Link Newsletter - October 2023

Recreational marijuana first became legal in two states in 2012. As of January 2023, only four states have not decriminalized marijuana in some capacity.¹ A challenge to legalizing marijuana is a decrease in perceived harmfulness² despite the fact that it remains a Schedule 1 federal substance. Between 2017 and 2021, marijuana exposures in children less than 6 years of age increased 1375%.³ Edible forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most common source in the pediatric population as they are manufactured to look like common snacks.⁴ Therefore, children may accidentally consume products that could contain 10-20 times the typical oral dose of THC for adults.  

On October 23^rd 2023, the CDC issued an official health advisory regarding limited availability of nirsevimab in the United States during the 2023-2024 respiratory season.¹ As discussed in last month’s issue of the LINK, nirsevimab (a long-acting monoclonal antibody) is recommended for babies less than 8 months of age born during (or entering) their first RSV season and for certain children 8-19 months of age entering their second RSV season. This year marks the first in history that health care providers have had the opportunity to protect a vast number of infants from RSV by prescribing nirsevimab (Beyfortus) as a preventive measure. And yet, despite an “aggressive supply plan” and a coordinated roll-out, the demand for Beyfortus has been unprecedented—particularly the 100mg dose prefilled syringes used for infants weighing >5kg recommended for babies born before RSV season.

A previously healthy 3-year-old male presents to Children Mercy’s Emergency Department (ED) due to finger injury. Parents state that patient’s right third fingertip was accidentally shut in a car door three days ago. The patient seemed to be getting better; however, today the fingertip seems more swollen to the parents. There is bruising noted under the nail, however no open lacerations. The patient can move his finger normally and denies pain. No other injuries noted.

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as red meat allergy, mammalian meat allergy or tick bite meat allergy, is an emerging condition characterized by allergic reactions to galactose-a-1,3-galactose. This oligosaccharide is predominately found in meat and other products derived from non-primate mammals. 

When a child has health issues, worry and concern envelope the parents. Along with distress, these health issues may bring many new experiences for families. Understanding medical jargon, navigating medical settings, meeting experts in many medical disciplines, and learning new ways to care for the child are elements of life that parents encounter when the child is ill. Parents may wonder if they have the fortitude to care for their child in the home. What happens if the child needs medical equipment or services in the home? Parents may feel uncertain about how to manage the child’s medical complexity.