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England: Kids at risk of strep A infection to get preventive antibiotics
The decision came after nine children died from complications following a strep A bacterial infection. It is a rare blanket measure to prevent complications of step A in primary schoolchildren. Strep A infections are usually mild that produce symptoms of sore throat and skin infections. They can be managed with antibiotics. However, deaths are rare.
The Guardian
Mothers' mental health can impact children's school performance
Children of mothers hospitalized due to mental disorders during pregnancy or around a year after birth had a higher risk of poor academic scores at 14 years of age, as per a study. Boys had higher chances of poor grades in writing, spelling, and reading compared to girls. Severe psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia had more impact on scores than other mental disorders.
Curtin University
COVID-19 may not increase type 1 diabetes risk in children
A study conducted on children in Denmark did not find a higher risk of first-time diagnoses of type 1 diabetes in kids 30 days or more following a positive COVID-19 test compared to that in kids without a history of COVID-19. These findings suggest that a special focus on type 1 diabetes after COVID-19 infection in children might not be required.
Twitter @TracyBethHoeg
BCG vaccine in infancy protects against TB in children but not adults
A study showed that BCG vaccination given at birth does not provide significant protection against tuberculosis among adults or adolescents. However, it protected children under the age of 5 years. These findings suggest that the vaccine's effectiveness begins to wave at 10 years of age, and adults should get booster shots for further protection against tuberculosis.
Mirage
AAP releases a list of 5 common conditions seen in kids in ED
The evidence-based list aims at avoiding unnecessary tests, radiation exposure, pain, costs, and prolonged stay in the ED. Radiographs are not needed for croup, asthma, bronchiolitis, first-time wheezing, and constipation, while labs are not required for medical clearance of kids requiring psychiatric admission. Head CT is not needed for generalized and unprovoked seizures.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Obesity in children could cause structural changes in the brain
Children aged 9 and 10 years who had the highest BMI scores also had brain impairment, including thinning of the cortex and degradation of white matter, as per a study. These impairments could affect kids' motivation, reward-based decision-making, and even cognitive control. These findings highlight that a healthy lifestyle in childhood promotes healthy brains.
Healthline
How parents help their children to sleep could affect their temperament
Children whose parents used passive sleep-supporting techniques like reading, singing, or cuddling had higher sociability scores than those whose parents used active methods like car rides, playing, or walking. In contrast, difficult temperament or fussiness was more common in children whose parents used active techniques, according to the study conducted on toddlers.
Today UK News
India: Measles outbreak causes the death of 12 children
The first death was reported In Mumbai at the end of October. So far, the city has reported 233 confirmed infections, which is 3 times higher than that reported last year. Disruptions in the immunization of children during the COVID-19 pandemic caused the spike in measles infections. Europe also reported large outbreaks due to low rates of vaccination.
BBC
WHO warns about the impending global threat of measles outbreaks
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in immunization against measles and disruptions in the surveillance of infections worldwide. About 40 million children missed their measles vaccines in 2021. WHO reported large outbreaks at the beginning of 2022, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO's measles head said the coming 12 to 24 months could be challenging.
Twitter @Reuters_Health
What to do when a child swallows a button battery?
Button batteries are coin-shaped batteries used in watches, hearing aids, car keys, and toys. Ingesting them is dangerous as they can cause holes in the oesophagus or intestines, ultimately causing tissue damage and death. If a child swallows a button battery, immediately go to the nearest emergency. Vomiting induction and the Heimlich manoeuvre are not recommended.
Twitter @ClevelandClinic
