Using social media for patient care, research, and professional development: A North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition position paper.

The advent of social media has changed numerous aspects of modern life, with users developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships, following and sharing breaking news and importantly, searching for and disseminating health information and medical research. In the present paper, we reviewed available literature to outline the potential uses, pitfalls and impacts of social media for providers, scientists and institutions involved in digestive health in the domains of patient care, research and professional development. We recommend that these groups become more active participants on social media platforms to combat misinformation, advocate for patients, and curate and disseminate valuable research and educational materials.

Characteristics of Anorectal Malformations in Children at the United States-Mexico Border: A 3-Year Study.

Background: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are a group of congenital malformations affecting the lower gastrointestinal, urogenital, and/or gynecological systems. They occur in approximately 1 in 5000 live births, with a slight male predominance. ARMs can appear in isolation or in association with other anomalies.

Streptococcus bovis Bacteremia in Neonates in a Predominantly Hispanic Population.

Background: Streptococcus bovis bacteremia has been associated with gastrointestinal diseases, especially colon cancer, neoplastic colon polyps, and other malignancies of the GI tract in adults. Sporadic cases of S. bovis disease have also been reported in neonates and young infants.

Non-Specific Gastric Inflammation in Children is Associated with Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment for More than 6 Weeks.

Background And Aims: Non-specific gastric inflammation (NSGI) is a commonly reported pathological finding. We investigated if it is associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in children at a single tertiary center.

Methods: We performed an IRB-approved chart review of all endoscopy and biopsy reports of patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between July 2009 and July 2010 (n = 310).

Communicating genetic information: a difficult challenge for future pediatricians.

Background: The role of the pediatrician as genetic counselor is ideal because pediatricians have medical knowledge and experience with genetic disorders (e.g. Down syndrome).