The influence of COVID-19 on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis and treatment rates across age, gender, and socioeconomic status: A 20-year national cohort study.

Infection and lockdowns resulting from COVID-19 have been suggested to increase the prevalence and treatment rates of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To accurately estimate the pandemic's effects, pre-pandemic data can be used to estimate diagnosis and treatment rates during the COVID-19 years as if the COVID-19 pandemic did not occur. However, accurate predictions require a broad dataset, both in terms of the number of cases and the pre-pandemic timeframe. In the current study, we modeled monthly ADHD diagnosis and treatment rates over the 18 years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. The dataset included ∼3 million cases for individuals aged 6 to 18 from the Clalit Health Services' electronic database. Using a trained model, we projected monthly rates for post-lockdown and post-infection periods, enabling us to estimate the expected diagnosis and treatment rates without the COVID-19 pandemic. We then compared these predictions to observed data, stratified by age groups, gender, and socioeconomic status. Our findings suggest no influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on ADHD diagnosis or treatment rates. We show that a narrower timeframe for pre-COVID-19 data points can lead to incorrect conclusions that COVID-19 affected ADHD diagnosis rates. Findings are discussed, given the assumed impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ADHD.

Antibiotic Stewardship for Community-Acquired Pediatric Pharyngitis: A Pre-Post Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the predominant bacterial pathogen of pharyngitis, is sometimes difficult to distinguish clinically from viral pharyngitis. Despite the high prevalence of viral pharyngitis in children, antibiotic treatment is common. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) on antibiotic prescription in children with GAS pharyngitis (GAS-P) at a large pediatric community clinic. METHODS: Antibiotic prescription data were collected from October 2016 to March 2017 (pre-intervention period) and from October 2017 to March 2018 (post-intervention period). The intervention was a one-day seminar for primary care pediatricians on the diagnosis and treatment of GAS-P in children according to national guidelines. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of testing differed between the two time periods. There was a decrease in children who did not undergo any testing (from 68% to 63%), an increase in streptococcal rapid antigen detection testing (28% to 32%), and a slight increase in throat cultures (3% to 4%) (P = 0.02). There was no change in the types of antibiotics prescribed before and after the intervention (P = 0.152). CONCLUSIONS: The ASP resulted in a slight reduction in the percentage of children who did not undergo laboratory testing for GAS-P and a slight reduction in the percentage of children who received antibiotic treatment. The ASP did not reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and macrolides.

Personal hygiene, environmental conditions, and toilet use of children in primary schools: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Many primary school children withhold urine and stool whilst at school for various reasons. Limited toilet access and the failure to provide safe, sanitary toilets are putting children at risk for toilet avoidance behavior. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine personal hygiene, environmental conditions, the perception of these on children, and their toilet use in primary schools. STUDY DESIGN: Children aged 6-12 and their parents were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire regarding toilet behavior and the perception of school toilet standards. RESULTS: The main findings are listed below using the data from the questionnaire. DISCUSSION: We found that 9% and 63% of the children avoided urination and defecating at school, respectively. Similar results were reported previously. The participants' perceptions regarding the environmental conditions of school toilets and conditions revealed that 34% of the children felt that the toilets were dirty or very dirty. Around one-third of them reported a lack of toilet paper sometimes or most of the time. These unsatisfying hygienic conditions of school toilets can be easily solved. Unfortunately, 46% of the children in our study experienced bullying in school toilets. These worrisome data are seldom reported in other studies. The urination habits of the girls, who mostly preferred to partially squat or stand may lead to dysfunctional voiding and incomplete bladder emptying. Our study was limited by the relatively small population, the subjectiveness of the self-reporting questionnaire, and the voiding and defecation habits of the investigated children during school hours. These hours do not necessarily reflect the children's habits after school hours and during the weekends. Despite these limitations, the discussed issues regarding personal hygiene and the environmental conditions in the sampled primary schools are extremely important. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the school children had negative perceptions of school toilets. This should raise awareness and concern for school staff to consider and investigate potential facilities improvement in light of the impact observed here. Implementation of appropriate education and a better environment of toilet facilities and security is important for the children's well-being.

COVID-19 vaccine compliance in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the rate of the administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations between adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and non-ADHD subjects. METHOD: A retrospective chart review was performed on all adolescents aged 12-17 years registered at a central district in Israel from January 1st 2021 to October 31st 2021. RESULTS: Of the 46,544 subjects included in the study, 8241 (17.7%) were diagnosed with ADHD. Of them, 3% were PCR-COVID-19 positive. Among the patients with ADHD, the older adolescents were more likely to be vaccinated: 48.8% of those aged 12-15 years were vaccinated versus 59.6% of patients aged 16-17 years. The ultra-orthodox Jewish and Arab adolescents in the ADHD group were far less likely to be vaccinated (22.9% and 34.6%, respectively), compared to the adolescents with ADHD in the general population (60.5%). Girls were also somewhat more likely to be vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents diagnosed with ADHD had a higher COVID-19 vaccination rate compared to their non-ADHD counterparts. The vaccine uptake was lower amongst Arab and ultra-orthodox Jewish populations.

Variables Associated With COVID-19 Vaccination Among Israeli Adolescents and the Need for Targeted Interventions.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to elucidate variables associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine compliance in adolescents and devise targeted interventions. Our secondary aim was to compare the rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, hospitalizations and deaths between vaccinated and unvaccinated adolescents. METHODS: A retrospective review of electronic medical records was performed on all adolescents 12-17 years of age registered at Clalit Health District in Israel during January 1, 2021, to November 18, 2021, with characterization by vaccination status against COVID-19. Univariate and multivariable analyses were employed to identify predictors of vaccination. RESULTS: Of the 43,919 subjects included in the study, 28,207 (64.2%) were vaccinated. Non-ultraorthodox Jewish adolescents had a higher vaccination rate than the minorities Arabs or ultraorthodox Jews (72.5%, 66.2% and 40.5%, respectively, P < 0.001). Adolescents of high socioeconomic status had nearly 2-fold higher vaccination rates than those of low socioeconomic status (80.4% vs 42.3%; P < 0.0001). Adolescents 16-17 years old had a higher rate of COVID-19 vaccination than those 12-15 years old (72.5% vs 60.6%, P < 0.001), as were girls versus boys (64.7% vs 63.8%, P = 0.047). Multivariate analysis identified 3 independent variables that were significantly ( P < 0.001) associated with low vaccination: ultraorthodox sector, Arab population, and underlying obesity (hazard rations 0.42, 0.72 and 0.84, respectively). Vaccination was significantly associated with reduced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, hospitalization and death ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study highlights several pediatric populations with low COVID-19 vaccine compliance. Targeted interventions aimed at these populations are suggested with consideration of their special cultural, social and societal characteristics.

Acceptance Rates of COVID-19 Vaccine Highlight the Need for Targeted Public Health Interventions.

We aimed to examine rates of COVID-19 vaccination to elucidate the need for targeted public health interventions. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical files of all adults registered in a central district in Israel from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2022. The population was characterized by vaccination status against COVID-19 and the number of doses received. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of low vaccination rates that required targeted interventions. Of the 246,543 subjects included in the study, 207,911 (84.3%) were vaccinated. The minority groups of ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arabs had lower vaccination rates than the non-ultra-Orthodox Jews (68.7%, 80.5% and 87.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). Adults of low socioeconomic status (SES) had lower vaccination rates compared to those of high SES (74.4% vs. 90.8%, p < 0.001). Adults aged 20−59 years had a lower vaccination rate than those ≥60 years (80.0% vs. 92.1%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified five independent variables that were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with low vaccination rates: minority groups of the ultra-Orthodox sector and Arab population, and underlying conditions of asthma, smoking and diabetes mellitus (odds ratios: 0.484, 0.453, 0.843, 0.901 and 0.929, respectively). Specific targeted public health interventions towards these subpopulations with significantly lower rates of vaccination are suggested.

Pediatric Antibiotic Stewardship for Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Pre-Post Intervention Study.

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) on antibiotic prescription in children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Antibiotic purchasing data were collected for children aged 3 months to 18 years diagnosed with CAP from November 2016 to April 2017 (pre-intervention period) and from November 2017 to April 2018 (post-intervention period). The intervention was a 1-day seminar for primary care pediatricians on the diagnosis and treatment of CAP in children according to national guidelines. There was a substantial decrease in the use of azithromycin after the intervention. In younger children, there was a 42% decrease, alongside an increased use of amoxicillin (P < .001). In older children, there was a smaller, non-statistically significant decrease in the use of azithromycin (P = .45). Our data demonstrate that the implementation of an ASP was associated with a reduction in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and macrolides and increased guideline adherence for the safe treatment of CAP.

Trends in Pediatric Ambulatory Practice during COVID-19 Lockdown.

BACKGROUND: On 18 March 2020, the Israeli Health Ministry issued lockdown orders to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVES: To assess the association of lockdown orders on telemedicine practice and the effect of social distancing on infectious diseases in a primary care community pediatric clinic as well as the rate of referrals to emergency departments (ED) and trends of hospitalization. METHODS: Investigators performed a retrospective secondary data analysis that screened for visits in a large pediatric center from 1 January to 31 May 2020. Total visits were compared from January to December 2020 during the same period in 2019. Visits were coded during the first lockdown as being via telemedicine or in-person, and whether they resulted in ED referral or hospitalization. Month-to-month comparisons were performed as well as percent change from the previous year. RESULTS: There was a sharp decline of in-person visits (24%) and an increase in telemedicine consultations (76%) during the first lockdown (p < 0.001). When the lockdown restrictions were eased, there was a rebound of 50% in-person visits (p < 0.05). There was a profound decrease of visits for common infectious diseases during the lockdown period. Substantial decreases were noted for overall visits, ED referrals, and hospitalizations in 2020 compared to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 had a major impact on primary care clinics, resulting in fewer patient-doctor encounters, fewer overall visits, fewer ED referrals, and fewer hospitalizations.

How to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among children? determinants associated with vaccine compliance.

Objective: Three aims: to elucidate determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake in children and the association with parental vaccination; to compare rates of PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 results between vaccinated and unvaccinated children; to estimate the rate of parental COVID-19 vaccination and its association with the vaccination rate of their children. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all children aged 5-11 years registered at a central district in Israel from November 21st, 2021 to April 30th, 2022, and characterized COVID-19 vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals. Data retrieved from the electronic medical files included: demographics [age, gender, sector, socioeconomic status (SES)]; COVID-19 vaccination (first and second doses) and influenza vaccination status; co-morbidities; and parental vaccinations for COVID-19. We divided the population into three distinct demographic groups: non-ultra-orthodox Jews (43,889 children), ultra-orthodox Jews (13,858 children), and Arabs (4,029 children). Results: Of the 61,776 children included in the study, 20,355 (32.9%) received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination rates were similar amongst males and females and were higher in children aged 9-11 years compared to children aged 5-6 years. Multivariate analysis identified five independent determinants that were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with low vaccination rates: Arab and ultra-orthodox sectors (odds ratios: 0.235 and 0.617, respectively); children aged 5-8 years; children of low SES; and children who had not received previous seasonal influenza vaccination. Relatively high vaccination rates were noted amongst children with the following medical co-morbidities: treatment with biological agents (42.9%); solid tumor transplantation (42.9%); type 1 diabetes mellitus (38.5%), asthma (38.2%), and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (37.6%). Regarding the uptake of two vaccine doses among children with co-morbidities, it was highest in those with type 1 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, treatment with biological agents, asthma and obesity. Conclusion: This study highlights several pediatric sub-populations with low and high vaccine uptake. It is essential to focus on determinants associated with low vaccination rates.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder as a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Infection.

OBJECTIVE: To postulate that ADHD is a potential risk factor for COVID-19 infection; to evaluate the COVID-19 risk factor on drug-treated ADHD subjects. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on ADHD subjects aged 6 to 18 years in Israel, who had undergone at least one COVID-19 test during the study period. RESULTS: Of the 64,409 subjects included in the study, 6,207 (9.64%) had at least one positive COVID-19 test result, 13,300 (20.65%) were diagnosed with ADHD, and of whom 1,751 (13%) had purchased at least two ADHD medications 3 months prior to COVID-19 testing and were defined as being medically treated. Medically-treated ADHD subjects had a significantly lower likelihood to be infected with COVID-19 than untreated subjects. CONCLUSION: Untreated ADHD patients seem to constitute a risk group for COVID-19 infection. Drug treatment ameliorates risk of spreading COVID-19 infection within the pediatric population and secondary spread in the general population.

High rates of serology testing for coeliac disease, and low rates of endoscopy in serologically positive children and adults in Israel: lessons from a large real-world database.

BACKGROUND: Although coeliac disease is common worldwide, little is known regarding screening patterns in unselected populations, and on real-life adherence to professional guidelines for coeliac disease diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE: To explore current practices in the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease, using data from a large Health Maintenance Organization in Israel that covers 54% of the population. METHODS: A population-based electronic database of about 4.5 million individuals was reviewed during the period of 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2015. Rates and results of coeliac disease serology testing and endoscopy procedures were examined. Subgroup analysis was performed by age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Coeliac disease serology cumulative testing rate was 17.1% and 8.9% in the paediatric and adult population, respectively. The cumulative incidence of positive coeliac disease serology was 0.45% in children and 0.17% in adults, and was associated with age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status sub-groups (P-value < 0.01). Gastrointestinal endoscopies were not subsequently performed in 44.1% of children and 47.1% of adults with positive coeliac disease serology. Within the study period, 36% of children and 56% of adults never achieved coeliac disease serology normalization. CONCLUSION: In a large real-life database, screening for coeliac disease was common. However, confirmatory intestinal biopsies were under-utilized, and coeliac disease serology often remained positive over a long period time in both children and adults.

Burnout and intentions to quit the practice among community pediatricians: associations with specific professional activities.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is an occupational disease expressed by loss of mental and physical energy due to prolonged and unsuccessful coping with stressors at work. A prior survey among Israeli pediatricians published in 2006 found a correlation between burnout and job structure match, defined as the match between engagement with, and satisfaction from, specific professional activities. The aims of the present study were to characterize the current levels of burnout and its correlates among community pediatricians, to identify changes over time since the prior survey, and to identify professional activities that may reduce burnout. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed among pediatricians both at a medical conference and by a web-based survey. RESULTS: Of the 518 pediatricians approached, 238 (46%) responded to the questionnaire. High burnout levels were identified in 33% (95% CI:27-39%) of the respondents. Higher burnout prevalence was found among pediatricians who were not board-certified, salaried, younger, and working long hours. The greater the discrepancy between the engagement of the pediatrician and the satisfaction felt in the measured professional activities, the greater was the burnout level (p < 0.01). The following activities were especially associated with burnout: administrative work (frequent engagement, disliked duty) and research and teaching (infrequent engagement, satisfying activities). A comparison of the engagement-satisfaction match between 2006 and 2017 showed that the discrepancy had increased significantly in research (p < 0.001), student tutoring (P < 0.001), continuing medical education and participation in professional conferences (P = 0.0074), management (p = 0.043) and community health promotion (P = 0.006). A significant correlation was found between burnout and thoughts of quitting pediatrics or medicine (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare managers should encourage diversification of the pediatrician's job by enabling greater engagement in the identified "anti-burnout" professional activities, such as: participation in professional consultations, management, tutoring students and conducting research.

Simulated Driving Skills Evaluation of Teenagers With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Before Driving Lessons.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the driving skills of teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during simulated driving before starting driving lessons and observed whether methylphenidate (MPH) affected their performance. METHOD: Sixty teenagers ages 15-18 yr were included; 29 teenagers with ADHD were tested with and without MPH, and 31 teenagers (control group) were tested once. All participants were tested on the STISIM Drive™ simulator. RESULTS: The number of center-line crossings was higher in the group without MPH treatment than in the control group and the MPH-treated group. The group without MPH treatment had more road-edge excursions compared with the control group and drove faster than the MPH-treated group. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with ADHD without MPH treatment demonstrated impaired performance more often while driving the simulator, resembling characteristics found during on-road driving among teenagers with ADHD. Trainer awareness is a primary intervention before taking driving lessons to help teenagers achieve safe driving performance.

Efficacy and tolerability of a polysaccharide-resin-honey based cough syrup as compared to carbocysteine syrup for children with colds: a randomized, single-blinded, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Available pediatric treatments for acute cough are limited by lack of demonstrated efficacy. The objective of this trial is to compare the effects of a polysaccharide-resin-honey based cough syrup, and carbocysteine syrups on nocturnal and daytime cough associated with childhood upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). METHODS: Using a single-blind randomization design, the study recruited children from 4 general pediatric community clinics. Participants included 150 children aged 2 to 5 years with an URI, nocturnal and daytime cough and illness duration of ≤7 days. To be eligible, children had to be free of medication on the day before presentation. A survey was administered to parents on 4 consecutive days beginning from the day of presentation in clinic. Children received the study preparation on the first evening and then 3 times per day for 3 further days. Main outcome measures were cough frequency, cough severity, bothersome nature of cough, and quality of sleep for both child and parent. RESULTS: Both preparations were well tolerated and cough improved over the study period. After one night and on all survey days, there was a significantly better result for polysaccharide-resin-honey (P<0.05) for all the main outcome measures. The trend of improvement over the 4 days was steeper for polysaccharide-resin-honey (P<0.05) with regards to all cough parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Both polysaccharide-resin-honey and carbocysteine cough syrups were well tolerated in children over 2 years of age. The polysaccharide-resin-honey syrup was associated with a more rapid and greater improvement in all clinical cough symptoms measured, beginning from the first night of therapy. Both nocturnal and daytime cough improved, as did sleep quality for both children and parents.

A survey of energy drink and alcohol mixed with energy drink consumption.

BACKGROUND: Energy drink consumption among youth is increasing despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics to eliminate consumption by youth. This study provides information on consumption of energy drinks and alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) in a sample of Israeli youth and how consumer knowledge about the risks affects consumption rates. METHODS: The study was conducted in three Tel Aviv public schools, with a total enrollment of 1,253 students in grades 8 through 12. Among them, 802 students completed a 49-item questionnaire about energy drink and AmED consumption, for a 64 % response rate Non-responders included 451 students who were absent or refused to participate. All students in the same school were administered the questionnaire on the same day. RESULTS: Energy drinks are popular among youth (84.2 % have ever drunk). More tenth through twelfth grade students consumed energy drinks than eighth and ninth grade students. Students who began drinking in elementary school (36.8 %) are at elevated risk for current energy drink (P < .001) and AmED (P = .002) use. Knowledge about amounts consumed and recommended allowances is associated with less consumption (OR 1.925; 95 %CI 1.18-3.14). DISCUSSION: The association between current AmED consumption and drinking ED at a young age is important. Boys and those who start drinking early have a greater risk of both ED and AmED consumption. The characteristics of early drinkers can help increase awareness of potential at-risk youth, such as junior and senior high school students with less educated or single parents. CONCLUSIONS: Risks posed by early use on later energy drink and AmED consumption are concerning. We suggest that parents should limit accessibility. Increased knowledge about acceptable and actual amounts of caffeine in a single product might decrease consumption.

Seasonality of asthma: a retrospective population study.

OBJECTIVES: Seasonal variations in asthma are widely recognized, with the highest incidence during September. This retrospective population study aimed to investigate whether this holds true in a large group of asthmatic children in primary care and to assess the impact of age, gender, urban/rural living, and population sector. METHODS: The key study outcomes were the diagnosis of asthma exacerbations and asthma medication prescriptions, recorded by family physicians during 2005 to 2009. These were analyzed by "week of diagnosis" in Clalit Health Services' electronic medical record database. Regression models were built to assess relative strength of secular trends, seasonality, and age-group in explaining the incidence of asthma exacerbations. RESULTS: A total of 919,873 children aged 2 to 15 years were identified. Of these, 82,234 (8.9%) were asthmatic, 61.6% boys and 38.4% girls; 49.1% aged 2 to 5 years, 24.1% 6 to 9 years, and 26.8% 10 to 15 years. We observed a 2.01-fold increase in pediatric asthma exacerbations and 2.28-fold increase in prescriptions of asthma bronchodilator medications during September (weeks 37-39 vs weeks 34-36) compared with August. The association between the opening of school and the incidence of asthma-related visits to the primary care physician was greatest in children aged 2 to 5 years (odds ratio, 2.15) and 6 to 11 years (1.90-fold). Adolescents (age 12-15 years) had a lesser peak (1.81-fold). In late fall there was a second rise, lasting with fluctuations throughout winter, with a trough in summer. CONCLUSIONS: Returning to school after summer is strongly associated with an increased risk for asthma exacerbations and unscheduled visits to the primary care physician.

Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of a single nocturnal dose of 3 honey products (eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, or labiatae honey) to placebo (silan date extract) on nocturnal cough and difficulty sleeping associated with childhood upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). METHODS: A survey was administered to parents on 2 consecutive days, first on the day of presentation, when no medication had been given the previous evening, and the following day, when the study preparation was given before bedtime, based on a double-blind randomization plan. Participants included 300 children aged 1 to 5 years with URIs, nocturnal cough, and illness duration of ≤ 7 days from 6 general pediatric community clinics. Eligible children received a single dose of 10 g of eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, labiatae honey, or placebo administered 30 minutes before bedtime. Main outcome measures were cough frequency, cough severity, bothersome nature of cough, and child and parent sleep quality. RESULTS: In all 3 honey products and the placebo group, there was a significant improvement from the night before treatment to the night of treatment. However, the improvement was greater in the honey groups for all the CONCLUSIONS: Parents rated the honey products higher than the silan date extract for symptomatic relief of their children's nocturnal cough and sleep difficulty due to URI. Honey may be a preferable treatment for cough and sleep difficulty associated with childhood URI.

Inverse association between Helicobacter pylori and pediatric asthma in a high-prevalence population.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori-associated disease has led to aggressive diagnostic and eradication protocols that are partially responsible for the decrease in prevalence of H. pylori carriage. Recent evidence indicates that in low-prevalence populations, H. pylori may have protective effects on allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between pediatric asthma and H. pylori infection in a population with high prevalence of H. pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A national referral laboratory was screened for all (13) C urea breath tests performed in children aged 5-18 years between 2007 and 2008, for patient demographics and physician-diagnosed asthma. Data concerning asthma-associated medication usage were extracted from electronic medical records and databases. Data were analyzed using a stepwise logistic regression model. RESULTS: During the study period, 6959 patients underwent urea breath testing (average age 12.4±3.5years). Of these, 3175/6959 (45.6%) were positive for H. pylori, and 578/6959 (8.3%) had asthma. Rates of asthma in H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative children were 7.3 and 9.1%, respectively (odds ratio 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-0.98; p=.032). We also confirmed that male gender, urban residence, and age are associated with childhood asthma. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate an inverse association between H. pylori and pediatric asthma in a population with a high prevalence of H. pylori.

Survey of parents, nurses, and school principals on their perceptions of the controversial role of schools in health promotion.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to study the perceptions of parents, nurses, and school principals of the role of the health services in elementary schools. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to the heads of parents' committees, school nurses, and school principals of 35 randomly selected elementary public schools in Israel. Respondents were asked to qualify the degree of importance of the traditional and contemporary roles of the school health-care team. RESULTS: Response rates were 80.0% for parents, 100% for nurses, and 97.1% for principals. All respondents agreed that both the traditional and new roles are very important. Nurses rated three interconnected roles significantly lower than parents and school principals: 'Evaluation of students with behavioral problems', 'Evaluation of students with low academic performance', and 'Follow up and care of students with behavioral problems and low performance'. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses, parents and school principals in Israel agree that the traditional roles of health teams in elementary schools, that is, providing first aid and ensuring school hygiene, are very important. Most are ready to accept a move from an illness-based to a social-based model, with less time spent on screening and surveillance and more on identifying and managing special needs of children and staff.

Antipyretic treatment in young children with fever: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or both alternating in a randomized, double-blind study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the antipyretic benefit of acetaminophen or ibuprofen monotherapy with an alternating regimen of both drugs in young children aged 6 to 36 months. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial. SETTING: Three primary pediatric community ambulatory centers in central Israel. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 464 children aged 6 to 36 months with fever. INTERVENTION: Infants were assigned to receive either acetaminophen (12.5 mg/kg per dose every 6 hours) (n = 154) or ibuprofen (5 mg/kg per dose every 8 hours) (n = 155) or to receive alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen (every 4 hours) (n = 155) for 3 days after a loading dose. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Temperature, stress score, amount of antipyretic received, total days that the infant or caregiver was absent from day care or work, respectively, at the 3-day time point, recurrence of fever, and number of emergency department visits. RESULTS: The group given the alternating regimen was characterized by a lower mean temperature, more rapid reduction of fever, receiving less antipyretic medication, less stress, and less absenteeism from day care as compared with the other groups; all of the differences were statistically significant (P< .001). None of the regimens were associated with a significantly higher number of emergency department visits (P = .65) or serious long-term complications (P = .66). The drug used for initial loading had no effect on outcome in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: An alternating treatment regimen of acetaminophen (12.5 mg/kg per dose) and ibuprofen (5 mg/kg per dose) every 4 hours for 3 days, regardless of the initial loading medication, is more effective than monotherapy in lowering fever in infants and children.