This year, AAP Newscontinued to bring pediatricians the latest developments in the field, including new AAP recommendations, disease outbreaks and recalled products.
Here is a look at the Top 10 most-read stories on our website in 2019. Click each headline to read the full article.
1. Immunization schedules updated for 2019
The 2019 child and adolescent immunization schedules included changes to recommendations for influenza, hepatitis A, and tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccines. In addition, changes were made to the cover page, notes and catch-up schedule.
2. Infant ibuprofen recall expanded
Tris Pharma Inc. voluntarily recalled six lots of Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP (NSAID) 50 milligrams per 1.25 milliliters after finding ibuprofen concentrations as high as 10% above the specified limit.
3. How should dog bites be managed to reduce risk of infection?
Most of the estimated 5 million bites that occur each year in the U.S. are dog bites, and children are more likely than adults to be bitten by a dog. Meticulous cleaning with extensive irrigation usingsterile normal saline is the cornerstone for post-exposure management of a bite to reduce the risk of infection.
4. Nasal spray flu vaccine supply will be limited next season
AstraZeneca announced in May its supply of nasal spray flu vaccine would be limited during the 2019-’20 season due to manufacturing constraints. The company said it planned to spread distribution of FluMist Quadrivalent, a live attenuated influenza vaccine, throughout the season and that the reduced supply would not impact vaccine quality.
5. 2 new codes developed for interprofessional consultation
Code 99451 is reported by the consultant, allowing him/her to access data/information through the EHR, in addition to telephone or internet. Code 99452 is reported by the requesting/treating physician/QHP.
6. CDC: Measles cases rise to 971; disease elimination status threatened
This story from May marked a growing increase in concern over rapidly rising measles cases. As of Dec. 5, cases for 2019 had reached 1,276. It is the highest case count since 1992, but the U.S. managed to avoid losing its measles elimination status.
7. Fisher-Price recalls Rock ‘n Play amid pressure from AAP
The recall came on the heels of an investigation by Consumer Reports that found 32 infants had died while using the sleeper since 2011. Since this April story, dozens more deaths have been found linked to a variety of similar inclined sleepers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has since proposed a new standard that essentially would ban inclined sleep products and require all infant sleep products to meet safety standards. That proposal is open for comments until Jan. 27.
8. Early-onset group B strep: New guidance includes changes in dosing, assessment
Group B streptococcal disease (GBS) remains the most common single bacterial cause of neonatal early-onset sepsis. New data emerged on the microbiology, epidemiology and clinical management of perinatal GBS infection, leading to new recommendations from the AAP and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
9. Large study sheds light on infant deaths in sitting devices
A 10-year study of 11,779 infant sleep-related deaths showed that 348 (3%) babies died in sitting devices, in most cases while in car seats. More than 90% of the time, the car seats were not being used as directed.
10. Study: MMR vaccine not linked to increased autism risk
This study confirmed the findings of previous studies and was larger than many of its predecessors. Researchers analyzed data on 657,461 children born in Denmark between 1999 and 2010 and followed through mid-2013 using national health registries. The study came out in March amid growing measles cases in the U.S. and urging from health officials to be vaccinated.
