Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Feb 2016
ReviewQuality in paediatric emergency medicine: Measurement and reporting.
There is a clear demand for quality in the delivery of health care around the world; paediatric emergency medicine is no exception to this movement. It has been identified that gaps exist in the quality of acute care provided to children. Regulatory bodies in Australia and New Zealand are moving to mandate the implementation of quality targets and measures. ⋯ It is clear that there is much work to be performed to generalise this work to ED. We review suggestions from the current literature relating to feasible indicators within the paediatric acute care setting. We propose options to develop a quality 'scorecard' that could be used to assist Australian and New Zealand EDs with quality measurement and benchmarking for their paediatric patients.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Jan 2015
ReviewClosing the gaps in child health in the Pacific: an achievable goal in the next 20 years.
It is not inconceivable that by 2035 the substantial gaps in child health across the Pacific can close significantly. Currently, Australia and New Zealand have child mortality rates of 5 and 6 per 1000 live births, respectively, while Pacific island developing nations have under 5 mortality rates ranging from 13 to 16 (Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga) to 47 and 58 per 1000 live births (Kiribati and Papua New Guinea, respectively). However, these Pacific child mortality rates are falling, by an average of 1.4% per year since 1990, and more rapidly (1.9% per year) since 2000. Based on progress elsewhere, there is a need to (i) define the specific things needed to close the gaps in child health; (ii) be far more ambitious and hopeful than ever before; and (iii) form a new regional compact based on solidarity and interdependence.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2014
Review Meta AnalysisDo antidepressants make children and adolescents suicidal?
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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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Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon congenital anomaly of the diaphragm with pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension as serious consequences. Despite recent advances in therapy, congenital diaphragmatic hernia remains a challenging condition. Best treatment strategies are still largely unknown, and practice strategies vary widely among different centres. ⋯ With the progressively improved survival rates, the long-term prognosis and quality of life of patients have become an increasingly important issue. Survivors have been shown to be at risk for many long-term morbidities, which highlights the importance of long-term follow-up of these children. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the current knowledge regarding congenital diaphragmatic hernia.