Expert says gross over-reaction to peanuts to blame for 'nut hysteria' Dec 17, 2008
The most reliable way to tell whether your child has a nut allergy is by a referral from your doctor to a paediatric allergy specialist. Would you like to for our weekly. (News-Medical.net)
Two Scots kids in hospital after catching typhoid on holiday Dec 12, 2008
The pair, believed to be siblings, live in Dundee and are being treated in the high-dependency paediatric unit at the city's Ninewells hospital. It is understood they have attended their school, in Angus, since returning home. (Glasgow Daily Record)
Child safety is a double whammy for NHS managers Dec 12, 2008
Some boards did not see children's care as a matter for the trust as a whole, instead leaving it to paediatric departments ... "The PCT is also reviewing who is being referred to social care and what happens when they get there, to understand the movement of children through different agencies.Core standardsBut many commissioners have much to learn about child protection, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health fears.College child protection officer Rosalyn Proops says: "PCTs need to... (Health Service Journal)
GARDASIL(R) honoured with a Prix Galien Dec 11, 2008
The following major medical organizations, representing thousands of healthcare professionals across Canada, have already expressed support for HPV vaccination programs: the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the Regroupement des gyn;cologues oncologues du Qu;bec (RGOQ), the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada (GOC), the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC), the Society of Canadian Colposcopists... (Canada Newswire)
Allergy explosion Dec 10, 2008
Professor Gideon Lack, the Head of Paediatric Allergy at Guys and St Thomas' , explains the extent of the problem. Dr Zamel is carrying out research on Tristan da Cunha. (BBC News -- Health)
New Global Blueprint To Treat Childhood Cancer Dec 10, 2008
The new strategy will be used by the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) which represents paediatric oncologists treating neuroblastoma patients treated in Europe, Japan, the USA, Canada, and Australia ... This new research was funded by the William Guy Forbeck Research Foundation and Little Heroes Paediatric Cancer Research Foundation, and offers clearer direction for diagnosis and risk assessment for clinicians on a global level. (Science Daily)
Mobile service to treat Indigenous ear disease 'epidemic' Dec 9, 2008
" The initiative coincides with calls from a Brisbane ear, nose and throat surgeon for action similar to the Northern Territory intervention in Queensland's remote Aboriginal communities. Dr Chris Perry says the incidence of ear disease in remote Indigenous communities is Australia's worst epidemic. But Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says the health of every child in Cape York communities has been checked in the past 12 months. Ms Bligh says the State Government has learnt a lot from the Cape... (ABC Online)
Diabetic children from deprived areas control disease less, says study Dec 8, 2008
The findings are based on an audit of 1742 children and young people with diabetes treated in paediatric units in Yorkshire ... Local services need to invest in local paediatric diabetes services to ensure that children and families are given the support they need to self-manage and prevent the onset of devastating complications. (The Herald)
Young docs walk a tightrope Dec 7, 2008
During housemanship, they are rotated among six departments emergency department, medical, paediatric, general surgery, orthopaedic, and obstetrics and gynaecology where they are attached to for four months each. Over the years, those undergoing housemanship have been voicing their unhappiness but these complaints have generally fallen on deaf ears. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Survivor who shows theres hope for Faith Dec 6, 2008
The BBC made a documentary about the sisters and their operation, an historic event as they were the first conjoined twins to be operated on by Professor Lewis Spitz, the paediatric surgeon. I ve seen it a few times, she said. (Times Online)
Accommodation hampers doctors transfer Dec 5, 2008
The doctors include specialists in internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics/gynaeco1ogy and general surgery. According to statistics at the Ministry of Health, only 30 pregnant women out of 100 have the opportunity of having their deliveries supervised by specialist gynaecologists/obstetricians in the districts. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Measles and MMR Sow the wind Dec 5, 2008
Lessons have been learnt, too: Tammy Boyce, a research fellow at the King s Fund, a health think-tank, says that professional bodies such as the Royal College of Paediatrics and the Royal Society now try harder to dampen scares early. But she lays much of the responsibility for the MMR furore at the door of a scientifically illiterate, scaremongering press. (Economist)
Child obesity 'may harm thyroid' Dec 4, 2008
Professor David Dunger, a paediatric endocrinologist from the University of Cambridge, said that while it was an "interesting observation", it was unlikely to challenge the accepted view that thyroid problems could contribute to obesity, rather than be caused by it. He said: "It tends to turn thinking about the thyroid on its head, and the findings would need to be reproduced by other studies.". (BBC News)
More Evidence Needed To Show ‘What Works’ In Prevention Of Child Abuse Dec 4, 2008
Professor Jane Barlow, Professor of Primary Care at the University of Warwick's Warwick Medical School, led a press conference on the paper on Tuesday 2 December in the Council Chamber at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Key findings from the paper on interventions show that the strongest evidence about what works comes from studies about preventing abuse before it has occurred. (Science Daily)
Staff 'too timid' on child abuse Dec 3, 2008
Dr Patricia Hamilton, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "It is sometimes extremely hard to make judgements in child abuse cases. "Our society has to accept that child abuse happens and that paediatricians and social workers have a duty to act when they suspect any forms of maltreatment. " Baby P died with multiple injuries, despite receiving 60 visits from welfare professionals. Last month, the 17 month old's mother, her boyfriend and a lodger were found... (BBC News -- UK)
Healthy toddler died 10 days after being given MMR vaccination Dec 3, 2008
" The inquest heard that Department of Health guidelines say that children like George who have suffered a fit brought on by a high fever, known as a "febrile convulsion", should be given MMR but "with caution". Consultant paediatrician, Alan Day, of Cheltenham General Hospital, agreed that George was safe to be given the vaccine on January 9 2006 - adding that he should be monitored for the warned raised temperature. Dr Day said his advice to parents whose child had suffered a febrile... (Telegraph.co.uk)
10% Britain kids suffer abuse Dec 3, 2008
A series of papers published today by the Lancet medical journal in collaboration with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health suggests that teachers, GPs and paediatricians lack confidence in the ability of social services because they fear that the child's plight may worsen if he/she is taken into care and placed in a foster family. Ruth Gilbert and his colleagues from University College London's Institute of Child Health have revealed in one paper that between 4-16% of children... (Times of India)
Another cancer bungle at SA hospital Dec 3, 2008
"Professor Marcus Vowels, who is an eminent Australian leader in paediatric oncology from Sydney Children's Hospital has reviewed this situation. His finding is that no harm has been done," Dr Sherbon said. Computer mistake. (ABC Online)
Catholic ministry enables prisoners regain self respect, pride and dignity Dec 2, 2008
The volunteers have provided free education for juvenile detainees sitting for their SPM and STPM examinations as well as medical and paediatric services for pre- and antenatal care for pregnant mothers and babies born in prison. Counselling is one of the main activities of the Prison Ministry where regular and consistent weekly visits are made to the prisons in Kajang, Sungai Buloh and Seremban to meet various groups of prisoners serving sentence or under remand. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Parents agony over op for joined twins Dec 2, 2008
Nuffield Professor of paediatric surgery at the hospital, Agostino Pierro, is quoted in the Mail on Sunday as saying that the children s hearts have significant abnormalities that could require surgery. He told the newspaper: The current concern is that the two hearts and the joined circulation raise a risk that the children might suddenly deteriorate and need emergency separation surgery. (Daily Post)
Doctors' group protests against maternity services move Dec 2, 2008
The doctors rallied on Bondi Beach and drew what they called a "line in the sand" at the reduction of maternity and paediatric units across the state ... "We'd like to see paediatrics and obstetrics restored for the community at Pambula," he said. (ABC Online)
Indians in UK mourn Mumbai terror victims Dec 2, 2008
George Ninan, a paediatric consultant and head of the Ethnic Doctors Association Leicester, said he was planning to organise a meeting for the hundreds of Indian doctors who work in the city's hospitals. Text. (India Times, India)
Blood brothers Dec 1, 2008
Dr Neil Shah, consultant paediatric gastroenterologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, said the decision was "incredibly difficult", but all other treatment options had failed. "It's a new way of treating something that was untreatable before," he said. (BBC News -- Health)
Learning to live from dying son Dec 1, 2008
The Joshua Foundation also works with 11 paediatric oncology units in the UK and has close working links with two overseas units - Melbourne Children's Hospital and Haddasah Hospital, Jerusalem. Her achievements have been recognised with awards, including the Welsh Woman of the Year accolade, which she was given in 2003. (BBC News -- Health)
Africa: New Report Advocates Early HIV Testing Dec 1, 2008
The jointly prepared report focuses on four core components: the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT); paediatric treatment; preventing infection among adolescents and protection and care for children affected by HIV/AIDS.. A critical window. (allAfrica.com)
Decision due on conjoined twins Nov 30, 2008
Nuffield Professor of paediatric surgery at the hospital, Agostino Pierro, said the children's hearts had significant abnormalities that may need surgery. He added: "The current concern is that the two hearts and the joined circulation raise a risk that the children might suddenly deteriorate and need emergency separation surgery. He said surgeons would prefer to wait to operate on the children when they are older and stronger but they were beginning to believe that this may be risky. "A meeting... (BBC News)
Waiting game Nov 30, 2008
The specialist paediatric anaesthetist was due to fly home from her holiday on Friday but has been told to expect delays of up to three weeks. She now fears operations for some of her child patients may have to be cancelled. (BBC News -- UK)
Whooping cough vaccine call Nov 30, 2008
Dr Ulf Theilen, consultant in paediatric intensive care at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, said babies who are too young to be vaccinated now account for most hospitalisations, complications and deaths from the infection ... Dr David Elliman, consultant community paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital agreed with the Edinburgh team that pertussis infection in young babies was a very serious problem. (BBC News -- Health)
Rural doctors rally for better services Nov 29, 2008
The rally protested the downgrading of maternity, paediatric and other services at the Pambula Hospital. 2008 Brought to you by. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
City doctor calls for whooping cough jag in bid to save lives Nov 29, 2008
"But that is in stark contrast with this condition, where there is very little we can do for a child with that. It is very frustrating at this end. People try very hard to prevent it beforehand. They get infected, especially from members of the household, and we do not have an answer to this.". One reason for the concern is the type of whooping cough or pertussis Dr Theilen is talking about is far more invasive and aggressive than the type many of today's adults will have experienced. (Scotsman)
Teens 'miss out' on cancer trials Nov 28, 2008
Young people are constantly falling through the gap between paediatric and adult cancer specialists and there are not enough trials for the types of cancers that affect them ... "Young people are constantly falling through the gap between paediatric and adult cancer specialists and there are not enough trials for the types of cancers that affect them. "For the ones that do exist, often the age range excludes them from being treated. (BBC News -- UK)
Whooping cough booster jab call Nov 28, 2008
Booster vaccinations for adults are already being tried in France, Germany and parts of Australia and the US, according to an article by a group of paediatric intensive care doctors on bmj ... "Mortality remains high for young infants developing invasive pertussis despite modern paediatric intensive care. "The best solution is to prevent infection. (BBC News -- UK)
Frost & Sullivan Recognises Best-in-Class Innovators Nov 28, 2008
Wyeth South Africa: 2007 South African Paediatric Vaccines Growth Strategy Leadership Award. Honeywell Process Solutions: 2007 African Product Life Cycle Price Competitiveness Customer Satisfaction Leadership Award. (PR Newswire)
Kenya: Malaria Rates Plummet Among Children Nov 28, 2008
An analysis of data collected over 18 years from malaria-infected children at Kilifi District Hospital, on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast, found that paediatric admissions for malaria had fallen by 75 per cent over a period of just five years. The data echo results from many other malaria-prone regions of Kenya, and the entire coastline of the east of the country, according to co-author Norbert Peshu, director of the Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast at the Kenya Medical Research... (allAfrica.com)
Grieving dad welcomes Vanessa's law Nov 28, 2008
The Paediatric Patient Oversight Bill 2008 will require a paediatrician to oversee children and adolescents aged 18 and under admitted to a general adult ward in tertiary referral hospitals and rural base hospitals. Vanessa died at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital on November 8, 2005, two days after being hit in the head with a golf ball. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Reconstructive surgery done successfully on teenage girls Nov 28, 2008
However, the Paediatric Surgeons' team of the hospital, led by Dr Vijay Kumar, decided to adopt a new method of surgery for the girls by reconstructing their cervix and vagina using intestinal segment and connecting the same to the functioning uterus, he said. The surgery lasted four hours each. (Indian Express)
Parents of new babies should be considered for a whooping cough booster, say experts Nov 28, 2008
A booster vaccination for parents of new babies and other household members may be the most effective way of preventing the fatal form of whooping cough in young infants, say a group of paediatric intensive care doctors on today ... Mortality remains high for young infants developing invasive pertussis despite modern paediatric intensive care, say the authors. (EurekAlert!)
Nigeria: Nafdac, Luth, Barewa Trade Blames Nov 27, 2008
"Seven paediatric patients within the ages of one to three years were referred to the UCH from hospitals in Lagos. The seven toddlers had renal failure linked to administration of My Pikin," Akunyili said, pointing out that two out of the seven died. But in a statement by Barewa Pharmaceuticals and signed by its Chairman, Mr. Kola Okunlola, the company said it was surprised by the allegations of NAFDAC in the face of facts by some of the teaching hospitals disclaiming the agency's reports. (allAfrica.com)
Public hospitals on 'brink of collapse' Nov 27, 2008
Kim Oates, the professor of paediatrics and the former head of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, welcomed the concept of a single health service as long as it was not a cost-saving measure for the Government. Kerry Goulston, a Royal North Shore Hospital gastroenterologist and spokesman for the Hospital Reform Group, said the successful implementation of the recommendations hinged on bipartisan support and an independent, transparent body overseeing the reform. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Respiratory disorders still on rise: doctors Nov 25, 2008
For the last few years, Ive been seeing more children with allergy problems, says Dr. Rajiv Uttam, a paediatric pulminologist with Fortis Hospital in New Delhi. He advises parents to take their children to a doctor when they have persistent coughs and to avoid cough and cold suppressants. (Livemint)
Canadian Dads In Need of Parenting Resources Nov 24, 2008
TORONTO, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - Dads often feel forgotten when it comes to preparing for the arrival of a new baby. " Canadian dads agree with this sentiment. Eight in 10 fathers or expectant fathers say that their wife was a great source of information before and after the birth of their first child, with slightly fewer fathers saying the same about their mother (71 per cent) and their doctor (70 per cent). Furthermore, most respondents (83 per cent) admitted that they would rather consult their wife... (Canada Newswire)
Minister defends hospital works Nov 24, 2008
Tasmania's Health Minister Lara Giddings has defended her decision to spend nearly $2 million converting unused space in the Royal Hobart Hospital to a paediatrics outpatients clinic. The former Department of Emergency Medicine is being converted into an outpatients area for children suffering from illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. (ABC Online)
Girl, 14, Miraculously Survives Nearly 4 Months without Heart Nov 22, 2008
She essentially lived for 118 days without a heart, with her circulation supported only by the two blood pumps, said Dr Marco Ricci, the hospital's director of paediatric cardiac surgery. She described the experience of living for so long without her heart and with a machine pumping her blood as scary. (eFluxMedia)
Kolkata: Hospital ordeal for newborn Nov 22, 2008
But he had a swollen head and the paediatrician suspected a tumour. Since the nursing home did not have the facility for treating critical paediatric ailments, the baby was referred to a state-run hospital. (India Times, India)
Detention units 'fail on health' Nov 21, 2008
Nick Lessof of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advocacy committee told The Lancet that he saw two children with sickle-cell disease, who had both had a high fever, in Yarl's Wood in May this year. The children's courses of penicillin had been stopped and they were unable to take fluids, yet they had not been admitted to hospital. (BBC News -- UK)
Africa: Treating HIV-Positive Babies Wth ARVs Really Works Nov 21, 2008
The South African government is in the process of revising its paediatric treatment guidelines ... Referring HIV-positive mothers and their babies from antenatal to paediatric programmes without losing them in the system, and providing sufficient training and support to healthcare workers, who are often afraid to treat small babies, present considerable logistical hurdles. (allAfrica.com)
14-Year Old Survived Without Heart For 4 Months Nov 21, 2008
"In the past, this situation could have been lethal," Dr. Marco Ricci, director of paediatric cardiac surgery at the University of Miami, said ... "This, we believe, is the first paediatric patient who has received such a device in this configuration without the heart, and possibly one of the youngest," he added. (Oneindia)
NGO builds hospital for Tolon Nov 20, 2008
The hospital, which will have an out-patient department (OPD), male and female wards, a surgical theatre, a paediatric wing, a pharmacy and a laboratory, is the brain child of Dr. Bayer Stefan, a medical doctor based in Austria and Dr. Kpangkpari Steve of the Catholic Hospital at Asankrangu in the Central Region. Major Abubakari Sulemana (Rtd), the regent of Tolon and his elders released a 30-acre plot of land for the construction of the hospital which is expected to be completed by the end of... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Breastfeeding alone cuts HIV Nov 20, 2008
Drs Holmes and Savage added: "The results emphasise that promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for all mothers and babies could prevent much paediatric HIV infection as well as deaths from other causes.". SEE ALSO 04 Jul 04 | Health 11 May 02 | Health 24 May 01 | Health. (BBC News -- Health)
Children's nurses upset at criticism over poor safety standards Nov 20, 2008
Sign up to Paediatric nurses. Related Articles. (Nursing Times)
World-first network linking experts in proteomics and metabolomics Nov 19, 2008
"Nowhere else is there a cross-sector network of this nature, involving collaboration between academia, trade and industry," said Professor Mike Hubbard of the University of Melbourne's Department of Paediatrics, who spearheaded the initiative. PMV aims to provide education about proteomics and metabolomics, to help scientists access these technologies, and to facilitate practitioners' interactions with the numerous companies supplying this field. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Traffic Pollution Worsens Symptoms In Asthmatic Children Nov 18, 2008
147 asthmatic children and 50 non-asthmatic children, between the ages of 6 and 14, were recruited through a paediatric hospital in Mexico City. Parents kept a daily record of coughing and wheezing experienced by their children, as well as medication usage. (Science Daily)
UK aid to India for cheap AIDS drug Nov 18, 2008
"We've also negotiated a 90 per cent reduction for paediatric medicines around the world," he said and thanked the UK for its efforts and support. Text. (India Times, India)
Critical health charts delayed by logo dispute Nov 17, 2008
About nine months ago department officials began telling the non-profit group responsible for endorsing the artwork for the charts - Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group - that it wanted the charts revised and Pfizer's logo removed. Pfizer confirmed yesterday that it sponsors the group annual scientific meeting at a cost of $17,000 but was unaware of the issue until late last week. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
ADHD experts in drug firm freebie scandal Nov 17, 2008
"There is absolutely no concern raised that any person on the working group has in any way acted inappropriately and I have every confidence in their professionalism," Dr Forbes, an associate professor at the University of Western Australia school of paediatrics, said. The Department of Health last year refused a Freedom of Information application to identify the members of the committee, set up by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. (Daily Telegraph)
Doctors fear Hannah Jones case may blight heart swaps Nov 15, 2008
Mike Burch, paediatric cardiologist and director of cardiothoracic transplantation at Great Ormond Street, said that the furore may have left the impression that doctors would consider doing transplants against the wishes of families. He also said that Hannah may have unintentionally glamorised transplant refusal, making herself an involuntary poster girl for choosing such a path. (Times Online)
Elderly in homes at risk of flu Nov 15, 2008
David Isaacs, professor of paediatrics at Sydney University and a member of the federal government's Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, says it sends a poor message to the community if health workers can not be convinced of the need to vaccinate voluntarily. Better education efforts, rather than compulsion were needed, he says. (The Australian)
'Safety net' failed tortured baby Nov 14, 2008
" DR JANE COLLINS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL The hospital provided paediatric services to baby P. Dr Collins said: "As part of this review, I commissioned independent experts to look at the decisions and actions of medical staff in this case. "It is clear that more should have been done when the child was seen by a paediatrician two days before the child died. "The review process is important in understanding what happened and how procedures can be strengthened for the... (BBC News -- UK)
A short life of misery and pain Nov 14, 2008
He immediately referred Baby P to paediatric specialists at the Whittington Hospital, where doctors concluded the marks suggested non-accidental injury ... Dr Heather Mackinnon, the paediatric consultant in charge of Baby P's care at the Whittington, said she had been unable to attend various case conferences concerning him but had made her report available. (BBC News -- UK)
Review ordered after abuse death Nov 12, 2008
" Crucial failure The child was found dead in his blood-splattered cot on 3 August 2007. The jury heard how the blond-haired boy was once a happy and smiling infant but after months of being used as a "punchbag", he became dead-eyed, hollow-cheeked and unrecognisable. Two days before he died, a doctor failed to spot that his back and ribs were broken, later claiming the child was "miserable and cranky". This case is worse than Climbie. The signs were there and not followed Mor Dioum, Victoria... (BBC News -- UK)
Doctors Should Disclose Off-label Prescribing To Their Patients, Experts Argue Nov 12, 2008
And while off-label prescribing is common and sometimes necessary (as in the area of paediatrics where many drugs have not been tested on children), Wilkes and Johns argue that off-label prescribing can also pose potentially serious risks. By definition no governmental body has conducted a review of the effectiveness or safety of the drug for the off-label use, they say. (Science Daily)
Asthma Drug can have serious side effects Nov 11, 2008
The results came after an analysis of large population databases by researchers led by Dr. Rebecca Green, assistant professor, paediatric endocrinology and diabetes, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. For many diseases corticosteroids have been miracle drugs, effectively controlling symptoms where no other medications had succeeded before. (Times of India)
Unusual toys' use pointer to autism? Nov 8, 2008
The American Academy of Paediatrics has recommended that all infants be screened for autism before they turn two, and most paediatricians look for the classic social and communication symptoms. "This behaviour could easily be added to a parent check-list or quickly assessed during a visit to a paediatricians office," Ozonoff said. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Simulator model Nov 8, 2008
She has been seen by every junior doctor and nurse in paediatrics at St Mary's Hospital, London. She has had breathing difficulties, meningitis, malaria, head trauma and asthma. (BBC News -- Science)
Death throes Nov 8, 2008
The paediatric beds, with no linen or mattresses, look like lonely, abandoned supermarket trolleys. There are no more patients inside the wards, just empty beds. (BBC News -- Africa)
