JAAPA CME Post-Test April 2025

Evaluating and Treating Pediatric Obesity: A Practice Update

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2023 released a guideline for evaluating and treating children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. The AAP advocated for a patient-centered, comprehensive (“whole child”) approach to evaluation and a treatment regimen that includes a foundation of both motivational interviewing and intensive health behavior and lifestyle therapy, along with adjunctive pharmacotherapy and referral of adolescents with severe obesity to bariatric surgery. This activity reviews the diagnosis of pediatric obesity and provides an update on the latest evidence and expert recommendations for evaluation and treatment of this condition.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
  • Explain why early evaluation and treatment of pediatric obesity are recommended over watchful waiting
  • Discuss contributors to obesity other than excess calorie intake and reduced physical activity (such as social determinants of health and environmental factors)
  • Describe which evidence-based treatments are recommended for pediatric obesity based on patient characteristics, including BMI percentiles and age
  • Identify the medications that are indicated by the FDA for use in children and adolescents with obesity

Aplastic Anemia: A Person-Centered Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

Aplastic anemia (AA) is an inherited, idiopathic, or acquired syndrome of bone marrow failure characterized by pancytopenia and ineffective hematopoiesis. Diagnosis, while crucial, is often difficult due to required exclusion of numerous inherited or acquired diseases with similar phenotypes. Mortality from severe AA without treatment approaches 70% within 2 years. The diagnostic algorithm for AA has increased in complexity, now incorporating molecular and genetic testing, and AA treatment guidelines have evolved to optimize patient outcomes. For individuals younger than age 50 years, a matched sibling allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant remains the treatment of choice, and possible cure, for AA. For those without a donor, immunosuppressive therapy (IST) utilizing equine antithymocyte globulin, cyclosporine A, and eltrombopag is the mainstay of treatment. This activity explores updated AA guidelines, covering presentation, diagnostic workup, differential diagnosis, IST, supportive care, and monitoring for appropriate dosing and adverse events.
 

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
  • Describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of AA
  • Recognize common clinical presentations of AA and implement appropriate diagnostic workup for early identification and treatment
  • Discuss an evidence-based approach to the management of patients with AA
  • Identify major risks, treatment complications, and mitigation strategies for individuals with AA
 

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