Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2014
Review Case ReportsInvasive group A streptococcal infection in the Northern Territory, Australia: case report and review of the literature.
The increasing incidence of invasive group A streptococcus has been well documented in the temperate climates of North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. Studies also suggest that there are high rates of invasive group A streptococcus infection within the indigenous population of Northern Australia. This review article presents the case of infant Aboriginal twins with invasive group A streptococcal infection complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, highlighting both the severity and high transmissibility of invasive group A streptococcal disease. We review the epidemiology of group A streptococcal infection and suggest a potential role for chemoprophylaxis of household contacts to reduce the burden of disease within the indigenous population of Northern Australia.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2014
Development and feasibility of a child obesity prevention intervention in general practice: the Healthy 4 Life pilot study.
Approximately 20% of Australian pre-school children are overweight. Primary care providers have a crucial role in identifying children at risk of unhealthy weight gain and to offer advice and suggestions to parents. The Healthy 4 Life pilot study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a practice nurse (PN)-led brief intervention into a healthy kid's check in general practice. ⋯ The provision of a brief training workshop and resources can equip nurses in general practice to offer an obesity prevention intervention to parents of young children. Further research is required to examine the impact of such an intervention on parent and child behaviours and the sustainability of such practices for PNs.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2014
Comparative Study Observational StudyLung recruitment and endotracheal suction in ventilated preterm infants measured with electrical impedance tomography.
Although suctioning is a standard airway maintenance procedure, there are significant associated risks, such as loss of lung volume due to high negative suction pressures. This study aims to assess the extent and duration of change in end-expiratory level (EEL) resulting from endotracheal tube (ETT) suction and to examine the relationship between EEL and regional lung ventilation in ventilated preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. ⋯ ETT suction in non-muscle-relaxed and ventilated preterm infants with RDS results in significant lung volume increase that is maintained for at least 90 min. Regional differences in distribution of ventilation with ETT suction suggest that the behaviour of the lung is heterogeneous in nature.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Oct 2014
Nursing perceptions of high-flow nasal cannulae treatment for very preterm infants.
This study aims to assess nursing perceptions of high-flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) in comparison with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) as post-extubation respiratory support for very preterm infants. ⋯ Neonatal nurses preferred NCPAP for post-extubation support of infants <28 weeks' gestation and HFNC for infants of 28 or 30 weeks' gestation. Nurses accurately predicted varying efficacy of HFNC across different gestational ages, consistent with the findings of a contemporaneous randomised trial. In the context of clinical non-inferiority, as shown in the randomised trial, nursing preference for HFNC over NCPAP in preterm infants ≥28 weeks' gestation supports the use of HFNC as post-extubation support in this population.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Oct 2014
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: does size really matter?
Pyloric stenosis is a common infantile disorder typically occurring between 2 weeks and 8 weeks of age. Presentation outside this range and in premature infants is uncommon and often atypical. ⋯ We highlight that despite their difference in size and weight, ultrasound examination remains a reliable diagnostic tool. However, pyloric measurements should be interpreted in combination with the other dynamic features on ultrasound.