Latest news with #pediatric
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Measles outbreak threatens public health in Cuanza Sul
The Sumbe Pediatric Hospital is under pressure due to the significant increase in measles cases in recent weeks. Currently, 23 children remain hospitalized with a diagnosis of the disease and, according to the hospital's management, there has been an average of eight new admissions a day. At times, such as last week, the unit has received up to 40 cases at the same time, with days when 15 children were admitted with symptoms compatible with measles. Isilda Ngunza Manuel, a vendor in Matabicho square and resident of Bairro da Pedra, is one of the mothers affected. Her four-month-old daughter began to show persistent fevers and red spots all over her body. "I was very scared. At first, I thought it was just heat or allergies. But then it got worse, and I had to go to hospital straight away..." she says. Like the case of Isilda's daughter, many others have come to the unit with warning signs. According to the Director of the Provincial Children's Hospital, Dr. Andreza das Dores Bastos Diogo, the impact of the disease on families' lives and on the hospital's capacity has been evident. 'What needs to be done first is to thoroughly investigate the cases, understand how they are emerging and vaccinate the affected communities immediately.' According to the health authorities who are closely monitoring the situation, so far 264 suspected measles cases have been reported, spread across 16 of the province's 24 municipalities. Of the total number of suspected cases reported and investigated, 34 are positive (of which 2 with double infection 'Measles and Rubeola'), 29 negatives, 65 pending, 148 confirmed by epidemiological link and 9 deaths. The cases range from 4 months to 35 years. The most affected age group is children from 1 to under 5 years old, including unvaccinated babies, schoolchildren and young adults. According to vaccination status, 224 of the 264 children affected by measles have not been vaccinated. Of the 40 vaccinated, 29 received the first dose and 11 completed the second dose. To contain the spread, epidemiological surveillance teams have been conducting active house-to-house and health unit searches, taking samples for laboratory analysis and filling out notification / investigation forms. At the same time, a vaccine blockade action is underway, with the mobilization of health professionals, community technicians and local leaders, who have been sensitizing families and offering the vaccine directly in the communities where cases have been identified. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, severe diarrhea, encephalitis and, in extreme cases, lead to death, especially among young children and unvaccinated people. Although preventable with a safe and effective vaccine, measles continues to pose a significant risk in contexts with low vaccination coverage. For Dr. Manuel Muixi, a World Health Organization (WHO) expert deployed in the province, the response depends on swift and coordinated action. "Measles is a serious threat to children's health, as well as adults, but it can be contained with effective vaccination, active surveillance and strong community mobilization. We are working hand in hand with the local authorities to stop this chain of transmission," he says. The Director of the Cuanza Sul Provincial Health Office, Dr. Nelson Camilo, stresses the importance of collaboration between all sectors. "We are mobilized to protect our communities. It is essential that parents take their children for vaccination and that everyone follows the guidelines of the health authorities." With technical and logistical support from the WHO, the Ministry of Health and the Expanded Vaccination Program (EPP) are stepping up efforts to contain the outbreak and strengthen prevention throughout the province. The expectation is that, with block vaccination, the active search for cases and the direct involvement of communities, the number of new infections will begin to fall in the coming days.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Are melatonin supplements safe for kids?
The first time your baby sleeps through the night seems unforgettable — like a hopeful promise of a more rested future — but as many parents (unfortunately) find out, that hope often ends up feeling more like a mirage. Sleep challenges are a common part of parenting, and they can look different from household to household — or even night to night. Whether your child struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep, you're not alone. And if you've ever found yourself searching "natural sleep aids for kids" at 1 a.m., chances are melatonin has popped up. Yet despite this supplement's growing popularity, you may be wondering whether melatonin supplements are actually safe for kids. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body's internal clock, and while it's often used by adults to help manage sleep disorders and insomnia, over-the-counter melatonin supplements have become increasingly popular for kids too. Whether it's due to travel challenges and disrupted schedules, insomnia or sleep difficulties linked to ADHD or autism, parents are increasingly interested in using melatonin supplements as a way to help their kids (and themselves) get much-needed rest. To help cut through the confusion — and save you another sleepless nighttime scroll — we spoke with three pediatric experts, including two doctors and a registered dietitian, about if and when melatonin might be helpful and what to know about dosing and safety before purchasing a supplement. A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Are melatonin supplements safe for children? The short answer is yes, though Dr. Michelle Caraballo, sleep medicine specialist at Children's Health, and Dr. Rupali Drewek, co-medical director of the Sleep Medicine Program at Phoenix Children's, agree that these products aren't appropriate or effective for all kids and should be used only short-term under medical supervision. "Melatonin is usually recommended for short-term use (typically two to six weeks) while behavioral interventions are established. If effective, it can be used intermittently as needed, but long-term daily use should be monitored by a health care provider," says Drewek. She also notes that because melatonin isn't habit-forming, it doesn't require tapering off. "That said, if a child has been using it regularly for months, slowly reducing the dose over one to two weeks can help [you] evaluate whether it's still necessary. Some families find when you gradually taper off from melatonin, it avoids abrupt changes in sleep quality. It's also a good time to reinforce consistent bedtime routines and healthy sleep habits," she says. As for who might benefit, research is ongoing but has mostly looked at the benefits (and safety) of melatonin for kids with certain conditions. "It can be helpful for specific conditions such as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder or sleep issues in children with autism or ADHD. However, it is not FDA-approved for pediatric use, and safety data for long-term use is limited," Drewek says. She also cautions that because dietary supplements aren't tested for label accuracy by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), quality and dosing can vary greatly between products. What about toddlers? From transitioning out of the crib to starting nighttime potty training, sleep becomes a particularly tricky issue with toddlers. However, Caraballo cautions that these supplements should not be given to children under the age of 3. There simply isn't enough research to determine whether melatonin is safe or appropriate for 1- and 2-year-olds. How much melatonin is safe for kids? How much melatonin to give your child should ultimately be decided by your pediatrician. Here's a general idea of what dosing might look like, according to Drewek: Preschoolers (3–4 years): 1 mg School-age children (5–12 years): 1–3 mg Adolescents (13–18 years): up to 5 mg Keep in mind that your pediatrician may recommend different doses than what's listed above, or encourage starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing. "We ask parents to start with a low dosage, according to age, and carefully evaluate how effective it is. Many children respond to a low dose (1–5 milligrams) when taken 30 minutes before bedtime," says Caraballo. Drewek echoes the importance of starting low and slow, adding, "Higher doses don't always improve sleep and may increase side effects like morning grogginess or vivid dreams." Other factors to consider when choosing a melatonin supplement for kids Once you have the green light from your pediatrician to give your child a bedtime supplement, the next step is choosing a product. As with any supplement, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when making your decision: Age-appropriate dose: To provide a safe and effective dose, only give your child a melatonin supplement that's specifically formulated for their age. Supplement type: Melatonin supplements for kids come in a variety of types, including gummies, liquids, powders, chewables and dissolvable tablets. There are also soft gel options for adolescents. The best option is the one that your child can take safely, though some forms may be more readily absorbed than others. "We generally recommend liquid or oral dissolvable formulation over gummies because the absorption is more reliable with liquid and tablet forms," says Caraballo. Other active ingredients: Some kids' bedtime supplements include other ingredients, like magnesium or L-theanine. While safe for kids, it's best to talk with your pediatrician about whether these ingredients are necessary or appropriate for your child. Sweeteners and food dyes: Some brands add sweeteners and food dyes — natural or artificial — to make supplements more appealing to kids. Ideally, choose options with minimal added sugar and naturally derived flavors and colors, like those from fruit or vegetable juices and extracts. Third-party testing: "Several studies have shown that the amount of melatonin in a bottle can vary significantly from the amount listed on a label," says Caraballo. For this reason, it's important to choose a product made by a reputable brand that's ideally been tested for label accuracy by a trusted independent organization, like NSF or United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Potential side effects and safety concerns We probably sound like a broken record at this point, but research on melatonin in kids is limited, meaning there's still more that researchers and medical experts have to learn when it comes to safety. That said, short-term use of melatonin has not been linked with serious side effects in kids when taken in appropriate amounts. A 2024 review study published in the journal Children found that commonly reported side effects of melatonin supplements in kids include vivid dreams, nightmares and extreme tiredness. Still, this doesn't mean there aren't serious safety concerns. "Supplements should be treated like medications. It is important to discuss with your child's physician before starting a supplement, as some supplements can interact with other medications and may not be appropriate for all children. And just like medications, supplements should be stored in a locked cabinet out of the reach of children," says Caraballo. "Accidental ingestion of melatonin by children has led to a significant increase in ER visits in recent years, so proper storage is critical," adds Drewek. If you're concerned that your child consumed excessive amounts, call your pediatrician or another medical professional right away. Alternatives to melatonin "To help your child sleep well, the most important thing you can do is establish a bedtime routine — and be consistent. Maintain the same bedtime and wake time every day, including weekends and holidays. Kids really respond well to routine, so that their bodies know what to expect," says Caraballo. If your child is struggling to fall or stay asleep, start by checking their sleep environment. "Keep bedrooms cool, dark and quiet. Darkness cues the brain that it's time to sleep. A dim nightlight is fine for children who may not like total darkness," says Caraballo. Bedtime routines should also evolve as kids grow, notes Drewek. For toddlers and preschoolers, predictable steps like brushing teeth, reading and cuddling can create a sense of security. School-age kids benefit from screen-free wind-down time and consistent sleep schedules. And while teens may be harder to guide, encouraging them to leave phones outside the bedroom can help curb late-night scrolling. If the thermostat is set, screens are off, the sound machine is humming and your child's bedtime routine is solid — yet sleep is still a struggle — it might be time to consider other natural sleep aids for kids. Several companies offer melatonin-free supplements featuring ingredients like magnesium or L-theanine. "These ingredients may help promote relaxation and ease bedtime anxiety, especially in children who are sensitive to melatonin or don't tolerate it well. While they don't directly shift the circadian rhythm like melatonin, they can be useful for calming the nervous system," says Drewek. Just note that while these supplements may be more appropriate for long-term use — as long as you have the OK from your pediatrician — Caraballo recommends melatonin more often than other supplements because it "has better data supporting its use in children." Melatonin supplements for kids As a registered dietitian and mom of two, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the world of kids' supplements. To help, I reviewed 10 of the top melatonin products for kids, evaluating each on dose, ingredients and kid-friendly factors, like taste and texture. Here are three standout options to talk with your pediatrician about. FAQs Can a 3-year-old take melatonin? Yes, according to Caballo, melatonin can be given to a 3-year-old, though it's important to do so only under the recommendation of a pediatrician. How often can you give melatonin to a child? According to Drewek, melatonin supplements are typically recommended for just two to six weeks while other behavioral and bedtime strategies are established. That said, how frequently to give your child melatonin for sleep may vary and should be discussed with a pediatrician. Drewek also notes that while melatonin may be a useful tool for some kids, it doesn't replace the need for a consistent bedtime routine. "Sleep supplements should never replace healthy sleep habits, which are the foundation of good sleep," she says. Is melatonin addictive for kids? No, according to Caraballo, "[Melatonin] is not considered addictive, and discontinuation should not cause withdrawal symptoms." However, due to a lack of research on its safety and effectiveness, melatonin shouldn't be given to your child for more than a few weeks or months. Instead, it's important to work with a health care professional to identify the root cause of your child's sleep disturbances. What's a safe melatonin brand for children? There are several reputable brands offering melatonin supplements for kids, including OLLY, Natrol, Zarbee's, Mommy's Bliss and more. Look for products that are tested to ensure label accuracy, ideally by a third-party lab. Can diet affect kids' sleep? According to Katie Drakeford, board-certified pediatric registered dietitian, yes, your child's diet could be contributing to their sleep troubles. In particular, Drakeford notes that diets low in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D may negatively affect your child's sleep, though research on the benefits of supplementation is limited. Overall, no single food is likely to make or break your child's sleep quality. To support better rest, studies (like this 2023 review published in the journal Nutrients) suggest prioritizing a diet rich in fiber — especially fruits and vegetables — while limiting foods high in saturated fat. Meet our experts Michelle Caraballo, MD, pediatric pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist at Children's Health Rupali Drewek, MD, co-medical director of the Sleep Medicine Program at Phoenix Children's Katie Drakeford, board-certified pediatric registered dietitian Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Medscape
3 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Inhaled Isoflurane Matches Midazolam in Critically Ill Kids
TOPLINE: Inhaled isoflurane demonstrated noninferior sedation efficacy compared with intravenous midazolam in critically ill children aged 3-17 years on mechanical ventilation, while also lowering opioid requirements and time to extubation along with maintaining an acceptable safety profile. METHODOLOGY: Amid safety concerns over intravenous midazolam, inhaled isoflurane has emerged as an alternative sedative for critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation. However, supporting evidence remains limited. Researchers conducted a randomized phase 3 trial (IsoCOMFORT) across multiple pediatric ICUs to assess whether inhaled isoflurane was noninferior to intravenous midazolam as an alternate sedative strategy. They included 92 children who were critically ill and required invasive mechanical ventilation and sedation for ≥ 12 hours. They were randomly assigned to either inhaled isoflurane (n = 59; mean age, 8.1 years; 63% boys) or intravenous midazolam (n = 33; mean age, 7 years; 61% boys). At baseline after randomization, depth of sedation was assessed using the COMFORT Behavior scale, and children were assigned to light (score, 17-22), moderate (score, 11-16), or deep (score, 6-10) sedation target. Sedatives were titrated accordingly for up to 48 ± 6 hours during the treatment period. The primary outcome was the percentage of time maintaining adequate sedation within prescribed COMFORT Behavior scale target range — without rescue sedation, assessed every 2 hours over 12-48 hours. TAKEAWAY: Isoflurane maintained sedation within the COMFORT Behavior target range for a greater proportion of time (68.94%) than midazolam (62.37%), with a mean difference of 6.57 percentage points (95% CI, -8.99 to 22.13), confirming isoflurane's noninferiority to midazolam. The opioid requirements were lower in the isoflurane group (least squares mean dose, 2.1 μg/kg/h) than in the midazolam group (least squares mean dose, 4.6 μg/kg/h; P = .0004). Additionally, the time for extubation was significantly shorter with isoflurane (median, 0.75 hours) than with midazolam group (median, 1.09 hours). One child in each arm experienced treatment-related severe hypotension; three children receiving isoflurane discontinued due to adverse events, however, there were no treatment-related deaths. IN PRACTICE: 'Based on [the study] results and on the regulatory support from the EMA [European Medicines Agency], inhaled sedation can be regarded as a therapeutic option for sedation during mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care,' the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Jordi Miatello, PhD, from the IHU-SEPSIS Comprehensive Sepsis Centre and Paediatric Intensive Care in Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France, and Alba Palacios-Cuesta, MD, from the 12 de Octubre University Hospital in Madrid, Spain. It was published online on July 15, 2025, in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. LIMITATIONS: This study excluded children younger than 3 years, limiting the generalizability of the findings to younger pediatric ICU patients. The choice of inhaled sedative, as sevoflurane has replaced isoflurane for general anesthesia in many countries. Lastly, masking only the COMFORT Behavior assessor, rather than the entire clinical team, could lead to bias in outcome assessment. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Sedana Medical, Stockholm, Sweden. Few authors received honoraria from the funding organization for participation in the IsoCOMFORT Study Steering Committee. Two authors were employees of the funding organization. Two authors also reported being consultant with other pharmaceutical organizations. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
CBC
5 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Smilezones make pediatric spaces less scary for kids at this P.E.I. hospital
Prince Edward Island now has its first Smilezone spaces at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown. The areas are designed to make the hospital more welcoming for pediatric patients and their families. Staff say they're already having an impact. CBC's Sheehan Desjardins has the story.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors thought a lump in my son's mouth was a tumor... the truth was even more shocking
When Rowan Steiner saw what looked like a blue-colored cyst in her baby's mouth, she rushed him to the doctor. The mother-of-five from Utah had 'never seen anything like it', and neither had her pediatrician — who sent the family straight to a dentist and pediatric oral surgeon. They too were stumped by the 0.4-inch 'mass' on nine-month-old Max's gums, and told he to go to the hospital, where a specialist said he needed an 'urgent CT scan'. It was only when the head doctor walked in, an ear, nose and throat specialist, that the true identity of the 'tumor' was revealed. It was a piece of plastic from a fidget toy that had become suctioned and embedded in the infant's mouth. Instead of ordering a CT scan, the doctor used a dental tool to detach the edge of the 'mass', which quickly popped off, resulting in minor bleeding from the gums. Steiner, speaking after the 12-hour ordeal that took place in 2022 but was only revealed online late last month, said: 'We were terrified, and then when we found out it was a fidget toy, we were relieved. 'That was probably the best case scenario after thinking that it was going to be a tumor, or he could have swallowed it or choked on it.' She added: 'I, his dad, and all of the doctors physically touched it... every single person did, it was just suctioned so tightly that it wasn't moving at all.' The mother, 31, had noticed the plastic on her son Max's gums while he was crying during a diaper change, prompting the rushed hospital visit. Over the course of 12 hours, the little boy was seen by five doctors in their local area of Salt Lake City, including two at the hospital, before the plastic was confirmed. A fidget toy is a small object, often rainbow colored, that someone can hold in their hands and play with to improve focus, relax or relieve stress. In Steiner's case, her son had likely been chewing on a pop-it fidget toy, a piece of plastic with bubble-like silicon buttons on it that people press in and out, before at least one of the buttons popped off and became lodged in his gums. Doctors in Australia and the UK have previously warned that these devices should only be used by older children, saying that parts of them can pop off and pose a choking hazard. Social media is full of similar cautionary tales of parents warning others to be aware of small pieces of plastic that can pop off toys, including fidget toys. Steiner added: 'Throughout the day the doctors had mentioned it could be a toy. We were totally open to the idea because I have five children and a nine-month-old wants to put everything in their mouth at that stage. 'We thought something was lodged but there was no place for it to lodge. 'There was nothing inside his gum and we were just skeptical because we were like how would this make sense. A fidget toy was not what we were thinking of at all.' She said her son suffered from bleeding after the plastic was removed and then swelling around the edges of his gums. After revealing the complication on TikTok, users were quick to respond to say they would throw out their fidget toys. One user commented: 'Going to throw ours away right now. I have a ton for our two-year-old grandson. I actually have one that looks almost identical to that one, color and all. 'I thought those were pretty safe since they're silicone and I thought they were all one molded piece. Thank you for sharing your story!' Another wrote: 'It totally makes sense that no one's instinct is that it's a toy or something. 'But it's also a little scary that so many doctors' physical exams completely missed the possibility. I'm glad your baby girl is okay!' A third wrote: 'Girl. How did you not put your hand in there and feel.' Steiner said the toy had been purchased from Amazon, which was approached for comment. Fidget toys are generally not recommended for younger children, but advertisements online for the devices, priced as low as $5, list them as 'for kids' and a 'sensory tool for classrooms'. Australian pediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead raised concerns over the toys in 2023 after hearing about at least two infants that had choked on pieces from the devices. Pop-it fidget toys were all the rage at the height of the Covid pandemic, with parents believing they were giving children a useful non-digital device to keep them entertained during shutdowns. Once seen as elementary school novelties, the devices have also started to pop up in some classrooms with teachers claiming they can help alleviate stress.
