Volume 29: Issue 6

Peer review is an essential step in the publication process and dissemination for scientific information to improve patient care and future research in pediatric patients. It is a professional obligation to ensure high quality, reliable, and relevant information is published. Despite this, many journals face problems finding peer reviewers. Several journals and organizations have developed resources to aid in the training of peer reviewers. The purpose of this primer is to provide an overview of the steps of peer review and to emphasize key points on how to conduct a peer review.

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric patients often receive vasoactive agents following cardiothoracic surgery or when in shock. The use of vasoactive agents varies between different settings and has largely changed because of anecdotal observations or small observational studies. Although vasoactive agents are frequently used, there are limited studies in pediatric populations comparing them to one another. The purpose of this systematic review is to quantify the comparative effects of epinephrine and dopamine while identifying gaps in knowledge.

METHODS

A systematic review of published manuscripts was completed to identify full-text manuscripts in English using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Studies were included if they included clinical data using dopamine and epinephrine in different patients and included data for the same end points for patients receiving epinephrine or dopamine.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies with 397 patients were included. Of the included patients, 187 received epinephrine and 210 received dopamine. The mean age for all the patients was 45 months. When all patient data were pooled, a significantly lower mortality was associated with epinephrine compared with dopamine (risk ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55–0.99). When only neonatal data were pooled, epinephrine was associated with a significantly higher average heart rate (10 bpm; 95% CI, 2.0–18.7) and a significantly lower average mean arterial blood pressure (−2.5 mm Hg; 95% CI, −4.6 to −0.4).

CONCLUSION

Limited data are available comparing dopamine to epinephrine in pediatric patients. The available data demonstrate an apparent mortality benefit associated with the use of epinephrine.

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as atopic eczema, is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by dry skin, localized erythematous rash, and intense pruritus. The clinical manifestations are variable and age dependent. As one of the most common skin disorders globally, atopic dermatitis poses a significant clinical and economic burden on affected patients. Individual treatment strategies are imperative in improving patient outcomes and reducing these burdens. Recent advances in understanding the genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors influencing atopic dermatitis have opened avenues for novel treatment modalities. This article highlights the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis criteria, as well as current recommendations on treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Immunizations are one of the most successful public health interventions of our time. Unfortunately, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of pediatric immunizations have decreased for routine vaccines. Pharmacists are easily accessible and well-educated health care professionals who receive comprehensive training on all facets of immunizations (e.g., mechanism of action, administration, response to reactions, documentation, communication). Pharmacists have demonstrated the ability to improve immunization rates for both adults and children. This paper serves as a White Paper of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) to support the expansion of pharmacists’ authority to provide immunizations to those 3 years of age and