Indications for the performance of neuroimaging in children

Mild traumatic brain injury and sports-related concussion

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and concussion are equivalent terms for the sequela of injury to the head that disrupts brain functioning. Various forces may be causative from seemingly innocuous bumps to the head resulting from sports-related injuries to more severe blows to the head. However, the postconcussive motor, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial sequelae can be just as devastating and long lasting, leading to loss of independent function and safe performance of activities. Taken together, they pose a significant challenge to recovery, requiring a multifaceted dynamic rehabilitative strategy. The current systems of health care pose challenges to suboptimal management of sports-related concussion (SRC) that goes beyond the acute injury, and into the school setting, failing to be identified by school staff, and inconsistencies in communicating medical information regarding school modifications, follow-up health services, or concussion-related educational services. Children who sustain SRC at different ages face different challenges. Young children face increased vulnerability due to SRC that coincides with periods of brain motor maturation and development.

Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: An Update on Preclinical Models, Clinical Biomarkers, and the Implications of Cerebrovascular Dysfunction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Recent studies suggest that children and adolescents have worse post-TBI outcomes and take longer to recover than adults. However, the pathophysiology and progression of TBI in the pediatric population are studied to a far lesser extent compared to the adult population. Common causes of TBI in children are falls, sports/recreation-related injuries, non-accidental trauma, and motor vehicle-related injuries. A fundamental understanding of TBI pathophysiology is crucial in preventing long-term brain injury sequelae. Animal models of TBI have played an essential role in addressing the knowledge gaps relating to pTBI pathophysiology. Moreover, a better understanding of clinical biomarkers is crucial to diagnose pTBI and accurately predict long-term outcomes. This review examines the current preclinical models of pTBI, the implications of pTBI on the brain’s vasculature, and clinical pTBI biomarkers. Finally, we conclude the review by speculating on the emerging role of the gut-brain axis in pTBI pathophysiology.

Advances in genetic testing and optimization of clinical management in children and adults with epilepsy

Introduction: Epileptic disorders are a heterogeneous group of medical conditions with epilepsy as the common denominator. Genetic causes, electro-clinical features, and management significantly vary according to the specific condition.Areas covered: Relevant diagnostic advances have been achieved thanks to the advent of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based molecular techniques. These revolutionary tools allow to sequence all coding (whole exome sequencing, WES) and non-coding (whole genome sequencing, WGS) regions of human genome, with a potentially huge impact on patient care and scientific research.Expert opinion: The application of these tests in children and adults with epilepsy has led to the identification of new causative genes, widening the knowledge on the pathophysiology of epilepsy and resulting in therapeutic implications. This review will explore the most recent advancements in genetic testing and provide up-to-date approaches for the choice of the correct test in patients with epilepsy.

Neurologic complications in children under five years with sickle cell disease

INTRODUCTION

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world affecting every organ. The major challenge in the medical care of children with SCD is preventing end-organ dysfunction, particularly the brain. Major neurologic complications in children less than five years with SCD include, but are not limited to, Silent cerebral infarct, cerebral sinus thrombosis, epilepsy, reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Recurrent headaches and migraine are not rare in children under five years with SCD. This review will focus on the neurologic complications and the description of the modifiable risk factors in children less than 5 years of age with emphasis on differences between high and low resource settings.

AREAS COVERED

Neurologic complications of children under 5 years of age and the modifiable risk factors. The PUBMED database was searched using medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords for articles regarding neurologic complications in children under 5 years of age.

CONCLUSION

Neurologic complications in children under five years of age with SCD may be more frequent than currently reported, among which Silent cerebral infarct and cognitive impairment are the most common.

Intent of health care providers to adopt a clinical decision support tool in the management of minor pediatric head injuries

BACKGROUND

Radiographic neuroimaging in minor pediatric head injuries contains risks of radiation-induced malignancy. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) head injury protocol identifies head-injured children who are at very low risk of clinically important traumatic brain injuries and can safely not receive a head computed tomography (CT) scan.

LOCAL PROBLEM

The identified urgent care facility had no facility-wide protocol to manage head injuries.

METHODS

The purpose of the evidence-based practice project was to educate health care providers on the risks of indiscriminate head CT prescription and the utility of the PECARN head injury protocol in the management of minor pediatric head injuries.

INTERVENTIONS

A knowledge assessment was conducted using pre- and posttests and the likelihood to adopt the PECARN head injury protocol in clinical practice was evaluated using the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale. Additionally, rates of head CT scans ordered that were inappropriate according to the PECARN head injury protocol were calculated postproject and compared with preproject rates.

RESULTS

Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Findings included increase in provider knowledge on the use of the PECARN head injury protocol and high likelihood of intent to adopt the PECARN head injury protocol in clinical practice. In addition, rates of head CT prescription postproject were lower than preproject rates, and 82.61% of CT scans ordered postproject were appropriate according to the PECARN head injury protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the PECARN head injury protocol was associated with consistency of care, reduced unnecessary health care resource utilization, and health care costs.