Hospital for Sick Children

About: Hospital for Sick Children is a healthcare organization based out in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 4097 authors who have published 3746 publications receiving 129066 citations. The organization is also known as: Sick Kids Hospital & SickKids.

Pediatric digital radiography education for radiologic technologists: current state

Abstract: Digital radiography (DR) is one of several new products that have changed our work processes from hard copy to digital formats. The transition from analog screen-film radiography to DR requires thorough user education because of differences in image production, processing, storage and evaluation between the forms of radiography. Without adequate education, radiologic technologists could unknowingly expose children to higher radiation doses than necessary for adequate radiograph quality. To evaluate knowledge about image quality and dose management in pediatric DR among radiologic technologists in the U.S. This communication describes a survey of 493 radiologic technologists who are members of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and who evaluated the current state of radiological technologist education in image quality and dose management in pediatric DR. The survey included 23 survey questions regarding image acquisition issues, quality assurance, radiation exposure and education in DR of infants and children. Radiologic technologists express many needs in areas of training and education in pediatric DR. Suggested improvements include better tools for immediate feedback about image quality and exposure, more information about appropriate technique settings for pediatric patients, more user-friendly vendor manuals and educational materials, more reliable measures of radiation exposure to patients, and more regular and frequent follow-up by equipment vendors. There is a clear and widespread need for comprehensive and practical education in digital image technology for radiologic technologists, especially those engaged in pediatric radiography. The creation of better educational materials and training programs, and the continuation of educational opportunities will require a broad commitment from equipment manufacturers and vendors, educational institutions, pediatric radiology specialty organizations, and individual imaging specialists.

The addition of high-dose tamoxifen to standard radiotherapy does not improve the survival of patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

Abstract: The study aimed to examine the tolerability of the combination of radiotherapy and tamoxifen and the effect on median and event free survival as well as collecting data on the use of steroids in this population. 31 patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, diagnosed on clinical and radiological criteria, were treated with high-dose oral tamoxifen (120 mg/m(2)/day) given concomitantly with standard dose radiotherapy (54 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions over 6 weeks). Results Tamoxifen was well tolerated with no grade 3 or 4 CTC toxicity reported. At 1 year, the progression free and event free survival were 3.2% (95% CI: 0.2-14.1%), and at 6 months 19.4% (CI: 7.9% to 34.6%). The overall survival at 1 year was 16.1% (CI: 5.9-30.9%) with median survival 6.32 months. In this study, in which tamoxifen was used in conjunction with radiotherapy, progression free survival was shown to be less good when compared with historical data HR = 3.1 (CI: 1.7-5.7). There was no significant reduction in overall survival. The addition of high-dose tamoxifen, although well tolerated, confers no clinical benefit to patients treated with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma treated with standard radiotherapy.

‘Kids need to talk too’: inclusive practices for children's healthcare education and participation

Abstract: Aims and Objectives This study examines how children with chronic medical conditions view health care education and decision-making. This article aims to propose the application of universal design for learning (UDL) in pediatric settings. Background Children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions tend to be excluded from health care decision-making. In schools, the universal design for learning (UDL) promotes access to education and participation in school communities for all children, regardless of their disabilities or medical needs, rendering it an appropriate model for children's participation in health care decision-making. Design This article presents findings from a qualitative study with 26 children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions about their views and experiences with health care education and decision-making. Methods 26 children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Results Findings provide evidence that clinical practices often fail to provide equal opportunities for pediatric patients to understand their condition, share their views, and/or participate in decisions regarding their care. Conclusions In response to ongoing concerns about pediatric decision-making, we propose that the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) be adapted in pediatrics. The model presents exemplary programs as inclusive, accounting for the needs of all children through multiple means of engagement and expression. Relevance to Clinical Practice A discussion of how the principles of UDL could be applied in pediatric settings is offered for the purpose of advancing ethical and psychosocial care for all children regardless of their age, developmental capacity or condition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Myelin lipophilin-induced demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.

Abstract: Purified lipophilin, a hydrophobic lipoprotein of myelin, induces a cell-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system similar to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by the myelin basic protein (MBP). Guinea pigs challenged with lipophilin (emulsified with CFA) developed clinical and histological signs of disease indistinguishable from those developed by animals similarly challenged with MBP. Both lipophilin and MBP induced and elicited delayed-type hypersensitivity in animals challenged with respective antigens. Tryptophan, an essential component of the MBP-determinant for disease in guinea pigs, is required for the encephalitogenicity of lipophilin.

The utility of a portable sleep monitor to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing in a pediatric population.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central and/or obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children represents a spectrum of abnormal breathing during sleep. SDB is diagnosed using the gold standard, overnight polysomnography (PSG). The limited availability and access to PSG prevents its widespread use, resulting in significant delays in diagnosis and treatment of SDB. As such, portable sleep monitors are urgently needed.