Archives of disease in childhood
Audio Summaries

International healthcare professionals' competence in caring for LGBTQ+ children and young people: a combined qualitative and quantitative approach

Aug 5, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the attitudes, knowledge, and clinical preparedness of healthcare professionals in providing care for LGBTQ+ children and young people across international settings. The study found that while clinicians reported positive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ care, their knowledge and preparedness, particularly regarding transgender and gender-diverse issues, were limited. The findings highlight the need for enhanced education and systemic support to improve inclusive clinical practices.

Use of subcutaneous epinephrine in addition to standard first-line treatment with short-acting β2-agonist and systemic steroids in children and adolescents with an acute severe asthma exacerbation: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Jul 28, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous epinephrine as an adjunct to standard first-line treatments for acute asthma exacerbations in children and adolescents. Their systematic review identified only one randomized controlled trial involving 43 participants, which found no significant benefits of subcutaneous epinephrine in improving asthma clinical scores, reducing hospitalization rates, or enhancing lung function. The review concluded that the evidence supporting the use of subcutaneous epinephrine in this context is very low.

Early high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in paediatric acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure: a cost analysis following a randomised controlled trial

Jul 27, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the total direct healthcare costs of nasal high flow (NHF) therapy versus standard oxygen therapy (SOT) as first-line treatments for pediatric acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF). They found that NHF was significantly more expensive than SOT, with an average cost difference of $A1396 per patient, and did not demonstrate better clinical outcomes, particularly among non-responders. This highlights the need for more targeted use of NHF in this patient population.

Developmental outcomes in 4-year-old children born in the first COVID-19 lockdown in England: preliminary findings from the Born In COVID Year - Core Lockdown Effects (BICYCLE) study

Jul 14, 2026

The study aimed to assess the developmental outcomes of 4-year-old children born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England, particularly focusing on language, executive function, motor skills, and non-verbal reasoning. Findings indicated that while some language skills were above normative expectations, caregiver-reported executive function was notably lower, suggesting potential educational vulnerabilities and the need for targeted support in classrooms. The results highlight the impact of limited social exposure during a critical developmental period and emphasize the importance of responsive educational policies.

Increasing complexity in children with life-limiting conditions in England: an analysis of national routine data

Jul 13, 2026

The authors aimed to analyze how the medical complexity of children with life-limiting conditions in England has changed from 2003 to 2022, using national healthcare data. Their findings indicate a significant increase in various indicators of complexity, including the number of health conditions, specialties involved, and technology dependence, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to allocate resources effectively to meet the growing demands of this population.

Health-related quality of life in children with Robin sequence following Tübingen palatal plate treatment in infancy

Jul 9, 2026

The study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with Robin sequence (RS) who underwent Tübingen palatal plate treatment during infancy, comparing their outcomes to children with cleft palates and a European reference cohort. Results indicated that HRQoL in children with RS was comparable to that of children with clefts and significantly better than the reference population, particularly in areas related to bullying and financial resources. These findings suggest that children with RS can achieve a good quality of life by primary school age following early intervention.

Acute and chronic physical risks in avoidant restrictive food intake disorder: findings from a national surveillance study

Jul 8, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the acute and chronic physical health risks associated with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in children, utilizing national surveillance data from clinician-reported cases. They found that a significant proportion of children with ARFID faced acute medical risks and nutritional deficiencies, often independent of weight status, highlighting the need for comprehensive physical assessments beyond body mass index to improve detection and care. The study suggests that symptom duration and specific ARFID presentations may serve as important clinical indicators for identifying health complications.

Diagnostic accuracy study assessing the ability of paediatric asthma scores to predict admission following initial emergency department bronchodilator therapy: a Clinical Asthma Scoring systems in Paediatric Emergency (CASPER) study

Jul 2, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of various paediatric asthma scores in predicting hospital admission after initial bronchodilator therapy in children aged 2-18 years. The study found that none of the ten asthma scores assessed achieved the desired area under the receiver operating curve (AUC ROC) of ≥0.80, indicating limited effectiveness in discriminating between admitted and discharged patients. Additionally, no score provided a satisfactory balance between sensitivity and specificity, as defined by a Youden Index of ≥50%.

Artificial intelligence for child health: current capabilities and the next frontier

Jul 1, 2026

The authors explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming pediatric healthcare by enhancing diagnosis, monitoring, and personalized treatment through the integration of diverse data sources. They aim to identify the future capabilities of AI, including adaptive decision support and causal AI, which could improve clinical outcomes and reduce health disparities in children. The paper emphasizes the need for responsible development and governance to fully realize AI's potential in child health.

Troubled origins and lasting impact of the first insulin injection

Jul 1, 2026

This paper examines the complexities surrounding the first human insulin injection in 1922, questioning the narrative of triumph often associated with its discovery. The author highlights the operational challenges, interpersonal conflicts, and ethical concerns that characterized the research process, suggesting that the initial success was marred by significant shortcomings and long-term complications for diabetes patients. Ultimately, the paper argues that the acclaim for the discovery of insulin may overlook the nuanced realities of its development and the ongoing struggles faced by individuals with diabetes.