Pediatric diseases of the lower airways.
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Absorptiometry, Photon↗
Biomedical subjects
R M Kravitz
Publications and source records attributed to R M Kravitz.
Physician-targeted program on inhaled therapy for childhood asthma.
BACKGROUND: Inhaled medications are the mainstay of asthma therapy, but significant deficiencies exist in the knowledge and skills of physicians regarding use of metered-dose inhalers (MDI) and spacer devices. OBJECTIVE: We developed, implemented, and evaluated the effects of a physician-targeted educational program on inhaled therapy in a group of pediatric residents in our institution. METHODS: Patient-directed instruction sheets on aerosol therapy were developed on the basis of literature review and expert guidelines. These served to establish a consistent foundation for the educational curriculum. The program was delivered through one-on-two teaching sessions (45 minutes). Residents were provided with a summary of theoretical and practical information and with devices for practice (a placebo MDI, InspirEase and AeroChamber holding chambers, and the AeroChamber device with mask). Each session included review of an educational monograph, demonstration of proper technique, and practice with the different devices. The program was evaluated by a randomized-control design. Assessment of practical skills included number of correct steps for the use of MDI (maximum score, 7), InspirEase (maximum, 7) and AeroChamber (maximum, 6). Theoretical knowledge was assessed with 25 multiple-choice questions. RESULTS: Pretest scores in the experimental group (n = 24) were 3.7 of 7, 1.9 of 7, and 0.3 of 6 steps correct for MDI, InspirEase, and AeroChamber devices, respectively, and 13 of 25 for the theoretical knowledge assessment. The control group (n = 26) had similar pretest scores. After the program the experimental group significantly improved in all parameters: 6.3 of 7, 5.9 of 7, and 4.5 of 6 steps correct for MDI, InspirEase, and AeroChamber devices, respectively, and 18 of 25 questions correct (p < 0.01 for all parameters). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a simple educational program among pediatric residents can significantly increase their skills in the use of inhalational therapy.
Administration, Inhalation↗
Bronchiectasis in children.
Bronchiectasis (BR) is a descriptive term for abnormal, irreversibly dilated, and often thick walled bronchi, usually associated with inflammation. Causes are varied but include cystic fibrosis, aspiration, post infectious airway obstruction, immune abnormalities, immotile cilia, posttransplantation states, and congenital bronchial lesions. Although BR is uncommon in children, it causes significant mortality when present. Following a period of presumed decline due to antibiotics and vaccines, BR may increase in prevalence because of AIDS, organ transplantation complications, and changing patterns of childhood immunization. As with adults, high resolution CT (HRCT) is the most useful imaging tool for diagnosis and evaluation of bronchiectasis in children.
Age Factors↗
Congenital malformations of the lung.
Congenital malformations of the lung are a frequent cause of abnormal chest radiographs in neonates and young children as well as a common cause for recurrent pneumonia in older patients. Based on the mode of presentation and clinical findings along with an understanding of lung embryology, one can develop a thorough differential diagnosis that allows for the evaluation of the lesion in question. Appropriate management of the patient can then be undertaken with a minimum of diagnostic studies and without any delay in treatment.
Bronchogenic Cyst↗
Efficacy of aerosolized tobramycin in patients with cystic fibrosis.
BACKGROUND: Direct aerosol delivery of aminoglycosides such as tobramycin to the lower airways of patients with cystic fibrosis may control infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and improve pulmonary function, with low systemic toxicity. We conducted a randomized crossover study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of aerosolized tobramycin in patients with cystic fibrosis and P. aeruginosa infections. METHODS: Seventy-one patients with stable pulmonary status were recruited from seven U.S. centers for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and randomly assigned to one of two crossover regimens. Group 1 received 600 mg of aerosolized tobramycin for 28 days, followed by half-strength physiologic saline (placebo) for two 28-day period. Group 2 received placebo for 28 days, followed by tobramycin for two 28-day periods. Pulmonary function, the density of P. aeruginosa in sputum, ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and the emergence of tobramycin-resistant P. aeruginosa were monitored. RESULTS: In the first 28-day period, treatment with tobramycin was associated with an increase in the percentage of the value predicted for forced expiratory volume in one second (9.7 percentage points higher than the value for placebo; P < 0.001), forced vital capacity (6.2 percentage points higher than the value for placebo; P = 0.014), and forced expiratory flow at the midportion of the vital capacity (13.0 percentage points higher than the value for placebo; P < 0.001). A decrease in the density of P. aeruginosa in sputum by a factor of 100 (P < 0.001) was found during all periods of tobramycin administration. Neither ototoxicity nor nephrotoxicity was detected. The frequency of the emergence of tobramycin-resistant bacteria was similar during both tobramycin and placebo administration. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term aerosol administration of a high dose of tobramycin in patients with clinically stable cystic fibrosis is an efficacious and safe treatment for endobronchial infection with P. aeruginosa.
Adolescent↗
Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting as factitious apnea.
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Adult↗
Gross hematuria following sclerotherapy of esophageal varices in patients with cystic fibrosis.
We report two patients with portal hypertension secondary to cystic fibrosis who developed transient gross hematuria following injection sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. Both patients developed this complication within 6 h of sclerosing sessions during which sodium morrhuate was used. Each cleared her hematuria within 4 days without developing oliguric renal insufficiency. Subsequent sclerotherapy was associated with no untoward effects. These are the only two pediatric patients among 40 whose varices we have sclerosed who have developed gross hematuria at the time of sclerotherapy, and they are our only two patients undergoing sclerotherapy who have had cystic fibrosis. The factors rendering them vulnerable to renal or urinary tract insult in the absence of other systemic complications are unclear. However, the therapeutic endoscopist should be cognizant of this potential adverse reaction when performing sclerotherapy.
Adolescent↗