Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in children

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUPEP) is the commonest cause of seizure‐related mortality in people with intractable epilepsy. The incidence of SUDEP varies in different epilepsy populations, with lower rates in population‐based studies, higher in referral populations and clinical trials of adjunct drugs for complex partial epilepsy, and highest rates for surgical series. Certain risk factors for SUDEP have been identified, with seizure activity being one of the strongest risk factor for SUDEP. Suspected underlying mechanisms include cardiac dysrhythmias, seizure‐related apnoea and postictal respiratory arrest. Prevention of SUDEP has centred on seizure control, and SUDEP incidence has been reduced by epilepsy surgery in some studies. In this review, we present epidemiological data, and discuss risk factors and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that are associated with SUDEP in children.     

利用骨盆数字重建影像探究儿童髋臼指数的标准化测量方法

目的:利用骨盆数字重建图像(digital reconstructed radiographs,DRRs)研究如何选择正确的髋臼外上缘参考点测量儿童髋臼指数(AI)并初步探究其解剖对应关系。方法:回顾收集2015年1月1日至2015年12月31日入浙江大学医学院附属儿童医院骨科进行髋关节CT检查的研究对象共177例,收...     

Bordetella pertussis infections and sudden unexpected deaths in children

From December 1990 to November 1993 nasopharyngeal specimens were obtained for culture from 50 children (mean 4.9±3.3 months of age) who had died suddenly.Bordetella pertussis was not isolated. Subsequently, nasopharyngeal specimens for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis were obtained from another 51 victims of sudden death (mean 5.4±4.4 months of age); nine (18%) wereB. pertussis positive.     

Radiography after unexpected death in infants and children compared to autopsy

BACKGROUND: Postmortem radiography may reveal skeletal and soft-tissue abnormalities of importance for the diagnosis of cause of death. OBJECTIVE: To review the radiographs of children under 3 years of age who had died suddenly and unexpectedly. To compare the radiological and autopsy findings evaluating possible differences in children dying of SIDS and of an explainable cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 consecutive skeletal surveys performed between 1998 and 2002 were reviewed. All but one were performed before autopsy and comprised AP views of the appendicular and axial skeleton and thorax/abdomen, lateral views of the axial skeleton and thorax, and two oblique views of the ribs. Radiography and autopsy findings were compared. RESULTS: Causes of death were classified as SIDS/borderline SIDS (n = 52) and non-SIDS (n = 58), with one case of abuse. In 102 infants there were 150 pathological findings, 88 involving the chest, 24 skeletal, and 38 miscellaneous findings. The radiological-pathological agreement was poor concerning pulmonary findings. Skeletal findings were sometimes important for the final diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Radiography revealed many skeletal and soft-tissue findings. Pulmonary pathology was most frequently found, but showed poor agreement with autopsy findings. Recognizing skeletal findings related to abuse is important, as these may escape recognition at autopsy.     

Gymnastics injuries and imaging in children

Injuries of children participating in gymnastics are seen less often than in more popular sports. Patterns of injury are predictable based upon sex, age and level of intensity of training and competition. More injuries are seen in girls than in boys, and the great majority of early adolescents who compete have wrist pain. Some otherwise quiescent congenital spine anomalies may be uncovered by the stress of gymnastics maneuvers and present with low back pain. In addition to diagnosis of injuries, imaging can be used to guide analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy in some injured athletes. Parents whose children wish to participate in gymnastics should understand that fewer injuries occur in the child enjoying recreational gymnastics than in competing gymnasts. More gymnastics injuries are found in very competitive athletes training at higher levels.     

Genitourinary imaging in children.

Genitourinary imaging in children has gone through a metamorphosis in the past 30 years, paralleling technical advances in sonography, CT scanning, and MR imaging. The imaging sequences for hydronephrosis and UTI are still controversial and require outcomes analysis to determine which studies are most beneficial and efficacious.     

Measuring imaging ability in children

INTRODUCTION: Guided imagery has been suggested as an intervention to help children cope with noxious symptoms associated with medical care. A measure of imaging ability, that is, the ability to generate vivid mental images and to experience those images as if they were real, could be helpful in identifying children most likely to succeed in relieving symptoms with guided imagery. The purpose of this study was to test psychometric properties of a new instrument, the Kids Imaging Ability Questionnaire (KIAQ). METHOD: Three expert clinicians and researchers were asked to review the KIAQ to assess content validity. A convenience sample of 58 children were invited to complete the questionnaire twice to obtain data for tests of reliability and criterion-related validity. RESULTS: Content validity, internal consistency (alpha =.75-.76), and test-retest reliability (r =.73) were acceptable. Criterion-related validity using the Singer Fantasy Proneness Interview as a standard was poor (rho =.31-.46). DISCUSSION: Some psychometric properties were acceptable; however, continued research will be necessary to test validity of the questionnaire and demonstrate a relationship between KIAQ score and success with imagery. With continued research, pediatric nurses may use the KIAQ in practice to identify children most likely to benefit from guided imagery.     

Benefits of primary surgical resection for symptomatic urethral prolapse in children

ObjectiveUrethral prolapse (UP) is a complete eversion of the distal urethral mucosa through the external meatus. UP must be distinguished by examination from trauma, prolapsed ureterocele, tumors or sexual abuse. Its management remains controversial. The aim of the study was to promote the benefits of primary surgical management for UP.MethodsA retrospective multicenter review of children who received surgery for UP between 1991 and 2011 was carried out. Non-complicated UP was primarily treated conservatively. A total of 19 patients were referred for complicated UP and underwent resection of the prolapsed urethral mucosa.ResultsThe mean delay in diagnosis was 2.2 days (range 1–6) and the most common symptoms were vaginal spotting and bleeding. No predisposing factor was found, but most patients had a mean weight, height and BMI greater than the 50th percentile. All patients underwent surgery successfully. One patient experienced a complication, i.e., dysuria. There was no case of recurrence after a mean 28 months of follow-up.ConclusionEarly detection is based on bedside examination. The first-line treatment strategy for uncomplicated UP should be conservative management. Surgical resection is safe and effective for patients with significant symptoms.