Pediatric Tip Sheet from Cedars-Sinai

PEDIATRIC TIP SHEET: Mar. 1, 1999

LONG-TERM STUDY SHOWS THAT SURGICAL SKILL AND OTHER FACTORS AFFECT SURVIVAL RATES IN CHILDREN WITH BRAIN TUMORS

In a study led by Paul M. Zeltzer, M.D., a neurooncology specialist at Cedars-Sinai's Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, doctors at 40 medical centers and children's hospitals nationwide have found that in treating children who have certain malignant brain tumors, a "tried-and-true" chemotherapy protocol provides better results than a newer, more experimental method. This study was so carefully designed and controlled that it will likely serve as a "gold standard" for future research projects.

EARLY DENTAL EXAMS FOR CHILDREN CAN AVERT PROBLEMS POSED BY BOTTLED WATER AND "BOTTLE CARIES"

Well-meaning parents who give their babies "designer" bottled waters to drink may be unwittingly contributing to their young children's dental problems, according to Denis Weintraub, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist, orthodontist and dental anesthesiologist who is co-director, Hospital Dentistry, Ambulatory Care Center Dental Clinic at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Many children's dental problems could be easily avoided with early check-ups -- 12 months old is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendation -- that include examination and education on proper dental care.

CEDARS-SINAI PEDIATRICIAN/ NEONATOLOGIST OFFERS TIPS FOR PARENTS OF PREMATURE BABIES

Alan H. Klein, M.D., a pediatrician/neonatologist on the medical staff of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, offers parents of premature babies tips on getting through a trying time of life. Dr. Klein is the author of a recently-released book with a central theme of "family-centered care." The book is intended to help parents become active members of the health-care team, even in the neonatal intensive care unit.

YOUNG PATIENTS GET STATE-OF-THE-ART "TLC" IN CEDARS-SINAI'S NEW PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY FACILITY

When it comes to kids, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is taking much of the trauma out of a trip to the emergency room. A major renovation effort and a progressive approach to pediatric emergency care has resulted in special services and surroundings for the nearly 9,000 children treated in the hospital's emergency department each year. The pediatric waiting room, where all but the most critically ill or injured youngsters (and their families) wait their turns for care, is enlivened by storybook murals, and filled with child-friendly furnishings.

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