The most surprising finding of this investigation was that most neonates with respiratory symptoms were not classifiable by standard diagnostic criteria for textbook pulmonary disorders, even applying the broadest definitions. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to classify acute respiratory disorders in the newborn in three decades in North America. Interestingly, similar to [...]
During the one year enrollment period, there were 2805 live-born infants weighing at least 500 grams born without major anomalies in our hospital. We excluded 19 live-born infants from the study because of birth weights below 500 grams (15 infants) or congenital anomalies (four infants). Three were excluded for incomplete data. Of the study population, [...]
We prospectively studied all infants born at Cook County Hospital, a tertiary perinatal center serving a low-income population, over a 12-month period. About 50-60 % of deliveries had significant perinatal risk factors such as preterm labor, preeclampsia or other significant medical or social problems (E. Swift, MD, personal communication). The birth population was 58% African [...]
Experience suggests that many newborn infants with acute respiratory disorders do not fit classic diagnostic patterns. There also is considerable variation among authors about which particular diagnostic criteria should be relied upon to define common disorders, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), also known as hyaline membrane disease (HMD). In 1962, Miller classified patients having [...]
This pattern of missed opportunities has contributed to continued under-utilization of vaccinations among adults despite initiatives to improve vaccination levels. In 1990, the National Coalition for Adult Immunization issued the Standards for Adult Immunization, endorsed by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, the CDC, the NMA, and other agencies. Beginning in 1994, national and state-based [...]
Several reasons have been given to explain under-utilization of vaccines among adults. First, some members of the public and health care providers do not perceive adult vaccine-preventable diseases as a significant public health problems. Second, there are unnecessary fears among patients and providers concerning adverse events following vaccination. Third, unlike childhood immunization, adult immunization indications [...]
Influenza Vaccine
The Influenza vaccine has reduced death, hospitalization, and clinical illness in years when vaccine and epidemic strains are similar. Influenza vaccine is up to 90 percent effective in preventing illness in young, healthy adults. Among institutionalized, high-risk older persons, those vaccinated experience a 30 percent to 40 percent reduction in incidence of illness; a [...]
