World journal of clinical pediatrics最新文献

Background: Chronic idiopathic uveitis (CIU) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (U-JIA) are both vision-threatening conditions that share similar autoimmune mechanisms, but treatment approaches differ significantly. In managing U-JIA, various treatment options are employed, including biological and non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs are effective in clinical trials. Given the lack of established diagnostic and treatment guidelines as well as the limited number of therapeutic options available, patients with CIU frequently do not receive optimal and timely immunosuppression. This study highlighted the necessity for additional research to develop novel diagnostic techniques, targeted therapies, and enhanced treatment outcomes for young individuals with CIU.

Aim: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of U-JIA and CIU.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 110 pediatric patients (under 18 years old) with U-JIA and 40 pediatric patients with CIU. Data was collected between 2012 and 2023. The study focused on demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome variables.

Results: The median onset age of arthritis was 6.4 years (2.7 years; 9.3 years). In 28.2% of cases uveitis preceded the onset of arthritis. In 17.3% of cases it occurred simultaneously. In 53.6% of cases it followed arthritis. Both groups had similar onset ages, antinuclear antibodies/human leukocyte antigen positivity rates, and ESR levels, with a slight predominance of females (60.9% vs 42.5%, P = 0.062), and higher C-reactive protein levels in the U-JIA group. Anterior uveitis was more prevalent in patients with U-JIA (P = 0.023), although the frequency of symptomatic, unilateral, and complicated forms did not differ significantly. The use of methotrexate (83.8% vs 96.4%) and biologics (64.7% vs 82.1%) was comparable, as was the rate of remission on methotrexate treatment (70.9% vs 56.5%) and biological therapy (77.8% vs 95%), but a immunosuppressive treatment delay in CIU observed. Patients with CIU were less likely to receive methotrexate [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.48, P = 0.005] or biological treatment (HR = 0.42, P = 0.004), but they were more likely to achieve remission with methotrexate (HR = 3.70, P = 0.001).

Conclusion: Treatment of uveitis is often limited to topical measures, which can delay systemic therapy and affect the outcome. Methotrexate and biological agents effectively manage eye inflammation. It is essential to develop standardized protocols for the diagnosis and management of uveitis, and collaboration between rheumatologists and ophthalmologists is needed to achieve optimal outcomes in the treatment of CIU.

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are one of the most frequent causes of childhood school leave and morbidity.

Aim: To study the present trend of medications' prescribing pattern utilized in URTIs among the pediatric population attending outpatient clinics in pediatric hospitals.

Methods: This analytical observational cross-sectional research was conducted in 200 children aged 1-10 years with URTIs attending the pediatric outpatient clinics in pediatric hospitals, one of which is an educational hospital, from July 2018 to August 2020.

Results: Most of the prescriptions in our study included antibiotics (116/58%). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic family was ampicillin/sulbactam or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (53/26.5%), followed by first-generation cephalosporin (25/12.5%) and third-generation cephalosporin (20/10%). Macrolides and second-generation cephalosporins were prescribed less frequently, in 16 (8%) and 2 (1%) patients, respectively. Most of our study population (155/77.5%) was satisfied with their prescriptions, whereas the rest of the study population (45/22.5%) was unsatisfied.

Conclusion: Overprescription of antibiotics is a significant issue among clinicians in pediatric outpatient clinics. Stewardship of drugs, particularly antibiotics, is a must to prevent the development of drug resistance. Most cases of URTIs were treated in accordance with the existing national treatment guidelines.

Background: Prevalence of the main rheumatic diseases in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) [RS(Y)], one of the regions of the Russian Federation, differs from the other regions of the Russian Federation due to its ethnic and geographic features. Knowledge regarding the prevalence and structure of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) allows us to shape the work of the pediatric rheumatology service in the region correctly, and optimize the healthcare system and the need for medications.

Aim: To describe the epidemiological, demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of children with JIA in the RS(Y) and evaluate the main outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study assessed all the data from the medical histories of the patients (n = 225) diagnosed with JIA (2016-2023) in the Cardiorheumatology Department of the M.E. Nikolaev National Center of Medicine. Pearson's χ² test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results: The ethnic prevalence of JIA is higher in Sakha than in Russian children at 110.1 per 100000 children and 69.4 per 100000 children, respectively. The prevalence of JIA among boys and girls in Sakha was similar, unlike in Russians, where the number of girls predominated. The JIA categories were as follows: (1) Systemic arthritis: 3.5%; (2) Oligoarthritis (persistent and extended): 33.8%; (3) Rheumatoid factor (RF) (+) polyarthritis: 0.9%; (4) RF (-) polyarthritis: 14.7%; (5) Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA): 44%; and (6) Psoriatic arthritis: 3.1%. Prevalence of the ERA category was 4.4 times higher in Sakha children, but the prevalence of systemic arthritis was 2.9 times lower compared to Russians (P = 0.0005). The frequency of uveitis was 10.2%, and the frequency of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27 was 39.6% in JIA children. Biologic treatment was received by 40.4% of JIA children and 45.3% achieved remission.

Conclusion: Higher JIA prevalence, male and ERA predominance, related to a higher frequency of HLA B27 are typical in RS(Y). These data might improve the pediatric rheumatology health service.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects both adults and children, although the symptoms differ significantly between these groups. While adults typically experience heartburn and regurgitation, children may present with more subtle signs, such as failure to thrive, chronic cough, wheezing, and Sandifer syndrome. Diagnosing GERD in children necessitates a multifaceted approach due to the diverse symptomatology and challenges in communication. Clinical assessment serves as the cornerstone of diagnosis, supported by tools like pH monitoring, esophageal impedance testing, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Imaging studies, such as barium swallow, can also provide valuable insights into anatomical abnormalities and the extent of reflux. Treatment strategies for pediatric GERD include lifestyle adjustments, pharmacotherapy, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Lifestyle adjustments may involve changes in feeding patterns, positional therapy, and weight management. Pharmacological options range from acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors or histamine-2 receptor antagonists to surgical procedures like fundoplication for refractory cases. Personalized management is essential, considering the child's age, symptom severity, and the presence of complications. This article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of pediatric GERD by utilizing current research to enhance clinical approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Background: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is a common condition in infants, requiring alternative protein sources in their diets. Soya milk has become a popular substitute, especially in developing countries where it is a more affordable option compared to expensive hypoallergenic feeds for infants with insufficient breast milk supply. However, recent observations have shown an increase in soya cross-allergic reactions among infants with CMA.

Aim: To determine how often infants diagnosed with CMA also had soya cross-allergy and to examine the symptoms and outcomes of these infants at 2 years of age.

Methods: Data from two pediatric centers were analyzed, looking at clinical records of children under 2 years old diagnosed with CMA from August 2015 to July 2023, divided into two four-year periods.

Results: The records of 432 infants with CMA were analyzed. In the first four-year period from August 2015 to July 2019, 142 infants were studied, with 27 (19%) found to have soya-protein allergy as well. In the second four-year period, a total of 290 infants were studied, and soya allergy was found in 136 babies (47%). This represents a significant increase (P < 0.0001) in cases of soya protein cross-allergy among infants with CMA. The most common symptoms observed were gastroesophageal reflux disorder (39%), followed by failure to thrive, bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, and constipation. At 2 years of age, these infants showed significant growth failure compared to infants with CMA only.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of being cautious when using soy protein in infants with cow's milk protein allergy, especially in areas where cost is a major concern.

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. It is more commonly diagnosed in children presenting typical clinical signs and symptoms but most of the CD patients diagnosed in the developed world are silent cases with no prominent gastrointestinal features. Thus, there are silent forms of the disease in which oral manifestations are the first sign. In the pediatric population oral health can affect growth and self-esteem and have a negative impact in their life quality.

Aim: To assess the prevalence and types of oral manifestations in pediatric patients with CD.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scielo, Cochrane Library and Lilacs databases from 2014-2024. Three independent researchers screened and extracted the information, applying the eligibility criteria and bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools.

Results: Of the initial 241 articles, 14 studies fulfilled the proposed objectives and were included in the review. The main oral manifestations found were recurrent aphthous stomatitis and enamel defects. Additionally, delayed tooth eruption, angular cheilitis, glossodynia and xerostomia were also reported.

Conclusion: Assessing oral manifestations is crucial, especially in underdiagnosed cases of children with CD. Recognizing these signs helps pediatricians or general practitioners identify them during routine exams, enabling early diagnosis and treatment to prevent negative impacts on the child's and family's quality of life.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing among adolescents, but paediatric risk predictors are relatively underdeveloped. This study aimed to establish the associations of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with fasting plasma glucose in 418 Nigerian adolescents aged 11 years to 19 years. Using a cross-sectional design, participants were stratified by VAI and CRF tertiles to examine variations in impaired fasting glucose (IFG) risk. The findings of this study revealed significant gender differences: In the case of boys, high VAI and low CRF is associated with IFG, while no association was present in girls. CRF, measured by the 20-meter shuttle run, was a stronger predictor of IFG than VAI, suggesting that physical fitness is a protective factor against glucose dysregulation. These findings point to VAI and CRF as useful, non-invasive predictors of risk for T2DM in youth, supporting school-based fitness programs that promote CRF and attenuate visceral adiposity, particularly in males. Future work must validate these predictors across various ethnic populations and identify other risk factors that can augment plans for early interventions aimed at the prevention of adolescent T2DM.

The term disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) encompasses gastrointestinal disorders that globally affect more than one third of all people. The Rome IV criteria replaced the former term "functional gastrointestinal disorders." DGBIs can seriously challenge health and quality of life (QoL). A traditional but outdated approach differentiated "organic" vs "functional" disorders, seen by some as real vs psychiatric or undefined ones. This traditional distinction did not help patients whose health and QoL are seriously affected. DGBIs include motility disturbance; visceral hypersensitivity; altered mucosal and immune function; altered central nervous system processing, and more. Several DGBIs affect both children and adolescents. DGBIs are characterized by clusters of symptoms. Their pathophysiology relates to combinations of altered motility, visceral sensitivity, mucosal immune function, and more. Routine investigations find no structural abnormality that would easily explain the symptoms. Symptom-based criteria were developed to better understand patients where no mechanistic explanation was available for clinical practice and inclusion into clinical trials. To understand DGBIs and to find ways to treat them, these rigid mechanistic views fall short.

Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children present with chronic symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation without identifiable structural abnormalities. These disorders are closely linked to gut-brain axis dysfunction, altered gut microbiota, and psychosocial stress, leading to psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Understanding this bidirectional relationship is crucial for developing effective, holistic management strategies that address physical and mental health.

Aim: To examine the psychiatric impacts of FGIDs in children, focusing on anxiety and depression and their association with other neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, emphasizing the role of the gut-brain axis, emotional dysregulation, and psychosocial stress. Key mechanisms explored include neurotransmitter dysregulation, microbiota imbalance, central sensitization, heightening stress reactivity, emotional dysregulation, and symptom perception. The review also evaluates the role of family dynamics and coping strategies in exacerbating FGID symptoms and contributing to psychiatric conditions.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted using 328 studies sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering research published over the past 20 years. Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining FGID diagnosis, gut-brain mechanisms, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial factors in pediatric populations. FGIDs commonly affecting children, including functional constipation, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, and cyclic vomiting syndrome, were analyzed concerning their psychological impacts.

Results: The review highlights a strong connection between FGIDs and psychiatric symptoms, mediated by gut-brain axis dysfunction, dysregulated microbiota, and central sensitization. These physiological disruptions increase children's vulnerability to anxiety and depression, while psychosocial factors - such as chronic stress, early-life trauma, maladaptive family dynamics, and ineffective coping strategies - intensify the cycle of gastrointestinal and emotional distress.

Conclusion: Effective management of FGIDs requires a biopsychosocial approach integrating medical, psychological, and dietary interventions. Parental education, early intervention, and multidisciplinary care coordination are critical in mitigating long-term psychological impacts and improving both gastrointestinal and mental health outcomes in children with FGIDs.

Background: Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a clinically heterogeneous entity characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction, relative macrocephaly at birth, distinct facial features, and body asymmetry combined with other malformations.

Case summary: Herein, we describe four individuals with SRS, focusing on their prenatal phenotype, postnatal presentation, diagnosis, and management. All cases had a typical phenotype, including postnatal growth failure, short stature (chronic malnutrition), and protruding forehead. Individually, they presented with feeding difficulties, leg length discrepancy, triangular face, or relative macrocephaly at birth, and each one exhibited distinct SRS features, including motor and/or speech delay, experiencing frequent hypoglycemic episodes. The fact that each patient exhibited a different combination of clinical findings underlines the heterogeneity of the syndrome.

Conclusion: SRS is diagnosed clinically. However, only 60% of cases are genetically confirmed, while most are sporadic. Although SRS is a well-described syndrome, a delayed diagnosis can have grave consequences on a child's growth. Recombinant human growth hormone treatment is often initiated shortly after the diagnosis. The follow-up requires a multidisciplinary approach.