RAM YOGEV, MD

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Researchers studied live-attenuated vaccines to protect infants and young children from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). They found that promising vaccine regimens were 67% effective in preventing RSV-related medical visits and 88% effective in preventing more severe lower respiratory illnesses. These results highlight the importance of developing effective vaccines to significantly reduce hospitalizations and health issues related to RSV. Who this helps: This benefits young children at risk for RSV infections and their families.

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This study looked at hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among U.S. preterm infants born between 29 and 35 weeks without receiving preventive treatment during two RSV seasons (2014-2016). They found that out of 1,378 infants hospitalized, 45% needed to go to the intensive care unit, and 19% required assistance with breathing through machines. This matters because it highlights the serious risks these infants face from RSV, especially those under six months old, who made up the majority of severe cases. Who this helps: This information is vital for doctors and healthcare providers caring for preterm infants.

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This study focused on how milrinone, a medication used to help treat heart issues in sick children, behaves in the bodies of infants, children, and adolescents, especially those with kidney problems. Researchers found that typical dosing is effective, but for patients with severe kidney issues (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min), smaller doses are needed to avoid toxicity. These findings are important because they help ensure that young patients receive the right amount of milrinone, which can improve their chances of recovery without causing harm. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical staff caring for critically ill infants, children, and adolescents.

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This study focused on how trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), a medication for infections, works in infants and children. Researchers found that dosing TMP-SMX at 8/40 mg per kilogram of body weight daily closely matches the level needed for effectiveness in adults using higher doses; this dosing was effective against bacteria in over 90% of infants and children. These findings are important because they help doctors determine proper dosages for treating infections in younger patients safely and effectively. Who this helps: This helps pediatricians and healthcare providers treating infections in infants and children.

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This study looked at using dried blood spots (DBS) to measure ampicillin levels in newborns, comparing these results to traditional plasma samples. Researchers analyzed 29 paired samples from 18 newborns and found that DBS provided a strong correlation with plasma measurements (r = 0.902). This is important because it shows that DBS is an effective and practical method for monitoring medication levels in newborns, which can help ensure they receive the right dose of ampicillin. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers caring for newborns, especially those needing ampicillin treatment.

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The study explored a computer program called RALIS that analyzes vital signs in premature infants to quickly detect late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Out of 155 infants, the program accurately identified infections an average of 43 hours before traditional tests, with an impressive sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 80%. This is important because it can help doctors start treatment sooner and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, especially in vulnerable newborns. Who this helps: This benefits premature infants and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how amiodarone, a medication used to treat serious heart rhythm problems in infants, behaves in their bodies. Researchers analyzed data from 45 infants and created a model showing that the drug's clearance rate is about 0.25 liters per kilogram per hour, with a distribution volume of 93 liters per kilogram and a half-life of 266 hours. Understanding how amiodarone works in infants is important because it can lead to better dosing and treatment plans, improving health outcomes for these young patients. Who this helps: Infants with heart rhythm issues and their doctors.

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This study looked at the effects of childhood vaccinations not only on the children receiving the vaccines but also on the wider community. It found that when vaccination rates are high, disease rates drop significantly, even among those who can't be vaccinated, like very young children and certain adults. This is important because it highlights the need for high vaccination rates to ensure everyone in the community stays safe from preventable diseases. Who this helps: This helps families, children, and public health officials.

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This study looked at how ketamine behaves in the bodies of children when given either through a vein (intravenously) or into a muscle (intramuscularly). Researchers found that intramuscular ketamine has a bioavailability of 41%, meaning that's the amount effectively used by the body. They determined that doses of 2 mg/kg for intravenous use and between 6 to 8 mg/kg for intramuscular use can provide enough sedation for short procedures lasting up to 20 minutes. Who this helps: This benefits children undergoing medical procedures and their doctors.

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This study tested a new candidate vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children aged 6 to 24 months. The vaccine was given as a single nasal dose and was found to be effective, with 90% of vaccinated children developing a strong immune response and 95% shedding the vaccine virus without serious illness. This is important because it shows that the vaccine can trigger a protective immune response against RSV, which can cause severe respiratory infections in young children. Who this helps: This helps infants and toddlers, particularly those at risk for severe RSV infections.

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Researchers studied a new RSV vaccine called RSVcps2 in children aged 6 to 24 months who had never been exposed to RSV before. They found that 85% of the vaccinated children got infected with the vaccine version of the virus, with 59% showing a strong immune response afterward. The vaccine was well tolerated, and importantly, it did not revert to a stronger form that could cause illness. Who this helps: This benefits young children at risk for severe RSV illness, as well as their parents and pediatric healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well the medications darunavir/ritonavir and etravirine work together when given twice a day to adolescents and young adults with HIV. Researchers found that the levels of these drugs in the blood were similar to what has been seen in adults, indicating that this treatment can be effective for younger patients as well. This matters because it helps ensure that young people living with HIV have access to effective treatment options. Who this helps: This helps adolescents and young adults living with HIV.

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This study looked at how specific markers in the cord blood of preterm infants can help diagnose early onset sepsis (EOS), a serious infection that can occur soon after birth. Researchers found that three markers—C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (Hp)—were significantly higher in infants with confirmed sepsis compared to those without, showing an accuracy of 99%, 96%, and 95% respectively in predicting the infection. This is important because better detection of EOS can help doctors provide timely treatment and reduce complications for vulnerable preterm infants. Who this helps: This benefits preterm infants and their healthcare providers by improving diagnosis and treatment options.

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This study looked at how the antibiotic dalbavancin works in children aged 3 months to 11 years who are in the hospital. Researchers found that specific doses—like 15 mg per kg for younger children and 12 mg per kg for older kids—could provide similar effects to those seen in adults when given in two doses. The study confirmed that dalbavancin was generally safe, with only a few minor side effects reported. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients who need treatment for serious bacterial infections.

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This study looked at the brains of young people who were born with HIV (called perinatally-acquired HIV) and found they had less grey matter compared to healthy peers. Specifically, their brain volumes were 2.8% to 5.1% smaller, especially among those with higher past HIV levels or ongoing viral activity. This is important because smaller brain volume is linked to poorer thinking skills and suggests that HIV can harm brain development even with treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits young people living with HIV and the doctors who treat them.

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This study examined how the antibiotic clindamycin behaves in the bodies of both obese and nonobese children. Researchers analyzed data from 220 kids, including 76 who were obese, and found that total body weight is the best way to determine the right dosage of clindamycin. The results showed that using body weight for dosing works for all children, so doctors can confidently adjust doses based on weight without worrying about a child's obesity status. Who this helps: This benefits doctors prescribing antibiotics to children and ensures all pediatric patients receive the correct dosage.

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This study looked at the lung health of young people infected with HIV since birth, comparing them to peers who were exposed to HIV but not infected. Among 370 participants, 34% of HIV-infected youth had asthma compared to 25% of those uninfected, but HIV-infected individuals were less likely to improve after using asthma medication. This is concerning because it may indicate that they are at risk for more serious lung issues later in life, similar to chronic lung disease. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and HIV-infected patients by highlighting the need for better lung health monitoring and treatment.

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This study looked at how well a medication called palivizumab protects high-risk infants and children from severe lung infections caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Researchers found that palivizumab reduced the risk of needing hospitalization for these infections by 58%, and it prevented 62% of ICU admissions. This is important because it shows that palivizumab is effective in keeping vulnerable young children safe from serious respiratory illnesses. Who this helps: This helps high-risk infants and children, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study evaluated a new test called the BD Max extended enteric bacterial panel (xEBP) to detect specific harmful bacteria in stool samples from patients. It involved over 2,400 samples and showed that the xEBP test accurately identified these bacteria with high reliability: 97.6% of the time for one type of bacteria called ETEC, and 100% for others like Vibrio. This matters because high accuracy in detecting these pathogens can lead to quicker diagnoses and better treatments for patients suffering from gastrointestinal issues. Who this helps: Patients experiencing gastrointestinal infections.

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This study looked at how well a chickenpox vaccine works in children infected with HIV from birth and those who were exposed but not infected. Researchers found that 82% of the HIV-infected children and 97% of the uninfected ones had protective antibodies against chickenpox. Interestingly, those who received two vaccine doses had over 94% success at protecting against the virus, especially when they started treatment for HIV before getting vaccinated. Who this helps: This research benefits children with HIV and their healthcare providers by showing the importance of timely vaccinations and treatment.

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This study looked at a computer program called RALIS that analyzes vital signs to spot infections in very premature infants earlier than doctors might notice. Researchers reviewed data from 73 babies and found that RALIS alerted to late infections about 59 hours before doctors suspected a problem, identifying 34 confirmed infections. These findings are important because they show that this technology can help catch infections sooner, potentially improving treatment outcomes for vulnerable infants. Who this helps: This helps premature infants and their healthcare providers.

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The study looked at 234 children and young people in the US who were born with HIV. It found that 75% of them had resistance to antiretroviral medications, which is much higher than the typical rate of 36% to 44% found in other patients. This is important because it means that these young individuals may not respond well to standard HIV treatments, especially if they have high viral loads. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors working with young HIV patients and the patients themselves, as it highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches.

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This study looked at how the drug rilpivirine (RPV) is processed in the bodies of adolescents and young adults when taken alone or alongside another drug called darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r). The researchers found that when RPV was taken without DRV/r, its levels in the blood were similar to those seen in adults; however, when mixed with DRV/r, RPV levels increased by 2 to 3 times, which raises the possibility of more side effects. This is significant because understanding how these drugs interact can help improve treatment safety and effectiveness for young people living with HIV. Who this helps: Patients living with HIV, especially adolescents and young adults.

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This study looked at how different combinations of the HIV medications darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) and etravirine (ETR) affect drug levels in children, teenagers, and young adults with HIV. They found that the levels of DRV in the blood were 57.9 mg × h/L when taken alone and between 66.4 and 74.9 mg × h/L when taken with ETR, but this increase was not significant. The findings indicate that using DRV/r once a day with ETR could work well for young patients and should be tested further for safety and effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV, especially children and young adults.

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This study looked at how well a medication called atazanavir works in children, teens, and young adults with HIV who have already tried other treatments. The researchers found that a daily dose of 400 mg didn't provide enough effective medication for these patients. They suggest that using a higher dose or splitting it into two doses a day may be better for people who have had previous treatment failures. Who this helps: This helps young patients with HIV who have struggled with previous treatments.

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Researchers studied how changes in certain brain structures relate to the past severity of HIV in young people who were born with the virus. They found that those who had higher levels of HIV in their blood and lower immune function tended to have deformed areas in the brain, particularly in parts involved with movement and thinking, which accounted for worse cognitive abilities. This matters because understanding these brain changes can help doctors identify which patients may need interventions to support their cognitive development and overall health. Who this helps: This assists youth with perinatally acquired HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how substance use among pregnant women with HIV in the United States changed from 1990 to 2012. It found that the number of these women using substances dropped dramatically from 82% in 1990 to just 23% in 2012. The decrease in substance use likely relates to better access to HIV treatment. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women with HIV, their babies, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how early treatment to suppress HIV virus levels affects the brain development of children who were born with the virus. Researchers found that children who were treated by age 4 or 5 scored higher on intelligence tests compared to those who weren't treated early, with the average scores being about 4.4 points higher for performance IQ at age 4 and 3.9 points higher at age 5. This is important because early viral suppression can lead to better cognitive functioning, which is crucial for learning and development. Who this helps: This benefits HIV-infected children and their families.

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This study examined whether certain HIV medications, called antiretrovirals (ARVs), could be found in the first stool of babies (meconium) based on when their mothers took the drugs during pregnancy. Researchers tested 598 samples and found that 85.7% to 94.4% of the time, ARVs were present when mothers used these medications in the third trimester; however, drugs like stavudine were not detected at all due to low dosages. The findings highlight that testing meconium can help understand drug exposure during the later stages of pregnancy and improve drug testing processes for newborns. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating pregnant women with HIV and their newborns.

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This study looked at a method to measure two antibiotics, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, in dried samples of blood and urine. The researchers found that their method could accurately measure trimethoprim levels from 100 to 50,000 ng/ml in dried blood spots and from 500 to 250,000 ng/ml in dried urine spots, while sulfamethoxazole levels ranged from 1,000 to 500,000 ng/ml in both types of dried samples. This is important because it provides a reliable way to check for these antibiotics in patients using non-liquid samples, making it easier to monitor treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors manage antibiotic treatments more effectively.

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This study looked at the impact of a medication called tenofovir on the bone mineral content of newborns whose mothers took it during pregnancy. They found that babies exposed to tenofovir had 12% lower bone mineral content compared to those who were not exposed (56.0 grams vs. 63.8 grams), with a significant difference of 5.3 grams even after adjustments. This matters because lower bone mineral content could affect the health and development of these infants. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and mothers with HIV, as it underscores the need for careful consideration of medication use during pregnancy.

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This study looked at the brains of young people with HIV who were infected at birth, focusing on how the severity of their disease affects brain structure and cognitive abilities. Researchers found that severe past HIV disease was linked to changes in brain connectivity, which included a 22% decrease in a measure called fractional anisotropy, indicating less healthy white matter. These changes were also connected to poorer working memory, meaning that as HIV severity increased, cognitive difficulties worsened. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and caregivers of youth with perinatally acquired HIV.

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This study looked at how well the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) works in school-age children, especially those aged 5 and older. The review found that LAIV is effective at preventing influenza in these children, although most data comes from younger kids aged 2-6. This matters because influenza can be serious in children, and knowing that this vaccine helps could improve vaccination rates among school-aged children. Who this helps: This benefits school-age children and their parents by providing them with an effective flu vaccine option.

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This study looked at how HIV affects brain function and cognitive skills in young people who were born with the virus. Researchers found that among 31 adolescents studied, changes in brain connectivity were linked to the severity of their HIV infection, specifically how high their virus levels were. These changes in brain activity may be related to slower thinking and processing speeds, which is important because it helps us understand the brain's response to HIV and might guide future treatments. Who this helps: This study helps youth with HIV and their healthcare providers by highlighting the brain-related challenges they may face.

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This study looked at the accuracy of rapid HIV tests in children and adolescents who have been effectively treated for HIV and have undetectable virus levels. Among 403 test results from 27 patients, 43 tests (10.7%) came back as false negatives, meaning the tests incorrectly showed no HIV infection. This matters because such false results could lead to delays in treatment or support for these young patients. Who this helps: This research helps healthcare providers and improves care for children and adolescents living with HIV.

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This study looked at how HIV affects the brain development of children who were born with the virus and the role of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in improving their cognitive abilities. It found that while early treatment with cART is beneficial, many children diagnosed with HIV later still face various levels of brain impairment, partly due to ongoing issues like viral replication and past brain damage. Understanding these challenges is essential because more HIV-infected children are surviving into adulthood, and it's important to support their brain health as they grow. Who this helps: This research aids doctors and health care providers working with HIV-infected children.

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This research focused on how to better dose the antibiotic clindamycin for children, particularly premature infants to adolescents, who often get skin infections. By analyzing data from 125 children, the study found that the right dose of clindamycin can be determined based on a child's weight and age, ensuring they receive an effective treatment that matches what works for adults. Specifically, the dosing calculations should consider that a child's metabolism of the drug matures to adult levels around 44 weeks of postmenstrual age. Who this helps: This helps doctors treat children with skin infections more accurately.

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This study focused on a new test called the Alere™ i Influenza A&B for quickly detecting influenza infections in both children and adults. The researchers found that this test was very effective, with a sensitivity (ability to correctly identify those with the disease) of 99.3% for influenza A and 97.6% for influenza B, meaning it rarely missed an infection. The test also provides results within just 15 minutes, making it a valuable tool for doctors to manage patients effectively and start treatment sooner. Who this helps: This helps patients with flu symptoms and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how the amount of a medication called palivizumab affects the seriousness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness in high-risk infants. Researchers found that infants who had lower levels of palivizumab in their blood were more likely to be admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)—with an average level of 47.2 micrograms/mL in those admitted compared to 98.7 micrograms/mL in those not admitted. Higher levels of palivizumab were linked to less severe illness, showing that keeping up with monthly doses can offer better protection. Who this helps: This helps high-risk infants and their caregivers.

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Researchers studied a new RSV vaccine called MEDI-559 in healthy children aged 5 to 24 months who had never been infected with the virus. They found that about 59% of those who received the vaccine developed an immune response, while only 9% of children who got a placebo showed any response. While most side effects from the vaccine were mild, there was a higher rate of lower respiratory illnesses in the vaccine group, which means more safety studies are needed. Who this helps: This helps young children at risk for RSV infections and their families.

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This study looked at 14 children with blastomycosis, a fungal infection. The results showed that 86% had lung disease, and 46% had the infection spread to other parts of the body. All the tested children had the infection detected in their urine, and those treated with a specific medicine experienced high rates of kidney injury; delays in diagnosis were linked to higher death rates. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand the risks and treatment of blastomycosis in children.

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This research looked at how to improve early testing for HIV in infants born to HIV-positive mothers, focusing on the challenges that exist after delivery. The study found that while testing at 2 months has led to fewer infections, many infants still aren’t receiving necessary care. For instance, a significant number of HIV-exposed infants remain unidentified, highlighting the need for better access to testing and ongoing care to ensure all infants are protected. Who this helps: This benefits infants born to HIV-positive mothers, as well as healthcare providers working to prevent HIV transmission.