The neurodevelopmental outcome in infants who have sustained a subdural haemorrhage from non‐accidental head injury

Subdural haemorrhage (SDH) in infants arises most commonly from non‐accidental head injury (NAHI) from shaking. Patients present with a varied severity of illness and a variety of symptoms and signs. Data on long‐term outcome of the survivors are not widely reported. The aim of this paper is to describe the physical and educational outcomes of children <2 years diagnosed with non‐accidental head injury and formulate guidelines on follow‐up. Data on 65 children <2 years with non‐accidental head injury and subdural haemorrhage diagnosed on CT/MRI/postmortem were extracted from the hospital and community notes and education reports. The Kings Outcome Scale for Childhood Head Injury (KOSCHI) was used. Sixteen children died (24.6%), 13 within 6 weeks and three 5 years after the injury. Of the 45 children followed up (follow‐up time 21.7–103 months), 25 had a good outcome, six were moderately disabled and 11 were severely disabled, while three were in persistent vegetative state. Problems identi?ed included cerebral palsy—16, ongoing seizures—5, visual problems—11, speech and language problems—17 and behavioural problems—13. Of the 29 children of school age on whom data were available, 12 children had a statement of educational needs. In conclusion, young children who survive non‐accidental head injury can have signi?cant physical, cognitive and behavioural problems. Regular follow‐up by a multidisciplinary team, which includes a community paediatrician, therapists, school health personnel and ophthalmologic services, until the child is established in school may facilitate early identi?cation of emerging problems and optimize management. Care must be taken not to discharge children with good outcomes, as behavioural and cognitive problems can emerge with time. Only a prospective study will help outline the subtle problems that can emerge with time in children with a so‐called good outcome. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Toolkit for MAT in jails and prisons from the National Council

The National Council for Behavioral Health has prepared a comprehensive and timely toolkit, Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Jails and Prisons. The 132‐page manual, a copy of which was obtained by ADAW, was written in conjunction with Vital Strategies. It was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and headed up by Shannon Mace, senior practice improvement advisor for the National Council.     

BOOK REVIEW

Books reviewed:
Natalie J. Sokoloff and Christina Pratt (eds), Domestic Violence at the Margins: Readings on Race, Class, Gender, and Culture     

Voter Preferences and State Regulation of Smoking

Voters' preferences for smoking restrictions in restaurants, bars, malls, indoor sporting events, and hospitals are consistent with state-level restrictions on smoking in each of these public areas. This analysis is based on constructed measures of political pressure that take into account both individual preferences and voting behavior. Although smokers are less likely to vote than nonsmokers, their lower voting rate does not substantially influence the probability that a state has a restriction. Other factors, such as tobacco's role in the state economy and state income, are rarely influential.     

Serials spoken here: reports of conferences, institutes, and seminars

Reports on the Ohio Valley Group of Technical Services Librarians (OVGTSL) Annual Conference, the April 2004 New England Technical Services Librarians (NETSL) Conference, the 2004 Acquisitions Institute at Timberline Lodge, and the 2004 Conference of the North American Serials Interest Group (NASIG).Reports are from four conferences held in various parts of the United States and cover a wide range of topics. The Ohio Valley Group of Technical Services Librarians program emphasized the relationship between technical and public services. Education, both formal and continuing, was the theme for the New England Technical Services Librarians. Timberline Lodge hosted another Acquisitions Institute featuring sessions on new discoveries. The report on the 2004 North American Serials Group Annual Conference allows Conference Student Grant Award winner Chris Brady to include some personal reflections along with summaries of the sessions he attended.     

Policy and Provision for the Schooling of Children Living in Temporary Accommodation: Exploring the Difficulties

The schooling of children living in temporary accommodation presents difficulties for statutory authorities structured to cater for the needs of a settled population. Research to date confirms the poor progress in terms of improving policy, practice and services to meet the educational needs of this group of ‘children in need’ (The Children Act 1989). The difficulties involved in working together to provide access to schooling are examined in the light of recent changes to education and housing policies. Possibilities for improved provision are assessed, including initiatives under Children's Services Plans and models of good practice from Traveller Education.     

A case of mistaken identity

The UK government has embarked on the world's most ambitious national identity project. During its 3-year progress towards Royal Assent the scheme has variously been proclaimed as a key solution to identity theft, illegal immigration, administrative inefficiency, benefit fraud, VAT fraud, illegal working, terrorism, healthcare tourism, national security, telecommunications fraud and organized crime. Can it actually work? Simon Davies has his doubts.