Pediatric folk beliefs of inner-city black Chicagoans.

Objectives: To estimate the familiarity of black inner-city Chicagoans with pediatric folk beliefs identified by key informants.

Study Design: Five black staff members at an inner-city clinic identified 10 African American folk beliefs regarding pediatric care. A survey of 606 African American patients in Chicago assessed familiarity with these beliefs, and with medical recommendations regarding immunization and sleep position.

Pancreatitis in pregnancy.

Objective: To estimate the incidence, cause, and complications of pancreatitis in pregnancy and to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Methods: This study was a chart review of all pregnant patients diagnosed with pancreatitis from 1992-2001 at 15 participating hospitals. Information was collected on presentation, management, and outcome, along with the number of deliveries at each hospital.

Practical considerations of using topical honey for neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers: a review.

Context: It is increasingly important to identify and use low-cost effective dressings for treating diabetic foot ulcers as medical costs and rates of diabetes continue to rise. Honey is an inexpensive moist dressing with antibacterial and tissue-healing properties that has shown promise in the medical literature. Many clinicians are unfamiliar with its use, but patients with diabetic foot ulcers may wish to try honey therapy or discuss it with their physicians.