Improving efficiency of pediatric emergency asthma treatment by using metered dose inhaler.

: Evidence suggests using metered dose inhaler (MDI) to treat acute asthma in the Emergency Department reduces length of stay, though methods of implementation are lacking. We modified a treatment pathway to recommend use of MDI for mild-moderate asthma in a pediatric ED. : A baseline review assessed discharged patients >2 years with an asthma diagnosis and non-emergent Emergency Severity Index triage assessment (3/4).

Prenatal exposure to pesticide ingredient piperonyl butoxide and childhood cough in an urban cohort.

Rationale: Previously we reported that airborne concentrations of cis-permethrin, but not trans-permethrin, measured during pregnancy in an inner city pediatric cohort was associated with cough by age 5. However, the effect of subsequent exposures to both permethrins during early childhood, and to piperonyl butoxide (PBO, a synergist for residential pyrethroid insecticides) remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that prenatal and age 5-6 year measures of PBO and permethrins would be associated with cough at age 5-6 years in this cohort.

The New York City Puerto Rican asthma project: study design, methods, and baseline results.

Objective: We examined asthma risk factors among 274 Puerto Rican children born in New York to atopic mothers.

Methods: We prospectively followed the cohort to measure aeroallergens in their homes and assess allergic sensitization. Baseline data are presented.