Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine - Volume 14, issue 1
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The Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (JPRM): An Interdisciplinary Approach Throughout the Lifespan is designed to parallel the multidisciplinary teams caring for children, adolescents and adults with childhood-onset physical disabilities and complex care needs worldwide. Published quarterly, topics include, and are not limited to, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, limb deficiency, muscular dystrophy, stroke, cancer, developmental delays, and rare disorders. Furthermore, the journal welcomes papers dedicated to pediatric rehabilitation from a global health perspective.
The aim of JPRM is to engage a diverse group of international experts with the goal of providing readers with comprehensive information regarding children and adolescents requiring rehabilitation. JPRM brings together specialists from medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, nutrition, child life, family centered care, and occupational, physical, and speech therapy. For manuscript submissions, authorship involving at least two different specialties is encouraged, although not required, to facilitate a transdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Manuscripts are blinded and peer reviewed including biostatistical analysis. Authors are invited to submit original research, systematic and scoping reviews, guidelines, protocols, care pathways, case reports, book reviews, commentaries, editorials, and dates for future conferences.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To perform a scoping review of the evidence for therapeutic interventions to manage functional impairments associated with Rett syndrome (RTT) throughout the lifespan. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus and Index to Chiropractic Literature were searched systematically up to December 2019. Two investigators independently reviewed all search results and extracted those that met the inclusion criteria. Human and animal model studies pertaining to therapies that increase functional ability or treat RTT-associated symptoms in all age groups were included. Relevant studies were grouped into intervention categories and rated using the Oxford Centre of Evidence Based…Medicine Levels of Evidence. Demographics of participants, interventions, and outcomes were summarized. RESULTS: Ninety-one articles representing 88 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 80 were human clinical studies and eight were studies using animal models. Study designs were primarily case series and only six studies involved participants above the age of 40. CONCLUSION: A small number of rigorously studied rehabilitation interventions have been published. Published studies aim to address a wide variety of functional impairments. Research regarding implementation of therapies for older patients with RTT is lacking and requires further exploration.
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Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord infarction (SCI) in children is rare and difficult to diagnose. Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is probably the underlying cause for some unexplained cases of spinal cord infarcts. Abrupt back pain followed by a progressive syndrome of myelopathy appears to be the typical presentation, with a close temporal relationship between the onset of symptoms and preceding minor trauma. Supportive care and rehabilitation are essential in the treatment of children with SCI. CASE REPORT: A previously healthy 12-year-old girl who practiced acrobatic gymnastics was admitted to a rehabilitation centre 14 days after being diagnosed with an…acute anterior SCI with no identified cause. Sensory modality of pin prick and light touch were impaired, with the former more significantly affected. She was not able to run and had difficulty on monopodal standing and performing motor sequencing. Additionally, she mentioned ineffective cough along with flatus incontinence and normal bladder function. After a 4-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program her neurologic deficits improved. DISCUSSION: Given the patient’s age and clinical presentation, a literature review led to the consideration of FCE as the most likely definitive diagnosis. It should be recognized as a cause of SCI especially in those involved in sport activities, even if previous trauma is denied.
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Abstract: PURPOSE: Young adults with transversal upper limb reduction deficiency experience limitations regarding education, employment and obtaining a driver’s license. Contribution of rehabilitation care within these domains has been reported to be inadequate. This study evaluates the needs and suggestions of participants in rehabilitation care. METHODS: Two online focus groups with young adults and parents met during 4 consecutive days. Health care professionals joined a face-to-face focus group. Data analysis was based on framework analysis. RESULTS: The rehabilitation team was mainly consulted for problems with residual limb or for prostheses. Young adults and their…parents were mostly unaware of resources regarding education, job selection or obtaining a driver’s license. Professionals stated that these subjects were addressed during periodic appointments. Young adults didn’t always attend these appointments due to limited perceived benefit. To improve rehabilitation care, participants suggested methods for providing relevant information, facilitating peer contact and offering dedicated training programs to practice work-related tasks, prepare for job interviews or enhance self-confidence. CONCLUSION: Periodic appointments do not fulfil needs of young adults with transversal upper limb reduction deficiency. To improve care, rehabilitation teams should offer age-relevant information, share peer stories, and create dedicated training programs.
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Keywords: Upper extremity, reduction deficiency, transition, young adult, rehabilitation care
Abstract: This case study documents a 13-year-old female who presented to our intensive inpatient chronic pain rehabilitation program with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of her left leg, which was significantly interfering with her normal daily functioning. She participated in a full day of traditional interdisciplinary therapies, including physical and occupational therapy for 3 hours daily. As assistive equipment was altered or weaned her physical mobility, balance, and tremors worsened and/or increased. As she began advancing her legs more independently (versus requiring physical assist), she demonstrated more variable functional strength and stability, inconsistent balance reactions, and a more unsteady gait pattern.…The team was treating her according to her incoming CRPS diagnosis; however, as treatment progressed, her physical and psychological presentation seemed more aligned with diagnostic criteria of functional neurologic symptom disorder (FND). Staff then treated according to the FND diagnosis resulting in successful long-term outcomes. The clinical impact from this case study includes highlighting the commonalities between CPRS and FND clinically, discussing treatment suggestions depending on the diagnosis, and emphasizing key components of family/patient education.
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Keywords: Complex regional pain syndrome, functional neurologic symptom disorder, physical therapy, occupational therapy, case study
Abstract: In clinical practice, intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is used to control spasticity. After initial placement of the ITB pump, clinicians incrementally increase the dose until effectiveness in alleviating spasms and spasticity is optimized. However, this case describes a 4-year-old male with Leigh syndrome who developed a paradoxical worsening of spasticity and pain with incremental increase of his ITB pump. In this rare genetic disease with a poor prognosis, an ITB pump was trialed and implanted and titrated upwards with initial improvement. However, his spasticity and pain then began to worsen with each dosage increase. Subsequently, his symptoms improved significantly when…the dose was weaned. This is the first case that describes this paradoxical reaction in a pediatric population and discusses recommendations about how clinicians should safely titrate the pump for patient care.
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Abstract: PURPOSE: Assessing motivation and motivation-related factors will contribute to a better understanding of motivation and the development of optimal rehabilitation conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the motivation level and investigate the relationship of motivation level with socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, comorbidities), functional level, and family satisfaction with rehabilitation centers in children with disabilities. METHODS: Sixty-two children with disabilities were included in the study, and the socio-demographic characteristics were recorded. Children were assessed by the Pediatric Motivation Scale (PMOT) and the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). Also, parents were asked to complete…a questionnaire titled, “A patient satisfaction instrument for outpatient physical therapy clinics.” RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 12.16 ± 3.19 years. Total PMOT and WeeFIM scores were found to be 93.71 ± 9.66 and 108.23 ± 22.14, respectively. There was a positive correlation between children’s PMOT score and the satisfaction score of their families that was statistically significant (r = 0.602, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The level of family satisfaction with rehabilitation centers was found to be positively correlated with the motivation level of children. Improving family satisfaction with rehabilitation centers, potentially through modifying the physical conditions of rehabilitation centers and focusing on the interest of the family, may increase the motivation level of children, and thus may improve rehabilitation outcomes.
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Abstract: Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a genetic metabolic disorder often involving dystonia and self-mutilating behavior. This case report describes a 13-year-old boy with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and self-mutilating behavior who received botulinum toxin injections to his bilateral masseter muscles after failing multiple other treatments. Following injections, the patient had reduction in self-biting, along with improvements in speech, mastication and feeding observed in speech therapy. Botulinum toxin injections to the masseters may help to improve oromotor function and reduce self-mutilating behaviors in children with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome who have failed more conservative treatments, providing opportunity for improved functional status and patient safety. Further investigation is…indicated to establish optimal dosing. Additionally, the mechanism for the reduction of self-mutilating behavior is unclear and justifies additional investigation.
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