Fifteen-minute consultation: Empowering children, young people and families through shared decision-making: a practical guide.

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a collaborative approach to healthcare decision-making that involves patients and healthcare professionals working together to make decisions that are informed by the best available medical evidence, as well as the patient's values, preferences and goals. The importance of SDM and the intricate interplay among parents, children and young people (CYP), and healthcare professionals are increasingly acknowledged as the crucial aspects of delivering high-quality paediatric care. While there is a substantial evidence base for SDM improving knowledge and reducing decisional conflict, the evidence for long-term measures such as improved health outcomes is limited and mainly inconclusive. To support healthcare teams in implementing SDM, the authors offer a practical guide to enhance decision-making processes and empower CYP and their families.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in children with nephrotic syndrome treated with levamisole: a cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Levamisole is a commonly used steroid-sparing agent (SSA), but the reported incidence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity has been concerning. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study wherein children aged 2 to 18 years with frequently relapsing/steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS) on levamisole for ≥ 12 months were tested for ANCA. RESULTS: A total of 210 children (33% female), median age of 7.3 (IQR: 5.6-9.6) years, and a median duration of levamisole exposure of 21 (IQR: 15-30) months were tested. ANCA was positive in 18% (n = 37): 89% (n = 33) perinuclear ANCA (pANCA), 3% (n = 1) cytoplasmic ANCA (cANCA), and 8% (n = 3) both. Of ANCA-positive children, none had reduced eGFR or abnormal urinalysis. The majority of these children were asymptomatic (81%, n = 30). Rash was more common among ANCA-positive children [6/37 (16%) vs. 3/173 (2%), p = 0.0001]. On multivariate analysis, higher age (OR = 1.02, [95th CI: 1.01 to 1.03], p = 0.007) and longer duration of levamisole exposure (OR = 1.05, [95th CI: 1.02 to 1.08], p = 0.0007) were associated with ANCA positivity. Levamisole was stopped in ANCA-positive children with the resolution of any clinical manifestations if present. Repeat ANCA testing was performed in 54% (20/37), and all were ANCA negative by 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Children with FRNS/SDNS on longer duration of levamisole were associated with increasing prevalence of ANCA positivity, but most of these children were clinically asymptomatic. Prospective studies are required to determine the chronology of ANCA positivity and its clinical implication.

Evaluation of UK paediatric nephrology teams' understanding, experience and perceptions of oral health outcomes and accessibility to dental care: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Oral health conditions are common in children and young people (CYP) with kidney disorders. There is currently limited literature on how confident paediatric nephrology teams feel to identify and manage oral health concerns for their patients. METHOD: An exploratory mixed-method survey was distributed across all 13 UK specialist paediatric nephrology centres with responses received from consultants, registrars, specialist nurses and special interest (SPIN) paediatricians. RESULTS: Responses received from 109 multidisciplinary team members of 13/13 (100%) UK tertiary units. Ninety-two percent (n = 100) of respondents reported they had never received any training in oral health and 87% (n = 95) felt that further training would be beneficial to optimise care for patients and improve communication between medical and dental teams. Most respondents reported that they did not regularly examine, or enquire about, their patients' oral health. Only 16% (n = 17) reported that all their paediatric kidney transplant recipients underwent routine dental assessment prior to transplant listing. Severe adverse oral health outcomes were rarely reported and only 11% (n = 12) of respondents recalled having a patient who had a kidney transplant delayed or refused due to concerns about oral infection. Seventy-eight percent (n = 85) felt that joint working with a dental team would benefit patients at their unit; however, 17% (n = 18) felt that current infrastructure does not currently support effective joint working. CONCLUSIONS: Across the UK, paediatric kidney health professionals report lack of confidence and training in oral health. Upskilling subspecialty teams and creating dental referral pathways are recommended to maximise oral health outcomes for CYP with kidney diseases.

National study on the risks of COVID-19 infection for paediatric kidney transplant recipients: a retrospective, cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence emerged that immunosuppressed children were less affected by COVID-19 infections compared with immunosuppressed adults. The aim of our study was to investigate how COVID-19 infections affected paediatric kidney transplant recipients (pKTR) in the UK. METHODS: Questionnaires regarding COVID-19 infection data and care of pKTR during the COVID-19 pandemic were sent to all 13 UK paediatric nephrology centres examining asymptomatic and symptomatic pKTR with positive COVID-19 PCR testing from 1 April 2020 to 1 December 2021. RESULTS: 63 pKTR who were 3.1 (range 0.1-15) years post-transplantation had COVID-19 infection with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR RNA. Classical COVID-19 symptoms were present in half of the patients; with atypical presentations including diarrhoea (13%) and lethargy (13%) also noted, while a third of patients were asymptomatic. Eighteen patients (28%) were hospitalised including five asymptomatic patients admitted for other reasons. No patients needed ventilation or intensive care admission, and one patient received supplemental oxygen. There was evidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in 71% of patients, but no patients needed kidney replacement therapy with haemofiltration or dialysis. CONCLUSION: We report 10.4% of the UK paediatric renal transplantation population had documented COVID-19 infections with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR RNA with 28% of those affected requiring hospitalisation. The increased incidence of AKI, particularly after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, was possibly due to increased testing. There was low morbidity and mortality compared with the adult population.

Decline in Left Ventricular Early Systolic Function with Worsening Kidney Function in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights from the 4C and HOT-KID Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Adults with childhood-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. First-phase ejection fraction (EF1), a novel measure of early systolic function, may be a more sensitive marker of left ventricular dysfunction than other markers in children with CKD. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether EF1 is reduced in children with CKD. METHODS: Children from the 4C and HOT-KID studies were stratified according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The EF1 was calculated from the fraction of left ventricular (LV) volume ejected up to the time of peak aortic flow velocity. RESULTS: The EF1 was measured in children ages 10.9 ± 3.7 (mean ± SD) years, 312 with CKD and 63 healthy controls. The EF1 was lower, while overall ejection fraction was similar, in those with CKD compared with controls and decreased across stages of CKD (29.3% ± 3.7%, 23.5% ± 4.5%, 19.8% ± 4.0%, 18.5% ± 5.1%, and 16.7% ± 6.6% in controls, CKD 1, 2, 3, and ≥ 4, respectively, P < .001). The relationship of EF1 to eGFR persisted after adjustment for relevant confounders (P < .001). The effect size for association of measures of LV structure or function with eGFR (SD change per unit change in eGFR) was greater for EF1 (ß = 0.365, P < .001) than for other measures: LV mass index (ß = -0.311), relative wall thickness (ß = -0.223), E/e' (ß = -0.147), and e' (ß = 0.141) after adjustment for confounders in children with CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CKD exhibit a marked and progressive decline in EF1 with falling eGFR. This suggests that EF1 is a more sensitive marker of LV dysfunction when compared to other structural or functional measures and that early LV systolic function is a key feature in the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction in CKD.

Single- versus Divided-Dose Prednisolone for the First Episode of Nephrotic Syndrome in Children: An Open-Label RCT.

BACKGROUND: Early morning single-dose prednisolone has a hypothetical advantage of less hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, but lack of robust evidence has resulted in variation in practice, with divided-dose prednisolone still commonly used. We conducted this open-label randomized control trial to compare HPA axis suppression between single-dose or divided-dose prednisolone among children with first episode of nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: Sixty children with first episode of nephrotic syndrome were randomized (1:1) to receive prednisolone (2 mg/kg per day), either as single or two divided doses for 6 weeks, followed by single alternative daily dose of 1.5 mg/kg for 6 weeks. The Short Synacthen Test was conducted at 6 weeks, with HPA suppression defined as postadrenocorticotropic hormone cortisol <18 µ mg/dl. RESULTS: Four children (single=1 and divided dose=3) did not attend the Short Synacthen Test and were hence excluded from analysis. Remission was induced in all, and no relapse postremission was noted during the 6+6 weeks of steroid therapy. After 6 weeks of daily steroids, HPA suppression was greater in divided (100%) versus single dose (83%) ( P = 0.02). Time to remission and final relapse rates were similar, but for those children who relapsed within 6 months of follow-up period, time to first relapse was shorter for divided dose (median 28 versus 131 days) P = 0.002. CONCLUSIONS: Among children with first episode of nephrotic syndrome, single-dose and/or divided-dose prednisolone were equally effective in inducing remission with similar relapse rates, but single dose had less HPA suppression and longer time to first relapse. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2021/11/037940. PODCAST: This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2023_10_09_CJN0000000000000216.mp3.

Low yield from imaging after non-E. coli urine tract infections in children treated in primary care and emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Imaging is recommended for selected children following urinary tract infections (UTIs) to look for actionable structural abnormalities. Non-E. coli is considered high risk in many national guidelines, but evidence is mainly drawn from small cohorts from tertiary centres. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain imaging yield from infants and children <12 years diagnosed with their first confirmed UTI (pure single growth >100 000 cfu per ml) in primary care or an emergency department without admission stratified by bacteria type. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS: Data were collected from an administrative database of a UK citywide direct access UTI service between 2000 and 2021. Imaging policy mandated renal tract ultrasound and Technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scans in all children, plus micturating cystourethrogram in infants <12 months. RESULTS: 7730 children (79% girls, 16% aged <1 year, 55% 1-4 years) underwent imaging after first UTI diagnosed by primary care (81%) or emergency department without admission (13%). E. coli UTI yielded abnormal kidney imaging in 8.9% (566/6384). Enterococcus and KPP (Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas) yielded 5.6% (42/749) and 5.0% (24/483) with relative risks 0.63 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.86) and 0.56 (0.38 to 0.83)), respectively. No difference was found when stratified by age banding or imaging modality. CONCLUSION: In this largest published group of infants and children diagnosed in primary and emergency care not requiring admission, non-E. coli UTI was not associated with a higher yield from renal tract imaging.

KidzMed e-learning to upskill student pharmacists to teach pill swallowing to children.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate medication use is essential in ensuring optimal pharmacotherapeutic outcomes. It is mistakenly assumed that adults can swallow solid oral dosage forms (SODFs, e.g. tablets/capsules colloquially referred to as 'pills'), without difficulty and that children cannot. KidzMed is a 'pill swallowing' training programme designed to teach effective SODF use in patients of all ages. It may be utilised by healthcare professionals to assist patients taking SODFs. E-learning was essential for training during COVID pandemic to reduce viral transmission. The aim of this study was to explore UK student pharmacists views of e-learning to support swallowing solid oral dosage forms. METHODS: This study used pre- and post-intervention online surveys on Microsoft Forms to evaluate self-directed eLearning about pill swallowing on MPharm programmes at three UK Universities using a 13-item survey. A combination of five-point Likert Scales and free-text items were used. The eLearning was available via the virtual learning environment at the University and embedded within existing curriculum. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to explore responses. RESULTS: In total, 113 of 340 (33%) students completed the survey. Seventy-eight percent (n = 65) reported the eLearning would enable them to teach adults and children to swallow SODFs successfully. Learners either agreed or strongly agreed that they felt comfortable to teach patients (95%, n = 62/113) and parents or carers (94%, n = 60) to swallow medications having completed the e-learning. Student pharmacists generally found eLearning as an acceptable way to reflect on their own experiences of 'pill' swallowing and how to support patients to swallow SODFs. CONCLUSION: The KidzMed eLearning was well received by student pharmacists. Further work is needed to explore whether skills translates into real life application in the clinical settings.

For children admitted to hospital, what interventions improve medication safety on ward rounds? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Every year, medication errors harm children in hospitals. Ward rounds are a unique opportunity to bring information together and plan management. There is a need to understand what strategies can improve medication safety on ward rounds. We systematically reviewed published interventions to improve prescribing and safety of medicines on ward rounds. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials and observational studies. SETTING: Studies examining inpatient ward rounds. PATIENTS: Children and young people aged between 0 and 18 years old. INTERVENTIONS: Any intervention or combination of interventions implemented that alters how paediatric ward rounds review inpatient medications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Primary outcome was improvement in medication safety on paediatric ward rounds. This included reduction in prescribing error rates, healthcare professionals' opinions on prescribing and improvement in documentation on ward rounds. RESULTS: Three studies were eligible for review. One examined the use of an acrostic, one the use of a checklist, and the other a use of a specific prescribing ward round involving a clinical pharmacist and doctor. None of the papers considered weight-based errors or demonstrated reductions in clinical harm. Reductions in prescribing errors were noted by the different interventions. CONCLUSIONS: There are limited data on interventions to improve medication safety in paediatric ward rounds, with all published data being small scale, either quality improvement or audits, and locally derived/delivered. Good-quality interventional or robust quality improvement studies are required to improve medication safety on ward rounds. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022340201.

Reducing prescribing errors: making electronic prescribing work for cystic fibrosis inpatients.

Children admitted to our hospital with cystic fibrosis had frequent medication errors due to polypharmacy and addition of specialist and high-risk medications despite an electronic prescribing and medicines administration system in place. We describe a multidisciplinary quality improvement project that combined a computerised order entry system (CPOE) with human factor process changes. Over 12 months, our run chart showed a 43% reduction in prescription errors. For medications prescribable via the CPOE, errors reaching the patient reduced from 50% to 29%. Electronic prescribing can be seen by clinicians as a fixed unalterable system contributing to rather than ameliorating errors. Improving safety requires whole team engagement and working closely with programmers to adapt function and influence human factors.

Intensive compared with less intensive blood pressure control to prevent adverse cardiac remodelling in children with chronic kidney disease (HOT-KID): a parallel-group, open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Optimal target blood pressure to reduce adverse cardiac remodelling in children with chronic kidney disease is uncertain. We hypothesised that lower blood pressure would reduce adverse cardiac remodelling. METHODS: HOT-KID, a parallel-group, open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, was done in 14 clinical centres across England and Scotland. We included children aged 2-15 years with stage 1-4 chronic kidney disease-ie, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) higher than 15 mL/min per 1·73 m2-and who could be followed up for 2 years. Children on antihypertensive medication were eligible as long as it could be changed to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) if they were not already receiving these therapies. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to standard treatment (auscultatory office systolic blood pressure target between the 50th and 75th percentiles) or intensive treatment (systolic target <40th percentile) by the chief investigator using a rapid, secure, web-based randomisation system. ACE inhibitors or ARBs were used as first-line agents, with the dose titrated every 2-4 weeks to achieve the target blood pressure levels. The primary outcome was mean annual difference in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) by echocardiography measured by a masked observer and was assessed in the intention-to-treat population, defined as all the children who underwent randomisation irrespective of the blood pressure reached. Secondary and safety outcomes were the differences between groups in mean left ventricular relative wall thickness, renal function, and adverse effects and were also assessed in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN25006406. FINDINGS: Between Oct 30, 2012, and Jan 5, 2017, 64 participants were randomly assigned to the intensive treatment group and 60 to the standard treatment group (median age of participants was 10·0 years [IQR 6·8-12·6], 69 [56%] were male and 107 [86%] were of white ethnicity). Median follow-up was 38·7 months (IQR 28·1-52·2). Blood pressure was lower in the intensive treatment group compared with standard treatment group (mean systolic pressure lower by 4 mm Hg, p=0·0012) but in both groups was close to the 50th percentile. The mean annual reduction in LVMI was similar for intensive and standard treatments (-1·9 g/m2·7 [95% CI -2·4 to -1·3] vs -1·2 g/m2·7 [-1·5 to 0·8], with a treatment effect of -0·7 g/m2·7 [95% CI -1·9 to 2·6] per year; p=0·76) and mean value in both groups at the end of follow-up within the normal range. At baseline, elevated relative wall thickness was more marked than increased LVMI and a reduction in relative wall thickness was greater for the intensive treatment group than for the standard treatment group (-0·010 [95% CI 0·015 to -0·006] vs -0·004 [-0·008 to 0·001], treatment effect -0·020 [95% CI -0·039 to -0·009] per year, p=0·0019). Six (5%) participants reached end-stage kidney disease (ie, an eGFR of <15 mL/min per 1·73 m2; three in each group) during the course of the study. The risk difference between treatment groups was 0·02 (95% CI -0·15 to 0·19, p=0·82) for overall adverse events and 0·07 (-0·05 to 0·19, p=0·25) for serious adverse events. Intensive treatment was not associated with worse renal outcomes or greater adverse effects than standard treatment. INTERPRETATION: These results suggest that cardiac remodelling in children with chronic kidney disease is related to blood pressure control and that a target office systolic blood pressure at the 50th percentile is close to the optimal target for preventing increased left ventricular mass. FUNDING: British Heart Foundation.

Improving acute peritoneal dialysis outcome with use of soft peritoneal dialysis catheter (Cook Mac-Loc Multipurpose Drainage catheter®) among infants < 1500 g in a low resource setting.

BACKGROUND: Despite its utility, uncertainty exists on the feasibility of acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) and optimal PD catheter type for very low birth weight (VLBW < 1500 g) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW < 1000 g) infants. We hereby report our experience of acute PD among these high-risk infants and compare the outcome between stylet-based rigid catheter (SRC) and Cook Mac-Loc Multipurpose Drainage catheters® (CMMDC). METHODS: Case notes of infants < 1500 g undergoing PD between 2012 and 2021 in a network of five participating neonatal units supported by a tertiary paediatric nephrology centre in Kolkata, India, were retrospectively reviewed. PD was conducted either with SRC or after 2018 with CMMDC. Outcome parameters included complications, survival during PD, and survival to discharge. RESULTS: 24 infants (VLBW: n = 13 and ELBW: n = 11) underwent PD at median age 4.5 days (IQR 3-6) with either CMMDC (n = 14) or SRC (n = 10). Significant improvement in biochemical parameters and fluid removal was seen in both ELBW and VLBW infants. CMMDC was associated with significantly fewer PD-related complications 7/14 (50%) vs. 9/10 (90%) (p = 0.04) and higher survival during PD 13/14 (93%) vs. 5/10 (50%) (p = 0.02), without significant difference in survival to hospital discharge 8/14 (57%) vs. 3/10 (30%) (p = 0.25). CMMDC also enabled longer duration of PD, higher ultrafiltration, and better control of acidosis. Consumable cost was higher for CMMDC (USD$60) than SRC (USD$14). CONCLUSIONS: In a low resource setting, CMMDC had lower PD complications and superior short-term survival among ELBW/VLBW infants. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Identifying and addressing pill aversion in adults without physiological-related dysphagia: A narrative review.

Solid oral dosage forms (SODFs) (often called pills by patients) are the default formulation to treat medical ailments. Beneficial therapeutic outcomes rely on patients taking them as directed. Up to 40% of the population experience difficulties swallowing SODFs, resulting in reduced adherence and impaired therapeutic efficacy. Often associated with children, this also presents in adults with dysphagia, and without any organic dysphagia (non-physiological-related or functional dysphagia). This review aims to identify and appraise current interventions used to screen for and overcome pill aversion in adults with functional dysphagia. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted. Articles reporting pill aversion in adults aged ≥18 years with no underlying cause, history of, or existing dysphagia were included. Study quality was determined using the STROBE tool for observational studies. A narrative synthesis of the findings was prepared. We identified 18 relevant cohort studies, which demonstrate that pill aversion is a global problem. Perceived ease of and/or SODF swallowability appears to be influenced by female gender, younger age, co-morbidities (e.g., depression), and physical SODF properties. Patients often modify their medicines rather than raise this issue with their healthcare team. Screening for pill aversion is haphazard but controlled postural adjustments, coating SODFs and behavioural interventions appear to be successful solutions. SODF swallowing difficulties are a barrier to effective medication use. Healthcare professionals must recognise that pill aversion is a problem requiring identification through effective screening and resolution by training interventions, appropriate formulation selection or specialist referral.

The prevalence of familial vesicoureteric reflux in infants with normal antenatal scans.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of familial vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) by studying the outcomes of screening in a contemporary cohort of newborns with normal antenatal kidney scans. METHODS: A review of screening outcomes in newborns with a first degree relative with VUR, normal antenatal scans and no prior urine infections between 2014-2019 at three maternity units in the North East of England was conducted. Imaging consisted of micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) in all and renal tract ultrasound scan (RUS) routinely in two units and by clinician preference in one unit. RESULTS: At a median age of 59 days, 265 infants underwent MCUG. High-grade VUR (Grades 3-5) was detected in 13 (4.9%) and low-grade VUR (Grades 1-2) in 24 (9.1%). In the 152 infants who had a RUS, abnormalities were detected in 21 (13.8%). An abnormal postnatal RUS has a low positive predictive value (14.3%) for high-grade VUR, but a normal RUS has a high negative predictive value (95.4%). CONCLUSION: Compared to historical cohorts from two decades ago, the yield from familial VUR screening is low and unjustifiable in the setting of normal antenatal anomaly scans.

Biallelic variants in TTC21B as a rare cause of early-onset arterial hypertension and tubuloglomerular kidney disease.

Monogenic disorders of the kidney typically affect either the glomerular or tubulointerstitial compartment producing a distinct set of clinical phenotypes. Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), for instance, is characterized by glomerular scarring with proteinuria and hypertension while nephronophthisis (NPHP) is associated with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, salt wasting, and low- to normal blood pressure. For both diseases, an expanding number of non-overlapping genes with roles in glomerular filtration or primary cilium homeostasis, respectively, have been identified. TTC21B, encoding IFT139, however has been associated with disorders of both the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartment, and linked with defective podocyte cytoskeleton and ciliary transport, respectively. Starting from a case report of extreme early-onset hypertension, proteinuria, and progressive kidney disease, as well as data from the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project, we illustrate here the difficulties in assigning this mixed phenotype to the correct genetic diagnosis. Careful literature review supports the notion that biallelic, often hypomorph, missense variants in TTC21B are commonly associated with early-onset hypertension and histological features of both FSGS and NPHP. Increased clinical recognition of this mixed glomerular and tubulointerstitial disease with often mild or absent features of a typical ciliopathy as well as inclusion of TTC21B on gene panels for early-onset arterial hypertension might shorten the diagnostic odyssey for patients affected by this rare tubuloglomerular kidney disease.

Improving the experience of obtaining repeat complex paediatric prescriptions in the UK.

In the UK, medicines for chronic conditions in children and young people (CYP) are typically initiated within secondary or tertiary care, with responsibility for ongoing supply often then passed to the child's general practitioner (GP) and community pharmacist. The patient should then be reviewed in regular specialist clinics, with two-way communication for any changes in medications or clinical status undertaken between primary and secondary/tertiary care. This arrangement allows long-term medications to be obtained close to home.Although this is what parents expect, the reality is often messy, with families regularly needing to source some medicines from the GPs and others via hospitals or homecare services. In addition, these arrangements are not uniform, they vary across different areas of the UK and depend on individual GP or hospital prescriber acceptance. When neither primary, secondary or tertiary care accepts it is their responsibility to prescribe, or patients are under multiple specialists, families often feel left to navigate this complex and variable supply system themselves. Obtaining a prescription is only the start of the process for families as dispensing from a community pharmacy can also be challenging.In this article, we set out the barriers and potential solutions to this complex issue. We use the term specialist prescribers to include not only paediatricians but all other specialists looking after CYP including child and adolescent psychiatrists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, surgeons, etc, as well as non-medical prescribers.

COVID-19: experiences of lockdown and support needs in children and young adults with kidney conditions.

BACKGROUND: During the initial COVID-19 pandemic, young United Kingdom (UK) kidney patients underwent lockdown and those with increased vulnerabilities socially isolated or 'shielded' at home. The experiences, information needs, decision-making and support needs of children and young adult (CYA) patients or their parents during this period is not well known. METHODS: A UK-wide online survey co-produced with patients was conducted in May 2020 amongst CYA aged 12-30, or parents of children aged < 18 years with any long-term kidney condition. Participants answered qualitative open text alongside quantitative closed questions. Thematic content analysis using a three-stage coding process was conducted. RESULTS: One-hundred and eighteen CYA (median age 21) and 197 parents of children (median age 10) responded. Predominant concerns from CYA were heightened vigilance about viral (68%) and kidney symptoms (77%) and detrimental impact on education or work opportunities (70%). Parents feared the virus more than CYA (71% vs. 40%), and had concerns that their child would catch the virus from them (64%) and would have an adverse impact on other children at home (65%). CYA thematic analysis revealed strong belief of becoming seriously ill if they contracted COVID-19; lost educational opportunities, socialisation and career development; and frustration with the public for not following social distancing rules. Positive outcomes included improved family relationships and community cohesion. Only a minority (14-21% CYA and 20-31% parents, merged questions) desired more support. Subgroup analysis identified greater negative psychological impact in the shielded group. CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrates substantial concern and need for accurate tailored advice for CYA based on individualised risks to improve shared decision making.