Commentary
The Evolution of Pediatric Disease—A Moving Target diseases in Public Health Commentary
Mark A. Brown 1,2,3,4,* 1
2 3 4
The Evolution of Pediatric Disease—A Moving Target in Public Health
Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Epidemiology Section, Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Mark A. Brown 1,2,3,4 Department of Ethnic Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
1 Department of [email protected]; Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; * Correspondence: Tel.: +01-970-491-5782
[email protected]; Tel.: +01-970-491-5782 2 Received: 28 AugustSection, 2017; Colorado Accepted: 28 August 2017; Published: Epidemiology School of Public Health, Fort Collins, date CO 80523, USA 3
Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Department of Ethnic Studies, Colorado Statethe University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA Abstract: There is a growing threat in re-emergence ofCOdiseases that impact 4
pediatric demographics. While 2017; major strides28 have been made in the31field of childhood cancers, there are still Received: 28 August Accepted: August 2017; Published: August 2017 more questions than answers. In addition, public resistance to recommended practices related to Abstract: There is a growing threat in the re-emergence of diseases that impact pediatric childhood vaccinations fueled by misinformation has allowed infectious diseases to resurface in demographics. While major strides have been made in the field of childhood cancers, there are developed nations. Meanwhile, climate change and other destabilizing factors are shifting vector still more questions than answers. In addition, public resistance to recommended practices related populations and driving the emergence of new diseases. Herein we call upon the community of to childhood vaccinations fueled by misinformation has allowed infectious diseases to resurface in human health to confront the change evolving specter of pediatric factors disease.are shifting vector developed researchers nations. Meanwhile, climate and other destabilizing populations and driving the emergence of new diseases. Herein we call upon the community of
Keywords: pediatric; emerging infectious disease; specter childhood vaccination human health researchers to confront the evolving of pediatric disease. Keywords: pediatric; emerging infectious disease; childhood vaccination
1. Introduction 1. Introduction The idea that deadly infectious diseases have been all but eradicated has receded with the
emergence newthat threats over recent decades such been as HIV hanta virus syndrome Theofidea deadly infectious diseases have all and but eradicated haspulmonary receded with the [1,2].emergence Figure 1 provides examples of emerging infectious diseases of the past fifty years. Likewise, of new threats over recent decades such as HIV and hanta virus pulmonary syndrome [1,2]. the failure of parents to follow recommended vaccination guidelines as afifty result of misguided related Figure 1 provides examples of emerging infectious diseases of the past years. Likewise, thefear failure to the has resulted in the re-emergence previously well controlled of safety parentsof to vaccines follow recommended vaccination guidelines as of a result of misguided fear relatedchildhood to the safety of vaccines has resulted in the re-emergence of previously well controlled childhood illnesses illnesses such as pertussis [3] and measles [4]. Worldwide, infectious diseases remain a leading cause suchamong as pertussis [3] and measles [4]. Worldwide, infectious diseases remain a leading cause of death of death children. among children.
Figure 1. Emerging infectious diseases of the past fifty years.
Figure 1. Emerging infectious diseases of the past fifty years. Diseases 2017, 5, 18; doi:10.3390/diseases5030018
Diseases 2017, 5, 18; doi:10.3390/diseases5030018
www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases
www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases
Diseases 2017, 5, 18 Diseases 2017, 5, 18
2 of 3 2 of 3
Similar to progress with infectious diseases, enormous strides have been made in the diagnosis and clinical management of childhood cancers. Although deaths from cancer have decreased by over 70% in the last 40 years, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death associated with childhood disease [5]. This year, it is estimated that over 10,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in children disease the United United States, alone [5]. In the field of pediatric oncology, oncology, leukemias leukemias and under the age of 15 in the major crisis crisis and and bottleneck bottleneck for for preventable preventable childhood childhood deaths. deaths. Figure 2 brain tumors represent aa major prevalence of of the the most most common common forms forms of of pediatric pediatric cancer. cancer. illustrates the prevalence
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
32%
34%
Brain and other Central Nervous System Neuroblastoma
7% 27%
Other
Figure Cancers. Figure2. 2. Childhood Childhood Cancers. Beyond infectious infectious diseases Beyond diseases and and cancer, cancer, aa host host of of other other maladies maladies impact impact pediatric pediatric demographics. demographics. These range from acute, life-threatening conditions to chronic diseases which impact quality of of life life These range from acute, life-threatening conditions to chronic diseases which impact quality and/or projected lifespan. Common chronic childhood diseases include asthma, diabetes, obesity, and/or projected lifespan. Common chronic childhood diseases include asthma, diabetes, obesity, and and cystic fibrosis, to name cystic fibrosis, to name a few.a few. 2. Discussion
the many many sub-disciplines of pediatric disease, children are exposed to Despite great progress in the the most most painful, painful, debilitating, debilitating, and deadly deadly diseases. diseases. As human health researchers, we have have some of the the ability and and the the obligation obligation to to help help change change this. this. We encourage the pediatric health research We share recent findings in an Special IssueIssue of Diseases titled, community to tocome cometogether togetherand and share recent findings inupcoming an upcoming Special of Diseases “Pediatric Diseases.” In this Special Issue, we invite papers related to detection, prevention, diagnosis titled, “Pediatric Diseases.” In this Special Issue, we invite papers related to detection, prevention, and treatment human pediatric diseases. Papers relatedPapers to molecular diagnosis and of treatment of human pediatric diseases. relatedmechanisms, to molecularepidemiology, mechanisms, immunology, and public health associated with associated pediatric diseases are alsodiseases encouraged. For epidemiology, immunology, andinitiatives public health initiatives with pediatric are also more information, visit: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases/special_issues/pediatric_diseases. encouraged. For more information, visit: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases/special_issues/ pediatric_diseases. Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflicts of interest. Brown is a Guest Editor for the Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflicts of interest.in Brown is a Guest for the Issue of Special Issue of Diseases, “Pediatric Diseases” highlighted this article andEditor receives no Special remuneration Diseases, “Pediatric Diseases” highlighted in this article and receives no remuneration for this work. for this work. References References 1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
Medley, G.F.; Vassall, A. When an emerging disease becomes endemic. Science 2017, 357, 156–158. [CrossRef] Medley, G.F.; Vassall, A. When an emerging disease becomes endemic. Science 2017, 357, 156– [PubMed] 158, doi: 10.1126/science.aam8333. Fauci, A.S. Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases: The perpetual challenge. Acad. Med. 2005, 80, Fauci, A.S. Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases: The perpetual challenge. Acad. Med. 1079–1085. [CrossRef] [PubMed] 2005, 80, 1079–1085. Kriz, B.; Fabianova, K.; Maixnerova, M.; Benes, C.; Maly, M. Pertussis: A reemerging infection? Kriz, B.; Fabianova, K.; Maixnerova, M.; Benes, C.; Maly, M. Pertussis: A reemerging infection? Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Imunol. Cas. Spol. Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Ceske Lek. Spol. JE Purkyne 2007, 56, 51–65. Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Imunol. Cas. Spol. Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Ceske Lek. Spol. JE Purkyne 2007, 56, 51–
65.
Diseases 2017, 5, 18
4. 5.
3 of 3
Moss, W.J. Measels. Lancet 2017, in Press. [CrossRef] National Cancer Institute: Childhood Cancers. Available online: https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhoodcancers (accessed on 26 August 2017). © 2017 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The Evolution of Pediatric Disease—A Moving Target diseases in Public Health Commentary
Mark A. Brown 1,2,3,4,* 1
2 3 4
The Evolution of Pediatric Disease—A Moving Target in Public Health
Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Epidemiology Section, Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Mark A. Brown 1,2,3,4 Department of Ethnic Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
1 Department of [email protected]; Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; * Correspondence: Tel.: +01-970-491-5782
[email protected]; Tel.: +01-970-491-5782 2 Received: 28 AugustSection, 2017; Colorado Accepted: 28 August 2017; Published: Epidemiology School of Public Health, Fort Collins, date CO 80523, USA 3
Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Department of Ethnic Studies, Colorado Statethe University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA Abstract: There is a growing threat in re-emergence ofCOdiseases that impact 4
pediatric demographics. While 2017; major strides28 have been made in the31field of childhood cancers, there are still Received: 28 August Accepted: August 2017; Published: August 2017 more questions than answers. In addition, public resistance to recommended practices related to Abstract: There is a growing threat in the re-emergence of diseases that impact pediatric childhood vaccinations fueled by misinformation has allowed infectious diseases to resurface in demographics. While major strides have been made in the field of childhood cancers, there are developed nations. Meanwhile, climate change and other destabilizing factors are shifting vector still more questions than answers. In addition, public resistance to recommended practices related populations and driving the emergence of new diseases. Herein we call upon the community of to childhood vaccinations fueled by misinformation has allowed infectious diseases to resurface in human health to confront the change evolving specter of pediatric factors disease.are shifting vector developed researchers nations. Meanwhile, climate and other destabilizing populations and driving the emergence of new diseases. Herein we call upon the community of
Keywords: pediatric; emerging infectious disease; specter childhood vaccination human health researchers to confront the evolving of pediatric disease. Keywords: pediatric; emerging infectious disease; childhood vaccination
1. Introduction 1. Introduction The idea that deadly infectious diseases have been all but eradicated has receded with the
emergence newthat threats over recent decades such been as HIV hanta virus syndrome Theofidea deadly infectious diseases have all and but eradicated haspulmonary receded with the [1,2].emergence Figure 1 provides examples of emerging infectious diseases of the past fifty years. Likewise, of new threats over recent decades such as HIV and hanta virus pulmonary syndrome [1,2]. the failure of parents to follow recommended vaccination guidelines as afifty result of misguided related Figure 1 provides examples of emerging infectious diseases of the past years. Likewise, thefear failure to the has resulted in the re-emergence previously well controlled of safety parentsof to vaccines follow recommended vaccination guidelines as of a result of misguided fear relatedchildhood to the safety of vaccines has resulted in the re-emergence of previously well controlled childhood illnesses illnesses such as pertussis [3] and measles [4]. Worldwide, infectious diseases remain a leading cause suchamong as pertussis [3] and measles [4]. Worldwide, infectious diseases remain a leading cause of death of death children. among children.
Figure 1. Emerging infectious diseases of the past fifty years.
Figure 1. Emerging infectious diseases of the past fifty years. Diseases 2017, 5, 18; doi:10.3390/diseases5030018
Diseases 2017, 5, 18; doi:10.3390/diseases5030018
www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases
www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases
Diseases 2017, 5, 18 Diseases 2017, 5, 18
2 of 3 2 of 3
Similar to progress with infectious diseases, enormous strides have been made in the diagnosis and clinical management of childhood cancers. Although deaths from cancer have decreased by over 70% in the last 40 years, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death associated with childhood disease [5]. This year, it is estimated that over 10,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in children disease the United United States, alone [5]. In the field of pediatric oncology, oncology, leukemias leukemias and under the age of 15 in the major crisis crisis and and bottleneck bottleneck for for preventable preventable childhood childhood deaths. deaths. Figure 2 brain tumors represent aa major prevalence of of the the most most common common forms forms of of pediatric pediatric cancer. cancer. illustrates the prevalence
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
32%
34%
Brain and other Central Nervous System Neuroblastoma
7% 27%
Other
Figure Cancers. Figure2. 2. Childhood Childhood Cancers. Beyond infectious infectious diseases Beyond diseases and and cancer, cancer, aa host host of of other other maladies maladies impact impact pediatric pediatric demographics. demographics. These range from acute, life-threatening conditions to chronic diseases which impact quality of of life life These range from acute, life-threatening conditions to chronic diseases which impact quality and/or projected lifespan. Common chronic childhood diseases include asthma, diabetes, obesity, and/or projected lifespan. Common chronic childhood diseases include asthma, diabetes, obesity, and and cystic fibrosis, to name cystic fibrosis, to name a few.a few. 2. Discussion
the many many sub-disciplines of pediatric disease, children are exposed to Despite great progress in the the most most painful, painful, debilitating, debilitating, and deadly deadly diseases. diseases. As human health researchers, we have have some of the the ability and and the the obligation obligation to to help help change change this. this. We encourage the pediatric health research We share recent findings in an Special IssueIssue of Diseases titled, community to tocome cometogether togetherand and share recent findings inupcoming an upcoming Special of Diseases “Pediatric Diseases.” In this Special Issue, we invite papers related to detection, prevention, diagnosis titled, “Pediatric Diseases.” In this Special Issue, we invite papers related to detection, prevention, and treatment human pediatric diseases. Papers relatedPapers to molecular diagnosis and of treatment of human pediatric diseases. relatedmechanisms, to molecularepidemiology, mechanisms, immunology, and public health associated with associated pediatric diseases are alsodiseases encouraged. For epidemiology, immunology, andinitiatives public health initiatives with pediatric are also more information, visit: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases/special_issues/pediatric_diseases. encouraged. For more information, visit: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases/special_issues/ pediatric_diseases. Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflicts of interest. Brown is a Guest Editor for the Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflicts of interest.in Brown is a Guest for the Issue of Special Issue of Diseases, “Pediatric Diseases” highlighted this article andEditor receives no Special remuneration Diseases, “Pediatric Diseases” highlighted in this article and receives no remuneration for this work. for this work. References References 1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
Medley, G.F.; Vassall, A. When an emerging disease becomes endemic. Science 2017, 357, 156–158. [CrossRef] Medley, G.F.; Vassall, A. When an emerging disease becomes endemic. Science 2017, 357, 156– [PubMed] 158, doi: 10.1126/science.aam8333. Fauci, A.S. Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases: The perpetual challenge. Acad. Med. 2005, 80, Fauci, A.S. Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases: The perpetual challenge. Acad. Med. 1079–1085. [CrossRef] [PubMed] 2005, 80, 1079–1085. Kriz, B.; Fabianova, K.; Maixnerova, M.; Benes, C.; Maly, M. Pertussis: A reemerging infection? Kriz, B.; Fabianova, K.; Maixnerova, M.; Benes, C.; Maly, M. Pertussis: A reemerging infection? Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Imunol. Cas. Spol. Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Ceske Lek. Spol. JE Purkyne 2007, 56, 51–65. Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Imunol. Cas. Spol. Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Ceske Lek. Spol. JE Purkyne 2007, 56, 51–
65.
Diseases 2017, 5, 18
4. 5.
3 of 3
Moss, W.J. Measels. Lancet 2017, in Press. [CrossRef] National Cancer Institute: Childhood Cancers. Available online: https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhoodcancers (accessed on 26 August 2017). © 2017 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
