Pediatrics Update

Dear OHT Physicians,

I have 2 quick and informative messages from our pediatrics colleagues:

Newborn & Well Baby Care
Markham Stouffville Hospital is looking to connect unattached newborns with primary care providers. If you are able to take on unattached newborns, please email Dr. Deepa Grewal, Chief of Pediatrics, at dgrewal@msh.on.ca.

As we're adopting more virtual care, a reminder that all newborns should be seen in-person in the first weeks of life. Anecdotally, MSH is seeing newborns with higher bilirubin levels and greater weight loss, resulting in increased admissions. Also important to have a low threshold to bring infants in for weight checks, especially if there are feeding concerns, as there have been more referrals for FTT.

If there is anything you need to help support your pediatric patients, please reach out to Dr. Grewal, she's always happy to chat and receive feedback on how MSH paeds can help community docs.

December 1-7 is Infantile Spasms Awareness Week
Do you know what infantile spasms are?
Do you know what infantile spasms look like?
Have you witnessed a baby having infantile spasms?
Can you differentiate between a baby having infantile spasms, and one experiencing colic, reflux or a startle reflex?
Do you know what pre-existing conditions put a baby at risk for infantile spasms?
Do you know what to do if you suspect a baby is having infantile spasms?

If you answered NO to any of the above questions, please review the attached fact sheet “Infantile Spasms: Little seizures with big consequences”. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can make a difference in a child’s future. Pediatricians and other pediatric health care professionals play a pivotal role in timely recognition.”

Thanks and have a great day!

Em