Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Mar 2016
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyMelatonin versus midazolam premedication in children undergoing surgery: A pilot study.
Melatonin has been proposed as a premedication alternative to midazolam, preceding anaesthesia induction. However, to our knowledge, data concerning interaction between melatonin and intravenous anaesthetic drugs in children are not available. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study was to investigate the possible effect of melatonin premedication, in comparison to midazolam, on the required infusion of propofol in children undergoing surgery. As a secondary outcome, the effect of oral melatonin on the preoperative sedation level and on the post anaesthesia recovery score was evaluated. ⋯ The present study demonstrates that melatonin enhances the potency of propofol also in paediatric patients. Moreover, considering the paediatric level of sedation, melatonin was equally as effective as midazolam. These data support the use of melatonin as a premedicant in paediatric surgical patients.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Mar 2016
Comparative StudyRegular source of primary care and emergency department use of children in Victoria.
The aim of this paper was to study the prevalence of a regular source of primary care for Victorian children attending one of four emergency departments (EDs) and to determine associated characteristics, including ED use. ⋯ Policy options to improve continuity of care for children may require investigation. Increasing the prevalence of regular source of primary care for children may in turn reduce ED visits.
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'Every day, more than 200 children under the age of 15 die needlessly from tuberculosis (TB) - a disease that is preventable and curable. The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 1 in 10 TB cases globally (6-10% of all TB cases) are among this age group, but the number could be even higher because many children are simply undiagnosed.' Childhood TB is emerging from the shadows. This quote comes from the recently launched international roadmap towards zero TB deaths in children. We provide a brief update of new developments and remaining challenges related to childhood TB, with particular emphasis on the new roadmap.