Stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification System over time in children with cerebral palsy.

Aim: To assess the stability of the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) from time of preliminary diagnosis (~2 years of age) to time of diagnosis (~5 years of age), and to examine factors associated with reclassification.

Method: We conducted a longitudinal study using a sample from the Canadian CP Registry. Stability was analysed by using the percentage of agreement between timepoints and a weighted prevalence and bias adjusted kappa statistic.

Appraising the need for audiological assessment before autism spectrum disorder referral.

Objectives: Mandatory audiological testing before autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment is common practice. Hearing impairment (HI) in the general paediatric population is estimated at 3%; however, hearing impairment prevalence among children with ASD is poorly established. Our objective was to determine which children referred for ASD assessment require preliminary audiological assessment.

Oxytocin for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children.

Question: Several parents have recently asked me if oxytocin would be helpful for treating their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What do we currently know about the use of oxytocin for the treatment of children with ASD?

Answer: Autism spectrum disorder is prevalent among children in Canada, with most affected children experiencing difficulties with social function. Behavioural and educational interventions are the first-line treatments for children with ASD.

Baclofen Toxicity in Children With Acute Kidney Injury: Case Reports and Review of the Literature.

Baclofen is a medication used for tone management in cerebral palsy. Although it acts mainly at the spinal cord level, it can cause central nervous system adverse reactions at higher doses. Baclofen is mainly eliminated by renal excretion and there have been reports on adverse events when used in adults with renal impairment; however, there are no consensus guidelines as to the dose adjustments required due to renal impairment.

Is there clinical benefit to routine enzyme testing of patients on statins?

Objective: Statin-treated patients undergo frequent laboratory tests. This study evaluated the clinical impact of abnormal liver or muscle enzyme results.

Research Design And Methods: This clinical process evaluation study took place in six primary care clinics in Israel.