Archives de pédiatrie : organe officiel de la Sociéte française de pédiatrie
-
An extreme attentiveness is mandatory when caring about extremely-low-gestational-age neonates at birth because of their innate vulnerability. The interventions performed during resuscitation of these infants may have direct influence on the immediate survival and also on long-term morbidity. Although stressfull, each resuscitation step is crucial and needs to be precise, fast and harmless. ⋯ The most frequent errors we recognized were errors of hygiene, not re-evaluating oxygen titration and airway obstruction during mask ventilation. We observed team behaviour and coordination during resuscitation and focused on quality of care. We believe that this method may be very effective as a teaching tool.
-
French epidemiological data show that adolescents today experiment with tobacco at an earlier age than in the 1990s. Half of them combine tobacco consumption with other psychoactive products such as alcohol or cannabis. Tobacco consumption usually begins in adolescence and early smoking initiation is related to stronger nicotine dependence and problems quitting in adulthood. ⋯ The rapidity of the loss of autonomy among young smokers emphasizes the need for early interventions for tobacco prevention and cessation among adolescents. Tobacco use was often associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, suggesting a need for professional support. The national smoking cessation questionnaire may be helpful in pediatric wards and consultations.
-
In previous years, several publications have reported cases of infants presenting neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of star anise tea. Such teas are sometimes given in various cultures for the treatment of infant colic pains. In most cases, the cause of intoxication was contamination of Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) by Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum). Indeed, the toxicity of Illicium anisatum, also known as Shikimi, is caused by its content in potent neurotoxins (anisatin, neoanisatin, and pseudoanisatin), due to their activity as non-competitive antagonists of GABA receptors. The main reasons explaining the frequent contaminations are the strong macroscopic resemblance of the 2 substances, as well as the fact that the fruits are often sold partially broken or in ground form. Therefore, in most cases, chemical analysis is required to determine the possible adulterations. ⋯ The evaluation of ALTE in infants should always include the possibility of intoxication. Star anise is generally considered a harmless medicine. Nevertheless, it can sometimes cause a severe intoxication resulting in various neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. To prevent such events, not only the parents, but also the care personnel and pharmacists must be informed about the possible adverse effects caused either by the overdose of Chinese star anise or by the eventual contamination of herbal teas with Japanese star anise. A better control of the substances by the health authorities is also necessary.
-
Review
[Social skills training groups for children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome: A review].
First described in 1944 by Hans Asperger, Asperger syndrome (AS) is now considered in international diagnostic classifications as one of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The main symptoms of AS are severe impairment in social interaction and communication, and restricted interests, without significant delay in cognitive and language development. Its prevalence is not clearly established but might be around 0.26 per 1000. Symptoms of high-functioning autism (HFA), which is not an official diagnostic category, are quite similar. Children and adolescents with AS or HFA mostly have a social skills deficit, in connection with a lack of understanding concerning the rules governing social interactions. This deficit often leads to social isolation and peer rejection, which can alter their quality of life. Their lack of social skills can also have effects on success at school or work, integration among peers and mental health. According to recent guidelines of the French national authority for health (Haute autorité de santé, HAS) about the special needs of persons with PDD, professionals have to develop evidence-based interventions, emphasizing social interactions and participation, as described by the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF): social and professional participation as well as participation in leisure activities, clubs and societies, etc. ⋯ Although new studies are necessary to assess the generalization and long-term efficacy of such approaches, this review confirms the advantages of the main methods of social skills training groups for children and adolescents with AS. It opens up perspectives to developing new programs of social skills training groups, integrating various approaches, dimensions and objectives, working on a long-term basis.