(09-10-09) Vitamin D deficiency, eosinophilic esophagitis, and health literacy.

Pattishall AE, Spector ND.
aDivision of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, USA bDepartment of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, St Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the recent literature on three topics that are important in pediatric office practice: vitamin D deficiency, eosinophilic esophagitis, and health literacy. Review of current literature will help pediatricians understand the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, its potential negative health effects, and vitamin D supplementation guidelines. This article also provides practitioners with current knowledge of the evaluation and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis. The article concludes with a summary of recent literature on health literacy and available techniques to improve patient education. RECENT FINDINGS: Vitamin D deficiency in pediatric and adolescent patients is extremely common and has potential negative skeletal and extra-skeletal effects. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an increasingly recognized problem. Pediatric patients benefit from early recognition and treatment of the disease. There are effective techniques that improve patient health literacy. SUMMARY: Vitamin D deficiency, eosinophilic esophagitis, and poor health literacy are three important problems that potentially negatively impact the lives of children and adolescents. Pediatricians should regularly counsel their patients regarding appropriate vitamin D intake. Practitioners should be aware of the clinical presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis. Pediatricians should utilize strategies to improve patient education with the goal of improving health outcomes.

Source: Curr Opin Pediatr. 2009 Sep 30

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