The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) recently launched 2 new studies:

On October 1, the CPSP launched a multi-year study on acute life-threatening harms related to the illicit/non-medical use of opioids, stimulants or sedatives by youth. Illicit drug overdose is a public health emergency in Canada, with limited evidence outlining risk factors, best practice, and outcomes. This study will collect important case-based data to inform future research and practice.  

On November 1, the CPSP launched a multi-year study on Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnosis in school-age children. The aim of the study is to improve the understanding of the scope and severity of new cases of FASD diagnosed across Canada and practices that led to the diagnosis while providing needed evidence to support prevention, diagnosis and health care services.

The 2023 CPSP Annual Results are now available. The report includes preliminary results on several studies including Post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID) and adverse events related to virtual care, and final data on congenital syphilis and first-time hospitalizations for anorexia nervosa during the COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to sincerely thank all who participated in the program in 2023 and continue to report cases in 2024.

The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) is looking for investigators to initiate new studies for active surveillance of low-frequency, high-impact diseases and conditions that affect Canadian children and youth. Interested investigators should contact the CPSP to discuss topics of interest and to submit their proposals before February 17, 2025 for consideration at the Spring CPSP Scientific Steering Committee meeting.