of influenza vaccine in children.
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Childhood Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Taiwan and How to Differentiate It From Childhood Influenza Infection
The appearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) as a new clinical entity in 2003 has raised concerns among physicians about distinguishing it from more common respiratory infections such as influenza. This report from Taiwan compares clinical features of laboratory-confirmed SARS with those of culture-confirmed influenza in children and adolescents. There was a similar prevalence of fever, cough, chills, myalgia, and diarrhea between the 2 groups. However, patients with SARS were much less likely to have rhinorrhea, sputum production, and sore throat than were patients with influenza. While patients had similar frequency of leucopenia or lymphopenia, one third of patients with SARS had monocytopenia compared with none of the patients with influenza. Only 1 patient with SARS required mechanical ventilation, and all survived.
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Preventing Substance Use and Disordered Eating: Initial Outcomes of the ATHENA (Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives) Program
Counterbalancing the many positive aspects of sports for youth are the potential problems of eating disorders and the use of body-shaping drugs. The ATHENA program was developed to promote healthy nutrition and effective exercise training as alternatives to harmful behavior. This study reports on the results of a randomized controlled trial involving 40 teams from 18 high schools. The intervention resulted in less use of diet pills and athletic-enhancing drugs and more positive, healthy eating habits. There was also a carryover to other behaviors, with less riding with a drinking driver and higher reported seatbelt use. Sports teams may represent an untapped resource for positively altering young women’s beliefs and actions.
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