Rotavirus in the Modern Age Prevention as a Strategy for Reducing Morbidity, Mortality, and Economic Burden of the Disease
A supplement to Pediatric News and sponsored by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine.
This supplement is based on a clinical dialogue with the faculty member. It is supported by an educational grant from Merck. The program content was supplied by Med Learning Group.
Penelope H. Dennehy, MD Director
Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Hasbro Children's Hospital Professor of Pediatrics
Brown Medical School
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, R.I. Grant/Research Support: GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Inc., Wyeth
Target Audience
This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of pediatricians and allied health care professionals involved in the treatment of children.
Statement of Need/Program Overview
Rotavirus is a common childhood disease that affects most children at least once prior to their fifth birthday. It is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis. In developed countries, rotavirus affects approximately 7 million children less than 5 years of age annually. Although common, the disease can have serious consequences. In the United States, rotavirus is responsible for approximately 600,000 physician office, clinic, and emergency room visits; 47,000 to 60,000 hospitalizations; and 20 to 60 deaths each year. It is estimated that rotavirus is responsible for 4% to 5% of all childhood hospitalizations.
In addition, the economic burden of rotavirus is significant. The average nonmedical cost of rotavirus per child is approximately $450, including approximately $360 for missed work, $57 for transportation, $12 for oral rehydration, $10 for diapers, $7 for child care changes, $4 for dietary changes, and $1 for formula changes.
In the developing world, rotavirus is a significant cause of mortality, accounting for approximately 611,000 deaths per year, largely due to limited health care resources.
Because of the tremendous morbidity, mortality, and economic burden of rotavirus and the structure and pathogenesis of the virus itself, the future of rotavirus management may largely be prevention through vaccination.
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:
• Identify the major health concern for children infected with rotavirus.
• Outline the standard treatment for rotavirus in the developed world.
• Name three ways the rotavirus disease burden negatively affects the economy.
• Identify the ages at which children should receive the new rotavirus vaccines, specific for each vaccine.
Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) and Med Learning Group. PIM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Postgraduate Institute for Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits(s). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Term of Approval: October 2006 to October 31, 2007.
