Pub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.2174/0115733963309043240703115735
Gayathri Gunasekaran, Dinesh Kumar Thirugnanam, Ashwath Balasubramaniam, N Nalini Jayanthi, K V Leela
The study presents a thorough examination of immune responses in pediatric populations within slum areas, specifically addressing respiratory infections. It explores the impact of slum conditions on respiratory health, detailing the epidemiology of infections, including common pathogens and environmental factors. The review delves into the etiology, clinical manifestations, and challenges associated with viral respiratory infections, co-infections, and complications in slum environments. The discussion extends to immune responses in pediatric respiratory infections, emphasizing unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment within slum areas. Prevention and intervention strategies are highlighted, encompassing vaccination programs, health education, and improving living conditions. It underscores the importance of targeted interventions, accounting for socio-economic factors, community-based strategies, and culturally sensitive approaches. It proposes the exploration of novel approaches and the development of vaccines tailored to prevalent respiratory pathogens in slum settings. Furthermore, the feasibility and impact of routine immunization programs, emphasizing accessibility, acceptance, and long-term sustainability are explored. It advocates strengthening primary healthcare systems, investing in healthcare workforce training, and improving diagnostic facilities. The potential of digital health technologies in enhancing surveillance, early detection, and the development of mobile applications or telemedicine platforms is discussed. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the multifaceted challenges faced by children in slum areas regarding respiratory infections, necessitating informed, interdisciplinary interventions. Addressing healthcare disparities, improving living conditions, and enhancing vaccination coverage are deemed crucial for mitigating the burden of respiratory infections. This review calls for collaborative efforts among researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for enhanced respiratory health in slum-dwelling pediatric populations.
{"title":"Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Pediatric Populations of Slum Areas: Navigating Challenges and Dynamics of Immune Responses.","authors":"Gayathri Gunasekaran, Dinesh Kumar Thirugnanam, Ashwath Balasubramaniam, N Nalini Jayanthi, K V Leela","doi":"10.2174/0115733963309043240703115735","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963309043240703115735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study presents a thorough examination of immune responses in pediatric populations within slum areas, specifically addressing respiratory infections. It explores the impact of slum conditions on respiratory health, detailing the epidemiology of infections, including common pathogens and environmental factors. The review delves into the etiology, clinical manifestations, and challenges associated with viral respiratory infections, co-infections, and complications in slum environments. The discussion extends to immune responses in pediatric respiratory infections, emphasizing unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment within slum areas. Prevention and intervention strategies are highlighted, encompassing vaccination programs, health education, and improving living conditions. It underscores the importance of targeted interventions, accounting for socio-economic factors, community-based strategies, and culturally sensitive approaches. It proposes the exploration of novel approaches and the development of vaccines tailored to prevalent respiratory pathogens in slum settings. Furthermore, the feasibility and impact of routine immunization programs, emphasizing accessibility, acceptance, and long-term sustainability are explored. It advocates strengthening primary healthcare systems, investing in healthcare workforce training, and improving diagnostic facilities. The potential of digital health technologies in enhancing surveillance, early detection, and the development of mobile applications or telemedicine platforms is discussed. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the multifaceted challenges faced by children in slum areas regarding respiratory infections, necessitating informed, interdisciplinary interventions. Addressing healthcare disparities, improving living conditions, and enhancing vaccination coverage are deemed crucial for mitigating the burden of respiratory infections. This review calls for collaborative efforts among researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for enhanced respiratory health in slum-dwelling pediatric populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141787540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.2174/0115733963316599240704061209
Pietro Ferrara, Ignazio Cammisa, Margherita Zona, Ivana Pacucci, Maria Teresa Grimaldi, Francesca Scaltrito, Ida Giardino, Alberto Verrotti, Massimo Pettoello-Mantovani
Child maltreatment is a widespread global issue involving any form of harm or neglect by a parent or caregiver, leading to various forms of physical or emotional damage, with approximately 150 million affected children globally. This study discusses the potential mechanism of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction and cortisol hormone changes in linking child maltreatment to mental health disorders. It also discusses supportive strategies to prevent mental diseases and counteract the biological embedding of these conditions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions to address the long-term impact of child maltreatment on mental health. Articles were selected using established methods previously described. Key information was obtained from scientific articles published during the past 20 years, including original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Articles search was performed using top academic search engines. While research on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to stress in maltreated children is ongoing and far from conclusive, its impact and implications for physiological functioning and the predisposition to psychopathology are significant. Childhood maltreatment increases the risk of psychiatric illnesses, severity of diseases, and poor treatment responses. Childhood maltreatment manifests as disruptions to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning, with the extent varying based on factors, such as the age of onset, parental responsiveness, and the type and characteristics of maltreatment. The complex interplay of these factors contributes to the diversity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to stress in maltreated children, creating a spectrum of physiological functioning and vulnerability to psychopathology.
{"title":"Child Maltreatment and Psychopathology: A Brief Review on the Potential Role of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis.","authors":"Pietro Ferrara, Ignazio Cammisa, Margherita Zona, Ivana Pacucci, Maria Teresa Grimaldi, Francesca Scaltrito, Ida Giardino, Alberto Verrotti, Massimo Pettoello-Mantovani","doi":"10.2174/0115733963316599240704061209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963316599240704061209","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Child maltreatment is a widespread global issue involving any form of harm or neglect by a parent or caregiver, leading to various forms of physical or emotional damage, with approximately 150 million affected children globally. This study discusses the potential mechanism of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction and cortisol hormone changes in linking child maltreatment to mental health disorders. It also discusses supportive strategies to prevent mental diseases and counteract the biological embedding of these conditions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions to address the long-term impact of child maltreatment on mental health. Articles were selected using established methods previously described. Key information was obtained from scientific articles published during the past 20 years, including original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Articles search was performed using top academic search engines. While research on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to stress in maltreated children is ongoing and far from conclusive, its impact and implications for physiological functioning and the predisposition to psychopathology are significant. Childhood maltreatment increases the risk of psychiatric illnesses, severity of diseases, and poor treatment responses. Childhood maltreatment manifests as disruptions to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning, with the extent varying based on factors, such as the age of onset, parental responsiveness, and the type and characteristics of maltreatment. The complex interplay of these factors contributes to the diversity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to stress in maltreated children, creating a spectrum of physiological functioning and vulnerability to psychopathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141787541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-26DOI: 10.2174/0115733963298903240614072717
Layan Sameer Almintakh, Mariam Fahad Al Dossary, Abrar Mohmmadjamal Altesha, Rayanah Fahad Alqahtani, Samiah Mohammad Alsomali, Nuzhat Banu, Mohammad Daud Ali, Ayaz Ahmed
<p><strong>Background: </strong>An off-label medication involves the use of an approved drug for an unapproved indication, population, route of administration, or dosage.The physiological state of children differs from that of adults, making the adult formulation potentially dangerous to children. Off-label prescribing is quite common in children due to challenges in the development of pediatric formulations. The current study was conducted to determine the awareness, practice, and views of pediatricians, general physicians, and pharmacists about prescribing Off-label medication to pediatric patients in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire was conducted among pediatricians, general physicians, and pharmacists (clinical and community) in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis was conducted using the data exported from Google Forms (Mountain View, California, USA) and Microsoft Excel (Version 2016) and then exported into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 (IBM, Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Chi-square was deemed suitable. The level of significance was set at 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the study participants, 53(35.09%) were pharmacists, followed by 24(15.89%) others, 22(14.565) pediatricians, 19(12.58%) other specialists, 17(11.25%) general physicians, and 16(10.59%) were clinical pharmacist. About 73(48.34%) described the definition of off-label correctly. About 114(75.49%) believed that parents and guardians must be informed about off-label medicine prescribed to their children. About 52(34.43%) had concerns about the safety of the medication, and 98(64.90%) believed they should be tested in pediatrics during clinical trials. Further, 97(64.23%) considered themselves not enough knowledgeable about off-label medications. The barriers reported by the participants were as follows: 89(58.945%) said lack of information resources, 71(47.01%) said lack of training, 56(37.08%) said lack of information on the safety of excipients used in pediatrics, 47(31.12%) said lack of formulary, 44(29.13%) said lack of guidelines, and 58(5.29%) said lack of information related to the safety of excipient concentration in pediatrics. The proportion of healthcare professionals who agreed that excipients in adult medication may be harmful to pediatrics was 103(68.21%). The drugs most often prescribed as off-label were paracetamol 54(21.68%), followed by Phenobarbital 35(14%), and Amoxicillin 33(13.25%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There are a considerable number of healthcare professionals unaware of the description of off-label medication. The majority have concerns over the safety and efficacy of the off-label drugs and believe that most frequently used off-label drugs in pediatrics must be tested in pediatrics during clinical trials. In addition, excipient safety data are of considerable importance to ensure off-label drug safety in pedi
{"title":"Awareness, Practice, and Views of Pediatricians, General Physicians, and Pharmacists about Prescribing Off-label Medication in Pediatric Patients in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Layan Sameer Almintakh, Mariam Fahad Al Dossary, Abrar Mohmmadjamal Altesha, Rayanah Fahad Alqahtani, Samiah Mohammad Alsomali, Nuzhat Banu, Mohammad Daud Ali, Ayaz Ahmed","doi":"10.2174/0115733963298903240614072717","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963298903240614072717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>An off-label medication involves the use of an approved drug for an unapproved indication, population, route of administration, or dosage.The physiological state of children differs from that of adults, making the adult formulation potentially dangerous to children. Off-label prescribing is quite common in children due to challenges in the development of pediatric formulations. The current study was conducted to determine the awareness, practice, and views of pediatricians, general physicians, and pharmacists about prescribing Off-label medication to pediatric patients in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire was conducted among pediatricians, general physicians, and pharmacists (clinical and community) in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis was conducted using the data exported from Google Forms (Mountain View, California, USA) and Microsoft Excel (Version 2016) and then exported into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 (IBM, Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Chi-square was deemed suitable. The level of significance was set at 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the study participants, 53(35.09%) were pharmacists, followed by 24(15.89%) others, 22(14.565) pediatricians, 19(12.58%) other specialists, 17(11.25%) general physicians, and 16(10.59%) were clinical pharmacist. About 73(48.34%) described the definition of off-label correctly. About 114(75.49%) believed that parents and guardians must be informed about off-label medicine prescribed to their children. About 52(34.43%) had concerns about the safety of the medication, and 98(64.90%) believed they should be tested in pediatrics during clinical trials. Further, 97(64.23%) considered themselves not enough knowledgeable about off-label medications. The barriers reported by the participants were as follows: 89(58.945%) said lack of information resources, 71(47.01%) said lack of training, 56(37.08%) said lack of information on the safety of excipients used in pediatrics, 47(31.12%) said lack of formulary, 44(29.13%) said lack of guidelines, and 58(5.29%) said lack of information related to the safety of excipient concentration in pediatrics. The proportion of healthcare professionals who agreed that excipients in adult medication may be harmful to pediatrics was 103(68.21%). The drugs most often prescribed as off-label were paracetamol 54(21.68%), followed by Phenobarbital 35(14%), and Amoxicillin 33(13.25%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There are a considerable number of healthcare professionals unaware of the description of off-label medication. The majority have concerns over the safety and efficacy of the off-label drugs and believe that most frequently used off-label drugs in pediatrics must be tested in pediatrics during clinical trials. In addition, excipient safety data are of considerable importance to ensure off-label drug safety in pedi","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141455827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-20DOI: 10.2174/0115733963271997240605103909
Muntadhar Muhammad Isa, Maimun Syukri, Muchlisin Za, Gunadi, Dian Adi Syahputra, T Yusriadi, Yumna Muzakkir, Siti Maghfirah
Introduction: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of Hirschsprung's Disease (HD) in patients aged<18 who underwent surgical procedure at Dr. Zainoel Abidin (RSUDZA) General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, between January 2010 and December 2020.
Methods: This retrospective study collected and analyzed data from medical records of 18-yearold or younger children (n = 180) diagnosed with HD at RSUDZA. The surgical procedures included the Duhamel procedure, Soave procedure, the Soave Transanal Endorectal Pull-through (TEPT) procedure, and the Swenson TEPT procedure. Early outcomes of the surgery were then compared between males and females. The comparrative analysis was determined based on Chisquare analysis, where p< 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: There were 111 (61.7%) male patients and 69 (38.3%) female patients, with a mean age of 15.2 months. The Soave TEPT is the most frequently performed procedure (91.7%). Emerging clinical manifestations include constipation (176; 97.8%) and soiling (171; 95%). Preoperative barium enema and postoperative pathological examination confirmed that almost all patients (99.4%) had an aganglionic segment confined to the rectosigmoid area. The average length of operation was 69.7 ± 65 minutes and average bleeding time was 5.4 ± 34 mL. The average discharge time was 3.3 ± 73.3 days. No significant difference was found in post-surgery complications between males and females (p<0.5). The immediate complications were not associated with surgical methods (p = 0.83).
Conclusion: Our descriptive study has suggested the Soave TEPT technique as appropriate to manage HD.
{"title":"Early Outcomes of Hirschsprung's Disease after Definitive Surgery: A Ten-Year Experience.","authors":"Muntadhar Muhammad Isa, Maimun Syukri, Muchlisin Za, Gunadi, Dian Adi Syahputra, T Yusriadi, Yumna Muzakkir, Siti Maghfirah","doi":"10.2174/0115733963271997240605103909","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963271997240605103909","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study aimed to examine the characteristics of Hirschsprung's Disease (HD) in patients aged<18 who underwent surgical procedure at Dr. Zainoel Abidin (RSUDZA) General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, between January 2010 and December 2020.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study collected and analyzed data from medical records of 18-yearold or younger children (n = 180) diagnosed with HD at RSUDZA. The surgical procedures included the Duhamel procedure, Soave procedure, the Soave Transanal Endorectal Pull-through (TEPT) procedure, and the Swenson TEPT procedure. Early outcomes of the surgery were then compared between males and females. The comparrative analysis was determined based on Chisquare analysis, where p< 0.05 was considered significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 111 (61.7%) male patients and 69 (38.3%) female patients, with a mean age of 15.2 months. The Soave TEPT is the most frequently performed procedure (91.7%). Emerging clinical manifestations include constipation (176; 97.8%) and soiling (171; 95%). Preoperative barium enema and postoperative pathological examination confirmed that almost all patients (99.4%) had an aganglionic segment confined to the rectosigmoid area. The average length of operation was 69.7 ± 65 minutes and average bleeding time was 5.4 ± 34 mL. The average discharge time was 3.3 ± 73.3 days. No significant difference was found in post-surgery complications between males and females (p<0.5). The immediate complications were not associated with surgical methods (p = 0.83).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our descriptive study has suggested the Soave TEPT technique as appropriate to manage HD.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141442299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-14DOI: 10.2174/0115733963285237240524042142
Ana Flávia Conegundes, Isadora Garcia, Bárbara Miranda, Arthur Borges, André Sanglard, Gabriel Ferreira, Rafael Borges, Ana Cristina Simões E Silva
The Prune-Belly (Eagle-Barrett) syndrome (PBS) is a congenital and genetically heterogeneous disease, more prevalent in males, defined by the clinical triad (1) deficiency of abdominal muscles, (2) bilateral cryptorchidism, and (3) urinary tract abnormalities. The abdomen of an infant with PBS has a typical appearance, similar to the aspect of a prune, which gives it its name. Although the etiology of this disorder is still unknown, numerous theories, mutations, and genetic disturbances have been proposed to explain the origin of PBS. Prognosis can differ a lot from one patient to another, since this condition has a wide spectrum of clinical presentation. Despite being a rare condition, the importance of PBS should not be underestimated, in the light of the potential of the disorder to lead to chronic kidney disease and other severe complications. In that regard, this review gathers the most up-to-date knowledge about the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis of PBS.
{"title":"Prune-Belly Syndrome: An Update.","authors":"Ana Flávia Conegundes, Isadora Garcia, Bárbara Miranda, Arthur Borges, André Sanglard, Gabriel Ferreira, Rafael Borges, Ana Cristina Simões E Silva","doi":"10.2174/0115733963285237240524042142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963285237240524042142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Prune-Belly (Eagle-Barrett) syndrome (PBS) is a congenital and genetically heterogeneous disease, more prevalent in males, defined by the clinical triad (1) deficiency of abdominal muscles, (2) bilateral cryptorchidism, and (3) urinary tract abnormalities. The abdomen of an infant with PBS has a typical appearance, similar to the aspect of a prune, which gives it its name. Although the etiology of this disorder is still unknown, numerous theories, mutations, and genetic disturbances have been proposed to explain the origin of PBS. Prognosis can differ a lot from one patient to another, since this condition has a wide spectrum of clinical presentation. Despite being a rare condition, the importance of PBS should not be underestimated, in the light of the potential of the disorder to lead to chronic kidney disease and other severe complications. In that regard, this review gathers the most up-to-date knowledge about the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis of PBS.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141327377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-20DOI: 10.2174/0115733963271787240509073056
Kam Lun Hon, Alexander K C Leung, Paul K S Chan, Su Yun Qian, Kin Tak Wong
Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic was caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which then became an endemic infection. COVID refers to the World Health Organization's coined acronym for coronavirus disease.
Case presentation: We have, herein, reported three cases of coronavirus diseases that could have been misdiagnosed as COVID-19. All of these families reported previous COVID-19 infection based on self-administered Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) and completed a period of home isolation. In the current presentation, one child had an RSV-associated asthma attack, one had norovirus gastritis, and another had an infection with Campylobacter and E. coli. NL63, OC43, and 229E, respectively, were found by PCR in these patients.
Discussion: Seven human coronaviruses cause infectious diseases, including in children. Confusion and issues associated with coronavirus disease diagnosis by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) may arise. Some RATs are Antigen Fluorescent Immunoassays (FIA) that target monoclonal antibodies for the detection of viral nucleocapsid protein. Others target the non-nucleocapsid proteins. False positivity is possible. False negativity is also possible if the specimen's antigen level is below the test's detection limit. RAT results usually remain positive for 6 to 7 days, but they may stay positive as long as 2 weeks. Stigmatization with the COVID-19 diagnosis may occur. The PCR test is a highly sensitive 'gold standard' for the detection of COVID-19, but it can also detect non-infectious individuals' fragmented non-infectious viral nucleic acids, and could be positive for a long period. An individual may be tested positive for a few weeks to months after the individual becomes non-infectious.
Conclusion: The cases presented here had coronavirus diseases other than COVID-19. Coronavirus diseases can be caused by coronavirus variants other than SARS-CoV-2. Co-infections with other pathogens are present in these diseases. PCR testing of non-COVID-19 diseases may help in the accurate diagnosis of these ailments and respiratory co-infections.
{"title":"\"Non-COVID-19\" Coronavirus Diseases Not to be Misdiagnosed as COVID-19.","authors":"Kam Lun Hon, Alexander K C Leung, Paul K S Chan, Su Yun Qian, Kin Tak Wong","doi":"10.2174/0115733963271787240509073056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963271787240509073056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 global pandemic was caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which then became an endemic infection. COVID refers to the World Health Organization's coined acronym for coronavirus disease.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We have, herein, reported three cases of coronavirus diseases that could have been misdiagnosed as COVID-19. All of these families reported previous COVID-19 infection based on self-administered Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) and completed a period of home isolation. In the current presentation, one child had an RSV-associated asthma attack, one had norovirus gastritis, and another had an infection with Campylobacter and E. coli. NL63, OC43, and 229E, respectively, were found by PCR in these patients.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Seven human coronaviruses cause infectious diseases, including in children. Confusion and issues associated with coronavirus disease diagnosis by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) may arise. Some RATs are Antigen Fluorescent Immunoassays (FIA) that target monoclonal antibodies for the detection of viral nucleocapsid protein. Others target the non-nucleocapsid proteins. False positivity is possible. False negativity is also possible if the specimen's antigen level is below the test's detection limit. RAT results usually remain positive for 6 to 7 days, but they may stay positive as long as 2 weeks. Stigmatization with the COVID-19 diagnosis may occur. The PCR test is a highly sensitive 'gold standard' for the detection of COVID-19, but it can also detect non-infectious individuals' fragmented non-infectious viral nucleic acids, and could be positive for a long period. An individual may be tested positive for a few weeks to months after the individual becomes non-infectious.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The cases presented here had coronavirus diseases other than COVID-19. Coronavirus diseases can be caused by coronavirus variants other than SARS-CoV-2. Co-infections with other pathogens are present in these diseases. PCR testing of non-COVID-19 diseases may help in the accurate diagnosis of these ailments and respiratory co-infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141080989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-14DOI: 10.2174/0115733963298459240508050319
Michael D Santarelli, Kelly A Davis, Ryan J Stark
Surviving near-lethal insults, such as sepsis, trauma, and major surgery is more common due to advances in medical care. The decline in mortality has unmasked a population of chronic critically ill patients, many with the pathological immunophenotype known as Persistent inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome (PICS). Though initially described in adults, many critically ill children exhibit the hallmarks of PICS, including lymphopenia, hyperinflammation, and evidence of ongoing somatic protein catabolism. These patients are plagued with recurrent infections and suffer worse outcomes. There remains a need to understand the pathophysiology underlying this condition to elucidate potential therapies and develop interventions. This perspective provides the most current update of PICS within the pediatric population.
{"title":"Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome in Pediatric Populations: A Brief Perspective.","authors":"Michael D Santarelli, Kelly A Davis, Ryan J Stark","doi":"10.2174/0115733963298459240508050319","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733963298459240508050319","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Surviving near-lethal insults, such as sepsis, trauma, and major surgery is more common due to advances in medical care. The decline in mortality has unmasked a population of chronic critically ill patients, many with the pathological immunophenotype known as Persistent inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome (PICS). Though initially described in adults, many critically ill children exhibit the hallmarks of PICS, including lymphopenia, hyperinflammation, and evidence of ongoing somatic protein catabolism. These patients are plagued with recurrent infections and suffer worse outcomes. There remains a need to understand the pathophysiology underlying this condition to elucidate potential therapies and develop interventions. This perspective provides the most current update of PICS within the pediatric population.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":16.4,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11561154/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140944537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-16DOI: 10.2174/0115733963264010231213103328
Anna Degtyareva, Alina Dokshukina, Elena Filippova, Jekaterina Shubina, Ekaterina Tolmacheva, Igor Sadelov, Marina Albegova, Dmitriy Degtyarev
Background: Cholestatic liver disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and a leading indication for liver transplantation in children. These include diseases, such as biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, sclerosing cholangitis, bile acid synthesis defects, and many others.
Case presentation: NGS was used as a diagnostic tool to identify the genetic cause in the patient with cholestatic syndrome and to figure out and describe what mutation will be found. In the present observation, the cholestasis syndrome with low GGT activity and intense pruritus was the leading symptom of the patient. The examination also revealed other characteristic features of osteo- oto-hepato-enteric syndrome. The patient had facial features that mimicked Alagille syndrome, which complicated the diagnostic search. Moreover, the genetic test revealed two new pathogenic variants in the UNC45A gene.
Conclusion: This clinical observation demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases and using WES, which can accelerate the diagnosis compared with outdated gene panels.
{"title":"Newly Described Mutations of the UNC45A Gene in Infants with Jaundice and Pruritus.","authors":"Anna Degtyareva, Alina Dokshukina, Elena Filippova, Jekaterina Shubina, Ekaterina Tolmacheva, Igor Sadelov, Marina Albegova, Dmitriy Degtyarev","doi":"10.2174/0115733963264010231213103328","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963264010231213103328","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cholestatic liver disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and a leading indication for liver transplantation in children. These include diseases, such as biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, sclerosing cholangitis, bile acid synthesis defects, and many others.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>NGS was used as a diagnostic tool to identify the genetic cause in the patient with cholestatic syndrome and to figure out and describe what mutation will be found. In the present observation, the cholestasis syndrome with low GGT activity and intense pruritus was the leading symptom of the patient. The examination also revealed other characteristic features of osteo- oto-hepato-enteric syndrome. The patient had facial features that mimicked Alagille syndrome, which complicated the diagnostic search. Moreover, the genetic test revealed two new pathogenic variants in the UNC45A gene.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This clinical observation demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases and using WES, which can accelerate the diagnosis compared with outdated gene panels.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139905320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-31DOI: 10.2174/0115733963276045240123154733
Karen K Y Leung, Joanna Y L Tung, Yan Tung Kelly Lee, Stephanie Tsang, Kam Lun Hon
Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication in children with diabetes mellitus. There are considerable differences in the management approaches for DKA between different countries. One of the main areas of differences between guidelines is the administration of fluid, with most guidelines adopting a restrictive approach. This is based on the concern over cerebral oedema, a lethal sequela allegedly to be caused by excessive fluid administration. However, in recent years, new clinical studies suggest that there is no causal relationship between intravenous fluid therapy and DKA-related cerebral injury. The British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology updated its guideline in 2020 to adopt a more permissive approach to fluid administration, which has sparked controversy among some paediatricians.
Objectives: The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review on the management of DKA.
Methods: A PubMed search was performed with clinical queries using the key term "diabetic ketoacidosis". The search strategy included randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, meta-analyses, observational studies, guidelines, and reviews. The search was restricted to English literature and the age range of 18 years and younger. Moreover, we reviewed and compared major guidelines.
Conclusion: The management of DKA involves early recognition, accurate diagnosis, meticulous fluid and insulin treatment with close monitoring of blood glucose, ketones, electrolytes, renal function, and neurological status. There is still limited clinical evidence to support either a restrictive or permissive approach in the fluid management of paediatric DKA patients. Clinicians should exercise caution when applying different guidelines in their clinical practice, considering the specific circumstances of individual paediatric patients.
{"title":"A Narrative Review on Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children.","authors":"Karen K Y Leung, Joanna Y L Tung, Yan Tung Kelly Lee, Stephanie Tsang, Kam Lun Hon","doi":"10.2174/0115733963276045240123154733","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963276045240123154733","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication in children with diabetes mellitus. There are considerable differences in the management approaches for DKA between different countries. One of the main areas of differences between guidelines is the administration of fluid, with most guidelines adopting a restrictive approach. This is based on the concern over cerebral oedema, a lethal sequela allegedly to be caused by excessive fluid administration. However, in recent years, new clinical studies suggest that there is no causal relationship between intravenous fluid therapy and DKA-related cerebral injury. The British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology updated its guideline in 2020 to adopt a more permissive approach to fluid administration, which has sparked controversy among some paediatricians.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review on the management of DKA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A PubMed search was performed with clinical queries using the key term \"diabetic ketoacidosis\". The search strategy included randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, meta-analyses, observational studies, guidelines, and reviews. The search was restricted to English literature and the age range of 18 years and younger. Moreover, we reviewed and compared major guidelines.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The management of DKA involves early recognition, accurate diagnosis, meticulous fluid and insulin treatment with close monitoring of blood glucose, ketones, electrolytes, renal function, and neurological status. There is still limited clinical evidence to support either a restrictive or permissive approach in the fluid management of paediatric DKA patients. Clinicians should exercise caution when applying different guidelines in their clinical practice, considering the specific circumstances of individual paediatric patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139650449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-30DOI: 10.2174/0115733963275007231227051736
Nese Akcan, Ismet Zaimagaoglu
Despite the implementation of global iodine supplementation initiatives in the past decade, the problem of iodine deficiency persists as a significant public health concern in numerous countries. Although cretinism is now rare in developed countries, iodine deficiency can still lead to less severe cognitive deficits, which can negatively impact academic achievement, intellectual capacity, and work productivity. There is a scarcity of studies regarding the status of Cyprus, and the global database does not have any information pertaining to the prevalence of iodine deficiency in Cyprus. The geographical setting of the research is of importance as it pertains to the separation of Cyprus into two distinct areas. One region is predominantly inhabited by Greek Cypriots, where the practice of salt iodization is not mandatory. Conversely, the other region is primarily inhabited by Turkish Cypriots, who may potentially experience higher amounts of iodine contact due to their reliance on food imports from Turkey, where salt-iodisation is compulsory. The main objective of this study is to provide an overview of recent research conducted on the prevalence of iodine deficiency in Cyprus and neighboring Mediterranean nations. In this study, we assess the current method and subsequently offer public health recommendations for future research endeavors.
{"title":"Iodine Status in Cyprus and Neighboring Countries: A Review Article.","authors":"Nese Akcan, Ismet Zaimagaoglu","doi":"10.2174/0115733963275007231227051736","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733963275007231227051736","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the implementation of global iodine supplementation initiatives in the past decade, the problem of iodine deficiency persists as a significant public health concern in numerous countries. Although cretinism is now rare in developed countries, iodine deficiency can still lead to less severe cognitive deficits, which can negatively impact academic achievement, intellectual capacity, and work productivity. There is a scarcity of studies regarding the status of Cyprus, and the global database does not have any information pertaining to the prevalence of iodine deficiency in Cyprus. The geographical setting of the research is of importance as it pertains to the separation of Cyprus into two distinct areas. One region is predominantly inhabited by Greek Cypriots, where the practice of salt iodization is not mandatory. Conversely, the other region is primarily inhabited by Turkish Cypriots, who may potentially experience higher amounts of iodine contact due to their reliance on food imports from Turkey, where salt-iodisation is compulsory. The main objective of this study is to provide an overview of recent research conducted on the prevalence of iodine deficiency in Cyprus and neighboring Mediterranean nations. In this study, we assess the current method and subsequently offer public health recommendations for future research endeavors.</p>","PeriodicalId":11175,"journal":{"name":"Current Pediatric Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139650450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}