1
|
Male I, Farr W, Bremner S, Gage H, Williams P, Gowling E, Honey E, Gain A, Parr J. An observational study of individual child journeys through autism diagnostic pathways, and associated costs, in the UK National Health Service. Front Rehabil Sci 2023; 4:1119288. [PMID: 37350848 PMCID: PMC10283036 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1119288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Demand for diagnostic assessment in children with possible autism has recently increased significantly. Services are under pressure to deliver timely and high-quality diagnosis, following National Institute and Care Excellence multidisciplinary assessment guidelines. This UK National Health Service study aimed to answer: how many hours of health professional time are required to deliver autism diagnostic assessment, and how much does this cost?. Method Case notes of 20 children (1-16 yrs.) from 27 NHS trusts, assessed through an autism diagnostic pathway in the previous year, were examined retrospectively. Data included: hours of professional time, diagnostic outcome. Assessment costs calculated using standardised NHS tariffs. Results 488 children (aged 21-195 months, mean 82.9 months, SD 39.36) from 22 Child Development Services (CDS), four Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and one tertiary centre; 87% were either under 5 (36%) or 5 to 11 years (51%). Children seen by CDS were younger than CAMHS (mean (SD) 6.10 (2.72) vs. 10.39 (2.97) years, p < 0.001). Mean days to diagnosis were 375 (SD 235), with large variation (range 41-1553 days). Mean hours of professional time per child was 11.50 (SD 7.03) and varied substantially between services and individuals. Mean cost of assessment was £846.00 (SD 536.31). 339 (70.0%) children received autism diagnosis with or without comorbidity; 54 (11%) received no neurodevelopmental diagnosis; 91 (19%) received alternative neurodevelopmental diagnoses. Children with one or more coexisting conditions took longer to diagnose, and assessment was more costly, on average 117 days longer, costing £180 more than a child with no neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Age did not predict days to diagnosis or assessment costs. Conclusion Typical assessment took 11 h of professional time and over 12-months to complete, costing GB£850 per child. Variation between centres and children reflect differences in practice and complexity of diagnostic presentation. These results give information to those delivering/planning autism assessments using multi-disciplinary team approach, in publicly funded health systems. Planning of future diagnostic services needs to consider growing demand, the need for streamlining, enabling context appropriate services, and child/family complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Male
- Research Department, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, West Sussex, United Kingdom
- Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - William Farr
- Research Department, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, West Sussex, United Kingdom
- Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Bremner
- Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Gage
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Williams
- School of Mathematics, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Gowling
- Geriatrics, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Honey
- Paediatrics, Northumberland Tyne and Wear National Health Service, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Gain
- Public Health, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Jeremy Parr
- Paediatrics, Northumberland Tyne and Wear National Health Service, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abrahamson V, Zhang W, Wilson PM, Farr W, Reddy V, Parr J, Peckham A, Male I. Realist evaluation of Autism ServiCe Delivery (RE-ASCeD): which diagnostic pathways work best, for whom and in what context? Findings from a rapid realist review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051241. [PMID: 34907053 PMCID: PMC8672008 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Waiting times in the UK for an autism diagnostic assessment have increased rapidly in the last 5 years. This review explored research (including 'grey' literature) to uncover the current evidence base about autism diagnostic pathways and what works best, for whom and in what circumstances, to deliver high quality and timely diagnosis. DESIGN We performed a Rapid Realist Review consistent with recognised standards for realist syntheses. We collected 129 grey literature and policy/guidelines and 220 articles from seven databases (January 2011-December 2019). We developed programme theories of how, why and in what contexts an intervention worked, based on cross comparison and synthesis of evidence. The focus was on identifying factors that contributed to a clearly defined intervention (the diagnostic pathway), associated with specific outcomes (high quality and timely), within specific parameters (Autism diagnostic services in Paediatric and Child & Adolescent Mental Health services in the UK). Our Expert Stakeholder Group, including representatives from local parent forums, national advocacy groups and clinicians, was integral to the process. RESULTS Based on 45 relevant articles, we identified 7 programme theories that were integral to the process of diagnostic service delivery. Four were related to the clinical pathway: initial recognition of possible autism; referral and triaging; diagnostic model; and providing feedback to parents. Three programme theories were pertinent to all stages of the referral and diagnostic process: working in partnership with families; interagency working; and training, service evaluation and development. CONCLUSIONS This theory informed review of childhood autism diagnostic pathways identified important aspects that may contribute to efficient, high quality and family-friendly service delivery. The programme theories will be further tested through a national survey of current practice and in-depth longitudinal case studies of exemplar services. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04422483.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Centre for Health Service Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Patricia M Wilson
- Centre for Health Service Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - William Farr
- Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Venkat Reddy
- Peterborough Child Development Centre, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Jeremy Parr
- Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anna Peckham
- Centre for Health Service Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Ian Male
- Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Since the first study of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 1966, several studies from across the world have reported increasing prevalence of ASD in children. This has led to a debate whether childhood ASD cases are increasing in real time or the increase is essentially due to improved accessibility/referral to health services or changes in diagnostic criteria and accuracy.
Methods
MEDLINE and PSYCINFO databases were searched for studies of ASD prevalence estimates in Europe, North America and Oceania published during 2000-2020 (including prevalence data for 1993-2019). Data including age at diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, diagnostic criteria/tools, method(s) of case detection and prevalence per 10,000 population were extracted.
Results
75 studies, reporting a wide range of prevalence estimates, were included in the review. Overall, there was a steady and substantial increase in the prevalence of ASD in Europe, North America and Oceania during the last three decades. For Europe, the median prevalence was 59 per 10,000 population (range, 8 to 420; mean, 80). For North America, the median prevalence was 86 per 10,000 population (range, 11 to 247; mean, 95). For Oceania, the median prevalence was 47 per 10,000 population (range, 10 to 390; mean, 112). Overall, the prevalence was higher in White children compared to other ethnic groups.
Conclusions
It appears that several factors can be attributed to increasing prevalence of ASD in Europe, North America and Oceania. Some of the increase is likely due to increased case ascertainment, but other factors need further investigation to determine the reason(s) for increasing prevalence of ASD.
Key messages
There is a wide variation in the prevalence of ASD in populations of Europe, North America and Oceania. This is partly explained by differences in case ascertainment and sociodemographic factors. The differences in prevalence between ethnic groups need further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Anorson
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - I Male
- Nightingale Primary Care Centre, National Health Service, Haywards Heath, UK
| | - W Farr
- Nightingale Primary Care Centre, National Health Service, Haywards Heath, UK
| | - A Memon
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abrahamson V, Zhang W, Wilson P, Farr W, Male I. Realist Evaluation of Autism ServiCe Delivery (RE-ASCeD): which diagnostic pathways work best, for whom and in what context? Protocol for a rapid realist review. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e037846. [PMID: 32636288 PMCID: PMC7342857 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The National Health Service (NHS) Long-Term Plan (2019) acknowledges that children and young people with suspected autism wait too long for diagnostic assessment and sets out to reduce waiting times. However, diagnostic pathways vary with limited evidence on what model works best, for whom and in what circumstances. The National Autism Plan for Children (2003) recommended that assessment should be completed within 13 weeks but referral to diagnosis can take as long as 799 days.This Rapid Realist Review (RRR) is the first work package in a national programme of research: a Realist Evaluation of Autism ServiCe Delivery (RE-ASCeD). We explore how particular approaches may deliver high-quality and timely autism diagnostic services for children with possible autism; high quality is defined as compliant with National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence (2011) guidelines, and timely as a pathway lasting no more than one calendar year, based on previous work. METHODS AND ANALYSIS RRR is a well-established approach to synthesising evidence within a compressed timeframe to identify models of service delivery leading to desired outcomes. RRR works backwards from intended outcomes, identified by NICE guidelines and the NHS England Long-Term Plan. The focus is a clearly defined intervention (the diagnostic pathway), associated with specific outcomes (high quality and timely), within a particular set of parameters (Autism and Child & Adolescent Mental Health services in the UK). Our Expert Stakeholder Group consists of policymakers, content experts and knowledge users with a wide range of experience to supplement, tailor and expedite the process. The RRR is consistent with Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) and includes identifying the research question, searching for information, quality appraisal, data extraction, synthesising the evidence, validation of findings with experts and dissemination. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval not required. Findings will inform the wider RE-ASCeD evaluation and be reported to NHS England. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04422483. This protocol relates to Pre-results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Abrahamson
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Patricia Wilson
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - William Farr
- Mid Sussex Child Development Centre, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, UK
- Paediatrics, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Ian Male
- Mid Sussex Child Development Centre, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, UK
- Paediatrics, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Male I, Farr W, Reddy V. Should clinical services for children with possible ADHD, autism or related conditions be delivered in an integrated neurodevelopmental pathway? Integ Health J 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/ihj-2019-000037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
6
|
Farr WJ, Green D, Bremner S, Male I, Gage H, Bailey S, Speller S, Colville V, Jackson M, Memon A, Morris C. Feasibility of a randomised controlled trial to evaluate home-based virtual reality therapy in children with cerebral palsy. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:85-97. [PMID: 31131641 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1618400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence is increasing for effective virtual reality therapy for motor rehabilitation for children with Cerebral Palsy. We assessed the feasibility of a virtual reality therapy mode of intervention, appropriateness of measures, and potential cost-effectiveness. METHODS A 12-week, 2-group, parallel-feasibility trial (ISRCT 17624388) using Nintendo Wii FitTM at home. Children aged 5-16, with ambulatory Cerebral Palsy, who were able to follow simple instructions were randomised to two groups; one supported by physiotherapists (individualised activity programme), the other unsupported with children having free choice (control). Children were assessed in clinic at baseline, week 6, and week 12 by blinded assessors. Feasibility of the intervention was assessed via recruitment, adherence, and usefulness of measurement tools. RESULTS Forty-four children were eligible (out of 48 approached): 31 consented, 30 were randomised, 21 completed the study; 10 in the supported group and 11 in the unsupported group. Nine children discontinued from tiredness, after-school activities, homework, surgery, technical difficulties or negative system feedback. The supported group completed 19 of 36 (IQR 5-35) possible sessions; the unsupported group 24 of 36 sessions (IQR 8-36). Gross Motor Function Measure scores varied by Cerebral Palsy severity after the intervention. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSION Virtual reality therapy offers potential as a therapeutic adjunct for children with Cerebral Palsy, warranting substantive confirmatory study. Gross Motor Function Measure, with modifications to improve sensitivity, appeared appropriate as a primary measure, with Timed up and Go test secondary. The intervention was inexpensive costing £20 per child. An explanatory trial to evaluate the clinical/cost-effectiveness of commercial system virtual reality therapy is feasible with minor methodological adaptation. Implications for rehabilitation Home-based interactive computer gaming was feasible, safe and cost effective as a therapy adjunct. Discontinue if additional pressures are present: imminent surgery, family resilience to technical difficulties, negative system feedback, after-school activities. Change in Gross Motor Function Measurement scores varied by severity of Cerebral Palsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J Farr
- Research and Innovation, Sussex Community NHS Trust, Brighton, England.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, England
| | - Dido Green
- Department of Rehabilitation, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, England
| | | | - Ian Male
- Research and Innovation, Sussex Community NHS Trust, Brighton, England.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, England
| | - Heather Gage
- School of Economics, University of Surrey, Guildford, England
| | - Sarah Bailey
- Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, England
| | - Sandra Speller
- Research and Innovation, Sussex Community NHS Trust, Brighton, England
| | - Valerie Colville
- Parent partnership advisors Sussex Community NHS Trust, Brighton, England
| | - Mandy Jackson
- Parent partnership advisors Sussex Community NHS Trust, Brighton, England
| | - Anjum Memon
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, England
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Farr W, Green D, Male I, Morris C, Bailey S, Gage H, Speller S, Colville V, Jackson M, Bremner S, Memon A. Therapeutic potential and ownership of commercially available consoles in children with cerebral palsy. Br J Occup Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0308022616678635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction We conducted a survey amongst families of children with cerebral palsy to ascertain the ownership and therapeutic use and potential of commercial games consoles to improve motor function. Method Three hundred families in South East England were identified through clinical records, and were requested to complete an anonymised questionnaire. Results A total of 61 families (20% response) returned a completed questionnaire with 41 (68%) identified males and 19 (32%) identified females with cerebral palsy, with a mean age of 11 years 5 months (SD 3Y 7M). The large majority of families, 59 (97%), owned a commercial console and the child used this for 50–300 minutes a week. Returns by severity of motor impairment were: Gross Motor Function Classification System I (22%), II (32%), III (13%), IV (15%), V (18%). Consoles were used regularly for play across all Gross Motor Function Classification System categories. Conclusion The potential of games consoles, as home-based virtual reality therapy, in improving the motor function of children with cerebral palsy should be appropriately tested in a randomised controlled trial. Wide ownership, and the relative ease with which children engage in the use of commercially-based virtual reality therapy systems, suggests potential as a means of augmenting therapy protocols, taking advantage of interest and participation patterns of families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Farr
- Senior Research Fellow in Paediatric Neurodisability, Sussex Community NHS Trust, UK
| | - Dido Green
- Reader in Rehabilitation, Centre for Rehabilitation, Oxford Brookes University, UK
| | - Ian Male
- Consultant Paediatrician, Sussex Community NHS Trust, UK
| | | | | | - Heather Gage
- Professor of Health Economics, Parent partnership advisors, Sussex Community NHS Trust, UK
| | - Sandra Speller
- Professional Lead for Paediatric Physiotherapy, Sussex Community NHS Trust, UK
| | - Val Colville
- Parent consultant, Sussex Community NHS Trust, UK
| | | | - Stephen Bremner
- Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - Anjum Memon
- Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Galliver M, Gowling E, Farr W, Gain A, Male I. Cost of assessing a child for possible autism spectrum disorder? An observational study of current practice in child development centres in the UK. BMJ Paediatr Open 2017; 1:e000052. [PMID: 29637106 PMCID: PMC5862208 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2017-000052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE UK guidelines recommend that diagnosis of autism in children requires assessment by a multidisciplinary team. With growing numbers of referrals for assessment, diagnostic services have been under increasing pressure to meet the level of need. This study aimed to explore the number of hours of professional time required to complete such an assessment based on current practice in secondary care child development centres across the UK, and from this we calculate the cost of assessment. DESIGN An online questionnaire, using SurveyMonkey.com, was sent to 20 child development centres asking them to retrospectively record team members involved at each stage of assessment and time taken, including report writing and administration for a typical assessment. Costs were estimated based on the hourly rate for each team member, including salary, on-costs and trust overheads. RESULTS 12 questionnaires (60%) were returned. 10 centres adopted a two-stage approach to assessment with an initial 'screening' clinic determining whether the child needed to proceed to full multidisciplinary assessment. Median professional time involved was 13 hours (IQR 9.6-15.5 hours). This resulted in a median cost of £809 ($1213, based on conversion rate £1 equal to US$1.5 (November 2015)), (IQR £684-£925) ($1026-$1388)). IMPLICATIONS This study confirms that multidisciplinary diagnostic assessment of a child with possible autism requires significant professional time, with staff costs of approximately £800 ($1200) per child. This does not include costs of intervention, parent psychological education, investigation and assessment and management of comorbidities. If growing waiting times for diagnostic assessment are to be avoided, funding for diagnostic services needs to reflect the human resources required and the resulting costs of that assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Galliver
- Department of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Emma Gowling
- Department of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - William Farr
- Department of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.,Department of Research and Development, Sussex Community NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Aaron Gain
- West Sussex Health and Social Commissioning, Chichester, UK
| | - Ian Male
- Department of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.,Department of Community Child Health, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Haywards Heath, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hammond J, Jones V, Hill EL, Green D, Male I. An investigation of the impact of regular use of the Wii Fit to improve motor and psychosocial outcomes in children with movement difficulties: a pilot study. Child Care Health Dev 2014; 40:165-75. [PMID: 23363371 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) experience poor motor and psychosocial outcomes. Interventions are often limited within the healthcare system, and little is known about how technology might be used within schools or homes to promote the motor skills and/or psychosocial development of these children. This study aimed to evaluate whether short, regular school-based sessions of movement experience using a commercially available home video game console (Nintendo's Wii Fit) would lead to benefits in both motor and psychosocial domains in children with DCD. METHODS A randomized crossover controlled trial of children with movement difficulties/DCD was conducted. Children were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 10) or comparison (n = 8) group. The intervention group spent 10 min thrice weekly for 1 month using Wii Fit during the lunch break, while the comparison group took part in their regular Jump Ahead programme. Pre- and post-intervention assessments considered motor proficiency, self-perceived ability and satisfaction and parental assessment of emotional and behavioural problems. RESULTS Significant gains were seen in motor proficiency, the child's perception of his/her motor ability and reported emotional well-being for many, but not all children. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence to support the use of the Wii Fit within therapeutic programmes for children with movement difficulties. This simple, popular intervention represents a plausible method to support children's motor and psychosocial development. It is not possible from our data to say which children are most likely to benefit from such a programme and particularly what the dose and duration should be. Further research is required to inform across these and other questions regarding the implementation of virtual reality technologies in therapeutic services for children with movement difficulties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Hammond
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Congenital brachial plexus palsy (CBPP) usually occurs secondarily to intrapartum trauma, but this is not always the case. Cervical ribs have previously been reported to increase the risk of CBPP in association with birth trauma. We report the cases of two children (one female, one male) with congenital lower brachial plexus palsy in whom the presence of non-ossified cervical ribs was the only identified risk factor. In the female child magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, spinal cord, and brachial plexus revealed no abnormality except for the presence of bilateral cervical ribs at the level of the seventh cervical (C7) vertebra. Chest radiography was normal, which suggested that the cervical ribs identified on the MRI were fibrous bands or cartilaginous ribs rather than ossified ribs. In the male child, MRI of the spine and brachial plexus was normal but he was noted to have bilateral cervical ribs at C7. These were not identifiable on chest radiography and, therefore, are likely to reflect fibrous bands or cartilaginous ribs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archana Desurkar
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Evelina Children's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Achara S, Adeyemi B, Dosekun E, Kelleher S, Lansley M, Male I, Muhialdin N, Reynolds L, Roberts I, Smailbegovic M, van der Spek N. Evidence based road safety: the Driving Standards Agency's schools programme. Lancet 2001; 358:230-2. [PMID: 11476859 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(01)05416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Achara
- Department of Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatics, Institute of Child Health, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
AIM To determine whether asthmatic children who present to hospital with hypoxia perceive breathlessness less well than non-hypoxic presenters. METHODS A total of 27 children aged 5-16 years (mean age 10) admitted with acute asthma had recordings of oxygen saturation (SaO(2)), clinical score, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), and breathlessness score (HMP) at admission and at 5, 10, 24, 48, and 72 hours after admission. Those defined as hypoxic (SaO(2) <92%) at admission were compared with a non-hypoxic group. RESULTS Twelve children were hypoxic at admission. Compared with the non-hypoxic group they were younger (8.6 (SD 2.8) v 11.2 (2. 8) y, p = 0.02), and had greater airway obstruction (FEV(1) 32.5 (10)% v 54.3 (26)%, p = 0.0073, 95% confidence interval (CI) -36.9 to -6.6) yet had a trend towards less breathlessness (median HMP 4 v 3, p = 0.062, CI -0.001 to 2.00) at admission. The hypoxic group had a smaller change in breathlessness from admission to discharge, despite a similar improvement in FEV(1), reflected in a lower ratio of change in HMP to change in FEV(1) (DeltaHMP/DeltaFEV(1)) (median DeltaHMP/DeltaFEV(1) 0.021%(-1) v 0.073%(-1), p = 0.0081, CI -0.075 to -0.016). Linear regression analysis showed a strong relation between DeltaHMP/DeltaFEV(1) and initial SaO(2) (p = 0.004, r = 0. 54). CONCLUSIONS Asthmatic children who present to hospital hypoxic tend to perceive themselves as less breathless than non-hypoxic children. This may predispose to a future life threatening attack.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Male
- Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|