Search

Background The lack of an accurate scoring system for pediatric acute pancreatitis could cause delays in appropriate clinical management and increase the risk of progressive life-threatening complications. We investigated a modified Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan ( JPN) scoring system that uses pediatric systemic inflammatory response syndrome ( SIRS) score, age, and weight to establish a more useful scoring system for children. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients with acute pancreatitis who were admitted to Juntendo University Hospital between 1985 and 2011. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the pediatric JPN scoring system were calculated and then compared with those of previously developed scoring systems. Results The patient group consisted of 145 patients (88 girls, 57 boys). The pediatric JPN score had greater sensitivity (80%) than the Ranson (60%), modified Glasgow (50%), and De Banto (60%) scores. The specificity was 96% for the pediatric JPN score, 94% for the Ranson score, 99% for the modified Glasgow score, and 86% for the De Banto score. Conclusion The pediatric JPN score can be used to predict severe acute pancreatitis during the initial medical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which examined the clinical performance characteristics of the capillary blood sampling device known as the Demecal set in children. The study revealed the capability of the said device to help medically unskilled adults to collect their own blood and facilitate their management of lifestyle-related diseases. Further, it indicated the affectivity of the Demecal system for screening children with obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.