COVID-19 and Adolescent Eating Disorders.

Eating disorders can have serious consequences for adolescent patients. Early detection and coordination of treatment can improve outcomes. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has negatively affected mental health, and eating disorders are no exception. The reported increase in eating disorder behaviors and referrals for treatment, combined with the shortage of treatment options, has underscored the role of the outpatient pediatrician. Detection of eating disorders in the primary care setting starts with analyzing vitals and weight trends. If suspecting an eating disorder, one should complete a thorough history with pertinent review of systems, physical examination, and an initial laboratory evaluation. Upon confirming a diagnosis, it is important for a pediatrician to decide on the level of care needed. Given long wait times for treatment centers, utilization of local resources is helpful for coordinating a multidisciplinary approach. Increased funding for eating disorder treatment initiatives could help alleviate the current strain on our health care system. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51(4):e150-e153.].

Bacterial contamination of medical providers' white coats and surgical scrubs: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Horizontal transmission of bacteria, especially multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), remains an important concern in hospitals worldwide. Some studies have implicated provider attire in the transmission of organisms within hospitals, whereas others have suggested that evidence supporting this notion is limited. METHODS: PubMed was searched for publications between 1990 and 2018 to identify studies of bacterial contamination of, or dissemination of, bacteria from physician, nursing, or trainee attire, with a specific focus on white coats and surgical scrubs. A total of 214 articles were identified. Of these, 169 were excluded after abstract review and 33 were excluded after in-depth full manuscript review. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles were included: 16 (73%) cross-sectional studies, 4 (18%) randomized controlled trials, and 2 (9%) cohort studies. Results are organized by microbial contaminants, antibiotic resistance, types of providers, fabric type, antimicrobial coating, and laundering practices. Provider attire was commonly colonized by MDROs, with white coats laundered less frequently than scrubs. Studies revealed considerable differences among fabrics used and laundering practices. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that provider attire is a potential source of pathogenic bacterial transmission in health care settings. However, data confirming a direct link between provider attire and health care-associated infections remain limited. Suggestions outlined in this article may serve as a guideline to reduce the spread of bacterial pathogens, including MDROs, that have the potential to precipitate hospital-acquired infections.