Journal of paediatrics and child health
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Current Australian guidelines for the provision of paediatric palliative care highlight the importance of services being focused on the needs of the child and family. We aimed to establish parents' level of satisfaction with the quality of care currently being provided to children dying of cancer. ⋯ Current approaches to end-of-life care in children with cancer appear to be satisfactory. The main focus should continue to be on open and honest communication.
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Paediatric chest trauma is a marker of severe injury and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. However, current trends in the Australian population are unknown. This study aims to outline the profile and management of major paediatric chest trauma in Victoria. ⋯ Australian paediatric chest trauma trends are similar to international patterns. Serious injury requiring surgical intervention is rare. This limited exposure may lead to difficulty in maintaining surgical expertise in this highly specialised area.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2009
Familial Mediterranean fever gene mutations in the inner northern region of Turkey and genotype-phenotype correlation in children.
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of fever, polyserositis and rash. The aim of this study was to determine the most common mutations and clinical features, and their relationships. ⋯ In addition to clinical criteria, molecular studies for detecting disease-causing mutations are needed to establish the diagnosis of FMF. FMF patients who were homozygous for MEFV gene mutations had a higher symptom severity score and higher incidence of appendectomy. The broad spectrum of mutations may reflect intercultural interactions of ethnic groups in Anatolia. Nation-wide studies may help to determine the relationships among demographic, clinical and genetic features of FMF.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2009
Socio-cultural perceptions of sudden infant death syndrome among migrant Indian mothers.
To explore socio-cultural influences on migrant mother decisions and beliefs regarding co-sleeping as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). ⋯ This study illustrates how decisions and behaviour are shaped by socio-cultural influences embedded in discourses and context. It also shows that in-depth investigation through a social constructivist lens is particularly useful for investigating influences on knowledge acquisition, interpretation and implementation among migrant groups. A greater appreciation of the social meanings and ideologies attached to behaviours can help to ensure that the correct messages reach the correct populations, and that child health outcomes can be achieved and maintained both for overseas and Australian-born populations.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2009
UK health professionals' attitudes and knowledge regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: a West Yorkshire Study.
To investigate the willingness of clinicians to recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, the strength of support for a national HPV vaccine programme and to determine which factors, if any, affected these. ⋯ There is widespread support for vaccination. Information provision to doctors will be important in maximising clinician confidence in recommending vaccination, and may be most beneficial when targeted at more junior doctors.