Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Oct 2010
ReviewTherapeutic hypothermia for newborn infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.
Peripartum asphyxia complicated by moderate or severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy is a devastating global health issue. A therapeutic 'window of opportunity' exists after resuscitation of the asphyxiated newborn and before the delayed phase of neuronal loss. Animal studies demonstrated that neuronal injury following hypoxia-ischaemia can be prevented or reduced by a mild reduction in brain temperature. ⋯ Importantly, mortality is reduced without any increase in major neurodevelopmental disability in survivors, and with only minor adverse effects. The evidence supports therapeutic hypothermia when used within strict protocols in tertiary centres to improve the outcome for term and near-term newborns with moderate or severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Equally strict protocols in non-tertiary nurseries will enable earlier initiation of hypothermia under guidance of the regional neonatal intensive care unit and transport team.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Sep 2010
ReviewSmoking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori children.
Smoking and the deaths and suffering it causes are more common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori than other Australians and New Zealanders. While, many tobacco control activities that are not specifically targeted at children will have a positive impact on child health, this review concentrates on recent tobacco control research on pregnant women and children. The important tasks are to reduce smoking by pregnant Māori and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to reduce infant and child exposure to second-hand smoke and to reduce smoking initiation of children and adolescents. Health professionals who want to reduce the suffering caused by smoking among Māori and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can be guided by much new relevant research evidence and clear frameworks about how to approach tobacco control in these communities.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Sep 2010
ReviewThe mysterious practice of petrol sniffing in isolated indigenous groups.
The practice of petrol sniffing is a unique and poorly understood phenomenon that is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and social devastation in affected remote Indigenous communities. For these groups and for the wider community, much mystery has surrounded the practice and its effects. Here we introduce the epidemiology of petrol sniffing among Indigenous groups internationally, review its impact on the brain, behaviour and social functions and summarise related interventions.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Jul 2010
Electroencephalogram in children with minor traumatic brain injury.
Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is one of the most frequent causes for hospitalisation in childhood. Because of different guidelines in the management the diagnostic approach varies substantially. Apart from neuroimaging studies (CT, MRI, sonography) an electroencephalogram (EEG) is often performed without any evidence-based data supporting its use. ⋯ The routine performance of an EEG after MTBI in children is not indicated because in most of the cases it is unrevealing, and may lead to unnecessary diagnostic procedures. Instead, children with MTBI should be closely monitored for possible clinical complications and neurological deterioration.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Jul 2010
Assessment of neonatal resuscitation performance using video recording in a perinatal centre.
To assess the quality of neonatal resuscitation using video recordings in a perinatal centre. ⋯ Video recording identified strengths and weaknesses in the performance of neonatal resuscitation and can facilitate targeted education and quality assurance programmes.