BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles via MedWorm.com

Family nurture intervention (FNI): methods and treatment protocol of a randomized controlled trial in the NICU

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with blinded assessment comparing Standard Care (SC) with a novel Family Nurture Intervention (FNI). FNI targets preterm infants born 26-34 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) and their mothers in the NICU. The intervention incorporates elements of mother-infant interventions with known efficacy and organizes them under a new theoretical context referred to collectively as calming activities. This intervention is facilitated by specially trained Nurture Specialists in three ways: 1) In the isolette through calming interactions between mother and infant via odor exchange, firm sustained touch and vocal soothing, and eye contact; 2) Outside the isolette during holding and feeding via the Calming Cycle; and 3) through family sessions designed to eng...

Baby Business: a randomised controlled trial of a universal parenting program that aims to prevent early infant sleep and cry problems and associated parental depression

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionTo our knowledge this is the first randomised controlled trial of a program which aims to prevent both infant sleeping and crying problems and associated postnatal depression symptoms. If effective, it could offer an important public health prevention approach to these common, distressing problems.Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN63834603 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Developmental outcome of very low birth weight infants in a developing country

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Although the neurodevelopmental outcome of this group of VLBW infants was within the normal range, with a low incidence of cerebral palsy, these results may reflect the low survival of babies with a birth weight below 900 grams. In addition, mean subscale scores were low and one third of the babies were identified as "at risk", indicating that this group of babies warrants long-term follow up into school going age. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Failure of a repeat course of cyclooxygenase inhibitor to close a PDA is a risk factor for developing chronic lung disease in ELBW infants

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: When successfully treated, PDA in ELBW infants did not contribute significantly to the adverse outcomes such as CLD, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and age at discharge. This suggests that it is beneficial for a hemodynamically significant PDA to be closed. The failure of a repeat course of COI to close a PDA is a major risk factor for developing CLD in ELBW infants. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

The test characteristics of head circumference measurements for pathology associated with head enlargement: a retrospective cohort study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Commonly used HC percentile thresholds had low sensitivity and low positive predictive value for diagnosing new pathology associated with head enlargement in children in a primary care network. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Ocular medicines in children: the regulatory situation related to clinical research

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is a pressing need for further research and clinical development in the pediatric ophthalmic area, where effective up-to-date treatments, and additional research and education on use in children, remain priorities. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Predictors of and reasons for pacifier use in first-time mothers: an observational study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study identifies an opportunity for educating new mothers and their support network, particularly their infant's grandmothers, with regards to potential risks associated with the early and frequent use of a pacifier, and alternative methods for soothing their infant, in order to reduce the use of pacifiers and their potentially negative effect on breastfeeding duration. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Effects of ethnicity and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status and changes in bone mineral content in infants

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Low cord 25(OH)D levels are seen in Hispanic infants, but their functional significance is uncertain related to bone health in a southern US setting. Daily vitamin D intake of 400 IU during the first months of life appears adequate to increase serum 25(OH)D and support BMC increases despite low initial 25(OH)D levels in some infants.Trial Registration:ClincalTrials.gov NCT00697294 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Resting heart rate as predictor of metabolic dysfunctions in obese children and adolescents

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Elevated RHR has the potential to identify subjects at an increased risk of atherosclerosis development. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Management of cryptorchidism: a survey of clinical practice in Italy

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study showed an important delay in orchidopexy. A quarter of children with cryptorchidism was treated with hormonal therapy. In line with the Consensus guidelines, surgery was carried out by a paediatric surgeon in the majority of cases, with a high success rate. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Detection of group A Streptococcus in tonsils from pediatric patients reveals high rate of asymptomatic streptococcal carriage.

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our study revealed the presence of GAS within the tonsillar reticulated crypts of approximately one-third of children who underwent tonsillectomy for either adenotonsillar hypertrophy or recurrent GAS tonsillopharyngitis at the Wake Forest School of Medicine.Trial Registration. The tissue collected was normally discarded tissue and no patient identifiers were collected. Thus, no subjects were formally enrolled. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Randomised controlled Trial of Improvisational Music therapy's Effectiveness for children with Autism spectrum disorders (TIME-A): Study protocol

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionResponding to the need for more rigorously designed trials examining the effectiveness of music therapy in autism spectrum disorders, this pragmatic trial sets out to generate findings that will be well generalisable to clinical practice. Addressing the issue of dose variation, this study's results will also provide information on the relevance of session frequency for therapy outcome.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN78923965. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Experience developing national evidence based clinical guidelines for childhood pneumonia in a low-income setting - making the GRADE?

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although this exercise may have fallen short of the rigorous requirements recommended by the developers of GRADE, it was arguably an improvement on previous attempts at guideline development in low-income countries and offers valuable lessons for future similar exercises where resources and locally-generated evidence are scarce. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

The Effect of Systematic Pediatric Care on Neonatal Mortality and Hospitalizations of Infants Born with Oral Clefts

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Early systematic pediatric care may significantly reduce neonatal hospitalizations of infants with CL/P and additional birth defects in South America. Given the large healthcare and financial burden of CL/P on affected families and the relatively low cost of systematic pediatric care, improving access to such care may be a cost-effective public policy intervention.Trial Number: NCT00097149 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Post mortem magnetic resonance imaging in the fetus, infant and child: A comparative study with conventional autopsy (MaRIAS Protocol)

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

DISCUSSIONUsing conventional post mortem as the gold standard comparator, the MR images will be assessed for accuracy of the anatomical morphology, associated lesions, clinical usefulness of information and determination of the cause of death. The sensitivities, specificities and predictive values of post mortem MR alone and MR imaging along with other minimally invasive post mortem investigations will be presented for the final diagnosis, broad diagnostic categories and for specific diagnosis of each system.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01417962NIHR Portfolio Number: 6794 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Childhood disability and socio-economic circumstances in low and middle income countries: systematic review

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This review indicates that, despite socially and biologically plausible mechanisms underlying the association of low household SEC with childhood disability in LAMI countries, the empirical evidence from quantitative studies is inconsistent and contradictory. There is evidence for a bidirectional association of low household SEC and disability and longitudinal data is needed to clarify the nature of this association. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Psychosocial family factors and glycemic control among children aged 1-15 years with type 1 diabetes: a population-based survey

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Most families do not reach recommended treatment goals for their child with type 1 diabetes. Concerning contextual sources of stress and support, the families who successfully reached the treatment goals had mothers with higher education and experienced a higher degree of social limitations because of the child's diabetes. The continuous increasing HbA1c by age, also during the years before puberty, may indicate a need for further exploring the associations between child characteristics, context-related variables and parenting behavior such as factors facilitating the transfer of parents' responsibility and motivation for continued frequent treatment tasks to their growing children. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Examination of the cut-off scores determined by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire in a population-based sample of 6 month-old Norwegian infants

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The psychomotor developmental scores were lower than in the reference samples in this study of ASQ 6 month Questionnaire; to our knowledge the first study to be both representative and comparatively large. Approximately every third child with birth weight above 2.5 kg, received scores suggesting further assessment using recommended ASQ cut-off scores. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Family-based factors associated with overweight and obesity among Pakistani primary school children

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Childhood obesity epidemic is now penetrating the developing countries including Pakistan, especially in the affluent urban population. There is no data on association of family-based factors with overweight and obesity among school-aged children in Pakistan. The study aimed to explore the family-based factors associated with overweight and obesity among Pakistani primary school children. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative multistage cluster sample of 1860 children aged five to twelve years in Lahore, Pakistan. Overweight (>+1SD BMI-for-age z-score) and obesity (>+2SD BMI-for-age z-score) were defined using the World Health Organization reference 2007. Chi-square test was used as the test of trend. Linear regression was used to...

Birth weight for gestational age norms for a large cohort of infants born to HIV-negative women in Botswana compared with norms for U.S-born black infants

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We present birth weight for gestational age norms for Botswana, which are lower at term than norms for black infants in the United States. These findings suggest the importance of regional birth weight norms to identify and define risk factors for higher risk births. These data serve as a reference for Botswana, may apply to southern Africa, and may help to identify infants at risk for perinatal complications and inform comparisons among infants exposed to HIV and antiretrovirals in utero. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Pro- and antisaccades in children elicited by visual and acoustic targets - does modality matter?

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present results lay the ground for further studies of acoustically triggered saccades in typically as well as atypically developing children and it might thus be possible to upgrade physiological diagnostic tools. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

"Smoking in Children's Environment Test": a qualitative study of experiences of a new instrument applied in preventive work in child health care.

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the SiCET supports nurses in their dialogue with parents on children's ETS exposure at CHC. There is a need for more clinical use and evaluation of the SiCET to determine its usefulness in clinical practice under varying circumstances. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Factors associated with caregiver burden in a child and adolescent psychiatric facility in Lagos, Nigeria: a descriptive cross sectional study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to identify patient and caregiver characteristics that are associated with caregiver burden.MethodCaregivers of patients attending the Child and Adolescent Clinic of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos [n=155] were consecutively recruited over a one-month period. The caregivers were administered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Interview, and the Columbia Impairment Scale. Scoring on the Children's Global Assessment Scale was done by clinicians. Results: Most caregivers observed in this study were females (80.5%), with mothers of the patients accounting for 78% of all the caregivers. A higher percentage of the patients were males (52.8%). Moderate to severe/severe burden was recorded among 25.2% of caregivers. Factors ...

Effect of a vitamin/mineral supplement on children and adults with autism

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled three month vitamin/mineral treatment study. The study involved 141 children and adults with autism, and pre and post symptoms of autism were assessed. None of the participants had taken a vitamin/mineral supplement in the two months prior to the start of the study. For a subset of the participants (53 children ages 5-16) pre and post measurements of nutritional and metabolic status were also conducted. Results: The vitamin/mineral supplement was generally well-tolerated, and individually titrated to optimum benefit. Levels of many vitamins, minerals, and biomarkers improved/increased showing good compliance and absorption. Statistically significant improvements in metabolic status were many including: total sulfate (+17%, p=0.00...

The multiple meanings of "wheezing": a questionnaire survey in Portuguese for parents and health professionals

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background Most epidemiological studies on pediatric asthma rely on the report of "wheezing" in questionnaires. Our aim was to investigate the understanding of this term by parents and health professionals.Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in hospital and community settings within the south of Portugal. Parents or caregivers self-completed a written questionnaire with information on social characteristics and respiratory history. Multiple choice questions assessed their understanding of "wheezing". Health professionals (physicians, nurses and physiotherapists) were given an adapted version. We used bivariate analysis and multivariate models to study associations between definitions of "wheezing" and participants' characteristics.Results Questionnaires from 425 parents and 29...

Effect of a multi-faceted quality improvement intervention on inappropriate antibiotic use in children with non-bloody diarrhoea admitted to district hospitals in Kenya

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We found some evidence that the multi-faceted, sustained intervention described in this paper led to a reduction in the inappropriate use of antibiotics in treating children with non-bloody diarrhoea.Trial registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN42996612 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Lymphocyte apoptosis in children with central nervous system tuberculosis: a case control study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Studies of the apoptosis mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis have suggested that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can actively interfere with the apoptosis of infected cells. In vivo studies have been performed in adult populations but have not focused on this process in children. In the present study, we analyzed spontaneous T lymphocyte (PBT) apoptosis in the peripheral blood of children with central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB), before and after chemotherapy, and compared the results with healthy controls. Methods: A case-control study was conducted from January 2002 to June 2009. It included 18 children with CNS TB and 17 healthy controls. Spontaneous apoptosis of PBTs, including CD4+, CD8+ and CD8+/CD28+ T cells, was evaluated after 24 and 72 h of cul...

A survey of Autism knowledge and attitudes among the healthcare professionals in Lahore, Pakistan

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACT Background: The diagnosis and treatment of Autism in Pakistan occurs in multiple settings and is provided by variety of health professionals. Unfortunately, knowledge and awareness about Autism is low among Pakistani healthcare professionals & the presence of inaccurate and outdated beliefs regarding this disorder may compromise early detection and timely referral for interventions. The study assessed the baseline knowledge and misconceptions regarding autism among healthcare professionals in Pakistan which can impact future awareness campaigns. Methods: Physicians (psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists and family physicians) and non-physicians (psychologists and speech therapists) participated in this study. Knowledge of DSM-IV TR criteria for Autistic Disorder, beliefs abou...

Utility of clinical parameters to identify HIV infection in infants below ten weeks of age in South Africa: a prospective cohort study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: As HIV-infected infants have high mortality, the World Health Organization now recommends initiating antiretroviral therapy as early as possible in the first year of life. However, in many settings, laboratory diagnosis of HIV in infants is not readily available. We aimed to develop a clinical algorithm for HIV presumptive diagnosis in infants (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Waist circumference, waist-hip ratio and waist-height ratio percentiles and central obesity among Pakistani children aged five to twelve years

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Central obesity has been associated with the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease in children and anthropometric indices predictive of central obesity include waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-height ratio (WHtR). South Asian children have higher body fat distribution in the trunk region but the literature regarding WC and related indices is scarce in this region. The study was aimed to provide age- and gender-specific WC, WHR and WHtR smoothed percentiles, and to explore prevalence and correlates of central obesity, among Pakistani children aged five to twelve years. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative multistage random cluster sample of 1860 primary school children aged five to twelve years in L...

A double blind, randomised placebo controlled trial of topical 2% viscous lidocaine in improving oral intake in children with painful infectious mouth conditions

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study aims to establish the effectiveness of 2% viscous lidocaine in increasing oral intake in these children by comparing it with placebo.Methods/ DesignThis study is a randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial of children between 6 months and 8 years of age with painful infectious mouth conditions defined as gingivostomatitis (herpetic or non herpetic), ulcerative pharyngitis, herpangina and hand foot and mouth disease as assessed by the treating clinician in association with a history of poor oral fluid intake. It will be conducted at a single tertiary paediatric emergency department in Melbourne Australia.20 patients have already been randomised to receive 2% lidocaine or placebo in a pilot study to determine the sample size in a preplanned adaptive design. A further 80 pat...

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis presenting as fever of unknown origin: case report.

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This case report suggests a new possible syndromic association between ADEM and FUO, which should be considered in the clinical examination of patients with FUO, especially in the presence of also modest neurologic or neuropsychiatric symptoms. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Systemic Hydrocortisone To Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in preterm infants (the SToP-BPD study); a multicenter randomized placebo controlled trial

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Randomized controlled trials have shown that treatment of chronically ventilated preterm infants after the first week of life with dexamethasone reduces the incidence of the combined outcome death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, there are concerns that dexamethasone may increase the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Hydrocortisone has been suggested as an alternative therapy. So far no randomized controlled trial has investigated its efficacy when administered after the first week of life to ventilated preterm infants. Methods: The SToP-BPD trial is a randomized double blind placebo controlled multicenter study including 400 very low birth weight infants (gestational age (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Secretory phospholipase A2 pathway in various types of lung injury in neonates and infants: a multicentre translational study.

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study, thanks to its multicenter design, will clarify the role(s) of sPLA2 and its pathway in these diseases: sPLA2 might be the crossroad between inflammation and surfactant dysfunction. This may represent a crucial target for new anti-inflammatory therapies but also a novel approach to protect surfactant or spare it, improving alveolar stability, lung mechanics and gas exchange. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Determinants of rapid weight gain during infancy: baseline results from the NOURISH randomised controlled trial.

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This analysis supports the contention that there is an association between formula feeding, feeding to schedule and weight gain in the first months of life. Mechanisms may include the actual content of formula milk (e.g. higher protein intake) or differences in feeding styles, such as feeding to schedule, which increase the risk of overfeeding.Trial Registration: Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12608000056392 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Participation in physical play and leisure: developing a theory- and evidence-based intervention for children with motor impairments

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe primary output from this project will be a detailed protocol for an intervention. The intervention, if subsequently found to be effective, will support children with motor difficulties to attain life-long well-being and participation in society. The project will also be an exemplar of methodology for a systematic development of non-drug interventions for children. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

The VICI-trial: high frequency oscillation versus conventional mechanical ventilation in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: an international multicentre randomized controlled trial

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

DiscussionTo date, randomized clinical trials are lacking in the field of CDH. The VICI-trial, as the first randomized clinical trial in the field of CDH, may provide further insight in ventilation strategies in CDH patient. This may hopefully prevent mortality and morbidity.Trial registration: this trial is registered in the Dutch trial register (number NTR 1310) (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Effects of a physical education intervention on cognitive function in young children: randomized controlled pilot study.

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to inform future RCT by: conducting practical utility and reliability studies to identify appropriate cognitive outcome measures; piloting an RCT of a 10 week physical education (PE) intervention which involved 2 hours per week of aerobically intense PE compared to 2 hours of standard PE (control). Methods: 64 healthy children (mean age 6.2 yrs SD 0.3; 33 boys) recruited from 6 primary schools. Outcome measures were the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB), the Attention Network Test (ANT), the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) and the short form of the Connor's Parent Rating Scale (CPRS:S). Physical activity was measured habitually and during PE sessions using the Actigraph accelerometer. Results: Test- retest intraclass correlations from CANTAB Spatial Span...

Higher incidence of perineal community acquired MRSA infections among toddlers

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: CAMRSA SSTI of the perineum was significantly more common among toddlers and that of the extremities in older children. The infecting strains were all USA300 PFT. Further studies are needed to identify the unique virulence and colonization characteristics of USA300 strains in these infections. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

The dynamic system of parental work of care for children with special health care needs: A conceptual model to guide quality improvement efforts

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The work of care affecting the health of children with special health care needs and their families can best be understood, studied, and managed as a multilevel complex system. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Multi-species bacterial biofilm and intracellular infection in otitis media

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Using FISH and CLSM, bacterial biofilm and intracellular infection with known otopathogens are demonstrated on/in the middle ear mucosa of children with COME and/or rAOM. While their role in disease pathogenesis remains to be determined, this previously undescribed infection pattern may help explain the ineffectiveness of current treatment strategies at preventing or resolving COME or rAOM. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Can the FAST and ROSIER adult stroke recognition tools be applied to confirmed childhood arterial ischemic stroke?

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Stroke recognition tools have been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy in adults. Development of a similar tool in children is needed to reduce lag time to diagnosis. A critical first step is to determine whether adult stoke scales can be applied in childhood stroke.Our objective was to assess the applicability of adult stroke scales in childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) Methods: Children aged 1 month to (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Respiratory support by neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) in severe RSV-related bronchiolitis: a case series report

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings highlight the feasibility and benefit of NAVA in children with severe RSV-related bronchiolitis. NAVA provides a less aggressive ventilation requiring lower inspiratory pressures with good results for oxygenation and more comfort for the children. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Trends in use of neonatal CPAP: a population-based study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The use of neonatal CPAP is increasing, especially >32 weeks gestation and among non-tertiary hospitals. Recommendations are required regarding which infants should be considered for CPAP, resources necessary for a unit to offer CPAP and monitoring of longer term outcomes. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Growth restriction in gastroschisis: quantification of its severity and exploration of a placental cause

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Gastroschisis patients are commonly small for gestational age (SGA, birth weight [BW] < 10th centile). However, the extent, symmetry and causes of that growth restriction remain controversial. Methods: We compared BW, crown-heel length (LT), occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) and ponderal index (PI) in 179 gastroschisis cases and 895 matched controls by univariate and multiple regression. Fetal ultrasounds (N= 80) were reviewed to determine onset of growth restriction. Placental histology was examined in 31 gastroschisis patients whose placental tissue was available and in 29 controls. Results: Gastroschisis cases weighed less than controls (BW = 2400 + 502 g vs. 2750 + 532 g, p (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Care seeking for fatal illness episodes in Neonates: a population-based study in rural Bangladesh

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The high proportion of neonatal deaths that had received traditional care or no medical care in a rural area of Bangladesh highlights the need to develop community awareness about prompt medical care seeking for neonatal illnesses and to improve access to effective health care. Integration of traditional care providers into mainstream health programs should also be considered. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Association between substance use and psychosocial characteristics among adolescents of the Seychelles

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that health promotion programs should simultaneously address multiple risk behaviors and take into account a wide range of psychosocial characteristics of the students at the individual and family levels. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

How about your peers? Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire data from healthy children and adolescents

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Reference data of quality of life scores from a healthy population are essential for adequate interpretation of quality of life in young patients with CF. Clinicians should be aware that the perception of health-related quality of life is not as disease-specific as one might think and also relies on factors such as age, normal maturation and gender. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Trajectories of Growth and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A longitudinal study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Slower prenatal growth in weight, body-mass index, length, and head circumference may pose a risk for higher ADHD symptoms in childhood. The consistently smaller head circumference from birth up to 56 months characterizing children with higher ADHD symptoms may point to a lack of catch-up growth in head circumference in childhood as another predisposing factor. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

A Multi-Center, Qualitative Assessment of Pediatrician and Maternal Perspectives on Rotavirus Vaccines and the Detection of Porcine circovirus

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Pediatricians considered the detection of DNA material from PCV in rotavirus vaccines a "non-issue" and reported little hesitation in continuing to recommend the vaccines. Mothers desired transparency, but ultimately trusted their pediatrician's recommendation. Both vaccines are currently approved for their intended use, and no risk of human PCV illness has been reported. Communicating this topic to pediatricians and mothers requires sensitivity to a broad range of technical understanding and personal concerns. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Isotonic versus Hypotonic Maintenance Intravenous Fluids in Hospitalized Children

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: When administered at the appropriate maintenance rate and accompanied by adequate volume expansion with isotonic fluids, 0.45% saline did not result in a drop in serum [Na] during the first 12 hours of fluid therapy in children without severe baseline hyponatremia. Confirmation in a larger study is strongly recommended.Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT00457873 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/)Key Words: hyponatremia, sodium, intravenous fluids, isotonic fluid (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Duration of exclusive breastfeeding; validity of retrospective assessment at nine months of age

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: In cross sectional, case control and retrospective cohort studies, duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) usually depends on maternal recall. Retrospective data are often subjected to recall bias and could lead to a potential for exposure misclassification. The purpose of the present paper is to assess the validity of maternal recall of EBF duration during infancy, after cessation of EBF and to evaluate the two methods to collect retrospective data on EBF. Methods: A cohort study was carried out in Naula Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area. Study cohort included all infants born during the months of February to April 2008 and currently residing in Naula MOH area. Baseline data collection was carried out using the pregnancy record, the child health development record and by ...

Prospective evaluation of indirect costs due to acute rotavirus gastroenteritis in Spain: the ROTACOST study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to assess the indirect costs induced by rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (RVAGE) in Spain. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from October 2008 to June 2009. It included 682 children up to 5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) who attended primary care (n=18) and emergency room/hospital settings (n=10), covering the regions of Galicia and Asturias (North-west Spain). All non-medical expenses incurred throughout the episode were recorded in detail using personal interviews and telephone contact. Results: Among the 682 enrolled children, 207 (30.4%) were rotavirus positive and 170 (25%) had received at least one dose of rotavirus vaccine. The mean (standard deviation) indirect cost caused by an episode of AGE was estimated at 135.17 (182.70)Eur...

Epidemiological characteristics of Candida species colonizing oral and rectal sites of Jordanian infants

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: There is evidence that Candida colonization contributes to increasing invasion of candidiasis in hospitalized neonates. Few studies investigated the epidemiology and risk factors of Candida colonization among hospitalized and non-hospitalized infants. This prospective study investigated the major epidemiological characteristics of Candida species colonizing oral and rectal sites of Jordanian infants. Methods: Infants aged one year or less who were examined at the pediatrics outpatient clinic or hospitalized at the Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, were included in this study. Culture swabs were collected from oral and rectal sites and inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. All Candida isolates were confirmed by the Remel RapID yeast plus system, and further investigate...

A decision aid for considering indomethacin prophylaxis vs. symptomatic treatment of PDA for extreme low birth weight infants

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We have developed a computer based DA to assess parental preferences with regard to indomethacin therapy in preterm infants. Future research will involve measurement of parental preferences to guide and augment the clinical decisions in current neonatal practice. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

The impact of different doses of vitamin A supplementation on male and female mortality. A randomised trial from Guinea-Bissau.

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our sample size does not permit firm conclusions since mortality was lower than expected. We could not confirm a beneficial effect of a lower dose of VAS on mortality in girls.Trial registration: The study was registered under clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT00168636 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Cord blood calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase gestational age specific reference intervals for preterm infants

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These data suggest that gestational age, as well as potentially pathogenic maternal and neonatal variables, should be considered in the development of reference intervals for preterm infants. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Why are breastfeeding rates low in Lebanon? A qualitative study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Increasing awareness of future mothers about breast feeding difficulties, its benefits to children, mothers, and society at large may further promote breastfeeding, and improve exclusivity and continuation rates in Lebanon. A national strategy for early intervention during school years to increase young women's awareness may improve their self-confidence and determination to succeed in breastfeeding later. Moreover, prolonging maternity leave, having day-care facilities at work, creation of lactation peer support groups and hotlines, and training of doctors and nurses in proper lactation support may positively impact breastfeeding exclusivity and continuation rates. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of proposed interventions in the Lebanese context. (Sourc...

Potential link between caffeine consumption and pediatric depression: a case-control study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings indicate that depressed children consume more caffeinated drinks than non-depressed children. Nonetheless while a strong association between depressive symptoms and caffeine consumption among children was found, further research should investigate whether or not this association is due to a cause and effect relationship. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Long-term follow-up and treatment of congenital alveolar proteinosis

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The long term management from early childhood into young adolescence of severe alveolar proteinosis due to GMCSF receptor deficiency requires a dedicated specialized team to perform technically demanding whole lung lavages and cope with complications. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Exploring Racial/Ethnic Differences in Substance Use: A Preliminary Theory-Based Investigation with Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100