The development of programs for pregnant and parenting teens

The impact of early pregnancy and parenting on adolescents is well documented, with its negative effects on achieving adequate education, job skills training, gainful employment and economic independence duly recognized. While current interest and resources focus on abstinence only programs as major pregnancy prevention initiatives, we are increasingly failing those young women who have chosen early parenthood as a life option. This article will describe the efforts of a large urban hospital to provide hospital-based comprehensive services to pregnant and parenting teens to reduce the negative consequences to them and their children, and to help them to become effective parents and lead healthy, productive lives.     

Laparoscopic Nissen procedure in children

Fundoplication is among the most frequently performed procedures in infants and children. The Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly performed anti-reflux procedure done in the pediatric population. The broad indications include respiratory compromise, failure to thrive, neurologic impairment, and severe esophagitis. Over the last decade the application of a minimally invasive surgical technique to this procedure has received widespread acceptance among adult and pediatric surgeons and should now be considered the technique of choice.