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Research

It is now well accepted that germline or de novo genetic alterations predispose to cancer development, especially during childhood. Among them, constitutive trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome (DS), has been shown to predispose to acute leukemia affecting both the myeloid (ML-DS) and lymphoid (DS-ALL) lineages. ML-DS is associated with a good prognosis compared to children without DS, due in part to a higher sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy.

Research

Seven female individuals with multiple congenital anomalies, developmental delay and/or intellectual disability have been found to have a genetic variant of uncertain significance in the mediator complex subunit 12 gene. The functional consequence of this genetic variant in disease is undetermined, and insight into disease mechanism is required.

Research

Early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) risk is possible from 12 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA) using standardised assessments; however, up to half of children at risk are not referred early, missing out on early intervention. We investigated the barriers and facilitators to accessing early intervention from the perspective of parents of children who did not receive services by 6 months CGA.

Research

Shared decision-making between patients and primary healthcare professionals positively impacts health outcomes. However, people with intellectual disability face additional barriers and require supported shared decision-making (SSDM) to participate. Little is known about how healthcare professionals use SSDM with this population. This paper explores the facilitators and barriers experienced, and strategies/resources employed by healthcare professionals working with people with intellectual disability.

Research

Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is an ultrarare genetic condition causing developmental epileptic encephalopathy characterized by seizures and motor and intellectual disabilities. No disease-modifying therapies are available, and treatments focus mainly on symptom management to improve quality of life.

Research

To test the efficacy of Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremity (HABIT-ILE) to improve gross motor function, manual ability, goal performance, walking endurance, mobility, and self-care for children with bilateral cerebral palsy. 

Research

This study aims to describe the risk factors and trends in birth prevalence of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and gastroschisis between 1980 and 2023. This descriptive, population-based study of SOD and gastroschisis used Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies data from 1980 to 2023. Birth prevalence was calculated using Midwives Notification System data for all births after 20 weeks gestation.

Research

Aim: To: (1) develop a core outcome set (COS) to assess chronic pain interference and impact on emotional functioning for children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP) with varying communication, cognitive, and functional abilities; (2) categorize the assessment tools according to reporting method or observer-reported outcome measures; and (3) categorize the content of tools in the COS according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Research

Down syndrome, the most common genetic disorder, is caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. We identified the top 10 patient and carer research priorities for children with Down syndrome.

Research

Cerebral palsy (CP) should not be considered as a diagnosis but as a label; it is an umbrella term, primarily affecting posture and mobility. The definition is not sufficiently precise to guarantee agreement as to which patients to include under this label, but the additional inclusion criteria required are not yet internationally standardised.