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Association between convalescent plasma treatment and mortality in COVID-19: a collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Convalescent plasma has been widely used to treat COVID-19 and is under investigation in numerous randomized clinical trials, but results are publicly available only for a small number of trials. The objective of this study was to assess the benefits of convalescent plasma treatment compared to placebo or no treatment and all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19, children and schools: overlooked and at risk

We have closely followed the international literature about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission dynamics in children (aged 0–18 years).2 Evidence‐informed discussion about school attendance in the context of COVID‐19 is a high priority and this complex subject requires weighted expert review of the literature to accurately inform policy. As paediatricians and infectious diseases specialists, we wish to highlight important considerations when interpreting the available data.

Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of an Emerging Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive ST5 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clone in Northern Australia

Recently, we identified a Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 5 (ST5) clone in northern Australia with discrepant trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) susceptibility results. We aimed to identify isolates of this clone using Vitek 2 SXT resistance as a proxy and to compare its epidemiology with those of other circulating S. aureus strains. We collated Vitek 2 susceptibility data for S. aureus isolates collected through our laboratory and conducted a prospective, case-control study comparing clinical, microbiological, epidemiological, and genomic data for subsets of isolates reported as SXT resistant (cases) and SXT susceptible (controls) by Vitek 2.

Planning and clinical role of acute medical home care services for COVID-19: consensus position statement by the Hospital-in-the-Home Society Australasia

During a pandemic when hospitals are stretched and patients need isolation, the role of hospital-in-the-home (HITH) providing acute medical care at home has never been more relevant. We aimed to define and address the challenges to acute home care services posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Walking their walk': Reducing conflict between families of ill children and the medical profession

I review recent high-profile court cases to underscore the changing landscape of conflict and the central role that the media (and social media in particular) can play

An investigation of the determinants of quality of life in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome

Quality of life of young people with Down syndrome was most negatively associated with burden of medical conditions, but also with lack of friendships

Immuno-nephelometric determination of group streptococcal anti-streptolysin O titres (ASOT) from dried blood spots: Method for validating a new assay

This study was designed to determine the sensitivity and reproducibility of recovering anti-streptolysin O titres (ASOT) from dried blood spot (DBS) samples

Risk factors associated with RSV hospitalisation in the first 2 years of life, among different subgroups of children in NSW

Data on risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated hospitalisation in Australian children may be informative for preventive measures.

Research award recipients making great progress in PNG

Two infectious disease researchers from Papua New Guinea (PNG) dedicated to reducing rates of childhood mortality in their home country are making significant advances thanks to support from the Deborah Lehmann Research Award (DLRA).

Leading autism researcher named The Kids new Deputy Director (Research)

Professor Andrew Whitehouse, the Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research and CliniKids Director, has been appointed Deputy Director (Research) at The Kids Research Institute Australia.