Jokthan Guivarch

Background/Objectives: The definitions of feeding disorders of infants and young children were historically based on a dichotomic organic/non-organic vision. Since 2019, a new definition of pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) has reshaped the understanding of these disorders with a global vision. The aim of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the diagnostic criteria for general practice, both by exploring the evolution of classifications and by clearing the actual definition of PFDs and their possible treatments. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature, including 36 articles about PFDs, excluding adolescents, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, pica, rumination, and specific neurodevelopmental or chronic pediatric disorders. We summarized these studies in three parts: the specific classifications for children before puberty, the current definition, and the clinical guidelines. Results: Concerning the history of the classifications, we summarized the studies of Chatoor and Kerzner and the older pediatric vision of failure to thrive. For the definition of pediatric feeding disorders, we presented this new category involving at least one out of four domains: medical, nutritional, feeding skills, or psychosocial. For the main clinical guidelines, we presented recommendations for both severe and common PFDs in each altered domain for use in daily practice. Conclusions: The new definition promotes a transdisciplinary vision of childhood feeding disorders, which considers each of the intricate domains of PFDs. Using common terminology for PFDs could help all healthcare providers, families, and researchers to better understand and address PFDs.

Background: The first year of life is the period of greatest brain plasticity. Postpartum depression can adversely affect the first interactions with the child and, consequently, their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Objectives: First, to describe the developmental profile of six-month-old infants of mothers suffering from severe postpartum depression, and, second, to compare the development of infants whose mothers suffer from depression with or without bipolar disorder. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study on 6-month-old babies hospitalized with their mothers at the Marseille Mother–Baby Unit (MBU) for maternal postpartum depression with or without bipolar disorder. Mothers were clinically diagnosed by a psychiatrist specialized in postpartum depression using the DSM-5; infant development was assessed at 6 months by an independent health professional using the revised Brunet–Lézine Scale, which allowed the calculation of global and partial developmental quotients (DQ). Results: We followed 40 mother–infant dyads. None of the 40 infants had a global developmental delay. However, maternal depression was significantly associated with poorer sociability (mean sociability DQ score of 94 ± 9.6, p < 0.001) and lower postural development (mean postural DQ score of 96.2 ± 8.9 *, p < 0.001) in the infants at 6 months of age. Postural development was significantly lower in children of bipolar mothers than in children of non-bipolar mothers (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Postpartum depression was associated with a weakness in sociability and posture at the age of 6 months, without relevant developmental delay. Screening infants at an early age with specific tools allows for earlier intervention, which would positively influence their developmental trajectory.

Background: Social Communication Disorder (SCD), introduced in the DSM-5, is distinguished from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by the absence of restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests (RRBIs). Aim: To compare the adaptive, sensory, communication, and cognitive profiles of children with ASD and SCD. Methods: The assessments of nine children with SCD and ten with ASD were compared with either Fisher’s Exact Test or the Mann–Whitney Test. Assessments included the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the Short Sensory Profile, Bishop’s Children’s Communication Checklist, a pragmatics evaluation, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV. Results: The total ADOS score and the second subtotal “Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors” were significantly higher (p = 0.022) in the ASD group than in the SCD group. The Vineland standard score for the “Socialization” domain was significantly lower (p = 0.037) in the ASD group (mean: 51 +/− 19) than in the SCD group (mean: 80 +/− 28). The working memory index score was also significantly lower (p = 0.013) in the ASD group compared to the SCD group. Conclusions: While ASD and SCD share similarities in communication and pragmatic difficulties, some distinctions have been identified, e.g. in executive functioning and the impact on socialization, which may be linked to the absence of RRBIs in SCD. These findings highlight the challenges posed by this nosographic separation during diagnostic evaluations due to the scarcity of discriminative tools.

The court trial of the 14th of July 2016 terrorist attack in Nice (France) opened in September 2022 and ended in December 2022. Engaging in court proceedings, whether as a victim or a witness, can lead to a significant risk of traumatic reactivation (i.e., the re-emergence of post-traumatic stress symptoms). The present protocol aimed to improve knowledge of the pathophysiology of traumatic reactivation due to the media coverage of the trial by assessing sleep disturbances and somatic symptoms that could reappear if there is a traumatic reactivation. Method and Analysis: This is a monocentric longitudinal study, with recruitment solely planned at the Nice Pediatric Psychotrauma Center (NPPC). We intended to include 100 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years who were directly or indirectly exposed to the attack and included in the “14-7” program). Assessments began one month before the trial, in August 2022, and were scheduled once a month until the end of the trial. A smartwatch recorded sleep activity. Somatic and PTSD symptoms and sleep were assessed through validated questionnaires. The main analyses comprised the variance and regression analyses of predictors of clinical evolution over time. Ethics and Dissemination: The National Ethics Committee “NORD OUEST III” approved the “14-7” program protocol (number 2017-A02212-51). The specific amendment for this research was approved in April 2022 by the same national ethical committee. Inclusions started in August 2022.