Treatment of infantile spasms
Abstract Background Infantile spasms (West’s Syndrome) is a syndrome that includes a peculiar type of epileptic seizure—the spasms—and an electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormality often called hypsarrhythmia. Psychomotor retardation is frequently found at follow-up. Approximately two-thirds of affected infants will have a detectable underlying neurological abnormality, but still little is known about the pathophysiological basis for infantile […]
Pharmacological interventions for self-injurious behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities
Abstract Background Self-injurious behaviour among people with intellectual disability is relatively common and often persistent. Self-injurious behaviour continues to present a challenge to clinicians. It remains poorly understood and difficult to ameliorate despite advances in neurobiology and psychological therapies. There is a strong need for a better evidence base in prescribing and monitoring of drugs in […]
Parent-mediated early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
Abstract Background Young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have impairments in the areas of communication and social interaction and often display repetitive or non-compliant behaviour. This early pattern of difficulties is a challenge for parents. Therefore, approaches that help parents develop strategies for interaction and management of behaviour are an obvious route for early […]
Hypothermia for neuroprotection in children after cardiopulmonary arrest
Abstract Background Cardiopulmonary arrest in paediatric patients often results in death or survival with severe brain injury. Therapeutic hypothermia, lowering of the core body temperature to 32 °C to 34 °C, may reduce injury to the brain in the period after the circulation has been restored. This therapy has been effective in neonates with hypoxic […]
Hydralazine in infants with persistent hypoxemic respiratory failure
Abstract Background Most deaths of infants with chronic lung disease (CLD) are caused by respiratory failure, unremitting pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) with cor pulmonale, or infection. Although the exact prevalence of PAH in infants with CLD is unknown, infants with CLD and severe PAH have a high mortality rate. Except for oxygen supplementation, no specific […]
Cooling for newborns with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy
Abstract Background Newborn animal studies and pilot studies in humans suggest that mild hypothermia following peripartum hypoxia-ischaemia in newborn infants may reduce neurological sequelae without adverse effects. Objectives To determine the effect of therapeutic hypothermia in encephalopathic asphyxiated newborn infants on mortality, long-term neurodevelopmental disability and clinically important side effects. Search methods We used the […]
Acupuncture for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates
Abstract Background Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in the neonate is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Effective treatment options are limited and therefore alternative therapies such as acupuncture are increasingly used. Objectives We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on mortality and morbidity in neonates with HIE. Search methods We searched the […]
Zinc supplementation for mental and motor development in children
Abstract Background Zinc deficiency is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Zinc is essential for the formation and migration of neurons along with the formation of neuronal synapses. Its deficiency could interfere with the formation of neural pathways and with neurotransmission, thus affecting behavior (for example, attention, activity, engagement, temperament) and […]
Interventions for drooling in children with cerebral palsy
Abstract Background Drooling is a common problem for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This can be distressing for these children as well as for their parents and caregivers. The consequences of drooling include risk of social rejection, damp and soiled clothing, unpleasant odour, irritated chapped skin, mouth infections, dehydration, interference with speech, damage to books, […]
Interventions for oropharyngeal dysphagia in children with neurological impairment
Abstract Background Oropharyngeal dysphagia encompasses problems with the oral preparatory phase of swallowing (chewing and preparing the food), oral phase (moving the food or fluid posteriorly through the oral cavity with the tongue into the back of the throat) and pharyngeal phase (swallowing the food or fluid and moving it through the pharynx to the […]