Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the treatment of neonates with neutropenia and sepsis.

To evaluate the efficacy of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in improving neutrophil counts and survival of neutropenic septic neonates, the authors studied 8 neonates with gestational or postconceptional age at least 30 weeks; weight at least 1000 g; serious infection with concomitant neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] < 3.0 x 10(9)/L) or leukopenia (white blood cell count < 5.0 x 10(9)/L) and anticipated survival at least 48 h.

Outpatient therapy with ceftriaxone and oral cefixime for selected febrile children with sickle cell disease.

Purpose: Children with sickle cell disease are at increased risk for bacterial sepsis and, when febrile, are usually hospitalized for intravenous antibiotic therapy pending results of blood cultures. In this study, we prospectively identified a group of febrile patients with sickle cell disease who were at low risk for sepsis and treated them with outpatient therapy.

Patients And Methods: Children identified as low risk for sepsis were treated with an initial dose of intravenous ceftriaxone, followed by outpatient therapy with oral cefixime, and were monitored for 14 days after the initial visit.

Preparing couples for home birth. Practical suggestions.

Parents planning a home birth need specific information beyond that which typically is covered in childbirth preparation classes geared for hospital couples. Topics that specifically need to be included in preparation for home birth include the meaning of shared responsibility for the birth at home, informed disclosure of personal and professional data, motivating factors and barriers to a successful birth, coping strategies, preparation of the home environment, contingency plans for referral or emergency transport, and preparation for self-care following the birth.