Torticollis / Wry Neck / Sternomastoid tumour of infancy with thanks to Dr Katie Knight (From Latin tortus = twisted + collum = neck) Torticollis can be congenital or acquired, but this article will focus mostly on the congenital form, affecting 0.3% of infants and usually presenting in the first 6 months of life [1]. … Continue reading Torticollis
This is the first time in ages I’ve managed to get the finalised version on line in time for the end of the month! NICE on autism this month, a bit on the use of corticosteroids in croup with help from the Cochrane Library, update on secondary prevention of meningococcal disease and a pointer to … Continue reading November’s Paediatric Pearls available now!
One of our current SHOs has put together this very comprehensive article on infantile colic: Infantile Colic (with thanks to Dr Katie Knight): Among all the feeding related problems of early infancy, colic is the one that often causes parents the most anxiety and stress. Around 1 in 6 families consult a healthcare professional about … Continue reading A review of infantile colic
Well the BMJ produces 2 journals in one in August so why can’t I? All the topics featured this month are relevant for both GPs and ED doctors – for once – so you have a joint newsletter. I have covered headache this month, Vitamin D (by popular request) and we have started the “Feeding” … Continue reading Combined GP and ED versions for August 2011
Take a look at this not-definitive-but-nevertheless-sensible guideline on Vitamin D deficiency in both adults and children which Barts and the London published in January 2011: http://www.icms.qmul.ac.uk/chs/Docs/42772.pdf. Please note that it is NOT a national guideline and the authors acknowledge that more research is needed in this area and that variations in practice are common, even … Continue reading Vitamin D guidance at last!
This month I have reproduced some immunisation myths and truths from Dr Ravindran’s excellent summary published in full somewhere on this blog (use the search function if you can’t find it below). NICE’s UTI guideline has just been reviewed; did you know there was a section called “Do not do recommendations”? Worth a look as … Continue reading GP’s July 2011
May 2011 GP version available here! Can you tell the difference between septic arthritis and transient synovitis? We have a new algorithm to help you. Also a reminder about measles, information on inguinal hernias, NICE on otitis media with effusion and a link to an important discussion on the website about what one can and … Continue reading GP May 2011!
6 week check series – The Absent Red Reflex – with thanks to Dr Sarah Prentice Importance of red reflex examination at the 6 week check Early detection of potentially sight and life-threatening eye disease. Due to the early and time-limited plasticity and development of the eye, any blockage of light to the retina interferes … Continue reading Checking the red reflexes
December 2010 I am in Malawi for 10 days, staying with an ex-colleague of mine who is on a VSO/RCPCH fellowship year working as a volunteer doctor in Mzuzu Central Hospital in north Malawi. She is the only paediatrician here and one of only 4 doctors in the main tertiary hospital for the northern region. … Continue reading
With thanks to Dr Tom Waterfield for his work on this article as part of our series on the 6 week baby check… The assessment of murmurs can be difficult and identification of the underlying pathology, if any, is best left to a specialist. For the purpose of the 6 week screening test all … Continue reading Heart murmurs