In Oregon, there are only three hospitals with a pediatric ICU — OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel — and Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital.

OHSU forecast in an Oregon Health Authority media briefing that raised concern about an increase in other respiratory illnesses, influenza and RSV.

Gov. Kate Brown declares a public health emergency in response to a surge of children hospitalized for respiratory viruses including RSV. In a news release from the governor, Dana A. Braner, M.D., says, “Like other hospitals in the region and across the country, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is currently admitting a high number of sick patients. Illnesses have hit our communities hard – and this comes on top of extreme health care staffing challenges which were exacerbated by the pandemic. We expect this spike in illness to continue in the coming months. The dedicated staff here at Doernbecher are incredible, and they will continue to provide quality, compassionate care for our patients.”

OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Randall Children’s Hospital are the only two hospitals in the state with pediatric ICUs. Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital has a limited number of ICU beds for children.

Gov. Kate Brown declares a public health emergency in response to a surge of children hospitalized for respiratory viruses including RSV. In a news release from the governor, Dana A. Braner, M.D., says, “Like other hospitals in the region and across the country, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is currently admitting a high number of sick patients. Illnesses have hit our communities hard – and this comes on top of extreme health care staffing challenges which were exacerbated by the pandemic. We expect this spike in illness to continue in the coming months. The dedicated staff here at Doernbecher are incredible, and they will continue to provide quality, compassionate care for our patients.”

A new statewide forecast led by Peter Graven, Ph.D., suggests Oregon hospitals will be under intense strain for the next several weeks managing a wave of critically ill infants and toddlers suffering from RSV. The forecast projects RSV hospitalizations, including infants and toddlers, could peak on Nov. 30.

The Bulletin (Bend) cites OHSU study noting a shortfall in addiction services statewide. In a related story about voters decriminalizing illicit drug possession in 2020, Todd Korthuis, M.D., says, “I’m very suspicious of statements like ‘You know Measure 110 increased drug use.’ No, fentanyl increased drug use. And Measure 110 – and the rest of us – are still grappling with how to address the fentanyl issue.”

The Society for Neuroscience awards Marina Wolf, Ph.D., with the Julius Axelrod prize for distinguished career achievements in the field of neuropharmacology and exemplary effort in mentoring young scientists.

On RSV - Eliza Hayes Bakken, M.D., says, “Babies can literally look like they are kind of drowning in snot. Suctioning them so they can get some breaths through their nose and they can feel a little bit better is one of our major interventions.”

Katie Drago, M.D., authors expert perspective for ACP Internist about bedside tests for a ‘slam-dunk’ delirium diagnosis.