Children

8 pages, 1024 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Children’s Environmental Health in the Digital Era: Understanding Early Screen Exposure as a Preventable Risk Factor for Obesity and Sleep Disorders

by Candice Wolf, Seth Wolf, Miriam Weiss and Gustavo Nino

Children 2018, 5(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020031 - 23 Feb 2018

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 15160

Abstract

The quantity, accessibility and focus on child-targeted programming has exponentially increased since it entered American households in the early 1900s. It may have started with the television (TV), but technology has evolved and now fits in our pockets; as of 2017, 95% of [...] Read more.

The quantity, accessibility and focus on child-targeted programming has exponentially increased since it entered American households in the early 1900s. It may have started with the television (TV), but technology has evolved and now fits in our pockets; as of 2017, 95% of American families own a smartphone. Availability and child-tailored content has subsequently led to a decrease in the age at initial screen exposure. The negative effects that accompany the current culture of early screen exposure are extensive and need to be considered as technology continues to enter the home and inundate social interactions. Increased levels of early screen exposure have been associated with decreased cognitive abilities, decreased growth, addictive behavior, poor school performance, poor sleep patterns, and increased levels of obesity. Research on the adverse effects of early screen exposure is mounting, but further epidemiological studies are still needed to inform prevention and regulation policies. Full article

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9 pages, 1603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sitting-Height Index of Build, (Body Mass)/(Sitting Height)³, as an Improvement on the Body Mass Index for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

by Richard Burton

Children 2018, 5(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020030 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8177

Abstract

The body mass index (BMI) is unsatisfactory in being affected by both relative leg length and height, and, for use with children and adolescents, therefore needs to be interpreted in relation to age. The sitting-height index of build (body mass)/(sitting height)³, [...] Read more.

The body mass index (BMI) is unsatisfactory in being affected by both relative leg length and height, and, for use with children and adolescents, therefore needs to be interpreted in relation to age. The sitting-height index of build (body mass)/(sitting height)³, is largely free of these disadvantages. Furthermore, because that index is independent of relative leg length, the latter can be treated as a separate indicator of nutritional history and health risks. Past studies on white children and adults have shown body mass to be approximately proportional to (sitting height)³. Moreover, multiple regression of (body mass)^1/3 on sitting height and leg length, using year-by-year averages, has indicated that leg length is an insignificant predictor of body mass. The present study used data for individuals, namely 2–20 years old males and females, black as well as white. Regression analysis as above again showed leg length to be an insignificant predictor of body mass, but only above the age of about nine years. However, sitting height is still a stronger predictor of body mass than leg length at all ages. The advantages of the sitting-height index of build for use with young people are confirmed. Full article

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11 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distress Responses in a Routine Vaccination Context: Relationships to Early Childhood Mental Health

by Nicole M. Racine, Hannah G. Gennis, Rebecca Pillai Riddell, Saul Greenberg and Hartley Garfield

Children 2018, 5(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020029 - 21 Feb 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4493

Abstract

Social and emotional competencies, such as distress regulation, are established in early childhood and are critical for the development of children’s mental health and wellbeing. Routine vaccinations in primary care provide a unique opportunity to relate responses to a universal, relatively standardized, distress [...] Read more.

Social and emotional competencies, such as distress regulation, are established in early childhood and are critical for the development of children’s mental health and wellbeing. Routine vaccinations in primary care provide a unique opportunity to relate responses to a universal, relatively standardized, distress regulation paradigm (i.e., pain-related distress) to key developmental outcomes. The current study sought to examine distress regulation during routine vaccination in infancy and preschool as predictors of outcomes related to socioemotional competence in preschool. It was hypothesized that children with poorer distress regulation abilities post-vaccination would have lower socioemotional development. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that insensitive parenting would exacerbate this relationship for children with poor distress regulation abilities. As part of an ongoing longitudinal cohort, 172 parent–child dyads were videotaped during vaccinations in infancy and preschool, and subsequently participated in a full-day psychological assessment in a university lab. Videotapes were coded for child pre-needle distress (baseline distress), immediate post-needle pain-related distress reactivity (immediate distress reactivity), and pain-related distress regulation (distress regulation). Parent sensitivity during the preschool vaccination was also coded. Baseline distress prior to vaccination predicted greater externalizing problems and behavioral symptoms. Parent sensitivity did not moderate the association between any child distress behaviors and socioemotional development indicators. Child distress behaviors prior to injection, regardless of parent behavior, during the vaccination context may provide valuable information to health care professionals about child socioemotional functioning in the behavioral and emotional domains. Full article

9 pages, 1586 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pediatric Palliative Care for Children with Progressive Non-Malignant Diseases

by Harold Siden

Children 2018, 5(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020028 - 20 Feb 2018

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 11265

Abstract

A substantial number of children cared for by pediatric palliative care physicians have progressive non-malignant conditions. Some elements of their care overlap with care for children with cancer while other elements, especially prognosis and trajectory, have nuanced differences. This article reviews the population, [...] Read more.

A substantial number of children cared for by pediatric palliative care physicians have progressive non-malignant conditions. Some elements of their care overlap with care for children with cancer while other elements, especially prognosis and trajectory, have nuanced differences. This article reviews the population, physical-emotional and social concerns, and trajectory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Palliative Care)

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12 pages, 6361 KiB

Open AccessReview

Paediatric Palliative Care in Resource-Poor Countries

by Julia Downing, Sue Boucher, Alex Daniels and Busi Nkosi

Children 2018, 5(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020027 - 19 Feb 2018

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 8383

Abstract

There is a great need for paediatric palliative care (PPC) services globally, but access to services is lacking in many parts of the world, particularly in resource-poor settings. Globally it is estimated that 21.6 million children need access to palliative care, with 8.2 [...] Read more.

There is a great need for paediatric palliative care (PPC) services globally, but access to services is lacking in many parts of the world, particularly in resource-poor settings. Globally it is estimated that 21.6 million children need access to palliative care, with 8.2 needing specialist services. PC has been identified as important within the global health agenda e.g., within universal health coverage, and a recent Lancet commission report recognised the need for PPC. However, a variety of challenges have been identified to PPC development globally such as: access to treatment, access to medications such as oral morphine, opiophobia, a lack of trained health and social care professionals, a lack of PPC policies and a lack of awareness about PPC. These challenges can be overcome utilising a variety of strategies including advocacy and public awareness, education, access to medications, implementation and research. Examples will be discussed impacting on the provision of PPC in resource-poor settings. High-quality PPC service provision can be provided with resource-poor settings, and there is an urgent need to scale up affordable, accessible, and quality PPC services globally to ensure that all children needing palliative care can access it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Palliative Care)

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6 pages, 176 KiB

Open AccessReview

Palliative Care for Children in Hospital: Essential Roles

by Ross Drake

Children 2018, 5(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020026 - 19 Feb 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5596

Abstract

Palliative care for children in pediatric hospitals is a vital part of the network of services supporting children with severe illness. This has been recognized, with a trend over the past decade for an increased number of pediatric palliative care (PPC) services established [...] Read more.

Palliative care for children in pediatric hospitals is a vital part of the network of services supporting children with severe illness. This has been recognized, with a trend over the past decade for an increased number of pediatric palliative care (PPC) services established in pediatric hospitals. The inpatient team is in the unique position of influencing the early identification of children and their families, across the age and diagnostic spectrum, which could benefit from palliative care. These services have an opportunity to influence the integration of the palliative approach throughout the hospital, and in so doing, have the capacity to improve many aspects of care, including altering an increasingly futile and burdensome treatment trajectory, and ensuring improved symptom (physical and psychological) management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Palliative Care)

12 pages, 4291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) Norms: A “Growth Chart” for ATEC Score Changes as a Function of Age

by Shreyas Mahapatra, David Vyshedsky, Samantha Martinez, Benjamin Kannel, Julia Braverman, Stephen M. Edelson and Andrey Vyshedskiy

Children 2018, 5(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020025 - 16 Feb 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 23928

Abstract

Most early-intervention Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) clinical trials are limited by the availability of psychometric technicians who assess each child’s abilities before and after therapeutic intervention. If parents could administer regular psychometric evaluations of their children, then the cost of clinical trials will [...] Read more.

Most early-intervention Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) clinical trials are limited by the availability of psychometric technicians who assess each child’s abilities before and after therapeutic intervention. If parents could administer regular psychometric evaluations of their children, then the cost of clinical trials will be reduced, enabling longer clinical trials with the larger number of participants. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was designed nearly two decades ago to provide such a tool, but the norms on the longitudinal changes in ATEC in the “treatment as usual” population were lacking. Here we report the norms of the observational cohort who voluntarily completed ATEC evaluations over the period of four years from 2013 to 2017. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neurology & Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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11 pages, 230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Determinants of Perceived Discrimination among Black Youth: Intersection of Ethnicity and Gender

by Shervin Assari and Cleopatra Howard Caldwell

Children 2018, 5(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020024 - 15 Feb 2018

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 9255

Abstract

Most of the existing sociological and epidemiological literature has focused on the protective effects of high socioeconomic status (SES) on population health through reducing exposure to risk factors and increasing human and material resources that can mitigate adversities. Recent studies, however, have documented [...] Read more.

Most of the existing sociological and epidemiological literature has focused on the protective effects of high socioeconomic status (SES) on population health through reducing exposure to risk factors and increasing human and material resources that can mitigate adversities. Recent studies, however, have documented poor mental health of high SES Blacks, particularly African American males and Caribbean Black females. The literature also shows a link between perceived discrimination and poor mental health. To better understand the extra costs of upward social mobility for minority populations, this study explored ethnic by gender variations in the associations between SES indicators and perceived discrimination in an ethnically diverse national sample of Black youth. This study included 810 African American and 360 Caribbean Black youth who were sampled in the National Survey of American Life—Adolescent supplement (NSAL-A). Three SES indicators (financial hardship, family income, and income to needs ratio) were the independent variables. The dependent variable was perceived (daily) discrimination. Age was the covariate. Ethnicity and gender were the focal moderators. Linear regressions were used for data analysis in the pooled sample and also based on the intersection of ethnicity and gender. Considerable gender by ethnicity variations were found in the patterns of the associations between SES indicators and perceived discrimination. Financial hardship was a risk factor for perceived discrimination in African American males only. High family income and income to needs ratio were associated with high (but not low) perceived discrimination in African American males and Caribbean Black females. SES indicators were not associated with perceived discrimination for African American females or Caribbean Black males. When it comes to Black youth, high SES is not always protective. Whether SES reduces or increases perceived discrimination among Black youth depends on the intersection of ethnicity by gender. Additional research is needed to understand why and how high SES increases exposure and vulnerability to discrimination for some groups of Black youth. Full article

10 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unintentional Childhood Injuries in Urban and Rural Ujjain, India: A Community-Based Survey

by Aditya Mathur, Love Mehra, Vishal Diwan and Ashish Pathak

Children 2018, 5(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020023 - 8 Feb 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 9384

Abstract

Injuries are a major global public health problem. There are very few community-based studies on childhood injury from India. The objective of this cross-sectional, community-based survey was to identify the incidence, type, and risk factors of unintentional childhood injuries. The study was done [...] Read more.

Injuries are a major global public health problem. There are very few community-based studies on childhood injury from India. The objective of this cross-sectional, community-based survey was to identify the incidence, type, and risk factors of unintentional childhood injuries. The study was done in seven villages and ten contiguous urban slums in Ujjain, India. World Health Organization (WHO) tested tools and definitions were used for the survey, which included 2518 households having 6308 children up to 18 years of age, with 2907 children from urban households and 3401 from rural households. The annual incidence of all injuries was 16.6%, 95% Confidence Interval 15.7–17.5%, (n = 1049). The incidence was significantly higher among boys compared to girls (20.2% versus 12.7%, respectively), was highest in age group 6–10 years of age (18.9%), and in urban locations (17.5%). The most commonly identified injury types were: physical injuries (71%), burns (16%), poisonings (10%), agriculture-related injuries (2%), near drowning (2%), and suffocations (2%). The most common place of injury was streets followed by home. The study identified incidence of different types of unintentional childhood injuries and factors associated with increased risk of unintentional injuries. The results can help in designing injury prevention strategies and awareness programs in similar settings. Full article

4 pages, 1946 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Case of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum with Subcutaneous Emphysema in Children

by Said Benlamkaddem, Mohamed Adnane Berdai, Smael Labib and Mustapha Harandou

Children 2018, 5(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020022 - 7 Feb 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9638

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as free air or gas contained within the mediastinum, which almost invariably originates from the alveolar space or the conducting airways. It is rare in pediatric patients; however, occasional cases are reported to result from forced Valsalva’s maneuver due [...] Read more.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as free air or gas contained within the mediastinum, which almost invariably originates from the alveolar space or the conducting airways. It is rare in pediatric patients; however, occasional cases are reported to result from forced Valsalva’s maneuver due to cough, emesis, a first attack of wheeze, or asthma exacerbations. We report the case of a 7-year-old previously healthy girl, with a history of persistent dry cough one day before, who was brought to our unit with face, neck and chest swelling. The chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan showed subcutaneous emphysema with pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium without evidence of the origin of this air leak. Laboratory tests and the bronchoscopy were normal. The patient was admitted in the pediatric critical care and received noninvasive monitoring, analgesia, oxygen, and omeprazole as a prophylaxis for a gastric ulcer. The patient improved, subcutaneous emphysema resolved, and she was discharged on the third day. Full article

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9 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pediatric Palliative Care in Infants and Neonates

by Brian S. Carter

Children 2018, 5(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020021 - 7 Feb 2018

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 16758

Abstract

The application of palliative and hospice care to newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has been evident for over 30 years. This article addresses the history, current considerations, and anticipated future needs for palliative and hospice care in the NICU, and [...] Read more.

The application of palliative and hospice care to newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has been evident for over 30 years. This article addresses the history, current considerations, and anticipated future needs for palliative and hospice care in the NICU, and is based on recent literature review. Neonatologists have long managed the entirety of many newborns’ short lives, given the relatively high mortality rates associated with prematurity and birth defects, but their ability or willingness to comprehensively address of the continuum of interdisciplinary palliative, end of life, and bereavement care has varied widely. While neonatology service capacity has grown worldwide during this time, so has attention to pediatric palliative care generally, and neonatal-perinatal palliative care specifically. Improvements have occurred in family-centered care, communication, pain assessment and management, and bereavement. There remains a need to integrate palliative care with intensive care rather than await its application solely at the terminal phase of a young infant’s life—when s/he is imminently dying. Future considerations for applying neonatal palliative care include its integration into fetal diagnostic management, the developing era of genomic medicine, and expanding research into palliative care models and practices in the NICU. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Palliative Care)

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8 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sleep Questionnaire for Children with Severe Psychomotor Impairment (SNAKE)—Concordance with a Global Rating of Sleep Quality

by Larissa Alice Dreier, Boris Zernikow, Markus Blankenburg and Julia Wager

Children 2018, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020020 - 1 Feb 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6245

Abstract

Sleep problems are a common and serious issue in children with life-limiting conditions (LLCs) and severe psychomotor impairment (SPMI). The “Sleep Questionnaire for Children with Severe Psychomotor Impairment” (

S

chlaffragebogen für Kinder mit

N

eurologischen und

A

nderen

K

omplexen

E

rkrankungen, [...] Read more.

Sleep problems are a common and serious issue in children with life-limiting conditions (LLCs) and severe psychomotor impairment (SPMI). The “Sleep Questionnaire for Children with Severe Psychomotor Impairment” (

S

chlaffragebogen für Kinder mit

N

eurologischen und

A

nderen

K

omplexen

E

rkrankungen, SNAKE) was developed for this unique patient group. In a proxy rating, the SNAKE assesses five different dimensions of sleep(-associated) problems (disturbances going to sleep, disturbances remaining asleep, arousal and breathing disorders, daytime sleepiness, and daytime behavior disorders). It has been tested with respect to construct validity and some aspects of criterion validity. The present study examined whether the five SNAKE scales are consistent with parents’ or other caregivers’ global ratings of a child’s sleep quality. Data from a comprehensive dataset of children and adolescents with LLCs and SPMI were analyzed through correlation coefficients and Mann–Whitney U testing. The results confirmed the consistency of both sources of information. The highest levels of agreements with the global rating were achieved for disturbances in terms of going to sleep and disturbances with respect to remaining asleep. The results demonstrate that the scales and therefore the SNAKE itself is well-suited for gathering information on different sleep(-associated) problems in this vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Palliative Care)

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9 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Combining Medication and Pivotal Response Treatment on Aberrant Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Mohammad Rezaei, AliReza Moradi, Mehdi Tehrani-Doost, HamidReza Hassanabadi and Reza Khosroabadi

Children 2018, 5(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020019 - 30 Jan 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4968

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined risperidone (RIS) and pivotal response treatment (PRT) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 34 children diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [...] Read more.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined risperidone (RIS) and pivotal response treatment (PRT) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 34 children diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V) (mean age of 12.36 years) were randomly assigned to either of two groups; the first group (n = 17) received combined PRT–RIS while the second group (n = 17) received RIS only. Behavioral problems were evaluated with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), whereas global improvement (GI) was measured with the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI). Assessment of ABC was performed before intervention, after intervention (12 weeks), and following 3 months of the intervention (follow-up). Total ABC scores were seen to decrease in both groups after 3 months, as compared with the scores prior to the interventions. Also, in both groups, mean scores of behavioral problems after the intervention were not significantly different from those prior to the intervention, in all subscales but the inappropriate speech (p < 0.001). However, both groups showed significant differences in mean scores of ABC subscales in both of the post-intervention evaluation stages. It was concluded that the combination of behavioral and drug interventions can further improve behavioral problems, ultimately improving patient’s communication and social skills. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neurology & Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

12 pages, 214 KiB

Open AccessDiscussion

Current Government Actions and Potential Policy Options for Reducing Obesity in Queensland Schools

by Naser A. Alsharairi

Children 2018, 5(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020018 - 29 Jan 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9715

Abstract

School nutrition policies provide promising avenues towards the improvement of children’s eating habits and the prevention of obesity. Childhood obesity rates and related chronic diseases are increasing in Queensland, in part as a result of unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. [...] Read more.

School nutrition policies provide promising avenues towards the improvement of children’s eating habits and the prevention of obesity. Childhood obesity rates and related chronic diseases are increasing in Queensland, in part as a result of unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. There is a very high investment by the Queensland government in maintaining healthy weight and promoting nutrition and physical activity among schoolchildren through delivering a range of initiatives across the state. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning the effectiveness of nutrition/physical education and parental involvement programs addressing obesity delivered in Queensland schools. This paper can be used to guide government and policy-makers regarding the most effective policy options that will promote healthy eating and physical activity among Queensland schoolchildren. The aim of this paper is to: (i) summarize current evidence on Queensland government responses to obesity; and (ii) discuss potential policy options that could support healthy eating and regular physical activity, and examine the evidence base for each option and suggest new areas for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

7 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utility of Non-Invasive Monitoring of Cardiac Output and Cerebral Oximetry during Pain Management of Children with Sickle Cell Disease in the Pediatric Emergency Department

by Pradeep Padmanabhan, Chikelue Oragwu, Bibhuti Das, John A. Myers and Ashok Raj

Children 2018, 5(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020017 - 29 Jan 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4433

Abstract

Pain crisis in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is typically managed with intravenous fluids and parenteral opioids in the pediatric emergency department. Electrical cardiometry (EC) can be utilized to measure cardiac output (CO) and cardiac index (CI) non-invasively. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measuring [...] Read more.

Pain crisis in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is typically managed with intravenous fluids and parenteral opioids in the pediatric emergency department. Electrical cardiometry (EC) can be utilized to measure cardiac output (CO) and cardiac index (CI) non-invasively. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measuring cerebral (rCO₂) and splanchnic regional (rSO₂) mixed venous oxygenation non-invasively has been utilized for monitoring children with SCD. We studied the value and correlation of NIRS and EC in monitoring hemodynamic status in children with SCD during pain crisis. We monitored EC and NIRS continuously for 2 h after presentation and during management. Forty-five children participated in the study. CO (D = 1.72), CI (D = 1.31), rSO₂ (D = 11.6), and rCO₂ (D = 9.3), all increased over time. CO max and CI max were achieved 1 h after starting resuscitation. rCO₂ max attainment was quicker than rSO₂, as monitored by NIRS. CI max correlated with rCO₂ max (r = −0.350) and rSO₂ max (r = −0.359). In adjustment models, initial CI significantly impacted initial rCO₂ (p = 0.045) and rCO₂ max (p = 0.043), while initial CO impacted rCO₂ max (p = 0.030). Cardiac output monitoring and NIRS monitoring for cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation were feasible and improved the monitoring of therapeutic interventions for children with SCD during pain crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Hematology & Oncology)

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6 pages, 192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Review of Apps for Calming, Relaxation, and Mindfulness Interventions for Pediatric Palliative Care Patients

by Taelyr Weekly, Nicole Walker, Jill Beck, Sean Akers and Meaghann Weaver

Children 2018, 5(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020016 - 26 Jan 2018

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 10295

Abstract

Patients and families increasingly use mobile apps as a relaxation and distraction intervention for children with complex, chronic medical conditions in the waiting room setting or during inpatient hospitalizations; and yet, there is limited data on app quality assessment or review of these [...] Read more.

Patients and families increasingly use mobile apps as a relaxation and distraction intervention for children with complex, chronic medical conditions in the waiting room setting or during inpatient hospitalizations; and yet, there is limited data on app quality assessment or review of these apps for level of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, or applicability for palliative pediatric patients. The pediatric palliative care study team searched smartphone application platforms for apps relevant to calming, relaxation, and mindfulness for pediatric and adolescent patients. Apps were reviewed using a systematic data extraction tool. Validated Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) scores were determined by two blinded reviewers. Apps were then characterized by infant, child, adolescent, and adult caregiver group categories. Reviewer discussion resulted in consensus. Sixteen of the 22 apps identified were included in the final analysis. The apps operated on either iOS or Android platforms. All were available in English with four available in Spanish. Apps featured a relaxation approach (12/16), soothing images (8/16), and breathing techniques (8/16). Mood and sleep patterns were the main symptoms targeted by apps. Provision of mobile apps resource summary has the potential to foster pediatric palliative care providers’ knowledge of app functionality and applicability as part of ongoing patient care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Palliative Care)

4 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Children in 2017

by Children Editorial Office

Children 2018, 5(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020015 - 23 Jan 2018

Viewed by 3587

Abstract

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Children maintains high quality standards for its published papers [...] Full article

4 pages, 160 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

The Value of Food Allergy Prevention in Clinical Practice in Pediatrics: Targeting Early Life

by Katherine Anagnostou and Jordan Scott Orange

Children 2018, 5(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020014 - 23 Jan 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4910

Abstract

Food allergies are common and increasing in prevalence, representing a major health concern in many countries around the world. In an effort to diminish the burden of food allergy, many research studies have focused on prevention, and recent findings have revolutionized the way [...] Read more.

Food allergies are common and increasing in prevalence, representing a major health concern in many countries around the world. In an effort to diminish the burden of food allergy, many research studies have focused on prevention, and recent findings have revolutionized the way we introduce allergenic foods in early life. We discuss the role of early allergenic food introduction and the value of food allergy prevention in this manuscript. Full article

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Children, Volume 5, Issue 2 (February 2018) – 18 articles

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