Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Apr 2007
Relationship between fluid management, changes in serum sodium and outcome in hypernatraemia associated with gastroenteritis.
To describe the relationship between fluid management, serum sodium and outcome in critically ill children with hypernatraemic gastroenteritis. ⋯ Rehydration in hypernatraemic gastroenteritis using intravenous solutions containing 61 mmol/L sodium would be expected to correct serum sodium at a rate of approximately 0.6 mmol/L/h. Neither sodium content of the intravenous solution, nor rate of correction of sodium, was independently associated with adverse outcome.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Apr 2007
ReviewLegal basis for ethical withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment from infants and children.
Withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment is common in hospitals, particularly in intensive care unit environments. Usually, decisions regarding limitation of therapy are based on ethical considerations and derived by discussion and mutual agreement between parents and clinicians. However, disputes sometimes arise. ⋯ These are based on the present and future 'quality of life', 'futility' of present treatment and a comparison of 'burdens versus benefits' of present and future treatment and its discontinuance. These legal principles may facilitate difficult ethical decisions. This article identifies a number of common law cases which establishes these principles.
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Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in childhood affecting about 1-2% of preschool children and differs in a number of ways from other common childhood food allergies such as cows milk and peanut. Common egg allergens are altered both by heat and gastric enzymes. ⋯ While the MMR vaccine is no longer contraindicated in egg allergy, influenza vaccine is contraindicated in children with anaphylaxis to egg. An understanding of the similarities and differences in these common food allergies of childhood is helpful in the management of these common and increasing problems.