More Common Tests and Treatments That Pediatricians Should Question

By Kelly Young

The American Academy of Pediatrics has published a new list of five tests and treatments for children that may not be necessary, as part of the Choosing Wisely campaign. They include:

• Preterm infants should not be prescribed high-dose dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg daily) to prevent or treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

• Patients should not be screened for food allergies with IgE tests before their full medical history is considered.

• Use of acid blockers and motility agents like metoclopramide should be avoided for physiologic gastroesophageal reflux that is "effortless, painless, and not affecting growth." Avoid medicating infants who are "happy-spitters."

• Surveillance urine cultures should generally not be used to screen and treat asymptomatic bacteruria.

• Parents should avoid routinely using infant home apnea monitors to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.