Pruritus in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis: a multidisciplinary approach - summary document from an Italian expert group.

Given the inadequate overall awareness of the main disease features and treatment modalities of pruritus in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, a multidisciplinary Italian expert group met with the major aim of increasing knowledge of the condition for improved diagnosis and better management among specialists involved in disease management. Herein, the overall features of the condition are reviewed, along with its etiopathogenesis and symptoms. Likewise, management options are summarized, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach, minimally composed of a management team that includes a pediatrician, dermatologist, psychologist, play assistant, and dedicated nurse. In addition to more traditional therapies such as emollients as highlighted by European guidelines, therapeutic patient education in a group or individually is highly encouraged as it helps patients and their parents to better understand the disease and provide practical guidance for dressing and bandaging. It can also aid in outlining coping strategies for itching and sleep disturbance. The utility of distraction techniques should also be stressed as such educational interventions involving the child and their parents can substantially improve the overall quality of life. All approaches should be tailored according to patient age and clinical features and requires individualized strategy to ensure good adherence by both children and their parents. Thus, a holistic approach embracing systemic, topical and psychological interventions is advocated in order to provide patients and their caregivers the best possible care.

The work experience of a patient affected by Williams Syndrome: a pilot project at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital.

A new approach has been designed at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome aimed at increasing empowerment in Williams Syndrome individuals through tutor-assisted work activities. Williams Syndrome is characterized by a combination of distinguishing physical traits, congenital anomalies, intellectual disabilities, and a specific developmental profile.This manuscript describes the case of a Williams Syndrome patient.There are only few papers in the scientific literature describing interventions targeting improvement in the quality of life of adult Williams Syndrome individuals. Therefore, this experience may prove useful to several patients, their families, and the experts helping them.We described an example of intervention aimed at guiding and facilitating a Williams Syndrome patient within a work environment, taking into consideration the peaks and valleys of these individuals' specific abilities.Based on our results, we also stressed the need to promote a set of projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing as much as possible self-sufficiency and psycho-affective balance in Williams Syndrome individuals, in order to protect their dignity and self-esteem.