MMR vaccination coverage in England has declined for fifth consecutive year NHS Digital data show that 83.9% of children in England had completed the two-dose course by their fifth birthday, down from 86.8% in 2019/2020.…
More than 10,000 whooping cough cases reported in first six months of 2024 Case numbers of whooping cough in 2024 so far have already exceeded the total number of cases reported in 2012, the last major outbreak of the disease.…
Croup: diagnosis and management Croup is a common childhood illness that can usually be managed at home. Pharmacists can counsel worried parents on appropriate treatment and should also be aware of red-flag symptoms and referral pathways.…
Paediatric arrhythmias: pathophysiology, types and pharmaceutical management While many arrhythmias in children are harmless, it is vital to distinguish between the different types to ensure that potentially harmful ones are identified early and treatment plans are optimised for the patient.…
Test your knowledge of infectious diseases Assess your knowledge of infectious disease topics, from flu to antimicrobial resistance, in this CPD and learning quiz.…
How to identify and manage prolonged acute and chronic cough in pre-school children Pharmacists should be able to select the correct management approach to children presenting with cough, and identify when symptoms warrant further investigation.…
Best practice for medicines use in neonates An overview of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations when treating neonates, and the impacts on drug absorption, metabolism and elimination.…
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: recognition, diagnosis and conventional pharmacological management Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common chronic childhood rheumatic disease. Pharmacists are a vital part of the multidisciplinary team and should be aware of the considerations for pharmacological management.…
Declining use of sodium valproate linked to fall in birth defects among children, study results show Children exposed to levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine in the womb had the lowest prevalence of major congenital malformations.…
Respiratory syncytial virus in children A common cause of respiratory tract infection in children, respiratory syncytial virus has similar features to other viral illnesses. Pharmacists therefore need to know how to recognise differential diagnoses and when it is appropriate to refer.…
