The search for novel microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers in plasma is hampered by haemolysis, the lysis and subsequent release of red blood cell contents, including miRNAs, into surrounding fluid. The biomarker potential of miRNAs comes in part from their multicompartment origin and the long-lived nature of miRNA transcripts in plasma, giving researchers a functional window for tissues that are otherwise difficult or disadvantageous to sample. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• February 2023

Early childhood is recognised as a critical window of opportunity for physical literacy development, however early childhood educators typically lack the training required to effectively provide appropriate physical literacy opportunities for children. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• September 2023

There is now good evidence that behavioural signs of autism spectrum conditions (autism) emerge over the first two years of life. Identifying clear developmental differences early in life may facilitate earlier identification and intervention that can promote longer-term quality of life. Here we present a systematic review of studies investigating behavioural markers of later autism diagnosis or symptomology taken at 0-6 months. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• July 2023

The incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing globally in tandem with changing environmental and lifestyle factors. There is very limited data on very early childhood presentations. We aim to assess changes in rates, characteristics and management of infant anaphylaxis in a paediatric ED over a 15-year period. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• July 2023

Screen time guidelines recommend no screens under two years due to the potential negative impacts on development. While current reports suggest many children exceed this, research relies on parent reports of their children's screen exposure. We objectively assess screen exposure during the first two years and how it differs by maternal education and gender. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• Jun 2023

Regular physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone therapy for many childhood chronic health conditions, and questionnaires offer a simple method for monitoring PA and identifying children who do not meet clinical practice guidelines. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine which questionnaires are most efficacious for assessing PA in children with chronic health conditions. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• February 2023

Recent research has documented a wide range of health, economic, and social benefits conferred by vaccination, beyond the direct reductions in morbidity, mortality, and future healthcare costs traditionally captured in economic evaluations. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• October 2023

The aims of the study were to investigate family and hospital staff views about the use of spring-infusor devices for administration of intravenous antibiotic medications, to examine if the device is acceptable and feasible and to map a process for implementation. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• September 2022

Rotavirus causes substantial morbidity and mortality every year, particularly among under-five children. Despite Rotavirus immunization preventing severe diarrheal disease in children, the vaccination coverage remains inadequate in many African countries including Ethiopia. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• November 2022

Rates of acute rheumatic fever, a sequelae of group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection, remain unacceptably high in Indigenous Māori and Pacific children in New Zealand. This prospective study aimed to describe GAS antibody titres in healthy children (5–14 years) by ethnicity, and to determine how paired titres vary with GAS culture positive and negative pharyngitis, and GAS skin infections. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• October 2021

The period of infancy and early childhood is a critical time for interventions to prevent future mental health problems. The first signs of mental health difficulties can be manifest in infancy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and identifying both protective and risk factors in pregnancy and the early postnatal period. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• September 2021

Prevalence and exposures of adverse birth outcomes is well studied in low-and-middle-income countries but not well-established for the Pacific Island region. Our study mapped the available evidence on low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA)'s prevalence and their corresponding risks in the region. ...

• Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• February 2022