Loucia Ashikkali , Andrew John Robertson Seggie , Christine Johnson
{"title":"The long-term indirect impact of Covid-19 on child health","authors":"Loucia Ashikkali , Andrew John Robertson Seggie , Christine Johnson","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Covid-19 pandemic created unprecedented circumstances around the world. From the beginning of the pandemic, it became apparent that the direct and acute effects of the infection had a greater impact on the adult population and therefore skewed the care and services available towards adult medicine. Due to the strict social distancing rules enforced, which included school closure, a state of isolation for the young was created. In September 2020 we published a report that suggested the indirect impacts of the pandemic on children which were based on evidence from previous pandemics and small Covid-19 case studies as a means of advocating for the wellbeing of children and young people. We have now moved past the severe acute phase of the disease and the societal restrictions. In this 2023 review, we have searched the literature and used our personal experiences as paediatricians to explore whether our previous hypotheses were observed during the pandemic and to suggest further management plans to avoid the long-term repercussions of the disease on children and prepare for the future.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 5","pages":"Pages 160-165"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140463719","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}
Theodora Papanikolaou, Jeremy Kirk, Zainaba Mohamed
{"title":"Neurodisability and risk of hypopituitarism: to screen or not to screen?","authors":"Theodora Papanikolaou, Jeremy Kirk, Zainaba Mohamed","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Children with neurodisabilities are a very diverse group. Endocrine dysfunction is not always anticipated but screening for potential risk of developing hypopituitarism is important in clinical practice. Hypopituitarism in children with neurodisability can be part of an underlying congenital syndrome or acquired. Diagnosis of hypopituitarism on clinical grounds is challenging in some cases. Accurate growth monitoring is more difficult in this group due to orthopaedic factors, such as spasticity, spinal deformities such as scoliosis or joint contractures. Moreover, the signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism may mimic those associated with their neurodisability itself. These can overlap or exacerbate each other and the onset is sometimes insidious. In this review, we focus on the pituitary hormone deficiencies most commonly associated with neurodisability and offer practical advice for healthcare professionals. We explain when it is important to consider further pituitary function investigations and when and why referral to a paediatric endocrinologist is required.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 5","pages":"Pages 171-175"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140268324","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":"The evolving role of dietitians in neonatal units and beyond","authors":"Michaela Smith, Moriam Mustapha","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Over the past few decades, the role of neonatal dietitians has undergone substantial transformation. Anticipated ongoing evolution is in line with the evolving goals of neonatal care, expanding beyond mere neonatal survival to encompass the enhancement of the quality of life and long-term outcomes for both ill and premature infants and their families. This review will describe the vital role that neonatal dietitians can fulfil, from the unit level to the broader network level, in collaboration with families and the comprehensive multidisciplinary team. It highlights the importance of optimal neonatal dietetic staffing, both within neonatal units and in broader healthcare contexts, to achieve these objectives effectively.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 5","pages":"Pages 148-153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139967079","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 practical approach to the diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria","authors":"Katherine Fawbert, Susan Leech","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Urticaria commonly occurs in childhood, affecting up to 15% of British children. It is characterized by the sudden onset of wheals, angioedema, or both. Episodes are usually acute, often triggered by viral infections or antibiotics, with approximately a third progressing to chronic or recurrent urticaria. This review focuses on chronic urticaria subtypes, diagnosis and treatment options for children. The diagnosis is usually made clinically, and a focused history is key. Detailed investigation is usually unnecessary. Chronic urticaria is divided into chronic spontaneous urticaria and the inducible urticarias. Chronic spontaneous urticaria is autoimmune in origin, in approximately 40% of older children. Cold urticaria and dermographism are the most common inducible urticarias. Isolated angioedema should prompt consideration of hereditary angioedema. The mainstay of treatment is trigger avoidance combined with non-sedating antihistamines. Higher doses of antihistamines may be required but these are usually tolerated well. We provide guidance on antihistamine updosing strategies. There is an improvement in symptoms for most children, but leukotriene receptor antagonists can provide additional improvements in some children. Tranexamic acid may provide symptomatic relief for isolated angioedema. Short courses of oral steroids may be used in acute episodes or highly symptomatic patients with chronic urticaria. Second line treatment for non-responders is primarily monoclonal anti-IgE antibody therapy but a small number of children and young people continue to have significant symptoms despite this and in these children ciclosporin may be useful. Urticaria usually resolves and almost all children and young people are disease free after 7 years.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 6","pages":"Pages 179-185"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140773758","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}
Anjali Rampersad, Fahad Siddiqui, Melvin Lee Qiyu, Donna Traves, Nick Makwana
{"title":"Allergen immunotherapy in the UK: what's new?","authors":"Anjali Rampersad, Fahad Siddiqui, Melvin Lee Qiyu, Donna Traves, Nick Makwana","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Allergen immunotherapy, also called desensitisation, is a strategic process by which the immune system is gradually “trained” to tolerate increasing amounts of an allergen, which it previously would have reacted to. In the UK, it is estimated that approximately 20% of the population suffers with at least one allergic disease. The potential to modify the disease process is no longer out of our reach for certain allergies, with the hope of improved quality of life. Immunotherapy can be offered as a treatment for IgE mediated allergic disease such as allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, immediate type food allergies, bee and wasp anaphylaxis, and can have a synergistic effect on asthma and eczema. However, it would be incorrect to consider this treatment as a panacea, as there remain pitfalls, gaps in equity of treatment, and uncertainty with longer-term efficacy of the newer food desensitisation treatments. This review focuses on our current clinical understanding and indications for immunotherapy for children and young people, delivery and monitoring within the UK, and the future scope of immunotherapy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 6","pages":"Pages 186-192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140400231","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}
Gary Stiefel, Cherry Alviani, Mich Erlewyn-Lajeunesse
{"title":"Food-protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome: the ‘anaphylaxis’ of non-IgE-mediated food allergy","authors":"Gary Stiefel, Cherry Alviani, Mich Erlewyn-Lajeunesse","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>FPIES (food-protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome) is a severe, non-IgE-mediated allergic reaction. Its hallmark is the onset of acute vomiting one to four hours post ingestion of a trigger food. Reactions can result in such significant hypovolaemia as to be end organ or life threatening and require prompt recognition and fluid support. FPIES is a disorder of infancy, and recent BPSU survey data suggests it is still under-recognized within the UK. Its presentation can mimic other more common conditions, such as sepsis and gastroenteritis, leading to under-recognition and diagnostic delay. Patients often end up experiencing multiple FPIES reactions before the diagnosis is reached. As it is a non-IgE-mediated condition, there is currently no diagnostic test available to confirm FPIES. Diagnosis therefore relies on awareness of the condition and accurate history taking. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of FPIES, and seeks to increase reader awareness and recognition of this rare but important form of food allergy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 6","pages":"Pages 193-196"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140283489","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":"Congenital inguinal hernia, hydrocoele and undescended testis","authors":"A. Kate Khoo, Stewart J. Cleeve","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Congenital inguinal hernias (CIH), hydrocoeles and undescended testes (UDT) are common groin conditions in neonates, infants and children that are encountered by general practitioners, paediatricians, general surgeons and paediatric surgeons. CIH, hydrocoeles and UDT share a common embryological origin. Clinical differentiation between the three conditions can be challenging, particularly as they may exist in isolation or combination in the same patient. Accurate clinical distinction is imperative as the management and outcome is different for each condition. Surgery and outcomes for these conditions is discussed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 4","pages":"Pages 120-125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139965705","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":"Acute scrotal conditions in children","authors":"Florin B. Djendov, Anna-May Long","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Scrotal conditions are frequently seen in male children and can reflect a wide spectrum of underlying pathologies. Detailed history and prompt examination is essential to differentiate between those that require urgent surgical management and benign conditions that can be treated conservatively. Testicular torsion remains the most time critical event with a high risk of gonadal loss. This article provides a brief review of all aspects of diagnosis and management of such conditions, highlighting the principles of surgical management and outcome.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 4","pages":"Pages 111-114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139965708","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":"Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis","authors":"David Fawkner-Corbett, Merrill McHoney","doi":"10.1016/j.paed.2024.01.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2024.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is one of the most commonly encountered paediatric surgical conditions. It is estimated to affect between 1 and 4 infants per 1,000 births, representing the most common cause of surgical intervention in the first 6 months of life. The exact aetiology remains unclear. It is known to be more common in males (4:1), especially those that are first-born. Abdominal examination can sometimes detect visible stomach peristalsis in the left upper quadrant and the pathognomic sign of an “olive shaped” epigastric mass may be present. In cases of diagnostic uncertainty or where a definitive mass is not felt, ultrasound is the investigation of choice for confirming IHPS, with high sensitivity and specificity. Following appropriate pre-operative optimisation and surgical correction is undertaken. The Ramstedt’s pyloromyotomy con be performed via a right upper quadrant, peri-umbilical, or laparoscopic approach. The vast majority of cases recover quickly with no concerns, with the infant almost invariably discharged soon after treatment. Perforation requiring mucosal repair and incomplete pyloromyotomy requiring re-do surgery as the specific complications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":38589,"journal":{"name":"Paediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom)","volume":"34 4","pages":"Pages 126-129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140290468","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}