Efficacy of non-operative management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis: initial experience in a resource-limited setting
Although appendectomy remains the standard treatment for acute appendicitis, non-operative management has gained interest as a safe and effective alternative. However, its implementation in resource-limited hospitals like ours is hindered by insufficient staffing, high bed occupancy, lack of digital records and limited specialist access. Despite these challenges, we present our centre's initial experience. Between July 2022 and December 2023, 24 children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis were treated non-surgically, with an equal gender distribution. The initial success rate was 100%, with only three cases (12.5%) of treatment failure during 12 months of follow-up.
Impact of probiotic supplements on behavioural and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomised controlled trial
To investigate whether probiotic supplementation can improve behavioural and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 2-9 years and further explore the correlation between these symptoms.
A comparative analysis of INTERGROWTH-21st and the World Health Organisation fetal growth chart in detection of term small for gestational age newborns and prediction of short-term adverse perinatal outcomes
To compare the INTERGROWTH-21st and the WHO fetal growth chart in detecting term small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and predicting short-term adverse perinatal outcomes.
Implementation and effectiveness of teleneonatology for neonatal intensive care units: a protocol for a hybrid type III implementation pilot
Telemedicine in neonatal care (TeleNeonatology) has the potential to improve neonatal outcomes, address capacity challenges and influence the emotional burden on parents. TeleNeonatology allows for real-time audiovisual communication between healthcare providers at different neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Despite the high potential for multiple neonatal use-cases, TeleNeonatology is primarily being used for neonatal resuscitation and has yet to be widely implemented in Europe. Our study aims to evaluate both implementation strategies and effectiveness of TeleNeonatology in a pilot study in The Netherlands.
Qualitative evaluation of a hospital-inpatient service for children with medical complexity
To explore the experiences and perceptions of parents and professionals of a hospital-inpatient service for children with medical complexity (CMC).
Uptake of core outcome sets in paediatric clinical trials: a protocol
A growing number of paediatric core outcome sets (COS) have been developed in the past 20 years. Previous studies have provided many useful insights into the uptake of COS. In addition to the awareness of COS among clinical trialists, the COS development process (especially patient participation) and the actions of the developers can promote COS uptake. However, the uptake of COS in paediatric clinical trials needs to be further explored. The aim of this study is to provide information on the rationale and use of paediatric COS in clinical trials, and to analyse in depth the awareness and views of COS developers and clinical trialists about the development and use of COS.
Evaluating ChatGPT-4omni in paediatric developmental screening: direct versus sequential prompts
Integrating Large Language Models like ChatGPT-4omni (ChatGPT-4o) into paediatric healthcare could revolutionise developmental screening. This study evaluated ChatGPT-4o's efficacy in paediatric developmental screening using Direct and Sequential Prompting methods compared with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition. Among 106 paediatric cases, Direct Prompting showed a sensitivity of 73.42% and overall accuracy of 69.81%, while Sequential Prompting had a specificity of 62.96% and overall accuracy of 67.92%. Both methods demonstrate potential for improving the efficiency and accessibility of paediatric developmental screening, with Direct Prompts being more sensitive and Sequential Prompts more specific.
Acute kidney injury in late-onset neonatal bacteraemia: The role of the neonatal sequential organ failure assessment tool in predicting kidney injury
Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across all healthcare systems. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in neonates and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. We sought to profile the incidence of AKI in infants with culture-positive bacteraemia and to assess the utility of the neonatal sequential organ failure (nSOFA) tool in AKI prediction.
Comparison of methylprednisolone alone versus intravenous immunoglobulin plus methylprednisolone for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
As a first-line therapeutic option for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) with surging demand, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is associated with escalating costs and supply shortages, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. This study compares the effectiveness of methylprednisolone alone versus IVIG combined with methylprednisolone for managing MIS-C.
Targeted oxygenation in the respiratory care of premature infants at delivery-effects on outcome: a randomised controlled trial (Torpido 3060) study protocol
The safest oxygen levels needed for preterm infant respiratory support at birth are uncertain. We aimed to compare the outcomes of infants up to 28 weeks gestation who had respiratory care initiated at birth with fractional inspired oxygen (FiO) 0.3 or 0.6, which was adjusted to meet specific oxygen saturations (SpO).
Health Hackathon: empowering students as tomorrow's leaders in health
Development of a core outcome set for paediatric achalasia: a joint ERNICA, ESPGHAN and EUPSA study protocol
Achalasia is a rare disease in children. Studies investigating the efficacy of interventions and disease outcomes in paediatric achalasia are predominantly retrospective, consist of small cohorts and report heterogeneous outcomes. The variation in the use and definition of reported outcomes impedes meta-analysis, which is problematic in a rare paediatric condition. Similarly, there is a risk of under-reporting patient-relevant outcomes, such as quality of life. To overcome these issues, a minimum set of important and patient-relevant outcomes should be reported in all studies of paediatric achalasia. Core outcome sets (COS) are a standardised set of outcomes that can guide further research and facilitate data pooling and meta-analysis. The development of a COS in rare paediatric disease is essential, prior to conducting efficacy studies or creating a disease registry, to ensure that the most important outcomes are reported. Currently, no COS exists for children with achalasia. In this study, we aim to define a COS for paediatric achalasia for use in clinical research.
Surgical management of neuromuscular scoliosis in paediatric patients: experiences from a tertiary centre multidisciplinary team
Management of neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) is challenging, with both surgical and conservative options involving risks. This study aimed to evaluate multimorbidity in patients with NMS and how this influences multidisciplinary team (MDT) decisions as well as postoperative outcomes.
Cardiac-related neonatal collapse presenting to the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study
To describe the characteristics of cardiac-related neonatal collapses referred to a critical care transport service and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and management at referral and retrieval.
School participation, supports and barriers of children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
To investigate the differences in participation patterns, environmental barriers and supports across specific activities typically done at school between children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and without ADHD.
Daily life situations and participation of siblings of children with childhood-onset disabilities: a scoping review
Siblings of children with disabilities or childhood-onset chronic conditions (eg, autism, cerebral palsy or congenital heart disease) often face challenges in mental health, quality of life and psychosocial adjustment. However, comprehensive knowledge of their participation in daily activities remains limited. Understanding their participation patterns and potential restrictions can help clarify their needs.
Cultural adaptation and reliability of the Turkish version of the Children's Assessment of Participation with Hands scale in children with physical disabilities
The 'Children's Assessment of Participation with Hands (CAP-H)' scale is a parent report questionnaire that can be used to measure participation in life situations that require hand use for children with disabilities. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of a Turkish version of the CAP-H scale in order to evaluate the hand participation of children with physical disabilities and compare them with typically developing children.
Sepsis beyond bundles: contextualising paediatric care in resource-limited settings through situational analysis
Paediatric sepsis remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare resources are often limited. Paediatric sepsis bundles, which include prompt administration of antibiotics, fluid resuscitation and continuous organ function monitoring, are crucial for improving outcomes, especially when initiated within the first 'golden hour' of sepsis recognition. These bundles, adapted from adult sepsis care protocols through the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, are increasingly emphasised in global sepsis management guidelines. However, the implementation of these protocols in LMICs is challenged by resource limitations and systemic barriers.
Young people and parent or carers views on type 2 diabetes mellitus care in England and Wales: analysis of parent and patient-reported measures survey
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and young people (CYP) is increasing in the UK and worldwide. Little is known about the experience young people and their families have when attending for their diabetes care. The aim of this study is to analyse the responses to the Parent and Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREM) survey 2021-2022 for patients with T2DM and their families to inform care.
Admission temperature in very preterm infants 2012-2021: a Nationwide Quality Registry Study, Norway
To examine the distribution and time trends of admission temperature in very preterm infants, effects of temperature-preserving interventions and associations between hypothermia and outcomes.