Managing cow's milk protein allergy during the 2022 formula shortage: decision-making among pediatric healthcare providers.

Introduction: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) affects 2%-7% of infants and is managed with hypoallergenic formulas. The 2022 recalls of infant formulas due to factors including contamination led to specialty formula shortages, highlighting CMPA management challenges. Understanding healthcare providers' (HCPs) decision-making in transitioning to alternative formulas during shortages is crucial. Limited attention has been given to how pediatric physicians make these choices. Methods: This study utilized US HCPs' de-identified survey data to assess driving factors when switching extensively hydrolyzed formulas during shortages. Results: 104 eligible HCPs participated, including general pediatrics, pediatric allergy/immunology, and pediatric gastroenterology specialists. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy were identified as top factors for switching formulas. Formula 1 was considered well-tolerated, patient-accepted, and safe by all HCPs. Most expressed strong belief in Formula 1's safety and effectiveness. Discussion: Findings inform CMPA management during shortages, offering guidance to HCPs for suitable formula selection and enhanced infant care.

Social Media Use and Patient Ratings in Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons: How Many 'Likes' for Five Stars?

INTRODUCTION: Social media plays an important role in healthcare and physician selection by facilitating direct communication with patients and impacting physician ratings. A concern however is the increased online scrutiny and negative impact on patient satisfaction with these connections. This study aimed to investigate whether social media activity by fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons impacts patient's perceptions and ratings on physician rating websites (PRWs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) physician directory was used to identify currently practicing shoulder and elbow surgeons in the US. Physician ratings were collected from Healthgrades, Google reviews, and Vitals. The surgeons were divided into two groups: social media users (SMU) and non-social media users (NSMU). The association of social media use with online physician ratings was evaluated using simple and multilinear regressions. RESULTS: A total of 385 ASES surgeons were included and 21.3% were SMU. SMU were younger (mean age, 48 years) compared to NSMU (mean age, 51 years) (p = 0.01), all other demographics were comparable including sex (p = 0.797), medical degree (MD or DO) (p = 0.114), and geographic location within the US (p = 0.49). SMU had significantly higher ratings on Healthgrades (p<0.001) and Vitals (p<0.001). However, social media use did not impact the total number of ratings on PRWs. Additionally, surgeons who utilized Facebook had higher physician ratings and number of website reviews on Healthgrades (p = 0.028 and p=0.014, respectively). In addition, surgeons who used Twitter had higher ratings on Healthgrades (p<0.001) and Vitals (p=0.001). Surgeons with a greater average number of likes per post on Twitter had significantly higher average ratings across all three sites (p=0.004). Surgeons with a greater number of Twitter followers and greater average number of likes per post had significantly higher average ratings on Healthgrades (p=0.052 and p=0.005, respectively) while surgeons with a greater average number of likes per post had significantly higher average ratings on Vitals (p=0.006). Finally, surgeons with a greater average posting frequency on Instagram had significantly higher average ratings across all websites (p=0.029). CONCLUSION: Shoulder and elbow surgeons who use Twitter and Facebook had significantly higher online ratings. However, the increased use of these platforms in terms of post content, post frequency, comments, and number of followers was not as influential on PRWs. This suggests that social media is an important marketing and outreach method for orthopedic surgeons to improve their ratings and patient reviews.

Concurrent cecal lipoma and Crohn's disease in a pediatric patient: A conservative approach.

We report the case of a 14-year-old patient with a known history of Crohn's disease who was incidentally diagnosed with an asymptomatic cecal lipoma. A routine surveillance colonoscopy as part of the management of the patient's Crohn's Disease revealed a well-defined, submucosal, yellowish mass in the patient's cecum. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed submucosal adipose tissue, consistent with the endoscopic images showing the characteristic appearance of the lipoma. A computed tomography examination further confirmed the diagnosis. While colonic lipomas are infrequent and typically manifest later in life, few cases report the coexistence of a cecal lipoma with Crohn's disease, particularly in the pediatric population. In this case, managing this dual condition posed a notable challenge. Here, we present the conservative approach to managing a pediatric patient with cecal lipoma and Crohn's disease. The decision to leave the lipoma in situ was based on the absence of symptoms and potential risks associated with surgical removal.

Impact of the 2022 national formula shortage on clinical decision-making of healthcare providers in switching amino acid formulas for infants with cow's milk protein allergy: a survey-based study.

Background: In 2022, the United States experienced a national shortage of infant formula due to a global supply chain crisis and a large-scale domestic formula recall. The existing literature on healthcare providers' (HCPs) clinical decision-making during formula shortages is limited. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing pediatric HCP clinical decision-making when switching between amino acid formulas (AAF) for managing cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) in infants under 24 months of age during an unprecedented national formula shortage. Methods: The study included pediatric HCPs with experience managing CMPA in infants and toddlers under 24 months during the formula shortage from January 2022 to November 2022. A de-identified survey comprising 26 questions examining driving factors used in clinical decision-making was administered to pediatric HCPs using a real-time mobile data collection tool. Results: Among the surveyed pediatric HCPs (n = 75), the factors most frequently considered as "extremely important" when switching to another AAF included safety (85%), tolerability (73%), and efficacy (83%). No statistically significant differences were found in HCP ratings among the listed examined factors of the four AAFs. The availability of specific formulas was the only factor that exhibited a statistically significant difference in perceived performance among pediatric HCPs when comparing the four AAFs (p < 0.05). Discussion: This study elucidates the crucial aspects that influenced pediatric HCPs' selection of AAFs for CMPA management during the 2022 formula shortage. The findings highlight the significance of safety, tolerability, efficacy, and availability in the pediatric HCP decision-making processes.

Corrigendum: Navigating formula shortages: associations of parental perspectives on transitioning to alternative infant formulas for cow's milk protein allergy during the 2022 national formula shortage.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1333570.].

Concussion Rates in Youth Lacrosse Players and Comparison With Youth American Football.

Background: There has been little focus on concussions in youth lacrosse players in the United States. Purpose: To provide a descriptive analysis of the epidemiology and incidence of concussions in youth lacrosse and compare the results with well-documented analyses of concussions in youth American football. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Data on concussions in pediatric patients playing lacrosse from 2006 to 2019 were collected using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Weighted calculations and combined participation data obtained from membership in USA Lacrosse were used to estimate injury incidence. A comparison dataset was created using the NEISS data on youth football-related concussions. The cause of concussion was categorized into player-to-player, player-to-stick, player-to-ball, or player-to-ground contact. Results: A total of 37,974 concussion injuries related to lacrosse were identified in players with a mean age of 14.5 ± 3.5 years; 70% of concussions occurred in boys. National participation in lacrosse increased from 2006 to 2011 by a mean of 10.3% annually, followed by a lower annual growth rate of 2.5% from 2012 to 2019. The overall incidence of concussion injuries increased over the study period (r = 0.314), with the incidence rate in boys being greater than that of girls from 2009 to 2013. The most common cause of concussion was player-to-ground contact for boys and player-to-ball or player-to-stick contact for girls. The mean annual concussion incidences in youth lacrosse and youth football were 443 and 355 per 100,000 participants, respectively. Conclusion: Over the study period, 16% of lacrosse injuries were diagnosed as concussions, a higher mean annual incidence per 100,000 participants than that of youth football (443 vs 355). The cause of concussion was different based on sex, with higher rates of player-to-ball or player-to-stick contact in female players versus player-to-ground contact in male players.

Peeling Back the Layers: Sloughing Esophagitis in a Teenager with Chronic Vomiting.

Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EsoDS) is a rare condition characterized by the shedding of superficial esophageal epithelium. Limited data exists on EsoDS in the pediatric population. We present a case of a 17-year-old female with chronic nausea and vomiting diagnosed with EsoDS. Endoscopy revealed esophageal mucosal sloughing, and histology confirmed esophagitis with mucosal necrosis. EsoDS is underrecognized, and its association with psychoactive medications remains unclear. Fortunately, EsoDS cases tend to resolve spontaneously without complications. Awareness of EsoDS is essential, and further research is needed to understand its prevalence and outcomes in pediatric patients.

Avoiding Surgery: Endoscopic Treatment of Congenital Duodenal Stenosis.

Duodenal stenosis is a rare congenital anomaly that is typically treated surgically, although endoscopic incisional therapy (EIT) and balloon dilation are minimally invasive alternatives. We present a case of a 15-month-old male with vomiting and difficulty tolerating solid food due to severe congenital duodenal stenosis. The patient underwent EIT and serial duodenal dilation to a diameter of 20 mm, which resulted in significant symptom improvement. Intralesional corticosteroid injection (ISI) was administered to help prevent the duodenal septum from restricturing. The combination of EIT, balloon dilation, and ISI was successful in treating the patient's congenital duodenal stenosis and avoided the need for surgery. However, further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of this treatment approach in this patient population. This report highlights the potential of this minimally invasive approach as an alternative to surgical intervention in the management of congenital duodenal stenosis.

Clinician Experience with Using Hypoallergenic Formulas to Treat Infants with Suspected Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Survey Cohort.

Purpose: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common condition in infants, but little is known about healthcare providers' clinical experience treating infants with CMPA. To address this gap, we analyzed prospectively collected data from healthcare providers (HCPs) who treated infants under six months old with suspected CMPA using hypoallergenic formulas. The study focused on a commercial extensively hydrolyzed formula containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC53103) (eHF-LGG) or a commercial amino acid formula (AAF). Methods: In this secondary analysis of prospectively collected survey data, 52 HCPs treated 329 infants under six months old with suspected CMPA using hypoallergenic formulas. A series of two de-identified surveys per patient were collected by HCPs to assess short-term symptom relief in the patients and HCP's satisfaction with the management strategies. The initial survey was completed at the initiation of treatment of CMPA, and the second survey was completed at a follow-up visit. Results: The majority of HCPs (87%) in the study were general pediatricians, and most saw 2 to 10 CMPA patients weekly. Results showed that clinicians reported satisfaction with treatment in 95% of patients in the EHF cohort and 97% of patients in the AAF cohort and achieved expected clinical results in 93% and 97% of patients using eHF and AAF, respectively. Furthermore, few patients were switched from the hypoallergenic formula once initiated. Conclusion: The study provides new insights into HCP perspectives on treating infants with CMPA and supports using hypoallergenic formulas to manage this condition. However, additional prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these initial findings.

Short-term symptom improvement in infants with suspected cow's milk protein allergy using amino acid formula: a prospective cohort analysis.

Background: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) occurs commonly in infants. While the long-term efficacy of amino acid formulas for managing CMPA is well-established, there is limited data on the short-term symptom improvement of using amino acid formula (AAF). Objective: This study aimed to determine the short-term effects of managing suspected CMPA in infants aged 6 months and under using a commercial AAF. Methods: Healthcare providers who treated infants with suspected CMPA aged 6 months or younger (n = 104) provided de-identified survey data in this prospective study. Healthcare providers scored symptoms for severity from 0 to 3 (none, low, moderate, severe) before using a commercial AAF at Visit 1 and at Visit 2 (3-6 weeks later). Results: Gastrointestinal (94%), skin (87%), respiratory (86%), and uncategorized symptoms (89%) improved from AAF initiation, and these findings were consistent across different follow-up visit durations. Conclusion: This study is the most extensive prospective analysis conducted in the United States examining the short-term change in suspected CMPA symptoms using an AAF. These findings suggest that AAF may decrease the severity of suspected CMPA symptoms in infants 6 months or younger, often by the next follow-up visit. Further randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these initial findings.

Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula Improves Allergic Symptoms in the Short Term in Infants with Suspected Cow's Milk Protein Allergy.

Although extensively hydrolyzed formula is widely accepted for managing cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) long-term, there is a lack of evidence on its short-term efficacy. This study's objective was to investigate the short-term symptom changes (within 3-6 weeks) of infants diagnosed with CMPA and managed with extensively hydrolyzed formula containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus at their subsequent physician visit. Healthcare providers treating 202 patients diagnosed with CMPA under six months old completed de-identified surveys, which were then analyzed in this prospective study. After their first visit, the patients were started on extensively hydrolyzed formula, and their baseline symptoms were scored on a severity scale of 0-3. Patients were then reevaluated at their next follow-up visit to assess changes in symptom severity. The study found statistically significant improvements in gastrointestinal (93%), skin (83%), respiratory (73%), and uncategorized symptoms (90%). These symptom improvements were consistent across different follow-up visit durations. This study is the largest prospective analysis conducted in the United States evaluating short-term change in CMPA symptoms severity in infants under six months old using extensively hydrolyzed formula. These findings suggest that extensively hydrolyzed formula is associated with clinical symptom relief, which is often noticeable by the next follow-up visit. However, additional randomized control trials are needed to validate these results.

Navigating formula shortages: associations of parental perspectives on transitioning to alternative infant formulas for cow's milk protein allergy during the 2022 national formula shortage.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to supply chain disruptions causing a severe shortage of infant formula. The shortage impacted parents of infants with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) who rely on specialized formulas. However, research on parent perspectives during formula shortages is limited. We aimed to understand the factors guiding parents' decisions when transitioning to alternative amino acid formula (AAF) or extensively hydrolyzed formula (eHF) during the national formula shortage. We conducted a survey using the ZSMoments platform and found that before the shortage, parents valued safety (83%), tolerability (78%), and reputability (78%) as primary factors in selecting eHFs and AAFs. Post-shortage, formula tolerability (86%), assurance (84%), and safety (80%) gained more importance. Among those switching eHF (n = 54), health care provider recommendations (81%), reputability (78%), taste (78%), and tolerability (78%) were rated as "extremely important." Among those switching AAF (n = 26), top factors included tolerability (77%), assurance (73%), safety (73%), cost-effectiveness (73%), and formula trustworthiness (73%). These data suggest that parents carefully weigh various factors when managing their child's CMPA and transitioning to different AAF or eHF options.