Health Report

THE GOOD NEWS

Although children who suffer convulsions triggered by fevers have commonly been treated with phenobarbitol, there are concerns about both its efficacy and its side effects. The new and superior replacement is Valium. A six-year study shows that it is safe and effective -- and it also reduces the risk of seizures recurring.

Pregnant women infected with the AIDS virus often pass it along to their offspring. One way to cut the risk of transmission is to deliver by caesarean section. Only 14% of babies delivered surgically are infected, vs. 20% born vaginally, researchers report. Studies suggest one way the virus is transmitted is through the birth canal.

THE BAD NEWS

Ambulances and hospital emergency rooms are often poorly prepared to care for children, says a report from the Institute of Medicine. The equipment can be too large and powerful, and technicians are often not trained to recognize differences between children and adults -- for instance, youngsters have higher heart rates and lower blood pressure.

Providing impoverished pregnant women with medical coverage doesn't necessarily lead to better maternal health. A Massachusetts study found that the rate of complications remained unchanged after the state extended insurance to low-income expectant women.

SOURCES: Institute of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, New England Journal of Medicine, Online Journal of Current Clinical Trials, news reports.