Pediatrics

Host: Lisa Dandrea Lenell, PA-C, MPAS, MBA

Guest: Christina Robohm, PA-C

How does a PA handle the situation when a parent does not want to vaccinate their child? Christina Robohm, physician assistant and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado at Denver, tackles this growing issue with host Lisa Dandrea Lenell. The two discuss how PAs make sure parents receive accurate information in order to make an informed decision whether or not they want their children to receive vaccinations, the pros and cons of not vaccinating, and what it means for other children around them and the community at large. They also look at the controversy over vaccinations and autism.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Paul Offit, MD

Vaccines have been described as one of the greatest medical advances in history. Yet some segments of the population view them as a potential vehicle for causing more harm than good to young patients. What led to this change in perception about vaccines, and how can physicians best counsel patients who harbor concerns? For answers to these critical questions and much more, Dr. Jennifer Shu welcomes one of the foremost figures in the debate over vaccine safety, Dr. Paul Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Paul Offit, MD

Most parents support the immunization of their kids according to the recommended vaccine schedule. But increasing numbers are choosing to forgo this routine entirely or follow an alternative vaccine schedule. How are these vaccine practices impacting the health of our young patients and more broadly, the health of the general public? Host Dr. Jennifer Shu examines the key questions surrounding the alternative vaccine schedules and how to guide young patients and their families through this process, with Dr. Paul Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Harold S. Nelson, MD

The incidence of asthma has doubled in the past two decades, though the cause of this rise is difficult to pinpoint. While the hygiene hypothesis has, for years, served as one possible explanation, newer studies show a possible link between asthma and vitamin levels or exposure to certain chemicals or medications. How might this knowledge help us prevent the development of asthma, and what research still needs to be performed to determine the key factors here, and put an end to the increasing incidence of asthma? Dr. Harold Nelson, professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and National Jewish Health hospital in Denver, lays out the evidence for these potential risk factors, from the child's date of birth, to acetaminophen use, to vitamin D levels, to exposure to cleaning sprays and other household chemicals. Dr. Jennifer Shu hosts.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: David Fleischer, MD

Wheat, eggs, milk, peanuts and other nuts, soybeans and seafood: all of these can be an integral part of a balanced, healthy diet for growing children. Instead, many are off-limits for an increasing number of children diagnosed with food allergies. Though the rise in food allergies is certainly worrisome, we're learning that some food allergies may actually be misdiagnosed. Host Dr. Jennifer Shu welcomes Dr. David Fleischer, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and National Jewish Health in Denver, for a conversation about how we can improve our capacity to accurately assess food allergies, and help many of our young patients tolerate, or even enjoy, a wider range of food. Starting with a clinical history, what kind of workup should be done before patients are referred to an allergist? How should allergen-specific antibody blood tests be incorporated into this process?

Host: Lisa Dandrea Lenell, PA-C, MPAS, MBA

Guest: Captain Timothy Harrelson

For his efforts in Afghanistan stabilizing victims wounded in Taliban offensives and providing clean water to families, Cpt. Timothy Harrelson was awarded the Bronze Star. Cpt. Harrelson talks with host Lisa Dandrea Lenell about his lifesaving work with malnourished children in Qalat, Afghanistan. Cpt. Harrelson was involved in the formulation of nutrition that reduced the pediatric mortality rate in Qalat by 25 percent.

Host: Michael Greenberg, MD

Guest: Bernard Cohen, MD

Hemangiomas are common in infants, and often appear within the first few weeks of life. Although many infant hemangiomas are unsightly but regress after a few months, others can be large and disfiguring. Until recently, there have been no ideal treatment options, but there has been recent success using propranolol to treat infant hemangiomas. Host Dr. Michael Greenberg explores this exciting new treatment with Dr. Buddy Cohen, professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: David Abramson, MD

Survival rates for retinoblastoma now approach 100 percent, but in years past, enucleation was the only sure way to cure this rare pediatric malignancy. We're now seeing advances in chemotherapy that not only spare the child's eye, but can preserve vision as well. What makes this chemotherapy regimen so effective, and how can we build on its effectiveness to enhance the vision and the livelihood of children affected by retinoblastoma? Dr. David Abramson, chief of the ophthalmic oncology service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, joins host Dr. Jennifer Shu to talk about the breadth of retinoblastoma research that has helped us take important strides toward remediation of this disease.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Ira Chasnoff, MD

Over the past few decades, there has been grave concern that prenatal exposure to cocaine would result in a population of children with physical, mental and emotional problems. Many of these infants have been carefully studied as they progress toward adolescence and beyond, and data suggests the impact on their development may not be as dramatic as we once thought. Dr. Ira Chasnoff, professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and president of the Children's Research Triangle in Chicago, joins host Dr. Jennifer Shu to explore the shift in our thinking about the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Douglas Nordli, MD

The ketogenic diet has been used as a therapy for refractory epilepsy in children since the 1920's. It was only recently, however, that a randomized, controlled study confirmed it to be effective in reducing seizures. Is there a role for the ketogenic diet as first-line therapy for epilepsy? Which patients stand to benefit the most from this diet, and what are some of its potential adverse effects? Dr. Douglas Nordli, associate professor of neurology and pediatrics at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and the Lorna S. and James P. Langdon Chair of Pediatric Epilepsy, offers details on this trial and explores mechanisms through which we may generate more timely results in our research for patients with epilepsy. Dr. Jennifer Shu hosts.