A practical guide to assessing and investigating developmental delay
This article discusses how children presenting with developmental delay should be assessed and investigated. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - July 2, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Ana Merino Elia, Joanna Coghill Tags: Symposium: Neurodisability Source Type: research
Tools for participation: living aids and the F-words for childhood development
This article explores a range of living aids for children with physical, sensory and learning disabilities through the lens of the F-words for childhood development. Seating and wheelchairs, standing frames, walking aids, communication aids and aids for activities of daily living are discussed. We also consider the role technology can play in relation to living aids. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - July 1, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Marilyn Bradbury, Elizabeth Bennison, Helen Mason, Jenny Gregory Tags: Symposium: Neurodisability Source Type: research
Editorial Board
(Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - July 1, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research
Current trends in paediatric enteral tube feeding
The demand for enteral tube feeding in children is increasing globally. As our ability to manage complex medical conditions improves, so too does our understanding of the benefits of good enteral nutrition on health outcomes for these children. If oral feeding is not possible, an enteral tube can provide a viable alternative by delivering nutrition directly into the stomach or jejunum. The decision to recommend a child for long term tube feeding is complex and needs to be balanced against the potential risks. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - June 15, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Christopher Bakewell, Chloe Corlett, Alison Sharrard, Lucy J. Howarth, Alex CH. Lee Tags: Symposium: Nutrition Source Type: research
Assessment and management of the child with excessive thirst
Excessive thirst is termed polydipsia and this is usually accompanied by excessive drinking and an increased urine output. Polyuria is the passage of unusually large volumes of dilute, pale urine. Diabetes mellitus is an important cause, which should always be considered and investigated promptly. Other causes of polydipsia such as electrolyte disturbance, illness and environmental causes should be considered. This review focusses on the polydipsia-polyuria syndromes, which include cranial diabetes insipidus, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and primary polydipsia. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - June 4, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Oluwakemi Lokulo-Sodipe, Khadidja Belkhatir, Taffy Makaya Tags: Personal practice Source Type: research
Severe acute malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries
This article provides an overview for healthcare professionals working with children, giving definitions and practical advice for intervention and management. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is diagnosed in under 5s with severe wasting ( “marasmus”) and/or nutritional oedema (“kwashiorkor”). Wasting is identified using weight-for-height and comparing the child's value with WHO reference data or by measurement of mid-upper arm circumference. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - June 3, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Mary Iwaret Otiti, Stephen John Allen Tags: Symposium: Nutrition Source Type: research
Child and adolescent obesity
Obesity and overweight are a pandemic that has been building since the 1980s. The causes are multi-factorial, and the solutions are ultimately political. The consequences, however, are medical. Admissions to hospital with obesity-related illness increased 4-fold between 2000 and 2009, and paediatricians regularly see comorbidities in their clinics and on their wards. Broaching the subject of obesity and overweight when we are talking to young people and their families is difficult. Detailed history and examination, in a systemic and non-judgemental way can identify these comorbidities so that they may be treated. (Source: ...
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - June 2, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Simon Chapman Tags: Symposium: Nutrition Source Type: research
Editorial Board
(Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - June 1, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research
All you ever wanted to know about infant formulas (but were afraid to ask)
The World Health organisation recommends breast feeding infants for the first six months of life. When this breast feeding does not occur either through parental choice or medical need, infant formulas will be required. There is a bewildering array of formulas on the UK market for many different requirements. When faced with an unsettled infant many parents (and health care professionals) will experiment with the infant formula available and often attend the paediatric clinic looking for help and advice. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - June 1, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Donna Traves Tags: Symposium: Nutrition Source Type: research
Lung function in children: a simple guide to performing and interpreting spirometry
Spirometry is the measurement of the volume and flow of air during expiration and inspiration. It is non-invasive and inexpensive and probably under-used in children. Whilst remaining a relatively simple test, it gives valuable information that can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory conditions. Adequate spirometry requires good patient engagement, effort and technique. With practice, robust spirometry data can be collected in preschool children as young as 4 years of age. Increasing availability of portable spirometry equipment means that good quality data can be collected in a variety of clinical locat...
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - May 22, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Amy Burrill, Ciaran McArdle, Benjamin Davies Tags: Symposium: Respiratory disorders Source Type: research
Monitoring adherence in children with asthma
Poor adherence is a global health issue, affecting all chronic conditions and all age groups. Medications will only work if they are taken, and ongoing adherence to medication and treatment is difficult in chronic illness. Average adherence rates are approximately 50% in paediatric patients with asthma, and this can lead to poor disease control and an increase in morbidity. Thus, it is prudent to consider and discuss non-adherence, whether it be intentional or unintentional, to avoid unnecessary escalation of treatment. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - May 20, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Chu-Hai Wong, Robert W. Morton Tags: Symposium: Respiratory disorders Source Type: research
An approach to oncological abdominal masses in children
Approximately 1400 children in England are diagnosed with cancer each year and in these children an abdominal mass is a common finding, particularly in those under 5 years of age. Here we present an initial diagnostic framework and suggested management plan for children presenting with an abdominal mass, with short summaries of the most common malignant paediatric pathologies. Initial assessment should begin with a thorough history and examination, followed by blood and urine tests in addition to radiological imaging. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - May 8, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Colin Thorbinson, Elizabeth Calton, Bernadette Brennan Tags: Occasional review Source Type: research
Respiratory problems in children with Down syndrome
In the first 3 years of life, respiratory illnesses are the commonest reason for admission to hospital for children with Down syndrome (DS). Providing respiratory care for children with DS requires a long term multidisciplinary approach. Children have multiple respiratory complications from the mouth to the alveoli, with co-morbidities of the cardiac and gastrointestinal systems also impacting upon respiratory disease. Respiratory morbidity can be serious and frequently leads to intensive care admission. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - May 5, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Andrew Prayle, Harish Vyas Tags: Symposium: Respiratory disorders Source Type: research
Beating asthma through education
Asthma is a common, chronic respiratory disease which affects 1 in 11 children within the UK. The National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) highlighted common and avoidable factors contributing to the deaths and made recommendations for care. The team at the Great North Children's Hospital (GNCH) recognized a need for change, which led to the development of a new educational programme. BeatAsthma was co-designed with stakeholders. It comprises over 170 resources available for use in primary, secondary and tertiary care. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - May 4, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Elizabeth McLellan, Jennifer Townshend, Sally Hails, Patty De Zwart, Ruth Levey, Samantha Moss Tags: Symposium: Respiratory disorders Source Type: research
Obituary: Professor Sir David Hull
Sir David Hull (born 4 August 1932) died in March 2021. He was co-founder of Paediatrics and Child Health and originally set up the journal in 1990 with Dr Richard Wilson, our first Executive Editor: at that time the journal was named Current Paediatrics. The aim was to give high-quality reviews across a wide range of paediatric medicine by national experts in their field to provide teaching for trainees and updates for senior paediatricians. Just over 31 years later its aims are similar, and we hope we live up to the high expectations of David Hull. (Source: Paediatrics and Child Health)
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - May 1, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Obituary Source Type: research
