Computerized adaptive testing to screen children for emotional and behavioral problems by preventive child healthcare.

Background: Questionnaires to detect emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) in Preventive Child Healthcare (PCH) should be short which potentially affects validity and reliability. Simulation studies have shown that Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) could overcome these weaknesses. We studied the applicability (using the measures participation rate, satisfaction, and efficiency) and the validity of CAT in routine PCH practice.

Diagnostic accuracy of referral criteria for head circumference to detect hydrocephalus in the first year of life.

Background: Increased head circumference is often the first and main sign leading to the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Our aim is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of referral criteria for head circumference to detect hydrocephalus in the first year of life.

Methods: A reference group with longitudinal head circumference data (n = 1938) was obtained from the Social Medical Survey of Children Attending Child Health Clinics study.

At what age is hydrocephalus detected, and what is the role of head circumference measurements?

To investigate at what age hydrocephalus is detected and to assess the role of head circumference measurements in detecting hydrocephalus, we performed a retrospective chart review in children with hydrocephalus treated in a tertiary paediatric hospital in the Netherlands. The study group contained 146 patients; 38 patients (31%) were referred because of abnormalities in head circumference. Eighty-nine per cent of the patients were detected in the first year of life.

[Youth Healthcare guideline 'Skin disorders'].

There is a high incidence of skin disorders; these are also frequently encountered within Youth Healthcare (YHC). Some skin disorders are caused by an underlying disease, syndrome or child abuse. Therefore, detection of these causes in an early stage is important.

[Guideline 'Incontinence urine and feces' of the Dutch Preventive Youth Health Care].

Continence problems can occur during childhood. This guideline is for the Dutch Youth Health Care (JGZ) and gives recommendations for the prevention, early detection and treatment of these problems. As a preventative measure advices for potty training should be started in children aged 18-24 months.

Non-VACTERL-type anomalies are frequent in patients with esophageal atresia/tracheo-esophageal fistula and full or partial VACTERL association.

Background: The VACTERL association is the nonrandom co-occurrence of Vertebral anomalies, Anal atresia, Cardiovascular malformations, Tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) and/or Esophageal atresia (EA), Renal anomalies, and/or Limb-anomalies. The full phenotype of patients with EA/TEF and other anomalies of the VACTERL spectrum of defects association is not well described in the literature.

Methods: Data on patients with EA/TEF seen in two pediatric surgical centers in the Netherlands between January 1988 and August 2006 were evaluated for defects of the VACTERL spectrum as well as non-VACTERL-type defects.

Young adult patients with a history of pediatric disease: impact on course of life and transition into adulthood.

Purpose: To assess the course of life of young adults who grew up with a chronic or life-threatening disease, and to compare their course of life with that of peers from the general population. Optimal transition from pediatric to adult health care requires knowledge of the psychosocial history of patients grown up with a pediatric disease.

Methods: A total of 508 young adults from the general Dutch population and 650 patients, aged 18-30 years, participated: 348 survivors of childhood cancer, 93 patients with anorectal malformations, 72 patients with Hirschsprung's disease, 61 patients with oesophageal atresia, 76 patients with end-stage renal disease.

Quality of life in adult survivors of correction of esophageal atresia.

Hypothesis: Long-term quality of life (QOL) in adults after correction of esophageal atresia (EA) is comparable with that of healthy adults.

Design: Outcome study with a consecutive sample and follow-up after 16 years or longer.

Setting: Pediatric surgical center (academic center) in a tertiary hospital.

Esophagitis and Barrett esophagus after correction of esophageal atresia.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux is a frequent problem after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of esophagitis and Barrett esophagus more than 10 years after repair of EA.

Methods: Ninety-two patients treated between 1973 and 1985 were included in this prospective study.

Gastroesophageal reflux: prevalence in adults older than 28 years after correction of esophageal atresia.

Objective: To study the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER)related complications after correction of esophageal atresia (EA).

Summary Background Data: The association of EA and GER in children is well known. However, little is known about the prevalence of GER and its potential complications in adults who have undergone correction of EA as a child.

Esophageal atresia: historical evolution of management and results in 371 patients.

Background: It has been more than 50 years since the first successful surgical reconstruction of esophageal atresia was performed in The Netherlands. We reviewed the historical changes in management and treatment results of patients born with esophageal atresia.

Methods: We developed and analyzed a database of 371 consecutive patients treated for esophageal atresia in our center between 1947 and 2000.