Archives of disease in childhood
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To evaluate potential markers of serious bacterial infection (SBI) in infants under 3 months of age presenting with fever of unknown origin. ⋯ PCT, CRP, and leucocyte count have intrinsic predictive value for SBI in febrile infants under 3 months of age. The diagnostic value of PCT is greater than CRP for more invasive bacterial infections and for fever of short duration.
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This article explores gender in relation to Scottish child injury mortality over time. ⋯ The gender pattern of child injury mortality in Scotland is highly variable and changing over time to the point where the previous male excess has almost disappeared in some age and cause categories. The overall male excess in child injury mortality has, however, remained consistent over time although the trend is downwards and converging. These findings are largely unexplained.
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There are no systematic methods for toxicovigilance of non-medicinal products in the UK. This is particularly relevant for pesticides, where there is significant public concern about potential adverse effects. This study describes a prospective toxicovigilance scheme based on follow-up of enquiries to the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) through its online poisons information system TOXBASE. These enquiries reflect acute exposures and the patterns of acute illness that result. ⋯ Areas of potential concern identified included storage, access of young children to "laid" baits and pesticides, and exposures as a result of medication errors, with liquid head lice preparations being confused with other medicines. Use of NPIS systems provides a potentially useful method of toxicovigilance.