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Research

Epilepsy and mental retardation limited to females with PCDH19 mutations can present de novo or in single generation families

Epilepsy and mental retardation limited to females (EFMR) is an intriguing X-linked disorder affecting heterozygous females and sparing hemizygous males.

Research

Rare childhood diseases: how should we respond?

Paradoxically, rare diseases are common, collectively affecting 6-10% of the population and have a huge impact on patients and families, health services,...

Research

Comparing home polysomnography with transcutaneous CO2 monitoring to laboratory polysomnography in children with neuromuscular disorders

Clinical utility of home polysomnography in children with neuromuscular disorders is limited by lack of evidence that sleep-disordered breathing can be reliably identified and inability to diagnose hypoventilation because carbon dioxide is not measured.

Research

Deletions in the CDKL5 5 untranslated region lead to CDKL5 deficiency disorder

Pathogenic variants in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene are associated with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe X-linked developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.

Research

Can Wearable Inertial Measurement Units Be Used to Measure Sleep Biomechanics? Establishing Initial Feasibility and Validity

Wearable motion sensors, specifically, Inertial Measurement Units, are useful tools for the assessment of orientation and movement during sleep. The DOTs platform (Xsens, Enschede, The Netherlands) has shown promise for this purpose. This pilot study aimed to assess its feasibility and validity for recording sleep biomechanics.

Research

Description of Total Population Hospital Admissions for Treacher Collins Syndrome in Australia

To describe patterns and demographic characteristics of total-population hospital admissions with a diagnosis of Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) in Australia.

Research

Using a trauma informed practice framework to enhance understanding of and identify support strategies for behavioural difficulties in young people with Prader-Willi syndrome

Behavioural support for young people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is necessary in home and school environments. The Trauma Informed Practice (TIP) framework has been used to support young people with complex behavioural needs in school settings. To identify parent and professional perspectives on behavioural challenges experienced by young people with PWS and strategies for supports, to inform understanding of how they are aligned with the TIP framework.

Database a crucial tool helping to fill the CDKL5 information void

The Kids Research Institute Australia disability researcher, Associate Professor Helen Leonard, played an important role in the identification of the differences that define CDD, thanks to her extensive experience researching Rett syndrome and running an Australian online database tracking Rett cases.

Research

Relationship between family quality of life and day occupations of young people with Down syndrome

This study aimed to explore relationships between family quality of life, day occupations and activities of daily living of young persons with Down syndrome.

Research

Seizure variables and their relationship to genotype and functional abilities in the CDKL5 disorder

Epilepsy is pervasive but not mandatory for the CDKL5 disorder, and genotype and functional abilities were related to seizure frequency