The influence of pleurodesis on the outcome of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children.

Background: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) has a high rate of recurrence, and pleurodesis has been shown to decrease the rate of recurrence in adult PSP. For pediatric PSP patients, there are only a few case series available and evidence on the benefits of pleurodesis is insufficient. This study aimed to analyze the outcome of pleurodesis among pediatric PSP patients via a nationwide population-based cohort in Taiwan.

Flexible bronchoscopic findings and the relationship to repeated extubation failure in critical children.

Background: Extubation failure (EF) in acute pediatric cases causes high morbidity and prolonged hospitalization, some of which might encounter EF repeatedly. This study aims to investigate flexible bronchoscopic findings of airway problems associated with repeated EF (REF) in children.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of intubated children from 2005 to 2013 and enrolled those with EF (reintubated within 48 h after extubation) and receiving flexible bronchoscopy (FB) examinations.

The analgesic effect of non-pharmacological interventions to reduce procedural pain in preterm neonates.

Background: Painful procedures are unavoidable in the medical care of preterm babies. The unpleasant experience during the neonatal period may contribute to hyperalgesia and poor neurodevelopment outcome later. Seeking effective interventions to reduce pain are strongly indicated for these very small premature babies.

Role of Pediatricians in the Ambulatory Care of Children in Taiwan, 1999-2011.

Background: Pediatricians are physicians trained to provide comprehensive nonsurgical health care for children, but parents may consult other specialists when seeking medical help for their children. This study was designed to analyze the role of pediatricians and the changes in the patterns of ambulatory visits among different specialties for children under the age of 18 years in Taiwan during the past 13 years.

Methods: Data on ambulatory visits of children aged 0-17 years from 1999 to 2011 were retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database.