{"title":"Effective vaccination for malaria and wider implications for future global child health","authors":"Rodney Ogwang, Jane Crawley","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a major public health concern. Following decades of research and development, a significant milestone was recently achieved with the historic approval of the first-generation of malaria vaccines. Importantly, initial programmatic use is planned for children living in areas of Africa with high malaria transmission intensity. Although their protective efficacy is incomplete, it is anticipated that these vaccines will provide public health gains. Noteworthy is the fact that, in addition to the direct antimalarial benefit, a highly effective malaria vaccine would have broad implications for global child health. Here we summarize the potential broader public health benefits of an efficacious vaccine and the practical implications of vaccine rollout. We also briefly discuss the current state of malaria vaccine research and development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 3","pages":"Pages 79-87"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143551416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Reynolds, Seilesh Kadambari, Elizabeth Calton, Damian Roland
{"title":"The child with prolonged fever: when to think zebras","authors":"Sarah Reynolds, Seilesh Kadambari, Elizabeth Calton, Damian Roland","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fever is a very common paediatric presentation and usually has an identifiable infectious aetiology. However, for the child with prolonged fever it is sometimes necessary to look beyond the usual suspects and consider the ‘zebra’ diagnoses – that is, the unusual ones. This update of our 2020 article addresses when to consider rarer and potentially life-threatening infective, autoimmune or malignant causes of prolonged fever and their immediate management. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic (and thus the need to consider paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19), the increase in tuberculosis and the resurgence in measles have been considered in the re-working of this paper.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 3","pages":"Pages 71-78"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143551415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Managing a child with a possible vaccine allergy","authors":"Suzana Radulovic, Elizabeth Powell","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adverse reactions to vaccination are frequent, but true allergy to vaccines is rare. It is important to recognize symptoms which are common side effects of immunization and local reactions/benign rashes which are not a contraindication for future vaccination. Patients with a history of significant reactions to vaccines need to be referred for investigation of suspected allergy to the vaccine itself, or, more commonly excipients. Investigations involve allergy testing (skin testing and specific IgE) and ultimately risk – assessed challenge to either the same vaccine or an alternative vaccine without the offending allergen in case of reactions to excipients/adjuvants. In this article, we discuss how to identify children and young people who need further investigation, those who would benefit from onward referral and distinguish them from those who can continue with the immunization schedule in the community or local services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 3","pages":"Pages 88-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143551417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Paediatric ECG made even easier","authors":"Rami Dhillon","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>All doctors need to be able to interpret an electrocardiogram (ECG). For a non-invasive test the ECG can deliver great rewards to those prepared to invest in its promise. It holds the potential of distinguishing normal from abnormal in the investigation of common presentations such as heart murmurs and palpitations. In more acute situations, correct interpretation offers a keen understanding of disturbances of rhythm and conduction. This article examines the utility of this modest but potent tool.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 2","pages":"Pages 41-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"‘Let's pretend’ in paediatrics: in situ simulation in practice","authors":"Hannah Pool","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In-situ simulation is simulation-based education which is integrated into the clinical environment rather than in a dedicated training venue. It is used to improve clinical care, team dynamics and leadership as well as evaluate system issues and identify latent threats in the environment.</div><div>Designing a simulation, whether impromptu or planned, is crucial to its success. Considering the scenario and learning outcomes, location, equipment required and ensuring the right facilitators are available is essential. A simulation proforma can help to structure and deliver a successful session. It is important to create a supportive educational environment where participants feel comfortable and there is open debrief which identifies key learning for individuals, the department and wider system.</div><div>Embedding simulation into a department can be challenging but equally rewarding and lead to improvements in team performance and communication.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 2","pages":"Pages 65-67"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How to survive your first neonatal job","authors":"Nisha Aggarwal, Qasim Malik, Asad Abbas","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article serves as a guide to navigating any clinician's first neonatal job, offering practical tips across all areas including neonatal intensive care, the special care baby unit and the postnatal ward. Whilst it focuses on the training landscape for paediatricians in the UK, it may be more widely applicable. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing patient care through effective teamwork, communication, and regular check-ins with colleagues, especially during high-pressure situations such as births. Key practical skills, including airway management, blood gas interpretation, and procedural training, are discussed, along with strategies for obtaining workplace-based assessments. Importantly, the piece reinforces the value of support systems available to trainees, including mentorship from senior colleagues and interdisciplinary collaboration. Ultimately, whilst aneonatal rotation can be daunting, it offers invaluable opportunities for professional growth, equipping trainees with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of neonatal care confidently.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 2","pages":"Pages 68-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of heart murmurs in paediatrics: a lost skill in the era of echocardiography?","authors":"Titilayo Ogunlana, Moustafa Eldalal, Paraskevi Mikrou","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heart murmur is the commonest reason for referral to paediatric cardiology services. Although congenital heart disease (CHD) is common, affecting between 6 and 10 in 1000 live births most heart murmurs are innocent. This is particularly likely in the absence of any cardiac symptoms. When a murmur is heard, it is important to be able to determine which children need urgent assessment by specialist services and which ones can safely wait for a more routine evaluation. Appropriate information and sensible reassurance should be offered to parents. A good clinical assessment, as outlined in this article, will enable Paediatricians with expertise in Cardiology (PECs) and Paediatric Cardiologists (PCs) to safely triage patients and ensure services do not become overwhelmed with demand. This article aims to provide a structured approach to all health professionals who encounter paediatric patients with heart murmurs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 2","pages":"Pages 53-56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A pragmatic approach to paediatric postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)","authors":"Michael Harris","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating condition. It is now quite well-known but still poorly understood. The multi-system nature of the condition and the difficulty in treating it adequately are discouraging for health professionals and patients alike. Whilst there is no known associated mortality, it has considerable morbidity. Knowledgeable history taking is essential, diagnostic tests are simple, differential diagnoses are limited. Parental interactions and expectations are key in management. POTS provides an opportunity to combine the science and art of medicine with compassion and empathy. This article outlines a pragmatic approach to understanding, diagnosing and treating this condition. The physiology of standing is discussed, as are some of the putative pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for POTS. The importance of sub-typing POTS as an aid to considered management is explained. Treatment strategies ranging from conservative measures to medications are discussed. Practical, workable tips for managing this condition are provided.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 2","pages":"Pages 47-52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Reynolds, Owen Bendor-Samuel, Taffy Makaya, Jean Yong, Catherine Quinlan
{"title":"A guide on how to approach neonatal hypercalcemia","authors":"Sarah Reynolds, Owen Bendor-Samuel, Taffy Makaya, Jean Yong, Catherine Quinlan","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2025.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2025.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neonatal hypercalcemia although often mild and benign has the potential to be a serious condition. There are a wide variety of causes which differ from those seen in children and adults. We present a brief overview of its presentation, common and serious ‘not to be missed’ causes and management. Our aim is to provide a guide of how to approach neonatal hypercalcemia for the paediatrician or other healthcare professional caring for newborn infants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 2","pages":"Pages 57-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Oxygen therapy in preterm infants: past, present and future","authors":"Sanoj KM Ali, Peter A Dargaville, Samir Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxygen is one of the most commonly used therapies in neonatology but the parameters of optimal oxygen for preterm infants have been debated for the past 50 years. The history of oxygen use in this population, as well as the results of clinical trials, have shown that liberal oxygen administration is associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) whereas restrictive use results in increased mortality and neurodisability. Oxygen saturation (SpO<sub>2</sub>) continuously measured by pulse oximetry is the bedside tool used to guide the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO<sub>2</sub>) delivered to preterm infants. Although evidence favours targeting predetermined SpO<sub>2</sub> ranges, achieving this goal consistently in clinical practice has been challenging due to intrinsic pulmonary immaturity, the need for respiratory support therapies and factors relating to the bedside caregivers’ ability to adjust FiO<sub>2</sub>. This review article focuses on the difficulties of titrating oxygen therapy in this vulnerable group and provides recommendations for best practice based on up-to-date evidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"35 1","pages":"Pages 1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}