Platelet parameters as biomarker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight neonates in the first two weeks of life.

Background: The pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is attributed to the arrested lung development in premature infants. Studies showed the negative impact of inflammatory markers on the developing lung with higher levels of IL1, 6 and 8. Platelets contribute to the acute phase response of inflammation and are a direct source of IL-1β.

Role of Steroids in Sickle Cell Patients With Acute Chest Syndrome.

Background The role of corticosteroids to treat acute chest syndrome (ACS) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) has always been a matter of debate. In clinical practice, systemic steroids were given for ACS with more severe disease. With the lack of standard treatment guidelines, their use to treat ACS is highly physician-dependent and varies widely across different hospitals.

Reversal of Opioid Intoxication in an Infant With Intrauterine Growth Restriction With a Single Dose of Naloxone.

Perinatal exposure to opioids might result in opioid intoxication in a newborn infant. The routine use of naloxone in an opioid-exposed newborn infant is discouraged due to the risks of precipitating withdrawal and long-term developmental problems associated with naloxone. We describe a case of respiratory and neurological depression in an infant with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) following in utero exposure to an opioid two hours before delivery.

Assessment of Patient Safety Culture in a Pediatric Department.

Background An assessment of the prevalent culture needs to be the first step when building patient safety programs in healthcare organizations to achieve high-quality health care. Objective To conduct a baseline assessment of patient safety culture, to provide insight into the factors that contribute to patient safety, and to use the information to make improvements.  Methods The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (PSC) questionnaire was conducted from October through December 2020 at the Brookdale Hospital Medical Center (BHMC) Pediatric departments (Pediatric Inpatient Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU], Pediatric Intensive Care Unit [PICU], and Pediatric Emergency Department) and four community-based ambulatory pediatric practices (Brookdale Family Care Centers [BFCC]).

A Brief Review of the Pharmacology of Hyperkalemia: Causes and Treatment.

Hyperkalemia is a common problem in both inpatients and outpatients. Many disease states (eg, chronic kidney disease) and medications may precipitate hyperkalemia. There are several drugs now available to treat hyperkalemia.