From the Guidelines
Pediatric medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, with an emphasis on preventive measures, developmental screenings, and age-appropriate treatments. When providing care to pediatric patients, it is crucial to consider their unique physiological and developmental characteristics, as highlighted in the guiding principles for managed care arrangements for the health care of newborns, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults 1.
Key Principles of Pediatric Care
- Access to appropriate primary care pediatricians who can serve as the child's medical home and provide comprehensive preventive, acute, and chronic care services
- Choice of primary care clinicians for children must include pediatricians, ensuring that children receive care from specialists who understand their unique needs
- The primary care medical home should assume the role of the care coordinator, ensuring that all referrals are medically necessary and that children receive coordinated care
Developmental Considerations
Pediatric patients metabolize medications differently than adults due to their developing liver and kidney function, requiring careful dose adjustments and consideration of their weight-based dosing needs. As noted in the principles of managed care for children, children with special health care needs should be defined as those who “have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally” 1.
Preventive Measures
Pediatric care also emphasizes preventive measures, including vaccinations according to recommended schedules, regular developmental screenings, and age-appropriate safety counseling, all of which are essential for promoting healthy growth and development in children. By prioritizing these key principles and considerations, healthcare providers can deliver high-quality, patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of pediatric patients and promotes optimal health outcomes.
From the FDA Drug Label
The efficacy and safety of prednisolone in the pediatric population are based on the well-established course of effect of corticosteroids which is similar in pediatric and adult populations. Published studies provide evidence of efficacy and safety in pediatric patients for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (>2 years of age), and aggressive lymphomas and leukemias (>1 month of age).
Pediatric medicine refers to the use of medications, such as prednisolone, in children. The safety and efficacy of prednisolone in pediatric patients have been established for certain conditions, including:
- Nephrotic syndrome in children over 2 years of age
- Aggressive lymphomas and leukemias in children over 1 month of age However, it is essential to carefully monitor pediatric patients for potential adverse effects, such as decreased growth velocity, and to weigh the benefits of treatment against the potential risks 2.
From the Research
Definition of Pediatric Medicine
Pediatric medicine refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents.
Key Aspects of Pediatric Medicine
- Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common pediatric infections requiring a prescription for an antimicrobial agent 3
- Pain is a prominent and distressing symptom of AOM, and analgesic treatment is regarded as the cornerstone of AOM management in children 4
- Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for AOM, although they have only a modest effect in reducing pain at two to three days 5
- The optimal approach to treatment of AOM requires early, efficacious, and practical therapy, considering factors such as in vitro activity, pharmacokinetics, adverse events, and cost 3
Common Conditions and Treatments in Pediatric Medicine
- AOM is a common acute infection in children, and its treatment may involve antibiotics, analgesics, and surgical interventions 3, 5, 6
- Well-child care is a near-universal service for young children, and its components may include essential screening, tests, procedures, and education 7
- Preventive pediatric care should be provided in family-centered, team-based practices with strong linkages to other providers in the community 7
Research and Evidence in Pediatric Medicine
- Studies have investigated the effectiveness of various treatments for AOM, including antimicrobial agents, systemic corticosteroids, and analgesics 3, 5, 4
- The evidence for the effect of systemic corticosteroids on AOM is of low to very low quality, and large, high-quality studies are required to resolve the question 5
- Further research is needed to provide insights into the role of ibuprofen as adjunct to paracetamol, and other analgesics such as anaesthetic eardrops, for children with AOM 4