Does nasogastric feeding reduce distress after cleft palate repair in infants?

Aims: To determine the effect of nasogastric (NG) feeding compared with oral feeding on morphine requirements after primary cleft palate repair, and secondarily on enteral intake.

Methods: This was a pilot study involving 50 infants, aged five to ten months, who were randomised to receive NG or oral feeding after palate repair. All infants received the same anaesthetic and analgesic management.

Myositis, rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome complicating influenza A in a child.

A previously fit and healthy 8-year-old boy died following severe complications of influenza A. He developed lethargy and vomiting before presentation. On presentation to medical attention, on day 4 of his illness, he was in extremis and had extensive myositis, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure and compartment syndrome, which were resistant to supportive medical management.