Our aim was to describe the types of psoriasis seen in a large series of patients presenting to a tertiary referral pediatric dermatology department using a classification system combining conventional terminology and additional categories based on the site and characteristics of the rash. A total of 1262 patients seen consecutively in the dermatology department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, Australia, between 1981 and 1995 are described and classified according to the pattern of psoriasis at the time of presentation. Additional information recorded included family history, facial involvement, and history of a psoriatic type of diaper rash in infancy. The ages of the children ranged from 1 month to 15 years. There was an equal gender distribution and a high rate of positive family history at 71%. Twenty-six percent of children had a history of a psoriatic diaper rash and facial involvement occurred in 38% of children. Plaque psoriasis was the most common type overall, affecting 430 patients (34%). Three hundred forty-five children were less than 2 years of age, and this is the largest series of children with psoriasis in this age group presented to date. An entity defined by us as psoriatic diaper rash with dissemination was the most common type of psoriasis in the less than 2-year age group, affecting 155 (45%) patients. This large series offers information on the manifestations of psoriasis in childhood, but is particularly useful in examining the previously less well-described infant age group. The classification used is proposed as a practical way to describe psoriasis in children, particularly with respect to future descriptive studies.

Objective: To collect nationally representative epidemiological data on early‐onset eating disorders (EOEDs) in children. Design: Prospective, active surveillance using the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit with key informant design. Setting: Child health specialists in Australia (July 2002 to June 2005). Patients: Incident cases of EOEDs in children aged 5–13 years. Main outcome measures: Disease rates, demographic characteristics, clinical features and complications, hospitalisation, psychological comorbidity, and concordance of clinical features with Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition (DSM‐IV) criteria. Results: We identified 101 children aged 5–13 years with EOEDs (median age, 12.2 years; range, 5.5–13.9 years), of whom one in four were boys. Most were hospitalised (78%), and the mean duration of hospitalisation was 24.7 days (range, 1–75 days). More than 70% of inpatients were admitted to specialised eating disorder units in paediatric teaching hospitals. Among inpatients, 37% met DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa; although 61% had life‐threatening complications of malnutrition, only 51% met weight criteria. Psychological symptoms were similar to those in adults with anorexia nervosa: 67% of inpatients met both psychological diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa (fear of weight gain/fatness and misperception of body shape). Of 19 postmenarchal girls, 18 had secondary amenorrhoea. Nasogastric feeding was used in 58% of inpatients, and 34% received psychotropic medications. Conclusions: This is the first prospective national study of EOEDs. It demonstrates the limitations of applying DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa to young children; the high proportion of boys affected by EOEDs; and the significant psychological comorbidity and high frequency of hospitalisation associated with EOEDs. Potentially life‐threatening medical complications are common at presentation, suggesting possible missed diagnoses and a need for education of health professionals. The study underlines the severity of EOEDs and the need for joint medical and psychiatric specialist management.

To document and describe the incidence and age-specific presentation of early-onset restrictive eating disorders in children across Canada. Design: Surveillance study. Cases were ascertained through the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program by surveying approximately 2453 Canadian pediatricians (a 95% participation rate) monthly during a 2-year period.

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