Assessment of risk of bias among pediatric randomized controlled trials.

Objective: The goal was to assess the risk of bias among pediatric, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) reported in 8 high-impact journals.

Methods: We searched PubMed for all pediatric RCTs reported between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, in 8 journals with high impact factors. Using Cochrane Collaboration methods for risk assessment, we evaluated all reports for risk of bias according to domain (ie, randomized sequence generation, allocation concealment, masking, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other).

Ethnic differences in parental perceptions and management of childhood fever.

To explore knowledge and management of childhood fever among ethnically diverse parents and identify opportunities for educational intervention, we administered a cross-sectional survey to a convenience sample of 487 parents of children enrolled in 2 urban hospital-based pediatric clinics. Outcomes included parental definition of fever, level of concern, and management of fever. Latino parents were least likely to identify a temperature as nonfebrile from 97-100.

Variability in the evaluation and management of opiate-exposed newborns in Maryland.

During 2003 and 2004 an estimated 2000 pregnant women and 31 000 nonpregnant women aged 15 to 44 reported using heroin. The majority of those newborns exposed in utero to opioids will develop symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Standardized guidelines for the evaluation and management of opiate-exposed newborns are lacking.

Pediatric observation status beds on an inpatient unit: an integrated care model.

Objectives: Describe the usage of observation status (OS) beds on a pediatric inpatient unit and identify diagnoses likely to be successfully discharged compared to those requiring formal inpatient admission.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients (0-18 years) transferred to pediatric OS beds from the emergency department (ED) between April 1, 1997 and April 30, 1999. Outcome measures consisted of time interval between ED triage and arrival to an OS bed, total hours in observation, and need for admission or transfer.