A new study by researchers at Leeds University has found that the number of children in England who have life-limiting conditions (LLCs) is not only much higher than previously thought but also increasing.

Historically, the number of children requiring or receiving palliative care in England has been under-estimated due to the fact that there is no national database for this information.
The authors sought to address this knowledge gap by analysing hospital admission records from 2000-2010 and coding the medical conditions treated. The prevalence of life-limiting conditions amongst under-19s in 2010 was 32 in 10,000 – up from 25 per 10,000 a decade before.

There were also notable differences between ethnic groups, with prevalences in the South Asian (48 per 10,000) and black (42 per 10,000) populations significantly higher than that of the white population (27 per 10,000).

The fact that much of the increase was within the 16-19 age group may indicate that increased survival to late teens – rather than increasing incidence – of LLCs may be the main cause of the increase.

The study also highlights the pressing need to strengthen capacity for paediatric palliative care in England.