Virtual Meeting with Special Guest: Erica Hughley, MD

In April, we had special guest, Dr. Erica Hughley, join us for our TIPS Connection virtual meeting (via Zoom) to answer questions related to her specialty, Pediatric Nephrology.

Dr. Hughley received her doctorate degree from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Upon completion of her degree, she went on to continue her education at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. This is where she not only completed her internship and residency in Pediatrics but her fellowship in Pediatric Nephrology as well. When asked what drew her to this specialty, she stated it was the anatomy and physiological characteristics of the kidney that intrigued her the most. This was reflected in her publications, manuscripts, and presentations that she conducted in her fellowship.

One of the main topics discussed during the virtual meeting was the rise in pediatric hypertension cases. Dr. Gowan asked if she could give us some conditions to consider when assessing patients with high blood pressure. She stated the following:

1. Blood pressure should be evaluated after a child has been sitting calm and collected with the elbow supported at the level of the heart and feet uncrossed, resting on the ground.

2. Initial work up for hypertensive patients should consist of:

Comprehensive metabolic panel
Urinalysis
Complete blood count and Lipid panel
Renal ultrasound
Diabetes and Thyroid dysfunction (for overweight patients)
Sleep Study (for patients with sleep apnea, habitual snoring and daytime sleepiness)

3. High blood pressure as a result of obesity and/or increased sodium intake has become more common amongst the pediatric population. Review dietary history and inform the families on how crucial it is to lower sodium intake (≤1500mg daily) by making healthy habits such as aerobic exercise and monitoring food choice.

4. Refer to Hypertensive Specialist:

For asymptomatic children < 13 years with BP 95%-95%ile + 12 mmHg, or for teenagers with BP 130-139/80-89, recheck BP every 1-2 weeks (x2). Refer to a pediatric nephrologist within 1 month.
For asymptomatic children < 13 years with BP > 95%ile + 12 mmHg, or for teenagers with BP 140/90 or higher, consider antihypertensive medication (consult with your local hypertensive specialist with any questions). Refer to a pediatric nephrologist within 1 week.

We would also like to mention that Dr. Hughley is working with the University Health System to perform kidney transplants and dialysis on Fridays (started this summer). In addition, she sees patients up to 26 years of age depending on the case. If you have questions related to this topic or would like to send a referral to Dr. Hughley, feel free to reach out the office of South Texas Pediatric Specialists at (210) 890-5444.

Join Us in Welcoming Dr. Meagan Johnson

Dr. Meagan Johnson is a recent graduate of the Pediatric Residency Program from UT Health Science Center San Antonio. She received her doctorate of osteopathic medicine from A. T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona in 2019.

During her residency, she sought to further her professional career by participating in NBME Pediatric Shelf Review, Clinical Educator Track, Medical Student Education, and Residency Presentations. She was also selected as Residency Teacher of the Year for two years in a row.

School is Just Around the Corner

In a matter of days, schools will be opening up their doors again to welcome students for in-person learning. “Schools and school-supported programs are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being…Families rely on schools to provide a safe, stimulating, and enriching space for children to learn; appropriate supervision of children; opportunities for socialization; and universal support to cope with crisis and loss associated with the pandemic.”* It is still very important that not only schools follow the CDC guidelines but that we as providers, parents, and teachers should follow them as well. In doing so, we aim to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Highly encourage the recommended vaccinations and boosters
Stay home and isolate if new symptoms have developed (take an at-home covid test if needed)
Indoor masking is beneficial if:
- Ineligible for COVID-19 vaccine
- Immunocompromised or at high-risk for severe illness
- Not immunized during high community prevalence
- Living with elderly or children who are high-risk
Adequate and consistent hand washing
Spread out if space permits or go outside
Follow appropriate cleaning techniques recommended by the CDC

*Pediatrics, A. A. (2022, July 06). COVID-19 Guidance for Safe Schools and Promotion of In-Person Learning. Retrieved from American Academy of Pediatrics : https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/

Virtual Meeting with Special Guest: Erica Hughley, MD

Join Us in Welcoming Dr. Meagan Johnson

School is Just Around the Corner

Save the Date

September 12, 2022 at 6:00pm