Archives of disease in childhood
Audio Summaries

Prevalence of physical symptoms persisting in children a year after the Türkiye earthquake

Sep 15, 2026

The authors aimed to identify the prevalence of physical health problems in children aged 6-16 who were exposed to the Türkiye earthquake, assessing both short-term and long-term effects. The study found that a year after the disaster, many children experienced various physical symptoms, including respiratory issues, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and musculoskeletal pain. The findings highlight the need for holistic assessments and long-term monitoring of children's health following such traumatic events.

Evolving landscape of paediatric sepsis: progress, gaps and the next generation of tools

Sep 11, 2026

The authors examine the evolving landscape of paediatric sepsis, aiming to identify progress made in its management and the persistent gaps that contribute to childhood mortality. They highlight advancements such as the Phoenix Sepsis Criteria and vaccination programs, while also addressing challenges in early recognition and treatment stratification. The paper suggests that future improvements may hinge on risk stratification and the application of machine learning for better early detection, necessitating further validation before implementation.

Association between sociodemographic factors, neighbourhood cigarette smoke exposure and critical illness due to respiratory condition among paediatric population in England, 2014-2023: a retrospective cohort study

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic factors, neighborhood cigarette smoke exposure, and the risk of respiratory admissions to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in England from 2014 to 2023. Their findings indicate that children of Asian and Black ethnicity, as well as those from deprived areas, faced higher rates of PICU admissions and in-PICU mortality, with increased risks associated with higher neighborhood cigarette smoke exposure. The study suggests that targeted tobacco control measures could improve respiratory health outcomes for children.

Paediatric familial hypercholesterolaemia in Australia: a real-world registry study

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to characterize the detection and management of children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in Australia by analyzing data from the National FH Registry. They found significant gaps in care, including late diagnoses, low rates of genetic testing, and inadequate attainment of LDL-C goals despite treatment. The study highlights the need for improved screening and management strategies to enhance outcomes for affected children.

Clinically significant night-to-night variability in overnight oximetry screening for obstructive sleep apnoea in children with Down syndrome: a retrospective review of screening data

Sep 8, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the extent and implications of night-to-night variability (NTNV) in overnight oximetry screening for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children with Down syndrome. Their retrospective review of screening data revealed that over half of the studies exhibited clinically significant NTNV, suggesting that single-night screenings may overlook children who would test positive for OSA on multiple nights. The findings indicate a need to reconsider UK screening guidelines to better account for NTNV and the high prevalence of OSA in older children.

Quality and concordance of international paediatric sepsis guidelines: a cross-sectional appraisal from the SENTINEL International study

Sep 8, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the methodological quality of hospital-specific pediatric sepsis clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and assess their consistency and concordance with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2020 standards. Their findings revealed that all 14 CPGs assessed were of low methodological quality, yet most aligned with key time-critical recommendations from SSC 2020, highlighting significant variations in fluid resuscitation and steroid administration practices.

Secondary skeletal surveys yield significant additional injuries: a retrospective review

Sep 3, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the necessity of conducting a second skeletal survey in children under 2 years old, as current UK guidelines recommend this practice to detect occult injuries in cases of suspected non-accidental injury. Their retrospective review of 168 children revealed that significant additional injuries were identified in both the secondary survey and in cases where the primary survey was normal, supporting the continuation of the two-skeletal survey protocol for safeguarding evaluations.

Caring for children with functional neurological disorders in the emergency department

Sep 1, 2026

The authors aim to address the challenges in diagnosing and managing functional neurological disorders (FND) in children presenting to emergency departments, highlighting the impact of educational gaps on timely diagnosis and treatment. They provide practical recommendations for emergency physicians, emphasizing the use of rule-in signs for diagnosis rather than relying solely on negative medical tests, and advocate for clear communication of the diagnosis to patients and families. Additionally, the review discusses patient triage and referral considerations to improve overall care for children with FND.

Texture and nutrient content of commercial baby foods supplied in spouted pouches, compared to other packaging

Aug 25, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the texture and nutrient content of commercial baby foods (CBF) in spouted pouches compared to other packaging types, assessing their suitability as complementary foods. The study found that a significant portion of CBF in spouted pouches had a liquid texture and lower protein content than breast milk, with many products failing to meet the desired energy and nutrient density criteria. Overall, the findings suggest that many spouted pouch baby foods resemble sweet drinks rather than appropriate complementary foods.

Medicines for children and young people who seek support around gender: a horizon scanning study of the emerging medicines pipeline

Aug 24, 2026

The authors aim to identify and analyze the current landscape of clinical trials evaluating medicines for children and young people experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria. Their horizon scanning study reveals that while there are ongoing trials, many lack rigorous designs, such as control groups and random allocation, which limits their potential to provide meaningful evidence on the effectiveness and safety of these treatments. The authors conclude that future studies with robust methodologies are necessary to fill existing evidence gaps.