The development of evidence-based guidelines on mouth care for children, teenagers and young adults treated for cancer.

The aim was to produce evidence-based guidelines on mouth care for children, teenagers and young adults receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Systematic reviews were undertaken and research was graded according to the methods of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Where no relevant research was identified, an opinion-gathering process was undertaken. 'Best practice' recommendations were developed with regard to appropriate dental care and basic oral hygiene. An evaluation of oral assessment tools identified seven which had been assessed for reliability and/or validity. Only Eilers' Oral Assessment Guide was felt to be relevant for daily clinical practice. A variety of interventions have been used for the management of oral mucositis, candidiasis, xerostomia and herpes simplex virus; few are supported by research evidence. Careful oral management of children treated for cancer can improve the quality of life during treatment. The guidelines have the potential to improve patient care by promoting interventions of proven benefit and discouraging use of ineffective or potentially harmful practices which may result in adverse patient outcomes.

A survey of current practice with regard to oral care for children being treated for cancer.

The aim of the study was to establish current UK oral care practice for children with cancer. A telephone survey of all 22 United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG) centres was undertaken. Nineteen (86%) of the centres reported using guidelines/protocols for mouth care. The use of routine preventive oral care therapies showed the greatest variation between centres. Four centres (18%) did not use any prophylactic oral care therapy other than basic oral hygiene, whereas seven (32%) routinely used a combination of three or more agents. Chlorhexidine was the most frequently administered prophylactic therapy (17/22 centres, 77%), followed by nystatin (11/22 centres, 50%). There was little variation in advice given to parents/patients on basic oral hygiene. Regarding dental check-ups, 9/22 centres (41%) recommended children to attend a hospital-linked dental clinic. Only at 8/22 centres (36%) did children undergo a dental check-up before commencing cancer treatment. The survey identified significant variation in preventive oral care therapies and dental check-ups at the UKCCSG centres. Attention needs to be given to establishing evidence based, effective strategies.

Clinical and molecular studies in a family with probable X-linked dominant Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease involving the central nervous system.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics of an apparently X-linked dominant form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease in a family with central nervous system involvement and additional features. BACKGROUND: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may be inherited as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked trait. In the X-linked dominant form of CMT, females demonstrate milder clinical and electrophysiological features compared with their male relatives. METHODS: Clinical and related examinations were performed in 4 affected individuals from a family with a novel form of CMT affecting males more severely than females. DNA analysis of the connexin 32 (Cx32) gene and proteolipid protein (PLP) gene was performed. We genotyped 3 members of the family to determine which regions of the X chromosome were inherited discordantly in the affected and unaffected brothers. RESULTS: Clinical studies revealed significant spasticity, hyperreflexia, and delayed central conduction, in addition to peripheral neuropathy. Nerve conduction velocities were slower in the affected males than in the affected females. Direct DNA sequencing of the Cx32 coding region and neural-specific promoter were normal. A PLP null mutation was excluded. Levels of very long chain fatty acids were normal. Genotyping studies of the X chromosome supported X-linked inheritance of the neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: This family differs from others with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathic diseases by the presence of upper motor neuron signs and additional features. The clinical features and inheritance pattern are consistent with X-linked dominant inheritance or autosomal dominant inheritance.

Make this cash more mobile.

DHSS restraints on the use of mobility allowance has resulted in thousands of pounds lying idle in health authority bank accounts which have claimed them on behalf of patients. Author advocates a pooling system so that the allowance can be used for the purpose it was intended, the benefit of patients.