BACKGROUND: In Cambodia, emergency rooms (ERs) often serve as the primary access point for paediatric care, reflecting limited outpatient capacity and health system constraints. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive analy...BACKGROUND: In Cambodia, emergency rooms (ERs) often serve as the primary access point for paediatric care, reflecting limited outpatient capacity and health system constraints. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive analysis of presentations at Angkor Hospital for Children between 2012 and 2021 was conducted. Diagnoses were harmonised using ICD-10 definitions. The primary cohort included all eligible presentations, while a secondary cohort excluded patients aged outside the hospital age range, procedural-only visits, unclassifiable diagnoses, and referrals. Analyses focused on the 10 most common diagnostic groups in the secondary cohort. Seasonal and rural-urban patterns were assessed using risk ratios. RESULTS: A total of 60 310 patients with 87 977 visits were included in the primary cohort and 43 170 patients with 62 148 visits in the secondary cohort. More boys (57%) than girls (43%) accounted for ER presentations, and approximately 40% of patients were aged 1-5 years. Respiratory-related diseases were the most frequent diagnostic group, followed by infectious and parasitic diseases. Visits peaked during the rainy season, with dengue showing strong rainy season predominance (RR ≈ 5.9). Rural children accounted for 56% and showed a higher relative likelihood of dengue, influenza and pneumonia, and haemolytic anaemias, whereas chronic respiratory diseases and toxic substance exposures were more frequent among urban children. Most presentations resulted in discharge home, and mortality was low (0.09%). CONCLUSION: ER utilisation in Cambodia reflects both acute illness burden and broader health system access patterns. The findings highlight the need for seasonally responsive preparedness, strengthened rural outreach, and integrated acute care planning in resource-limited settings.
El-Heneidy A, Grimwood K, Robson JM
… +4 more, Vilaylath CV, Cherian SG, Lambert SB, Ware RS
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41674395
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AIM: In April 2024 nirsevimab, a long-acting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-specific monoclonal antibody, was made available free of charge to all newborn infants in Queensland. We aimed to explore the community-level...AIM: In April 2024 nirsevimab, a long-acting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-specific monoclonal antibody, was made available free of charge to all newborn infants in Queensland. We aimed to explore the community-level impact of a nirsevimab-based prevention program on RSV detection percentages among infants aged ≤ 3 months in Queensland, Australia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of January 2022-December 2024 laboratory data from a Queensland network. Weekly percentages of RSV-positive tests among infants aged ≤ 3 months (eligible group for nirsevimab) were compared with children aged 24-35 months (ineligible group) after nirsevimab introduction in mid-April 2024, and with comparable age data from 2022 to 2023. RESULTS: Overall, 20 956 RSV polymerase chain reaction tests for both age groups were performed during the study period (2022: 5593; 2023: 4910; 2024: 10 453). Following nirsevimab introduction, the percentage of RSV positive tests declined from 16.0% (370/2316) to 5.8% (51/876) among eligible infants (aged ≤ 3 months), compared to 18.6% (1879/10 098) to 14.6% (1117/7666) among ineligible children (aged 24-35 months). Difference-in-differences analysis showed an absolute risk difference of -6.9 percentage points (95% confidence interval: -13.2 to -4.1, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We present the first real-world community-based evidence on the impact of nirsevimab upon RSV detection percentages in infants aged ≤ 3 months in Queensland, Australia. The nirsevimab-based prevention program may be contributing to a substantial decline in RSV detection percentages among young infants in the community.
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41664625
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AIM: This review aimed to evaluate the impact of school-based hand hygiene interventions on infectious disease outcomes in school populations. METHODS: A PROSPERO registered review (CRD42024620293) followed by Cochrane m...AIM: This review aimed to evaluate the impact of school-based hand hygiene interventions on infectious disease outcomes in school populations. METHODS: A PROSPERO registered review (CRD42024620293) followed by Cochrane methodology MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and ERIC formed the databases that received the search. The study included English-language research from 2014 to the present that examined school children in educational settings with quantifiable hand hygiene-disease relationships. The screening process and appraisal followed the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. RESULTS: The search produced 4345 records from which 33 studies qualified for inclusion. The interventions included educational programmes and handwashing facilities together with hand sanitiser distribution and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes that combined multiple components. Education-only interventions reduced upper respiratory infection-related absences by up to 50%. Soap and water handwashing combined with sanitiser reduced acute gastroenteritis absences by 36%. Integrated WASH programmes lowered diarrhoea and respiratory illness absences. Parental involvement further enhanced effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Hand hygiene programmes are most effective when combining education, resources and behaviour change. Their success depends on context, infrastructure and delivery. While reducing disease and absenteeism, challenges like dermatitis and non-compliance remain. Tailored, inclusive approaches and policy-level investment are needed to ensure sustainable, evidence-based impact in schools.
BACKGROUND: Congenital upper airway malformations and malacia are important causes of respiratory morbidity in early infancy, yet population-based epidemiological data remain scarce, particularly in Latin America. Most a...BACKGROUND: Congenital upper airway malformations and malacia are important causes of respiratory morbidity in early infancy, yet population-based epidemiological data remain scarce, particularly in Latin America. Most available estimates derive from single-centre cohorts, limiting generalizability and health system planning. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide, retrospective, population-based study using Colombia's administrative healthcare database (RIPS). We identified healthcare encounters coded with ICD-10 diagnoses corresponding to congenital upper airway malformations and malacia among children younger than 1 year between 2016 and 2024. Crude and sex-specific prevalence rates were calculated per 100 000 children. Age-standardised prevalence rates were estimated using the WHO world standard population. Temporal trends were assessed using Poisson regression models with population offsets and visualised using LOESS smoothing. RESULTS: A total of 29 450 cases were identified, corresponding to a national crude prevalence of 263.0 per 100 000 children and an age-standardised prevalence of 23.1 per 100 000. The most frequent diagnoses were congenital nasal septum perforation, laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, and unspecified congenital nasal malformations. Overall prevalence was higher among females than males, although marked heterogeneity was observed across specific diagnoses. Temporal trend analysis demonstrated a significant annual increase of approximately 3% in upper airway malformations, with diagnosis-specific patterns showing increasing, stable, or decreasing trends over time. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital upper airway malformations and malacia represent a substantial and evolving burden in Colombian infants. Population-based administrative data provide valuable insights into disease frequency, sex differences and temporal trends, supporting their use for health system planning and epidemiological surveillance.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the association between intestinal anatomical characteristics-including the resected bowel segment, residual small bowel length (RSBL), and preservation of the ileocecal valve (ICV)-and tr...OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the association between intestinal anatomical characteristics-including the resected bowel segment, residual small bowel length (RSBL), and preservation of the ileocecal valve (ICV)-and treatment outcomes in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 35 paediatric SBS patients who underwent small bowel resection at the study site from July 2021 to July 2024. SBS was defined by an RSBL ≤ 25% of the expected length for age or dependence on parenteral nutrition ≥ 60 days. Treatment outcomes were categorised as successful (clinical stabilisation and discharge) or unsuccessful (death or lack of improvement). RESULTS: Most patients underwent surgery during the neonatal period (91.4%). A majority had RSBL > 38 cm (88.6%), preserved ICV (74.2%), and intact colon (67.7%). The overall treatment success rate was 60% (n = 21), while mortality or failure occurred in 40% (n = 14). The mean RSBL in the success group (86.1 ± 28.1 cm) was significantly longer than in the failure group (52.7 ± 24.9 cm; p < 0.001). All patients with very short (15-38 cm) or ultra-short (< 15 cm) RSBL experienced treatment failure or death (p < 0.05). Preservation of both the colon and ICV was significantly associated with treatment success (p < 0.05). Patients without ICV preservation had longer median hospital stays than those with ICV preservation (126 days vs. 100.5 days; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Colon and ileocecal valve preservation are key prognostic factors improving outcomes and reducing hospitalisation in paediatric short bowel syndrome.
AIM: A medical emergency team (MET) was introduced to improve early recognition and management of critically ill patients. This study evaluated the impact of MET implementation on emergency airway management in the paedi...AIM: A medical emergency team (MET) was introduced to improve early recognition and management of critically ill patients. This study evaluated the impact of MET implementation on emergency airway management in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: This single-centre pre-post comparative study was conducted from September 2016 to August 2022. Children aged < 16 years who were unexpectedly admitted to the PICU from general wards due to clinical deterioration were included. The primary outcome was emergency tracheal intubation within 1 h of PICU admission. Secondary outcomes were overall intubation rate, PICU stay, and mortality. Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for univariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for weight and reason for PICU admission (respiratory failure vs. other causes). RESULTS: A total of 12 691 and 25 295 admissions occurred before and after MET implementation, respectively. Unexpected PICU admissions decreased (15.4 vs. 12.7 per 1000, p = 0.04). Emergency intubation within 1 h occurred in 31% pre- and 14.3% post-MET (p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, MET implementation was associated with lower odds of emergency intubation (adjusted OR 0.37, p < 0.001). Within the post-MET cohort, emergency intubation rates did not differ by implementation phase (OR 0.66, p = 0.25) or direct MET activation (OR 1.36, p = 0.60). CONCLUSION: MET implementation was associated with a lower incidence of emergency intubation within 1 h of PICU admission. The findings suggest that improved staff awareness and education, rather than direct MET intervention, promoted timely management of patient deterioration.
Churcher LM, Bartlett AW, Pendle S
… +2 more, Slade R, Williams PCM
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41652807
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BACKGROUND: Meningoencephalitis causes significant morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Prompt diagnosis remains challenging, yet advances in molecular diagnostic technology have improved diagnostic performance...BACKGROUND: Meningoencephalitis causes significant morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Prompt diagnosis remains challenging, yet advances in molecular diagnostic technology have improved diagnostic performance. This study examined whether the introduction of the BioFire FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) multiplex panel impacted the diagnosis and management of children with suspected meningoencephalitis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study (January 2019 to July 2021) at a non-tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, during which the BioFire ME panel became available. Patients < 16 years who had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling for investigation of meningoencephalitis were included. Demographic, clinical and microbiological data were extracted to evaluate time to infection diagnosis, antimicrobial rationalisation and duration, investigations undertaken and admission length. RESULTS: There were 122 CSF samples collected from children with suspected meningoencephalitis; 70/122 (57.3%) before and 52/122 (42.7%) after BioFire ME panel introduction. Twenty-eight (23.0%) children had BioFire ME testing. Seven bacterial and 27 viral microbiologically confirmed central nervous system (CNS) infections were identified. BioFire ME panel use was associated with faster median confirmation or exclusion of meningoencephalitis (12.6 vs. 48.0 h, p < 0.01, for bacterial and 12.6 vs. 71.5 h, p < 0.01, for viral causes), quicker pathogen identification in viral meningoencephalitis (8.1 vs. 48.7 h, p = 0.019) and earlier antimicrobial rationalisation (24.0 vs. 30.4 h, p < 0.01). Total antimicrobial duration, investigation numbers and hospitalisation duration were not reduced. CONCLUSIONS: The BioFire ME panel has the potential to reduce the duration of empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobials and their associated adverse effects on children, as well as improve healthcare resource efficiencies.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency and patterns of dietary modification, sources of dietary advice and associated behaviours in Australian children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Mixed-methods cross-...OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency and patterns of dietary modification, sources of dietary advice and associated behaviours in Australian children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted with IBD patients attending Perth Children's Hospital. Participants completed a validated questionnaire and clinical disease activity (PUCAI/PCDAI) was recorded on the day of consultation. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regressions were performed using Jamovi. RESULTS: Sixty-four children participated (34 males; mean age 13.4 ± 2.8 years; 28 Crohn's disease, 36 ulcerative colitis). Over half (33/64, 51.6%) reported dietary modification post diagnosis, most commonly food avoidance. One-third (24/64, 37.5%) regularly skipped meals. On multivariable logistics regression food avoidance (aOR 13.8, 95% CI 2.17-87) and disease activity (aOR 12.4, 95% CI 2.80-55.1) were independently associated with meal skipping. Females were 3.17 (95% CI 1.14-8.80) times more likely to practice food avoidance and 3.56 (95% CI 1.14-8.80) times more likely to report symptom exacerbation with specific foods on univariable analysis. Although gastroenterologists and dietitians were the most trusted sources of dietary advice, over 20% (7/33) of patients were modifying their diet based on non-expert recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary modification post diagnosis is prevalent among Australian paediatric IBD patients. Meal skipping is independently associated with active disease and self-directed food avoidance; females report higher rates of food avoidance and symptoms exacerbation with foods. These findings highlight the need for proactive, consistent dietary counselling and underscore the importance of further multicentre studies to corroborate these findings.
Rodrigo R, Thomas R, You J
… +2 more, Nahidi S, Kozgar SAM
J Paediatr Child Health
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41618828
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AIM: To determine the magnitude of high-risk infants cared for at a regional hospital in Victoria, Australia and to identify the resources required to care for them. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between J...AIM: To determine the magnitude of high-risk infants cared for at a regional hospital in Victoria, Australia and to identify the resources required to care for them. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2019 in a regional hospital in Victoria, Australia. Data of high-risk neonates and their associated risk factors were collected from electronic and physical medical records. Simple descriptive statistics were used to summarise and report the data. Follow-up was proposed based on the high-risk factors as per already known follow-up protocols. RESULTS: An average of 848 births were registered annually. The special care nursery (SCN) within the regional hospital received an average of 260 admissions per annum. Of the admissions to the SCN, 47% of infants had high-risk factors. Approximately 90% of the high-risk infants were inborn and 10% were outborn. Prematurity, small for gestational age (SGA) and adverse socio-demographic variables were the most common risk factors across all 3 years. Approximately 43% of high-risk infants had two or more risk factors. The prevalence of these high-risk factors between the 3 years remained consistent. CONCLUSION: A considerable number of high-risk neonatal admissions were recorded in this regional hospital which serves a large proportion of socio-economically disadvantaged patients. Customised and co-located multidisciplinary team (MDT) follow-up of these high-risk neonates is crucial. Findings can inform local guidelines for MDT neurodevelopmental follow up program to prevent long term adverse outcomes.