Paediatric respiratory reviews
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Paediatr Respir Rev · Mar 2011
ReviewManagement of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in children: a survival guide for paediatricians.
WHO estimated that of 9.4 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide in 2008, 440,000 (3.6%) had multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB. Childhood TB is estimated at 10-15% of the total burden, but little is known about the burden of MDR-TB in children. Children in close contact with MDR-TB cases are likely to become infected with the same resistant strains and are vulnerable to develop disease. ⋯ Co-infection with HIV poses particular challenges and requires early initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Preventive therapy for high-risk MDR-TB contacts is necessary, but no consensus guidance exists on how best to manage these cases. Pragmatic and effective Infection control measures are essential to limit the spread of MDR-TB.
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Wheeze, a common symptom in pre-school children, is a continuous high-pitched sound, with a musical quality, emitting from the chest during expiration. A pragmatic clinical classification is episodic (viral) wheeze and multiple-trigger wheeze. Diagnostic difficulties include other conditions that give rise to noisy breathing which could be misinterpreted as wheeze. ⋯ Even if there is a successful trial of treatment with ICS, a break in treatment should be given to see if the symptoms have resolved or continuous therapy is still required. Maintenance as well as intermittent Montelukast has a role in both episodic and multi trigger wheeze. Good multidisciplinary support and education is essential in managing this common condition.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterised by chronic inflammation and infection. Patients are predominantly infected by specific pathogens, of which Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most important. In recent years however there has been an increasing number of reports on potentially emerging and challenging pathogens like Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Non-tuberculous mycobacteria, highly prevalent P. aeruginosa clones, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Burkholderia cepacia. ⋯ It is not always clear whether or how these pathogens influence the progression of CF lung disease and how they should be treated. In this review, the epidemiology and clinical impact of these pathogens is discussed. Furthermore, treatment strategies of these pathogens in a CF setting are reviewed.
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Paediatr Respir Rev · Jun 2010
ReviewOesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula: current management strategies and complications.
The successful operative management of oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal atresia has been available for approximately 70 years. During this time neonatal intensive care has evolved, surgical techniques have improved and consequently near 100% survival for this condition may now be achieved. In keeping with promising results, the co-morbidities of the condition have gained increasing recognition. In this article, the clinical course from antenatal assessments, neonatal surgery and co-morbidities from infancy to adulthood are reviewed to provide a broad overview of the condition.
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Subjects with progressive neuromuscular diseases undergo a typical sequence of respiratory compromise, leading from normal unassisted gas exchange to nocturnal hypoventilation with normal daytime gas exchange, and eventually to respiratory failure requiring continuous ventilatory support. Several different abnormalities in respiratory pump function have been described to explain the development of respiratory failure in subjects with neuromuscular weakness. ⋯ The likely beneficial effects of mechanical ventilatory support include resting fatigue-prone respiratory muscles and resetting of the central chemoreceptors to PaCO(2). Recent experience shows that select patients who require daytime ventilation can be supported with non-invasive ventilation continuously to correct gas exchange abnormalities while avoiding detrimental aspects of tracheostomy placement.