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Introduction
The Committee on Infectious Diseases (COID) of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is responsible for developing and revising guidelines for the AAP for control of infectious diseases in children. At intervals of approximately 3 years, the committee issues the Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, which contains a composite summary of current AAP recommendations concerning infectious diseases in and immunizations for infants, children, and adolescents. These recommendations represent a consensus of opinions developed by members of the committee in conjunction with liaison representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health, the National Vaccine Program Office, the Canadian Paediatric Society, the American Thoracic Society, Red Book consultants, and numerous collaborators. This edition is based on information available as of January 2009.
Unanswered scientific questions, the complexity of medical practice and technology, continuous new information, and inevitable differences of opinion among experts result in inherent limitations of the Red Book. In the context of these limitations, the committee endeavors to provide current, relevant, science-based recommendations for prevention and management of infectious diseases in infants, children, and adolescents. In some cases, other committees and experts may differ in their interpretation of data and resulting recommendations. In some instances, no single recommendation can be made because several options for management are equally acceptable.
In making recommendations in the Red Book, the committee acknowledges these differences in viewpoints by use of the phrases "most experts recommend..." and "some experts recommend..." Both phrases indicate valid recommendations, but the first signifies more support among experts, and the second, less support. Hence "some experts recommend..." indicates a minority view that is based on data and/or experience and is sufficiently valid to warrant consideration.
Inevitably in clinical practice, questions arise that cannot be answered on the basis of currently available data. In such cases, the committee attempts to provide guidelines and information that, in conjunction with clinical judgment, will facilitate well-reasoned decisions. We appreciate questions, different perspectives, and alternative recommendations that we have received, and encourage any suggestions or correspondence that will improve future editions of the Red Book. Through this process, the committee seeks to provide a practical and authoritative guide for physicians and other health care professionals in their care of infants, children, and adolescents.
To aid physicians and other health care professionals in assimilating current changes in recommendations in the Red Book, a list of major changes has been compiled (see Summary of Major Changes, p xxix). However, this listing only begins to cover changes that have occurred in each chapter and section. Health care professionals should consult individual chapters and sections of the book for current guidelines. In addition, new information inevitably begins to outdate some recommendations in the Red Book, and necessitates that health care professionals remain informed of new developments and resulting changes in recommendations. Between editions, the AAP publishes new recommendations from the committee in Pediatrics, in AAP News, and on the Red Book Online Web site (www.aapredbook.org). In this edition, we continue to provide Web site addresses throughout the text to enable rapid access to new information. The Red Book Online Web site provides access to important Red Book errata that may have occurred. On Red Book Online, you can enroll for e-mail alerts to be notified automatically when new errata have been announced.
When using antimicrobial agents, physicians should review the package inserts (product labels) prepared by manufacturers, particularly for information concerning contraindications and adverse events. No attempt has been made in the Red Book to provide this information, because it is available readily in the Physicians’ Desk Reference, online (www.pdr.net), and in package inserts (product labels). As in previous editions, recommended dosage schedules for antimicrobial agents are given (see Section 4, Antimicrobial Agents and Related Therapy). Recommendations in the Red Book for drug dosages may differ from those of the manufacturer in the package insert. Physicians also should be familiar with information in the package insert for vaccines and immune globulins as well as recommendations of other committees (see Sources of Vaccine Information, p 2).
This book could not have been prepared without the dedicated professional competence of many people. Edgar O. Ledbetter, MD, H. Cody Meissner, MD, and Jon R. Almquist, MD, served as Red Book reviewers appointed by the AAP Board of Directors. Dr Ledbetter also led the charge in gathering and organizing the new slide materials for the electronic part of the Red Book. The AAP staff has been outstanding in its committed work and contributions, particularly Alison Siwek and Hope Hurley, managers, who served as the administrative directors for the committee and coordinated preparation of the Red Book; Jennifer Pane, senior medical copy editor, who improved every aspect of the Red Book; Darlene Mattefs, department assistant; Barbara Drelicharz, division assistant; Peg Mulcahy, graphic designer; and Jeff Mahony, Mark Ruthman, and Mark Grimes, Department of Marketing, who make the Red Book Online and other Red Book products possible. Special appreciation is given to Stephanie Renna, assistant to the editor, for her work, patience, and support. Marc Fischer, MD, of the CDC, and R. Douglas Pratt, MD, and Lisa Lee, MD, of the FDA, devoted time and effort in providing input from their organizations. I am especially indebted to the associate editors Carol J. Baker, MD, Sarah S. Long, MD, and David W. Kimberlin, MD, for their expertise, tireless work, good humor, and immense contributions in their editorial and committee work. Georges Peter, MD, continues to provide constant support and advice and has left his imprint on all future editions of the Red Book. Members of the committee contributed countless hours and deserve appropriate recognition for their patience, dedication, revisions, and reviews. As a committee, we particularly appreciate the guidance and dedication of the current committee chairperson, Joseph A. Bocchini, MD, whose knowledge, dedication, insight, and leadership are reflected in the quality and productivity of the committee’s work. I thank Mimi for always being there and for her patience, understanding, and neverending support.
There are many other contributors whose professional work and commitment have been essential in the committee’s preparation of the Red Book. Of special note is the person to whom this edition of the Red Book is dedicated, Ralph D. Feigin, MD, who was an exceptional leader, a constant inspiration, and a good friend. His death leaves a void in all of our lives.
Larry K. Pickering, MD, FAAPEditor
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Related text in Red Book:
- Summary of Major Changes in the 2009 Red Book
Red Book 2009: XXIX.[Extract] [Full Version] - Sources of Vaccine Information
Red Book 2009: 2-5.[Extract] [Full Version]
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