Journal of paediatrics and child health
-
Childhood Interstitial lung disease (chILD) is an umbrella term used to define a broad range of rare, diffuse pulmonary disorders with altered interstitial structure that leads to abnormal gas exchange. Presentation of chILD in infancy can be difficult to differentiate from other common causes of diffuse lung disease. This article aimed at paediatricians provides an overview of interstitial lung disease presenting in infancy and includes key clinical features, a suggested approach to investigation and a summary of management. An overview of three clinical cases has been included to demonstrate the diagnostic approach, characteristic investigation findings and varied clinical outcomes.
-
J Paediatr Child Health · Apr 2016
Comparative StudyUtility of early influenza diagnosis through point-of-care testing in children presenting to an emergency department.
Influenza causes a large burden of disease in children. Point-of-care testing (POCT) can rapidly diagnose influenza with the potential to reduce investigation and hospital admission rates, but information on its use in an Australian setting is limited. ⋯ Influenza diagnosis by POCT was quicker and reduced LOS of hospitalised children, whereas negative results delayed diagnosis. Negative POCT should not alter usual investigations if influenza remains suspected. A controlled prospective study during the influenza season is needed to clarify the direct benefits of POCT.
-
J Paediatr Child Health · Apr 2016
Comparative StudyA practical comparison of temporal artery thermometry and axillary thermometry in neonates under different environments.
Thermoregulatory stability and monitoring are crucial in neonatal care. However, the current standard of temperature measurement using Axillary Thermometry (AT) poses multiple limitations. Temporal Artery Thermometry (TT) is a promising new method, which thus begs the question: Can TT replace AT in neonates? Previous studies reveal conflicting results, with none involving a Southeast-Asian multi-ethnic neonatal population under different environments. ⋯ Given the good agreement and increased comfort with TT use, our study confirms that TT is comparable to AT for neonates nursed in room air. TT is therefore recommended for the temperature screening and monitoring of neonates nursed on ambient air. Its use in other environments and factors predictive of comparability of both methods requires further study.
-
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.
-
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.