Sleep disorders, immunizations, sports injuries, autism.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this article is to summarize and synthesize the recent literature in four very important areas for pediatric office practice: sleep disorders, new immunizations, sports injuries, and autism. Important articles in each area are highlighted.

RECENT FINDINGS: The management of pediatric and adolescent sleep disorders is in the forefront of the pediatric literature. The most recent literature cautions practitioners on prescribing pharmacologic treatment for sleep problems in children and adolescents. Several new immunizations targeted for adolescents are on the horizon. The newest recommendations for their delivery are outlined here. Recent sports injury literature emphasizes the need of the practitioner to address sports injury prevention and to provide anticipatory guidance at pediatric office visits. Finally, the past year's literature demonstrates that there is significant interest in autism spectrum disorders, but the clinicians' challenge for making the correct diagnosis of these disorders remains.

SUMMARY: The literature presented and summarized here will give the practicing pediatrician practical working knowledge of four important office-based pediatric topics: sleep disorders, new immunizations, sports injuries, and autism.