J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41808530
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AIM: Nurses play a critical role in the insertion and maintenance of PIVC, and in monitoring and preventing complications and failures associated with this procedure. This study aimed to assess paediatric nurses' knowled...AIM: Nurses play a critical role in the insertion and maintenance of PIVC, and in monitoring and preventing complications and failures associated with this procedure. This study aimed to assess paediatric nurses' knowledge and confidence in the insertion and maintenance of peripheral intravenous catheters for paediatric patients in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was employed in this study METHODS: This study was conducted among 160 nurses working in paediatric wards, paediatric intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, paediatric emergency units, and daycare units. The nurses completed an online survey using validated questionnaires to evaluate self-reported knowledge and confidence in PIVC insertion and maintenance. RESULTS: The study findings revealed that the nurses participating had inadequate knowledge of PIVC insertion (mean score: 4.47 ± 1.57) and maintenance (mean score: 5.5 ± 2.11) but high confidence in their ability to perform these procedures (mean score: 41.23 ± 7.37 for insertion and 38.33 ± 6.80 for maintenance). No significant association was observed between nurses' demographic variables, such as age, gender, level of education, working area, training, and experience, and their knowledge or confidence in PIVC insertion and maintenance. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Based on the study findings, it highlights gaps in paediatric nurses' PIVC insertion and maintenance practice. Addressing these gaps requires targeted education and skill training, which can potentially lead to enhanced success rates for procedures, decrease complications, as well as increase the safety and quality of care given to critically ill paediatric patients.
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41807299
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AIMS: When test results are reanalysed after a patient has been discharged from a service, 'recontact' can be necessary to inform them of pertinent new information. This scoping review aims to investigate perspectives of...AIMS: When test results are reanalysed after a patient has been discharged from a service, 'recontact' can be necessary to inform them of pertinent new information. This scoping review aims to investigate perspectives of clinical healthcare professionals on this recontact and its associated considerations. METHODS: We searched Medline and Embase for studies investigating the perspectives of healthcare professionals on patient recontact. RESULTS: Of 518 articles identified, 13 articles were included in the review. All 13 articles examined recontact in the setting of genetics. There was a consensus that recontact can be necessary, but there was disagreement about where the responsibility to initiate it lies. Challenges identified included logistical strain and validating patient consent. CONCLUSION: Patient recontact is seen as important, but concerns around workload drive a lack of consensus around where the responsibility to recontact lies. There is scope for more research on the implications of recontact outside the field of genetics, and clarification is needed around reasonable expectations of recontact in different clinical situations.
Sadık ZZT, Uyur E, Güder D
… +2 more, Bıkmazer B, Hacıfazlıoğlu NE
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41804790
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OBJECTIVE: Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common seizure type in childhood, affecting 2%-5% of children, usually between 12 and 18 months of age. While generally benign, recurrence occurs in a substantial proportion of...OBJECTIVE: Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common seizure type in childhood, affecting 2%-5% of children, usually between 12 and 18 months of age. While generally benign, recurrence occurs in a substantial proportion of cases. This study aimed to identify clinical risk factors associated with recurrent FS in children presenting with their first episode. METHODS: Medical records of 150 children aged 6-23 months who presented with a first FS to Zeynep Kamil Women's and Children's Training and Research Hospital between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic features, clinical and examination findings, electroencephalography (EEG) results, and the frequency and timing of recurrent FSs were analysed. Factors associated with recurrence within 3 years were evaluated. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 63 females and 87 males, with a mean age of 12.67 ± 4.40 months. Simple FS was observed in 64.7% and complex FS in 35.3%.A family history of FS was present in 52.7%, and epilepsy in 8.7%. Recurrence occurred in 80% of patients during follow-up. Complex FS (p = 0.037), family history of FS (p = 0.034), family history of epilepsy (p = 0.048), and a higher number of affected relatives (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with recurrence. CONCLUSION: Identifying children at higher risk for recurrent FS is crucial for appropriate counselling. Complex FS and familial predisposition significantly increase recurrence risk.
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41792096
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AIM: Neonatal cardiac surgery (NCS) is associated with a risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. We reviewed outcomes of a national pre-school screen, the Before School Check (B4SC), of children who had NCS compared to th...AIM: Neonatal cardiac surgery (NCS) is associated with a risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. We reviewed outcomes of a national pre-school screen, the Before School Check (B4SC), of children who had NCS compared to the national cohort to determine whether NCS children had higher rates of abnormality and whether the B4SC could be useful to identify at-risk NCS children. METHODS: B4SC results of children who had NCS between 2006 and 2014 were compared to controls. Sub-analyses were performed by cardiac subtype and timing of diagnosis. Outcome measures were the Parental Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), vision and hearing screening, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire parent version (SDQ-P). Multivariable analysis adjusted for ethnicity, socio-economic positioning, and sex. RESULTS: Of 508 NCS children, 390 (76.8%) had B4SC outcomes completed. The 371 without a syndrome or chromosomal anomaly, were compared with controls (n = 543 971). NCS children were more likely to have abnormal PEDS (27.9% versus 19.8%, p < 0.001), vision (10.5% versus 5.6%, p < 0.001) and hearing (18.0% versus 9.0%, p < 0.001). There was no difference on SDQ-P. Adjusted for confounding variables, children with single ventricle (SV) had higher rates of abnormal PEDS (RR 1.9, CI 1.4-2.5), whilst SV and 2V with prenatal diagnosis had increased risk of an abnormal vision screen (RR 3.1, CI 1.8-5.5, and 2.2, CI 1.4-3.4). Abnormal hearing screen was increased in all NCS groups. CONCLUSION: NCS children have higher rates of abnormal PEDS, hearing and vision screening on the B4SC. The B4SC may help to identify at-risk NCS children who may benefit from intervention.
Kalra A, Lau G, Laird P
… +6 more, Jacky J, White S, Roe A, Cooper M, Schultz A, Kuthubutheen J
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41787954
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AIM: To assess the prevalence, clinical features and treatment of otitis media (OM) among Aboriginal children in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and to determine if a correlation exists between OM and protract...AIM: To assess the prevalence, clinical features and treatment of otitis media (OM) among Aboriginal children in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and to determine if a correlation exists between OM and protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB). METHODS: Data was extracted from clinic records of Aboriginal children from four remote Kimberley communities participating in a whole-population lung health screening program during 2018-2019. Records were retrospectively reviewed 3 months before and after the screening date. OM prevalence and related complications were determined. Management was assessed against regional guidelines. The relationship between OM and the presence of PBB was assessed using chi-square testing. RESULTS: One-hundred ninety-one children (median age 3.5 years, 48.7% female) were included. Otorrhoea and/or otalgia was documented in 14.1% of children, and 53.9% had abnormal otoscopy findings. Earwax obscured visualisation of the tympanic membrane in 31.4% of examinations. Audiometry was performed in 27.2% of children, with hearing loss detected in 46.1% of those tested. OM, including acute OM with or without perforation, OM with effusion, or chronic suppurative OM, was diagnosed in 43.5% of children. Adherence to guideline-recommended antibiotic route and duration was seen in 15.8% of children with acute OM. No association was found between OM and PBB. CONCLUSION: Despite the absence of a relationship between OM and PBB, there is a high burden of OM among Aboriginal children in the Kimberley. Training clinicians in earwax removal and improving eardrum visualisation may enhance detection and timely treatment of OM, improving ear health disparities among Aboriginal populations.
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41749482
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AIM: To compare clinical and imaging features in children with macrolide-susceptible (MSMP) and macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MRMP) in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: We retrospectively ana...AIM: To compare clinical and imaging features in children with macrolide-susceptible (MSMP) and macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MRMP) in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed paediatric M. pneumoniae (MP) cases at Hunan People's Hospital from June to December 2023, utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to categorize infections into MRMP and MSMP groups based on 23S rRNA mutations. We compared symptoms, laboratory findings, imaging results and treatment outcomes between MRMP and MSMP groups. Additionally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the switch to doxycycline in MRMP patients. RESULTS: Of 199 children with MP, 151 were categorized as MRMP due to 23S rRNA mutations, while 48 were classified as MSMP. The MRMP group included more preschool- and school-aged children, with more severe symptoms (persistent high fever and extensive lung consolidation). MRMP patients received longer antibiotic courses, with imaging showing segmental or lobar infiltrates. Consequently, treatment was switched from azithromycin to doxycycline in 66.2% of MRMP patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that segmental or lobar parenchymal infiltration was independently associated with an increased likelihood of receiving doxycycline (OR = 3.942, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These real-world data suggest that MRMP may present with more severe clinical manifestations and radiological features than MSMP among hospitalized children during an atypical post-COVID resurgence of MP. Doxycycline could be considered as the second-line therapy for MRMP patients exhibiting severe symptoms or lung consolidation when macrolides fail to achieve clinical improvement.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically retrieve observational studies on risk factors for recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) in preschool children globally and perform a meta-analysis to comprehensively e...OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically retrieve observational studies on risk factors for recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) in preschool children globally and perform a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the effect sizes of major risk factors. METHODS: This study systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Wiley Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and VIP Chinese Journals Database (VIP) for relevant literature from inception to September 2025. The subjects included were preschool children, the outcome was the diagnosis or occurrence of RRTI and the study types were limited to observational studies. Evaluated indicators included household economic status, maternal age at childbirth, duration of breastfeeding (< 6 months), frequent snack intake (> 7 times/week), passive smoking, asthma and vitamin A deficiency. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies involving 170 915 children were included. Meta-analysis showed that asthma (OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.85-5.7), passive smoking (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.20-1.87) and frequent snack intake (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.35-1.92) were significant risk factors for RRTI in preschool children. Higher maternal age at childbirth (OR = 0.941, 95% CI: 0.913-0.97) showed a protective association. However, no statistically significant associations were found for household economic status (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.82-1.10), breastfeeding for less than 6 months (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.96-1.61) or vitamin A deficiency (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.85-2.36). Sensitivity analyses indicated robust results for the main findings but publication bias could not be assessed due to the limited number of studies included in each meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of RRTI in preschool children is influenced by multiple factors. This study confirms that asthma, passive smoking and an unhealthy diet (frequent snack intake) are established risk factors, whilst older maternal age may be protective. For household economic status, breastfeeding duration and vitamin A levels, the current pooled evidence did not establish statistically significant associations with RRTI. Prevention strategies could therefore prioritise asthma management, avoidance of tobacco smoke and promotion of healthy eating to reduce the risk of RRTI.
Brown S, Bush S, Gray A
… +4 more, Van Heerden C, Arvanitis T, Marchione L, Uahwatanasakul W
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41731313
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AIM: Use of social media platforms such as TikTok within the adolescent population is widespread. Harnessing its accessibility and prevalence provides health professionals an opportunity to disseminate positive, evidence...AIM: Use of social media platforms such as TikTok within the adolescent population is widespread. Harnessing its accessibility and prevalence provides health professionals an opportunity to disseminate positive, evidence-based health information. However, infiltrating this domain brings challenges such as countering abundant misinformation and understanding the target audience. Creating successful short-form videos for social media is a nuanced skill. University health students produced videos focusing on common adolescent issues for a health-promoting TikTok channel. The aim of this study was to explore secondary school student perceptions of these videos. METHODS: A mixed methods evaluation was undertaken using surveys and focus group interviews. Teachers from participating secondary schools recruited parents and students via the school online communication system. Descriptive statistics from survey responses were used to analyse demographics and scale responses. A uses and gratification lens was used for inductive content analysis of qualitative data. RESULTS: Participant students were predominantly from Year 9 (age 14-15 years), 161/212 (76%). The median score for enjoyment and positive learnings from videos was 5/10 and for likelihood of sharing videos was 3/10. Three themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) mixed perceptions of video content with a preference for health not disease, (2) engagement driven by entertainment and 3) social media platforms for enjoyment versus education. CONCLUSIONS: Social media platforms are an accessible source of health information for adolescents. Health professionals have an opportunity to provide evidence-based health information and combat misinformation. Creating effective and targeted video content can increase the positive impact on adolescent audiences.
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41725066
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BACKGROUND: Paediatric patients requiring a medical discharge generally have to wait for daytime ward rounds before leaving hospital. This can lead to unnecessary discharge delays spanning hours, with impacts on hospital...BACKGROUND: Paediatric patients requiring a medical discharge generally have to wait for daytime ward rounds before leaving hospital. This can lead to unnecessary discharge delays spanning hours, with impacts on hospital capacity and patient satisfaction. AIMS: To assess the impact of an early-morning discharge project on discharge by time of day, family satisfaction, and staff experience. METHODS: A novel approach ("Sunrise Discharges") was trialled and audited at a tertiary children's hospital, whereby appropriate patients were discharged by night medical staff prior to morning handover. The Sunrise Discharge project was piloted in the General Paediatric department for 3 months starting from 1 August 2024, with prior communication to clinical staff through multiple channels. Analysis of patient discharge time trends was performed to assess the impact of this initiative. In addition, "Plan, Do, Study, Act" quality improvement cycles were implemented throughout the 3-month audit period utilising feedback from staff surveys, a parent experience survey, and chart reviews to improve this process. RESULTS: The implementation of Sunrise Discharges resulted in a nearly seven-fold increase in the percentage of total general paediatric discharges prior to 09:00 a.m. (0.65%-4.46%, p < 0.0001) when compared to the 3 months prior. Parent feedback on the project was positive. Staff provided helpful feedback which guided project improvement and notably, night staff did not feel this added unmanageable workload to their shifts. CONCLUSION: The Sunrise Discharge project significantly improved discharge by time of day, with positive family experience of the process. With further refinement, it holds potential for hospital-wide implementation and broader use in other paediatric centres.
Morgan RJ, Dai X, Lodge CJ
… +9 more, O'Hely M, Ranganathan S, Sly PD, Ponsonby AL, Mansell T, Burgner D, Phipps S, Vuillermin P, BIS Investigator Group
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41721199
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AIM: To define preschool wheeze profiles to 4-years, identify their early life associations, and impact on wheeze risk at 9-years. METHODS: A latent class analysis of eight wheeze responses (1 month-4 years) and two seve...AIM: To define preschool wheeze profiles to 4-years, identify their early life associations, and impact on wheeze risk at 9-years. METHODS: A latent class analysis of eight wheeze responses (1 month-4 years) and two severity markers (respiratory presentation to emergency department and wheeze with shortness of breath) using data from a pre-birth prospective cohort study. Relative risk ratios (RRR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multinomial logistic regression to examine associations between early life risk factors and wheeze at 9-years. RESULTS: Four distinct preschool wheeze profiles were identified: "never/infrequent" with minimal wheeze (n = 538), "early persistent" wheeze from 3 months to 4 years (n = 83), "transient" from 6 to 18 months (n = 263) and "late-onset" from 18 months to 4 years (n = 148). Relative to "never/infrequent", maternal asthma history was associated with increased risk of all adverse wheeze profiles, the highest for "early persistent" wheeze [RRR 5.06; 2.96-8.67]. Breastfeeding at 6 months decreased the risk of "early persistent" wheeze [RRR 0.53; 0.31-0.90] and at 12 months protected against all adverse wheeze profiles. Eczema, food allergy, aeroallergen and food sensitisation all increased the risk of "early persistent" and "late-onset" wheeze. "Early persistent" [RRR 7.25; 3.92-13.42] and "late-onset" [RRR 3.93; 2.24-6.89] wheeze profiles were associated with increased risk of wheeze at 9-years. CONCLUSIONS: Early life exposures and atopy measures had distinct associations with data-derived preschool wheeze profiles. Maternal asthma and the absence of breastfeeding emerged as unifying risk factors. Investigation of the underlying mechanistic pathways is required to inform novel primary prevention strategies.
Utku Umut G, Hoşbay Z, Pempegül Yıldız E
… +1 more, Aydınlı N
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41708510
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BACKGROUND: Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) often experience impairments in trunk control and balance, which may negatively impact their functional abilities. This study aimed to investigate the relations...BACKGROUND: Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) often experience impairments in trunk control and balance, which may negatively impact their functional abilities. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between trunk control, balance and functional skills in ambulatory children with DMD. METHODS: Thirty-two ambulatory boys with DMD aged 5-12 years (mean age: 8.59 ± 2.14 years) participated in the study. Assessments included the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Paediatric Functional Reach Test (PFRT), Timed-Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). RESULTS: Self-care scores on the PEDI were significantly correlated with TCMS-selective movement control (r = 0.424, p = 0.016) and PFRT (r = 0.566, p = 0.001). Mobility scores were correlated with TCMS-static sitting balance (r = 0.512, p = 0.003), selective movement control (r = 0.518, p = 0.002), dynamic reaching (r = 0.664, p < 0.001), PFRT (r = 0.350, p = 0.049) and TUG (r = -0.600, p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between PEDI-social function scores and trunk control or balance measures (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that trunk control and balance are important contributors to functional performance, particularly in self-care and mobility domains, in ambulatory children with DMD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06379906.
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41705572
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AIM: The aim of this scoping review was to identify, explore and map the available literature on long-term health-related outcomes in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in Australia, following disch...AIM: The aim of this scoping review was to identify, explore and map the available literature on long-term health-related outcomes in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in Australia, following discharge from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). STUDY DESIGN: This scoping review used Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) review methods to identify qualitative and quantitative peer-reviewed journal publications, published between January 2005 and June 2025. DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Ovid Embase and Google Scholar. DATA SYNTHESIS: Database searches produced 57 potential studies; 5 met the inclusion criteria. All studies included Australian-based participants and discussed outcomes after discharge from NICU. Children surviving at 1 year of age were identified in two of the included studies. Neurodevelopment and psychosocial long-term health-related outcomes and sequelae were identified in three of the five studies. Quality of life was discussed in two of the studies, and multisystem involvement, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal, was the focus of one study. CONCLUSION: The findings of this scoping review demonstrate that there is a dearth of peer-reviewed literature available on long-term health-related outcomes for children born with CDH in Australia. As survival rates of neonates born with CDH continue to increase, more research is needed to better understand the long-term health outcomes, and therefore the long-term health needs, of this population group.
Keynan AMA, Dirie AM, Dirie SA
… +3 more, Omar MA, Ahmed AA, Fiidow OA
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 May · PMID 41700456
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INTRODUCTION: Child mortality is a critical global health indicator, reflecting a nation's development and healthcare quality. Despite significant progress in reducing child mortality globally, Somalia continues to exper...INTRODUCTION: Child mortality is a critical global health indicator, reflecting a nation's development and healthcare quality. Despite significant progress in reducing child mortality globally, Somalia continues to experience high rates, particularly among infants and young children, due to preventable and treatable conditions. Malnutrition, birth complications and infectious diseases are the leading causes of death. OBJECTIVE: To assess and analyse the trends in pediatric mortality over the past 2 years at a national referral hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted in the pediatric Department of Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, reviewed records of 1513 pediatric deaths during the study period, of which 70 were excluded due to incomplete records, leaving 1443 cases that met the inclusion criteria for analysis. RESULTS: The overall pediatric mortality rate during the study period was 5.3%. Male children accounted for 56.5% of deaths, whereas females represented 43.5%. Infants under 1 year were disproportionately affected, contributing to most deaths. The primary causes of death were severe acute malnutrition (29.04%), birth asphyxia (10.33%) and preterm (13.65%). The majority of deaths occurred within the first 24 h after admission and between 2 and 5 days of hospitalisation. Significant associations were found between the age of the child and the cause of death (χ = 537.485, p < 0.001). Additionally, there were significant associations between the year of death and the age of the child (χ = 17.669, p < 0.001), as well as the number of deaths in children per year (χ = 89.057, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The leading cause of pediatric death was SAM, followed by prematurity and birth asphyxia. Most deaths occurred within the first 24 h of hospital admission. Nationwide, multi-centre studies and interventions are highly recommended.