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This method of feeding contributed to the extraordinarily high infant mortality rates. 2 These were thick, cereal-based, milk-less concoctions, which were not appropriate calorically. The milk that was available soured quickly and was frequently adulterated. 1 Animal milks were substituted, but with the migration of populations to the city as the industrial revolution progressed, the supply of near-at-hand fresh milk was scarce. However, that practice was not universally approved because many felt the wet nurse could pass her own bad traits through the milk. Wet nursing was used for many centuries and reached a peak in Western Europe in the 17th century. And there have always been reasons for seeking substitutes. In this article, we will discuss problems with infant formulas, “inactive” ingredients in drugs, erythromycin, steroids and conclude with an analysis of the causes of errors and ways to avoid errors in the future.īreast-feeding has always been accepted as the best feeding method for infants. The increased complexity of our care and of our patients may simply make errors less apparent. Perhaps we have learned from these past experiences. Institutional research review boards become more authoritative, and there seem to be fewer errors. Organizations such as the FDA and committees of the American Academy of Pediatrics are more involved in assessing problems and making recommendations. Randomized controlled trials are more common.
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Some new treatments are studied before being generally accepted.
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The algorithms of neonatal intensive care become similar around the world. This period is characterized by a refinement of the methods and treatments introduced in the earlier periods. From 1970 on, we call the “Experienced” years.
#Meharban singh pediatrics drug dosage series#
The first two articles of this series dealt with errors in neonatology, which occurred during the “Hands Off” years (1920 to 1950) and the “Heroic” years (1950 to 1970).
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