Screening assays for primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children presenting with suspected macrophage activation syndrome.

Background: Primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) screening assays are increasingly being performed in patients presenting with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). The objective of this study was to describe their diagnostic and prognostic relevance in children who had presented to paediatric rheumatology and had undergone investigative work up for MAS.

Methods: Data was obtained retrospectively from an existing protein screening assay database and patient records.

Transitional care in clinical networks for young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: current situation and challenges.

Clinical networks for paediatric and adolescent rheumatology are evolving, and their effect and role in the transition process between paediatric and adult services are unknown. We therefore explored the experiences of those involved to try and understand this further. Health professionals, young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their families were recruited via five national health service paediatric and adolescent rheumatology specialist centres and networks across the UK.

Fifteen-minute consultation: a structured approach to the management of a child or adolescent with back pain.

Unlabelled: Back pain in childhood is relatively unusual, although as a child matures through adolescence it becomes much more common. At any age, potentially serious illnesses need to be excluded. There are some useful red flags to be aware of when taking a history and performing an examination.

Access to care for children and young people diagnosed with localized scleroderma or juvenile SSc in the UK.

Objectives: To describe pathways of care and referral to paediatric rheumatology from onset of first symptom (noticed by the patient or their family) to diagnosis for children and young people diagnosed with localized scleroderma (LS) or juvenile SSc (jSSc).

Methods: Retrospective case note audit of patients under paediatric rheumatology care who presented during January 2005-January 2010. Data included disease subtype, sex, age at key points in the referral pathway and health care professional (HCP) contact.

Intravenous diazepam infusion in the management of planned intrathecal baclofen withdrawal.

Intrathecal baclofen is used in the management of spasticity associated with cerebral palsy (CP). Sudden cessation of intrathecal baclofen may give rise to the potentially life-threatening baclofen withdrawal syndrome. We report three cases in which intravenous diazepam is used effectively in the management of planned intrathecal withdrawal.