Archives of disease in childhood
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There remains a need for alternative medical treatments for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in extreme preterm neonates because of therapeutic failure and adverse effects associated with non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. Reports of an association between paracetamol exposure and PDA closure in a limited number of extreme preterm neonates have been published. ⋯ Although paracetamol appears an effective and safe analgesic in term and near term neonates, its effectiveness and safety for PDA closure are uncertain because the drug is administered in high doses and there remain a limited number of observations in this specific subpopulation so far. Prospective comparative trials are reasonable and are urgently needed to establish both the effectiveness and safety data of paracetamol when used for this indication.
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To describe the prevalence of depression in children with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and investigate the relationship between depression in CFS/ME and clinical symptoms such as fatigue, disability, pain and school attendance. ⋯ Depression is commonly comorbid with CFS/ME, much more common than in the general population, and is associated with markers of disease severity. It is important to screen for, identify and treat depression in this population.
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To determine whether demographic and diagnostic characteristics were associated with location of death in a series of children with life-limiting illnesses. ⋯ Most children in New Zealand with a life-limiting illness die in hospital with a significant influence resulting from ethnic background, diagnosis and referral to the PPC service. These findings have implications for resourcing PPC services and end-of-life care.
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The 'white-eyed' blowout fracture is an orbital injury in children that is commonly initially misdiagnosed as a head injury because of predominant autonomic features and lack of soft-tissue signs. We present five patients who presented with nausea and vomiting following an apparent mild head or facial injury. None of the five had any external evidence of injury. ⋯ CT examination demonstrated an inferior orbital wall fracture in all cases with entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle. Each patient underwent surgical repair, two within 48 h of their injury, both of whom achieved complete recovery of ocular movements, while three were delayed beyond 48 h, with a resulting residual limitation of upgaze in all. It is, therefore, important for clinicians to be aware of this condition, so that it can be diagnosed early in order for early surgical release to be performed, which is associated with an excellent prognosis.