Emerging Evidence of Intrauterine SARS-CoV-2 Infections
New evidence supports the potential for intrauterine spread of SARS-CoV-2 to a developing fetus. It's uncommon, but something to take seriously. Also some good news from the AAP regarding the care of babies born to mothers with COVID-19!
The Questionable Ethics of Medical Grade Nonsense: Chinese Herbal Medicine and Kawasaki Disease
A toddler in China with Kawasaki disease was treated with herbs and potions rather than science, and is extremely lucky to have survived without serious complications.
Lotus Birth To Blame for Death of Australian Newborn
Lotus Birth, an "ethically inadmissible" practice where a newborn is left attached to the placenta for several days, is risky, benefit free, and is likely to blame for the death of an Australian infant in 2017.
A Rare and Mysterious Inflammatory Syndrome in Children is Linked to COVID-19
A mysterious inflammatory condition, likely caused by COVID-19, is affecting a small number of children. We don't know much about it yet, but we are certain to see additional cases and to learn more about why this is happening. Still, it's not time to panic.
The CDC Releases New Data on COVID-19 in Children
Another large data set, this time from the CDC, supports the anecdotal observations that pediatric COVID-19 cases tend to be mild and that a very small percentage of children are requiring intensive care. The absence of obvious symptoms increases the risk of spreading the virus, so social distancing and proper hygiene are key when it comes to kids.
England’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year: Mumps and the “Wakefield Cohort”
It may not be the most worrisome virus out there these days, but England has just had its worst year of mumps infections in a decade thanks in large part to their "Wakefield cohort".
Science-Based Satire: Kinesiology Masks Revolutionize Coronavirus Prevention
Can colorful elastic tape applied to your face by certified practitioners reduce your risk of catching the novel coronavirus? No. And that's a hard no. This is satire.
A Popular Class of Antibiotics May Increase Risk of Birth Defects
A new study in the British Medical Journal has revealed a possible association between taking a popular antibiotic during early pregnancy and major congenital malformations.
Inappropriate Antibiotic Use is Rampant in U.S. Pediatric Hospitals
A recent study looked at antibiotic use in thousands of hospitalized children and the results weren't great. Too many kids are receiving suboptimal antibiotic prescriptions. One potential solution is an increased focus on, and improved resources for, antibiotic stewardship programs.
Are Humans Cooling? Probably Not.
Are humans cooling? According to a recent study out of Stanford, yes we are...a bit. I'm skeptical of the findings, however, and even more so of the proposed explanations. More data is needed.