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The PELICAN (Prematurity's Effect on the Lungs In Children and Adults Network) ERS Clinical Research Collaboration: understanding the impact of preterm birth on lung health throughout lifeAn estimated 15 million babies (∼11%) are born preterm each year (before 37 weeks of gestation), the rates of which are increasing worldwide. Enhanced perinatal care, including antenatal corticosteroids, postnatal surfactant and improved respiratory management, have markedly improved survival outcomes since the 1990s, particularly for babies born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation). However, long-term pulmonary sequelae are frequent in preterm survivors and ongoing clinical management is often required.
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The Power of Playgroups: Key components of supported and therapeutic playgroups from the perspective of parentsPlaygroups are community-based programs for children and families aiming to improve child outcomes, enhance family and community networks and increase parenting capacity. Despite the prevalence of playgroups in Australian communities there is a lack of research clearly articulating the key components of playgroups, specifically from the perspective of parents attending these groups.
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Randomised Controlled Trial of a Therapeutic Playgroup for Children with Developmental DelaysA single-blind randomised control trial investigated the effectiveness of the Learn, Engage and Play (LEaP) playgroup. Seventy-one children with developmental delay were randomly allocated to an 8-week LEaP playgroup or control group and followed up at 12 and 28 weeks.
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Parental preconception BMI trajectories from childhood to adolescence and asthma in the future offspringRecent evidence suggests that parental exposures before conception can increase the risk of asthma in offspring. We investigated the association between parents' preconception body mass index (BMI) trajectories from childhood to adolescence and subsequent risk of asthma in their offspring.
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Early Moves: a protocol for a population-based prospective cohort study to establish general movements as an early biomarker of cognitive impairment in infantsThe current diagnostic pathways for cognitive impairment rarely identify babies at risk before 2 years of age. Very early detection and timely targeted intervention has potential to improve outcomes for these children and support them to reach their full life potential. Early Moves aims to identify early biomarkers, including general movements (GMs), for babies at risk of cognitive impairment, allowing early intervention within critical developmental windows to enable these children to have the best possible start to life.
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Infant Diet Recommendations Reduce IgE-Mediated Egg, Peanut, and Cow's Milk AllergiesMeta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have found that introducing eggs and peanuts earlier during infancy reduced egg and peanut allergy risk. Hence, infant feeding advice has dramatically changed from previous recommendations of avoidance to current recommendations of inclusion of common food allergens in infant diets.
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Western Australian Child Development AtlasWe know that place, location, and geography can all influence health, wellbeing, and disease, and thus are important factors in policy development and service planning.
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Autistic and autism community perspectives on infant and family support in the first two years of life: Findings from a community consultation surveyMost support programmes for Autistic children are available only after they are diagnosed. Research suggests that parenting supports may be helpful for parents and their infants, when provided in the first 2 years of life - before a formal diagnosis is given, but when information suggests an infant is more likely to be Autistic. However, we do not know how acceptable these types of supports might be to the Autistic and autism communities.
News & Events
Broome kids get their hands dirty with real-life scienceThe Kids Research Institute Australia is bringing science to the Kimberley, with a series of free activities for children and families in Broome in the leadup to National Science Week.
Research
Barriers to uptake and implementation of malaria chemoprevention in school-aged children: a stakeholder engagement meeting reportMalaria is a leading cause of death in school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa, and non-fatal chronic malaria infections are associated with anaemia, school absence and decreased learning, preventing children from reaching their full potential. Malaria chemoprevention has led to substantial reductions in malaria in younger children in sub-Saharan Africa.