AAP Advises Precautionary Measures to Reduce BPA Exposure

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that parents take precautionary measures to reduce babies’ exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to harden plastics, prevent cans from rusting and keep bacteria from contaminating food. Studies have shown that BPA may have possible harmful effects on humans, particularly on infants and children in their developmental phases.  Recommended precautions include avoiding clear plastic bottles or containers with the recycling number 7 and the letters “PC” imprinted on them, and instead, using bottles made of opaque plastic because they don’t contain BPA.  For more information, visit www.aap.org/new/bpa.htm.

Media Alert: Sexual Content on TV Linked to Teen Pregnancy; Violent Video Games Predict Aggression

Teens exposed to high levels of televised sexual content were twice as likely to experience a pregnancy compared to teens with lower exposure, according to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth ages 12 to 17.  Another study showed that regular use of violent video games by children and adolescents early in the school year predisposes them to aggressive behavior. It is recommended that pediatricians remind parents to be aware of what their children are watching on TV; if the show contains questionable behavior, parents should discuss it with them and limit exposure.  The same advice applies for video games. Both studies appeared in Pediatrics, November 2008.  For more information, visit www.aap.org/pressroom/aappr-nov08mailing.htm.                                         

Vitamin D Supplements Recommended for Children and Adolescents

In a new clinical report, “Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents,” the AAP recommends that parents give their children Vitamin D supplements and provide more exposure to sunlight. For more information, see Pediatrics, November 2008, Vol. 122, page 1142.

Children with Strabismus at Increased Risk for Mental Illness

Children diagnosed with strabismus are at increased risk for developing mental illness by early adulthood, according to a fascinating study, “Mental Illness in Young Adults Who Had Strabismus as Children,” reported in Pediatrics, November 2008, Vol. 122, page 1033. The study showed that patients with intermittent exotropia, or an eye that wanders out, seemed to be particularly prone to developing significant psychiatric diseases by their twenties. If you have young children in your practice with strabismus, particularly exotropia, it is advisable to conduct more intensive assessment for mental health problems and earlier intervention with those patients.

Adapalene Causes Less Skin Irritation in Acne Patients

A review article on the importance of retinoic acid drugs for the topical treatment of acne reports that adapalene causes less skin irritation in acne patients and may be preferable to tretinoin. The article, “A Review of Adapalene in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris,” appeared in the Journal of Adolescent Health, November 2008, Vol. 43, page 421.

Limit CT Imaging in Children

With the introduction of multislice CT scanning and the expanding use of CT as a diagnostic tool, there has been increasing national concern for the radiation dose on the patient. The American College of Radiology has initiated the "Image Gently" campaign for CT imaging of pediatric patients which recommends that CT studies be limited whenever possible and ultrasounds or MRIs ordered as an alternative. Crozer-Keystone Health System follows these recommendations.

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