News in brief - Jan. 31, 2011

Children's excessive video gaming linked to mental health issues

Children who become so obsessed with playing video games that it affects their relationships, schoolwork and other life factors are prone to mental health problems, a new study says.

Researchers studied 3,034 children in elementary and secondary school in Singapore and found higher rates of depression, anxiety and social phobias among about 9% of children who were categorized as pathological gamers. Those children were more likely to do badly in school and have poorer relationships with their parents.

Children who were less socially competent and more impulsive were deemed at greater risk of becoming pathological gamers. Results of the two-year study are in the February issue of Pediatrics (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21242221).

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Fast antiviral flu treatment recommended for pregnant women

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that physicians respond quickly with antiviral treatment for pregnant or postpartum patients who have suspected or confirmed influenza, because of the patients' increased risk for severe complications and death from the disease.

Five days of treatment with oseltamivir is preferred for women who are pregnant or are within two weeks after pregnancy, according to the updated CDC recommendations issued Dec. 29, 2010 (www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/avrec_ob2011.htm).

Patients hospitalized with severe infections may need longer treatments. Physicians and health care professionals who treat pregnant women should be prepared to start antiviral treatment as early as possible. Treatment should not be delayed by laboratory confirmation of influenza, the CDC said.

This content was published online only.

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