ObjectiveTo date, there has been little research that has comprehensively analysed dental treatment under general anaesthesia (DGA) at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) for dental emergencies (dental pain and sepsis). This cross-sectional descriptive analysis of the PCH dental department analysed the demographic of children admitted and the type of treatment used, and assessed the cost. MethodsThis was a retrospective descriptive study analysing the dental records of patients ranging from 2 to 16 years of age at PCH in Western Australia. Of the 310 cases randomly selected from the 2018–19 study period, 202 were admitted for DGA. Two outcome measures were derived: cumulative count of treatment mix and cost analysis. ResultsThe mean (±s.d.) age at the time of admission was 6.2 ± 2.6 years and the mean (±s.d.) decayed (d/D), missing, (m/M) and filled (f/F) teeth (dmft/DMFT) was 2.1 ± 0.8. Of the 429 teeth affected, 282 were molars. Treatments were grouped therapeutically; of the 856 treatments performed, 465 were extractions (54%). The total cost, consisting of direct and indirect costs, was A$313 823, and equated to an approximate mean (±s.d.) of A$1554 ± 109 per case. ConclusionUntreated dental caries was the most common cause for hospital admission. Most cases presenting at the emergency department were young children (<7 years old) who underwent extractions under DGA. What is known about the topic?The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) was introduced to improve access and affordability to oral health care for children without private dental insurance. However, a significant number of children are still being admitted to hospital for emergency dental treatment. What does this paper add?Despite the availability of the CDBS, untreated dental caries remains one of the most common reasons for dental emergency in the PCH. What are the implications for practitioners?Not only are direct costs a burden on the health budget, but indirect and intangible costs also affect children and their families.

Background: Electrolyte abnormalities are common in preterm neonates. Unless electrolyte abnormalities are detected and treated promptly, it significantly affects clinical conditions, increases mortality, or induces long-term neurological sequelae. Therefore, we conducted this study with specific aims to describe the electrolyte status in preterm neonates and find out the relationship between electrolyte disorders and clinical characteristics in preterm neonates. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with 110 preterm neonates admitted at the NICU in Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Hue Central Hospital from June 2020 to March 2021. Results: Average serum values of sodium, potassium, chloride were 136.66; 4.59, and 101.72 mmol/l, respectively. Hyponatremia was the most common disorder with 30.9%, followed by hyperkalaemia (14.5%). Hypochloremia was accounted for 13.6%. Gestational age, birth weight, and asphyxia were significantly associated with the risk of hyperkalaemia (odd ratio: 5.27; 14.92; and 20.71, respectively). Birth weight, vomiting, and asphyxia were significantly linked to increased risk of hyponatremia in preterm neonates (odd ratio: 4.45; 28.13, and 3.49, respectively). Conclusion: The two common types of electrolyte disorders in preterm neonates were hyponatremia and hyperkalaemia. Key words: Hyperkalaemia, hyponatremia, preterm neonates.