[Pediatrics]

Rev Med Suisse. 2012 Jan 11;8(323):51-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Several preliminary studies suggest that prophylactic administration of probiotics reduces the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, and several neonatology units have introduced this treatment under strict surveillance. Nonetheless, breast milk feeding remains the mainstay of NEC prevention. The beta-blocker propranolol, known for its effectiveness on cutaneous hemangiomas, is also proving useful for the treatment of subglottic or visceral hemangiomas. Following the decrease in severe bacterial infections thanks to widespread vaccinations, the McCarthy clinical score has regained importance in the prediction of the risk of bacterial infection in febrile infants. It is easy to use, economical, and has a diagnostic value comparable to laboratory tests. The new WHO growth charts have been introduced in Switzerland in 2011 to take into account the increasing regional and ethnic variations in our country. Any significant change in growth velocity should prompt an evaluation of the need of further investigations.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Breast Feeding
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / prevention & control
  • Fever / microbiology
  • Growth Charts
  • Hemangioma / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pediatrics / trends
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Switzerland
  • Treatment Outcome
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Propranolol