Publications by authors named "Ben Lawton"

Background: Supraglottic airway devices (SGAs) are used in airway management to provide non-invasive ventilation and oxygenation. SGAs can be used as rescue tools in failed endotracheal intubation, difficult bag-mask ventilation, or as a bridge to intubation in cardiac arrest.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of SGA use in children in emergency departments (EDs) across Australia and New Zealand and indications for their use.

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Background: Information on the medium-term recovery of children with Bell palsy or acute idiopathic lower motor neuron facial paralysis is limited.

Methods: We followed up children aged 6 months to <18 years with Bell palsy for 12 months after completion of a randomized trial on the use of prednisolone. We assessed facial function using the clinician-administered House-Brackmann scale and the modified parent-administered House-Brackmann scale.

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Objective: To describe the prevalence and severity of pain experienced by children with Bell's palsy over the first 6 months of illness and its association with the severity of facial paralysis.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data obtained in a phase III, triple-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of prednisolone for the treatment of Bell's palsy in children aged 6 months to <18 years conducted between 13 October 2015 and 23 August 2020 in Australia and New Zealand. Children were recruited within 72 hours of symptom onset and pain was assessed using a child-rated visual analogue scale (VAS), a child-rated Faces Pain Score-Revised (FPS-R) and/or a parent-rated VAS at baseline, and at 1, 3 and 6 months until recovered, and are reported combined across treatment groups.

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Background: There is limited evidence on the use of facial nerve function grading scales in acute facial nerve paralysis in children.

Objective: To investigate the agreement between and the usability of the House-Brackmann and Sunnybrook scales in children with idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) and to compare their ease of administration.

Methods: Data from a randomized controlled trial in children aged 6 months to <18 years with Bell's palsy was used.

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The practical dissemination of new knowledge is not given adequate attention despite large investment in undertaking high-quality research and the desire for evidence-based practice. It is important that those involved in knowledge translation and continuing medical education understand the fundamental principles of effective presentations, whether at scientific conferences, workshops or group teaching sessions. The switch to remote presentations has made this a more challenging endeavour.

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Aim: Scripted debriefing tools may improve the performance of novices debriefing in resuscitation courses, but this has not previously been measured. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a script on the quality of debriefs in a statewide paediatric resuscitation course.

Methods: This cluster-randomised controlled trial compared scripted debriefing (intervention) versus non-scripted debriefing (control) for participants in a paediatric resuscitation course.

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Background And Objectives: Corticosteroids are used to treat the early stages of idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell palsy) in children, but their effectiveness is uncertain. We set out to determine whether prednisolone improves the proportion of children with Bell palsy with complete recovery at 1 month.

Methods: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of prednisolone in children presenting to emergency departments with Bell palsy.

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Rationale: Severe acute paediatric asthma may require treatment escalation beyond systemic corticosteroids, inhaled bronchodilators and low-flow oxygen. Current large asthma datasets report parenteral therapy only.

Objectives: To identify the use and type of escalation of treatment in children presenting to hospital with acute severe asthma.

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Objective: Children frequently present with head injuries to acute care settings. Although international paediatric clinical practice guidelines for head injuries exist, they do not address all considerations related to triage, imaging, observation versus admission, transfer, discharge and follow-up of mild to moderate head injuries relevant to the Australian and New Zealand context. The Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) set out to develop an evidence-based, locally applicable, practical clinical guideline for the care of children with mild to moderate head injuries presenting to acute care settings.

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Objectives: To investigate patient-level factors predictive for computed tomography of the brain (CTB) use and abnormality in head injured children in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods: Retrospective data from tertiary, urban/suburban and regional/rural EDs including factors predictive for CTB use and abnormality.

Results: Of 3072 children at 31 EDs, 212 (6.

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Previous research has examined the utilisation of musical cues to improve the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) delivered in training environments. We postulated a musical cue that is both contemporary and transcends cultures may improve CPR performance. Our aim was to establish whether chest compressions are performed with improved rate and depth if a song of a fixed beat (PinkFong's 'Baby Shark' with a tempo of 115 beats per minute (bpm) and 15 beats in each verse) is played to a healthcare professional immediately before undertaking CPR compared to whale noises (a non-metronomic rhythm).

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Purpose Of Review: Concern regarding appendicitis is a common reason for presentation to the paediatric emergency department. We review recent progress in the use of biomarkers, imaging and clinical scoring systems in improving diagnostic accuracy in suspected appendicitis in children.

Recent Findings: Use of ultrasound, often performed at the bedside, is becoming more widespread with a parallel reduction in computed tomography (CT) use.

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There has been an increased focus on diversity and inclusion in medicine in recent years-the field of medicine still has a long way to go to reach gender equity. We assess how paediatrics is performing by examining the role gender plays in our specialty; and we propose some practical solutions to reach an equitable state. Achieving gender equity is not a simple or easy option and will require an ongoing commitment from all facets of the profession.

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Purpose Of Review: Over the last 2 years, algorithms for the optimal management of status epilepticus have changed, as the medical community has recognized the need to terminate seizures in status in a timely manner. Recent research has evaluated the different choices of benzodiazepine and has given consideration to second-line treatment options.

Recent Findings: There has been a move to examine alternatives to phenytoin (such as levetiracetam and lacosamide) as second-line agents.

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Objective: To assess the impact on patient flow as noted by the National Emergency Access Target (NEAT), with the introduction of a new Paediatric ED (PEM ED) model of care.

Methods: This longitudinal observational study was conducted at the Logan Hospital, a 344 bed public hospital in metropolitan Brisbane, which opened a physically separate, dedicated PEM ED on 14 October 2014, incorporating approximately 30% more staff, limited changes in processes and no changes in governance. De-identified data of the entire clientele from the ED Information System were compared 365 days before and after the opening of the PEM ED.

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Seizures are a common presentation to emergency departments. Early intervention improves treatment response. Use of consensus guidelines is highly recommended to decrease drug side effects and reduce intensive care requirements.

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