Connective tissue disorders present with widespread manifestations involving the skin, joints, ligaments, blood vessels and other organ systems and can be associated with significant disability and life-threatening complications. Important disorders in this group include cutis laxa, wrinkly skin syndrome and geroderma osteodysplasticum. This article reports on a newborn baby with geroderma osteodysplasticum to raise awareness of this rare condition and the challenges faced by affected children and their families.

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This article reports on a case of a preterm baby who, post-routine insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), showed an unusual catheter route and tip placement revealing an unsuspected cardiac variant of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). We discuss the condition, our management and its effects on vascular access in this unusual case.

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Oral mass in a newborn is rare but often quite daunting, leading to anxiety in parents. Very few hospitals have dental or maxillofacial facilities on site and this may lead to delayed diagnosis and intervention. A thorough clinical examination and knowledge of the oral mass is essential for precise diagnosis, management and parental reassurance. In this review article, we present a newborn baby with congenital epulis – an oral mass arising from the alveolar ridge. We also summarise the differential diagnoses based on location and consistency of the oral masses in this age group.

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It is well known that the mental health of both parents, especially in the early post-partum period, can have a significant negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of an infant. There is growing evidence that fathers can experience trauma, potentially resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the complicated delivery of their child. Currently there is little research that has been conducted on the prevalence of PTSD in these fathers, or the need for them to be treated accordingly. An extensive literature review was conducted to assess the current status of the research in this field; the clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

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