Asthma diagnosis in infants and preschool children: a systematic review of clinical guidelines

Background and aim

The definition and diagnosis of asthma are the subject of controversy that is particularly intense in the case of individuals in the first years of life, due to reasons such as the difficulty of performing objective pulmonary function tests or the high frequency with which the symptoms subside in the course of childhood. Since there is no consensus regarding the diagnosis of asthma in preschool children, a systematic review has been carried out.

Point of Care Ultrasound: A WFUMB Position Paper

Over the last decade, the use of portable ultrasound scanners has enhanced the concept of point of care ultrasound (PoC-US), namely, “ultrasound performed at the bedside and interpreted directly by the treating clinician.” PoC-US is not a replacement for comprehensive ultrasound, but rather allows physicians immediate access to clinical imaging for rapid and direct solutions. PoC-US has already revolutionized everyday clinical practice, and it is believed that it will dramatically change how ultrasound is applied in daily practice. However, its use and teaching are different from continent to continent and from country to country. This World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology position paper discusses the current status and future perspectives of PoC-US. Particular attention is given to the different uses of PoC-US and its clinical significance, including within emergency and critical care medicine, cardiology, anesthesiology, rheumatology, obstetrics, neonatology, gynecology, gastroenterology and many other applications. In the future, PoC-US will be more diverse than ever and be included in medical student training.     

Care following stillbirth in high-resource settings: Latest evidence,guidelines, and best practice points

Third-trimester stillbirth affects approximately 2.6 million women worldwide each year. Although most stillbirths (98%) occur in low- and middle-income countries, most of the research on the impact of stillbirth and bereavement care has come from high-income countries. The impact of stillbirth ranges from stigma to disenfranchised grief, broken relationships, clinical depression, chronic pain, substance use, increased use of health services, employment difficulties, and debt. Appropriate bereavement care following a stillbirth is essential to minimise the negative socio-economic impact on parents and their families. This article presents the best practice points in stillbirth bereavement care, including taking an individualised and flexible approach. The latest published research, guidelines, and best practice points from high-income countries will be used and will highlight the gaps in the research which urgently need to be addressed. Research and investment in appropriate, respectful aftercare is needed to minimise the negative impact for parents.     

Activité physique durant la grossesse : point sur les recommandations internationales

Benefits of physical exercise on the physical and psychological health lead to specifics guidelines during pregnancy. For pregnant women, to take part in aerobics exercise (walking, biking) (i.e. 30 minutes, three times per week at 60–90% of the maximal heart rate) and strength training (i.e. one to two times per week) is recommended. Physical exercise programs during pregnancy have shown benefits for preventing and treating complications pregnancy (e.g. gestational diabetes mellitus, overweight). Benefits of exercise and risks associated with sedentary should be widely diffused among pregnant women and prenatal caregivers.