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Weghorst AAH, Sanci LA, Berger MY, Hiscock H, Jansen DEMC. Comparing healthcare systems between the Netherlands and Australia in management for children with acute gastroenteritis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306739. [PMID: 39046987 PMCID: PMC11268636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute gastroenteritis is a highly contagious disease demanding effective public health and clinical care systems for prevention and early intervention to avoid outbreaks and symptom deterioration. The Netherlands and Australia are both top-performing, high-income countries where general practitioners (GPs) act as healthcare gatekeepers. However, there is a lower annual incidence and per-case costs for childhood gastroenteritis in Australia. Understanding the systems and policies in different countries can lead to improvements in processes and care. Therefore, we aimed to compare public health systems and clinical care for children with acute gastroenteritis in both countries. METHODS A cross-country expert study was conducted for the Netherlands and Australia. Using the Health System Performance Assessment framework and discussions within the research group, two questionnaires (public health and clinical care) were developed. Questionnaires were delivered to local experts in the Netherlands and the state of Victoria, Australia. Data synthesis employed a narrative approach with constant comparison. RESULTS In Australia, rotavirus vaccination is implemented in a national program with immunisation requirements and legislation for prevention, which is not the case in the Netherlands. Access to care differs, as Dutch children must visit their regular GP before the hospital, while in Australia, children have multiple options and can go directly to hospital. Funding varies, with the Netherlands providing fully funded healthcare for children, whilst in Australia it depends on which GP (co-payment required or not) and hospital (public or private) they visit. Additionally, the guideline-recommended dosage of the antiemetic ondansetron is lower in the Netherlands. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare approaches for managing childhood gastroenteritis differ between the Netherlands and Australia. The lower annual incidence and per-case costs for childhood gastroenteritis in Australia cannot solely be explained by the differences in healthcare system functions. Nevertheless, Australia's robust public health system, characterized by legislation for vaccinations and quarantine, and the Netherland's well-established clinical care system, featuring fully funded continuity of care and lower ondansetron dosages, offer opportunities for enhancing healthcare in both countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk A. H. Weghorst
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lena A. Sanci
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marjolein Y. Berger
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Health Services Research Group, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danielle E. M. C. Jansen
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Hellysaz A, Hagbom M. Rotavirus Sickness Symptoms: Manifestations of Defensive Responses from the Brain. Viruses 2024; 16:1086. [PMID: 39066248 PMCID: PMC11281384 DOI: 10.3390/v16071086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rotavirus is infamous for being extremely contagious and for causing diarrhea and vomiting in infants. However, the symptomology is far more complex than what could be expected from a pathogen restricted to the boundaries of the small intestines. Other rotavirus sickness symptoms like fever, fatigue, sleepiness, stress, and loss of appetite have been clinically established for decades but remain poorly studied. A growing body of evidence in recent years has strengthened the idea that the evolutionarily preserved defensive responses that cause rotavirus sickness symptoms are more than just passive consequences of illness and rather likely to be coordinated events from the central nervous system (CNS), with the aim of maximizing the survival of the individual as well as the collective group. In this review, we discuss both established and plausible mechanisms of different rotavirus sickness symptoms as a series of CNS responses coordinated from the brain. We also consider the protective and the harmful nature of these events and highlight the need for further and deeper studies on rotavirus etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Hagbom
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden;
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Corsello A, Scatigno L, Fiore G, Baresi S, Eletti F, Zuccotti G, Strisciuglio C, Dilillo D, Verduci E. Nutraceuticals and biotics in pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. Eur J Clin Nutr 2024; 78:87-98. [PMID: 37875612 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-023-01362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
In recent years there has been growing interest in the use of nutraceuticals and biotics in both pediatric and adult clinical practice. The overlapping and often ambiguous symptoms of both functional and organic gastrointestinal disorders have led to a search for alternative therapeutic approaches that avoid the use of synthetic or chemical treatments. However, while nutraceuticals and natural supplements are widely used, their health benefits are often not supported by adequate scientific evidence, and an unregulated use of nutraceuticals can be potentially harmful. The correct use of nutraceuticals, prebiotics, and probiotics can optimize the results of drug therapy in some cases and reduce the risk of side effects. This review aims to provide clinicians with guidance on the use of complementary therapies for pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders, highlighting the scarcity of studies on the kinetics and dynamics of nutraceuticals and biotics. While it is generally difficult to associate their intakes with adverse events due to the often-coexisting pharmacological treatments, it is essential to avoid the abandonment of traditional drugs with proven efficacy in the treatment of single diseases. Overall, the use of nutraceuticals, prebiotics, and probiotics in pediatric gastroenterological practice requires caution and medical supervision. Further research is needed to determine the effects of alternative therapies on pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders, and to ensure their safe and effective use in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Corsello
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Scatigno
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Fiore
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Baresi
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Eletti
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Strisciuglio
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Dario Dilillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Corsello A, Scatigno L, Govoni A, Zuccotti G, Gottrand F, Romano C, Verduci E. Gut dysmotility in children with neurological impairment: the nutritional management. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1200101. [PMID: 37213895 PMCID: PMC10196023 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1200101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal motility disorders represent a frequent problem in children with neurological impairment. These conditions are characterized by abnormal movements of the gut, which can result in symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, and vomiting. The underlying mechanisms leading to dysmotility are various, and the clinical manifestations are often nonspecific. Nutritional management is an important aspect of care for children with gut dysmotility, as it can help to improve their quality of life. Oral feeding, when safe and in the absence of risk of ingestion or severe dysphagia, should always be encouraged. When oral nutrition is insufficient or potentially harmful, it is necessary to switch to an enteral by tube or parenteral nutrition before the onset of malnutrition. In most cases, children with severe gut dysmotility may require feeding via a permanent gastrostomy tube to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration. Drugs may be necessary to help manage gut dysmotility, such as laxatives, anticholinergics and prokinetic agents. Nutritional management of patients with neurological impairment often requires an individualized care plan to optimize growth and nutrition and to improve overall health outcomes. This review tries to sum up most significant neurogenetic and neurometabolic disorders associated with gut dysmotility that may require a specific multidisciplinary care, identifying a proposal of nutritional and medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Corsello
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Scatigno
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Govoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Frédéric Gottrand
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, CHU Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Claudio Romano
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elvira Verduci,
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Course of uncomplicated acute gastroenteritis in children presenting to out-of-hours primary care. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:125. [PMID: 35606695 PMCID: PMC9128130 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01739-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of this article is to describe the courses of vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and clinical deterioration, in children with uncomplicated gastroenteritis at presentation. This study was performed as a 7-day prospective follow-up study in an out-of-hours primary care service. The course of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever was analyzed by generalized linear mixed modeling. Because young children (≤ 12 months) and children with severe vomiting are at increased risk of dehydration, the potentially more complicated courses of these groups are described separately. The day(s) most frequently associated with deterioration and the symptoms present in children who deteriorated during follow-up were also described. Results In total, 359 children presented with uncomplicated acute gastroenteritis to the out-of-hours primary care service. Of these, 31 (8.6%) developed a complicated illness and needed referral or hospitalization. All symptoms decreased within 5 days in most children (> 90%). Vomiting and fever decreased rapidly, but diarrhea decreased at a somewhat slower pace, especially among children aged 6–12 months. Children who deteriorated during follow-up had a higher frequency of vomiting at presentation and higher frequencies of vomiting and fever during follow-up. Conclusions The frequency of vomiting, not its duration, appears to be the more important predictor of deterioration. When advising parents, it is important to explain the typical symptom duration and to focus on alarm symptoms. Clinicians should be vigilant for children with higher vomiting frequencies at presentation and during follow-up because these children are more likely to deteriorate. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01739-2.
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Wolters P, Holtman GA, Weghorst AAH, Knoester M, Berger MY. Rotavirus and illness severity in children presenting with acute gastroenteritis at the primary care out-of-hours service. Eur J Gen Pract 2021; 27:346-353. [PMID: 34894994 PMCID: PMC8741236 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2021.2011205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rotavirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children in the Netherlands, where rotavirus vaccination has not yet been implemented. OBJECTIVES To evaluate a difference in illness severity course depending on the presence of rotavirus infection and assess the prevalence of viruses and the referral rate in children with acute gastroenteritis. METHODS A prospective cohort of children aged 6 months to 6 years presenting with acute gastroenteritis to a primary care out-of-hours service from October 2016 to March 2018. Faeces were sampled and sent to a laboratory where viral pathogens were identified and quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Severe course of acute gastroenteritis was defined as a Modified Vesikari Score of ≥11. In addition, we assessed referral rates. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate differences between groups. RESULTS We included 75 children (34 boys) with a median age of 1.5 years (interquartile range, 0.9-2.0 years). The prevalence of rotavirus was 65.3% (95% confidence interval, 53.5-76.0) with a median cycle threshold of 16.0. Severe course of acute gastroenteritis was present in 31 of 71 children (4 were lost to follow-up). Those with rotavirus (20/47) did not have a severe course more often than those without (11/24): odds ratio, 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.33-2.36). Referral rates were comparable for rotavirus (15.2%) and non-rotavirus (14.3%). CONCLUSION In out-of-hours primary care, rotavirus is common but not associated with increased severity and higher referral rates in children with acute gastroenteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pien Wolters
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - G. A Holtman
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A. A. H Weghorst
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M. Knoester
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M. Y. Berger
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Managing paediatric gastroenteritis in primary care: is there a role for ondansetron? Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:440-441. [PMID: 34593389 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp21x717089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Weghorst AA, Holtman GA, Bonvanie IJ, Wolters PI, Kollen BJ, Vermeulen KM, Berger MY. Cost-effectiveness of oral ondansetron for children with acute gastroenteritis in primary care: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e736-e743. [PMID: 34019483 PMCID: PMC8407860 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2020.1093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute gastroenteritis is a common childhood condition with substantial medical and indirect costs, mostly because of referral, hospitalisation, and parental absence from work. AIM To determine the cost-effectiveness of adding oral ondansetron to care as usual (CAU) for children with acute gastroenteritis presenting to out-of-hours primary care (OOH-PC). DESIGN AND SETTING A pragmatic randomised controlled trial from December 2015 to January 2018, at three OOHPC centres in the north of the Netherlands (Groningen, Zwolle, and Assen) with a follow-up of 7 days. METHOD Children were recruited at the OOH-PC and parents kept a parental diary. Inclusion criteria were: aged 6 months-6 years; diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis; at least four reported episodes of vomiting 24 hours before presentation, at least one of which was in the 4 hours before presentation; and written informed consent from both parents. Children were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to either CAU (oral rehydration therapy) or CAU plus one dose of 0.1 mg/kg oral ondansetron. RESULTS In total, 194 children were included for randomisation. One dose of oral ondansetron decreased the proportion of children who continued vomiting within the first 4 hours from 42.9% to 19.5%, (a decrease of 54.5%), with an odds ratio of 0.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2 to 0.7; number needed to treat: four). Total mean costs in the ondansetron group were 31.2% lower (€488 [£420] versus €709 [£610]), and the total incremental mean costs for an additional child free of vomiting in the first 4 hours was -€9 (£8) (95% CI = -€41 [£35] to €3 [£3]). CONCLUSION A single oral dose of ondansetron for children with acute gastroenteritis, given in OOH-PC settings, is both clinically beneficial and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Ah Weghorst
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gea A Holtman
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Irma J Bonvanie
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pien I Wolters
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn J Kollen
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Karin M Vermeulen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Y Berger
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
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