RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Fifteen-minute consultation: A practical approach to developmental regression in children
JF Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition
JO Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
SP 173
OP 177
DO 10.1136/archdischild-2017-313792
VO 104
IS 4
A1 Thomas Smith
A1 Dipak Ram
YR 2019
UL http://ep.bmj.com/content/104/4/173.abstract
AB Developmental regression is an important red flag in any child’s developmental performance and should be recognised promptly. It is the loss of previously acquired skills and can affect any sphere of childhood development. Presentation and underlying causes are heterogeneous in nature, in turn presenting many clinical challenges. While broad, the causes of regression can be categorised based on clinical findings, so that investigation and management options can be tailored appropriately. It is extremely important to try and make a definitive diagnosis if possible. This allows appropriate initiation of treatment for potentially reversible causes and for specific therapies, which may alter disease progression and improve quality of life in some cases. This article outlines a systematic approach to the evaluation of a child with suspected regression, covering the nature of presentation, key differential diagnoses, first-line investigations and management.