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Research
Rebooting the anal sphincter: A retrospective cohort of children with intractable constipation receiving intrasphincteric botox injectionsChronic childhood constipation is a common problem that severely impacts quality of life. Recently, the efficacy of intrasphincteric botulinum toxin (botox) injection in breaking the cycle of constipation has been demonstrated. The current study aims to investigate response rate to treatment, symptom and examination finding associations, and identify associations between patient characteristics and outcome.
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Primum non nocere (“first do no harm”) with oxygen therapyBritta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg AM FAHMS MD, PhD, DEAA, FANZA Chair of Paediatric anaesthesia, University of Western Australia; Consultant
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A rapid semi-quantitative screening method to assess chemicals present in heated e-liquids and e-cigarette aerosolsElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) lack regulatory status as therapeutic products in all jurisdictions worldwide. They are potentially unsafe consumer products, with significant evidence they pose a risk to human health. Therefore, developing rapid, economical test methods to assess the chemical composition of e-liquids in heated and unheated forms and the aerosols produced by e-cigarettes is crucial.
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An observational study of hypoactive delirium in the post-anesthesia recovery unit of a pediatric hospitalHypoactive delirium is present when an awake child is unaware of his or her surroundings, is unable to focus attention, and appears quiet and withdrawn. This condition has been well-described in the intensive care setting but has not been extensively studied in the immediate post-anesthetic period. The aim was to determine if hypoactive emergence delirium occurs in the recovery unit of a pediatric hospital, and if so, what proportion of emergence delirium is hypoactive in nature.
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Prenatal Exposure to General Anesthesia and Childhood Behavioral DeficitExposure to surgery and anesthesia in early childhood has been found to be associated with an increased risk of behavioral deficits. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against prenatal exposure to anesthetic drugs, little clinical evidence exists to support this recommendation.

News & Events
Inaugural Byron Kakulas medal awarded to Perioperative Medicine TeamA research team dedicated to making anaesthesia and surgery safer and more comfortable for babies and children has been awarded an inaugural Byron Kakulas Medal by WA’s Perron Institute.
Research
Propofol, Anesthesia, and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Patients with Pediatric Leukemia: Are We Missing the Forest for the Trees?Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg AM FAHMS MD, PhD, DEAA, FANZA Chair of Paediatric anaesthesia, University of Western Australia; Consultant
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The Development of a Chocolate-Based Chewable Tablet of Prednisolone—Enhancing the Palatability of Steroids for Pediatric UseOral liquid prednisolone medications have poor acceptance among paediatric patients due to ineffective masking of the bitterness taste of prednisolone. This study aimed to develop a child-friendly prednisolone tablet using a patented chewable chocolate-based delivery system previously applied successfully to mask the bitterness tastes of midazolam and tramadol.
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High-flow nasal oxygen for children's airway surgery to reduce hypoxaemic events: a randomised controlled trialTubeless upper airway surgery in children is a complex procedure in which surgeons and anaesthetists share the same operating field. These procedures are often interrupted for rescue oxygen therapy.
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Perioperative steroid prophylaxis for adrenal insufficiency, a single-centre experienceBritta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg AM FAHMS MD, PhD, DEAA, FANZA Chair of Paediatric anaesthesia, University of Western Australia; Consultant