Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

Correspondence

Cardiology

The authors reply: Age-, sex-, and height-based blood pressure reference charts, Yazd children 6–18 years, Iran

Seyedeh Mahdieh Namayandeh, Nastran Ahmadi, Seyed Mahmood Sadr

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):414-414. Published online June 14, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2021.01312

General Pediatrics

Letter to the editor: Age-, sex-, and height-based blood pressure reference charts, Yazd children 6-18 years, Iran

Amar Taksande

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):412-413. Published online October 27, 2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2020.02103

Original Article

Critical Care Medicine

Timing of parenteral nutrition initiation in critically ill children: a randomized clinical trial

Nagwan Y. Saleh, Hesham M. Aboelghar, Nehad B. Abdelaty, Mohamed I. Garib, Asmaa A. Mahmoud

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):403-411. Published online June 14, 2023

Question: What is the ideal initiation timing of parenteral nutrition for critically ill children?
Finding: This randomized clinical trial of 140 children examined the effects of an early or late start of parenteral nutrition on mechanical ventilation need (primary outcome) and length of stay and mortality (secondary outcomes).
Meaning: Children who received early versus late parenteral nutrition had lower mechanical ventilation need and duration.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00178

Gastroenterology

Relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperandrogenemia in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

Ozlem Kara, Hanife Aysegul Arsoy, Murat Keskin

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):395-402. Published online June 14, 2023

Question: Is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents?
Finding: The frequency of NAFLD did not increase in adolescents with PCOS. However, hyperandrogenemia was a risk factor for NAFLD.
Meaning: Adolescents with PCOS and hyperandrogenemia should be closely monitored for hepatic steatosis.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00353

Review Article

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Gyu Hong Shim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):384-394. Published online December 28, 2022

· Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is among the most common causes of nongenetic sensorineural hearing loss.
· Congenital CMV is initially treated with intravenous ganciclovir for 2–6 weeks and switched to oral valganciclovir, or with oral valganciclovir for the entire 6-month period.
· Infants with congenital CMV require periodic monitoring of absolute neutrophil count, platelet count, and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, liver function tests, audiological, ophthalmological, and developmental tests during antiviral medication.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01032

Gastroenterology

Prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children

Yu Kyung Cho, Jin Lee, Chang Nyol Paik

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):377-383. Published online August 21, 2023

· Pediatric small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) manifestations range from nonspecific abdominal symptoms to malabsorption or malnutrition.
· SIBO is prevalent in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorders.
· Predisposing factors include disturbed intestinal motility, altered anatomy, and/or abnormal body defense systems against intestinal bacteria.
· Breath tests are safe and noninvasive.
· Treatment principles include managing predisposing conditions, nutritional support, symptom control, and antibiotics.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.00969

Other

Hearing loss in neonates and infants

Goun Choe, Su-Kyoung Park, Bong Jik Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):369-376. Published online January 9, 2023

Cited By 1

· Congenital hearing loss is common, with an approximate incidence of 1.5 per 1,000 newborns and affecting 1.2%–11% of preterm and 1.6%–13.7% of neonatal intensive care unit neonates.
· Etiologies vary, and up to 80% of cases are genetic.
· Newborn hearing screenings follow the 1-3-6 rule, and babies at high risk of hearing loss should be referred to otolaryngology for early detection and timely intervention.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01011

Letter to the Editor

Infection

SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding pattern in pediatric patients with acute COVID-19 or COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome

Setareh Mamishi, Fatemeh Jalali, Sepideh Benvari, Babak Pourakbari, Mohammad Reza Abdolsalehi, Reihaneh Hosseinpour Sadeghi, Mohammad Shahbabaie, Amene Navaeian, Shima Mahmoudi

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(8):366-368. Published online June 14, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00297

Original Article

Allergy

Association between dyslipidemia and asthma in children: a systematic review and multicenter cohort study using a common data model

Ji Eun Lim, Hye Min Kim, Ju Hee Kim, Hey Sung Baek, Man Yong Han

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(8):357-365. Published online June 14, 2023

Question: Is dyslipidemia a risk factor for asthma in children?
Finding: This was a comprehensive systematic review and retrospective multicenter study of the association between dyslipidemia and asthma in children. In a multicenter cohort analysis using the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model, elevated total cholesterol levels were associated with increased risk of asthma development.
Meaning: These findings suggest an association between dyslipidemia and asthma in children.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00290

Neurology

Need for palliative care from birth to infancy in pediatric patients with neurological diseases

Raffaele Falsaperla, Silvia Marino, Carla Moscheo, Lucia Giovanna Tardino, Simona Domenica Marino, Concetta Sciuto, Piero Pavone, Giovanna Vitaliti, Federica Sullo, Martino Ruggieri

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(8):350-356. Published online June 14, 2023

Question: What are the current palliative care protocols, palliative course, and implementable palliative care programs for hospitalized pediatric patients with neurological diseases in Italy?
Finding: We studied 34 newborns with nervous system diseases, all of whom had a poor prognosis.
Meaning: Despite current legislation in Italy, no palliative care network has been implemented. Given the vast number of patients with neurological conditions, standardized palliative care guidelines and protocols are required.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00129

Editorial

Cardiology

Arrhythmias in pediatric patients with COVID-19

Ji-Eun Ban

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(8):348-349. Published online June 14, 2023

· Childrens with coronavirus disease 2019 less commonly display life-threatening arrhythmias, including premature atrial or ventricular beats, or conduction disturbances such as first-degree atrioventricular blocks.
· Life-threatening arrhythmias (e.g., nonsustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, complete atrioventricular block) occur in children with sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection suffering from myocarditis or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
· Monitoring clinical status and assessing and managing arrhythmias are crucial in MIS-C.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00584

Review Article

Allergy

Trends of vitamin D in asthma in the pediatric population for two decades: a systematic review

Myongsoon Sung

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(8):339-347. Published online June 14, 2023

· Vitamin D may affect asthma via multiple mechanisms, including lung and optimal immune system functions.
· Many clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of vitamin D on asthma onset and aggravation. However, definitive clinical trials are lacking, and reports have detailed contradictory effects of vitamin D in children with asthma.
· Some exciting reports stated that obesity and vitamin D deficiency are associated with increased asthma symptoms in the pediatric population.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01109

Cardiology

Environmental changes surrounding congenital heart disease

Eun-Young Choi

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(8):332-338. Published online January 2, 2023

· As the number of patients with congenital heart disease increases, the medical burden increases.
· Various fusion imaging techniques using percutaneous procedures have been introduced.
· With advances in technology, convenient ambulatory devices have been introduced.
· A well-organized team approach is required to resolve advanced heart failure in patients with congenital heart disease.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.00976

Nutrition

Protein substitutions as new-generation pharmanutrition approach to managing phenylketonuria

Fatma Nur Keskin, Teslime Özge Şahin, Raffaele Capasso, Duygu Ağagündüz

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(8):320-331. Published online November 1, 2022

Phenylketonuria, an autosomal recessive disease that results from the inability to metabolize phenylalanine, is currently treated with medical nutrition therapy. New treatment approaches such as tetrahydrobiopterin, glycomacropeptide, large neutral amino acids, pegvaliase, and gene therapy significantly impact disease management and dietary enrichment. This article also reviews animal and human studies that have evaluated the efficacy and safety of these new protein substitutes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.00584

Letter to the Editor

Infection

Chest x-ray findings in children with COVID-19: lesson learned from referral hospitals in Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Andrew Limavady, Eka Airlangga, Ririe Fachrina Malisie, Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):317-319. Published online May 16, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01179

Original Article

Infection

Seroprevalence of maternal peripartum human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the Nigerian literature

Abdulrasheed Usman, Muhammad Hamis Musa, Bukhari Isah Shuaib, Olayemi Balogun, Mukhtar Adeiza

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):307-316. Published online December 22, 2022

The peripartum period is an important transmission time for human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) infection, mainly via breastfeeding and partly through the placental tissues of carrier mothers. Although most HTLV-1–infected individuals are asymptomatic, fetal and childhood infections often result in several diseases with disappointing treatment outcomes. An estimated HTLV-1 burden in Nigeria among perinatal women must be determined to enable rational planning of a comprehensive health care intervention.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.00710

Gastroenterology

Assessing indicators and clinical differences between functional and organic childhood constipation: a retrospective study in pediatric gastroenterology clinics

Hasan M. Isa, Fatema A. Alkharsi, Fatema A. Salman, Maryam S. Ali, Zahra K. Abdulnabibi, Afaf M. Mohamed

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):296-306. Published online June 14, 2023

Question: What causes childhood constipation, and what can predict organic constipation?
Finding: Constipation represents 14.7% of gastroenterology visits. Functional constipation is more common among constipation types, while organic constipation is more common in young children and those with a low body weight, stunted growth, mucus in the stool, and associated diseases.
Meaning: Younger children and those with lower growth or mucus in the stool should be assessed for underlying organic causes of constipation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01298

Editorial

Gastroenterology

Gut microbiota’s impact on obesity

Sujin Jeong

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):294-295. Published online June 14, 2023

· An imbalance of the gut microbiota with a relative increase in Firmicutes versus Bacteroidetes is associated with the pathogenesis of obesity.
· Dysbiosis is associated with microbial genes associated with short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production and increased colonic SCFA levels. SCFAs have also been shown to regulate appetite and satiety hormones, which can affect food intake and energy balance.
· A dietary high-fat intake is reportedly associated with increased plasma lipopolysaccharide. Altered Toll-like receptor-4 signaling leads to propagating the cascade of further inflammation and promoting insulin resistance.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00458

Review Article

General Pediatrics

Korean Developmental Screening Test for Infants and Children (K-DST): development, applications, and implications for future early childhood development interventions

Dooyoung Kim, Young June Choe, Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, EunYoung Kim, Junghye Byeon, Baik-Lin Eun

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):288-293. Published online December 22, 2022

· This review discusses the development and application of the Korean Developmental Screening Test for Infants and Children (K-DST) for ensuring early childhood development.
· Various studies have demonstrated the integral role of the K-DST in facilitating the detection of developmental delays and delivery of timely interventions.
· The tailoring of the K-DST to Korean infants and children suggests that other countries may further translate and adapt it.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.00906

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants

In Gyu Song

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):281-287. Published online December 30, 2022

Cited By 1

· Among survivors, 60.9% of infants born at 22 weeks’ gestation had moderate to severe impairments, whereas 50.3% born at 23 weeks’ and 42.2% at 24 weeks’ gestation had moderate to severe impairments.
· Moderate and late preterm infants reportedly have less severe disease than very preterm infants, but they still experience adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
· The careful follow-up and early detection of developmental problems in these patients are required.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.00822

Neurology

Gut microbiota affects brain development and behavior

Gun-Ha Kim, Jung-Ok Shim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):274-280. Published online November 8, 2022

· The gut microbiota can alter a host’s brain development and behavior.
· Gut bacteria communicate with the brain via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
· Fecal microbial transplantation is a promising treatment strategy for autism spectrum disorder.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2021.01550

Letter to the Editor

Developmental and Behavioral Medicine

Effect of rolling over pattern and caregiver perception on plagiocephaly in Korean infants

Jin A Yoon, Soo-Yeon Kim, Yong Beom Shin

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(6):272-273. Published online May 24, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00108

Original Article

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Efficacy of body position on gastric residual in preterm infant: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Kurvatteppa Halemani, Alwin Issac, Sanjay Dhiraaj, Prabhaker Mishra

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(6):262-270. Published online November 30, 2022

Cited By 2

Breastfeeding and it's tolerance are the positive indicators for preterm babies. Placing the preterm infant in the right lateral or prone position after feed had lesser gastric residual volume compared to placing them in left lateral or supine positions. The post-feed position is a vital element in enhancing feeding tolerance, mechanical functions of the gastrointestinal tract and the overall development of preterm infants.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2021.01508

Developmental and Behavioral Medicine

Parenting stress and interactive engagement behaviors in children with developmental delay

Jung Sook Yeom, Rock Bum Kim, Jae Young Cho, Ji Sook Park, Eun Sil Park, Ji-Hyun Seo, Jae-Young Lim, Hyang-Ok Woo

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(6):252-261. Published online May 19, 2023

· Question: What level of parenting stress is experienced by parents of children with developmental delays (DDs) without autism spectrum disorder, and what factors contribute to it?
· Findings: Parents of children with DDs experienced high parenting stress that were significantly mediated by their children’s low interactive behaviors.
· Meaning: The interactive behaviors of children with DDs mediate parenting stress.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00101

Editorial

Gastroenterology

Recent advances in epigenetic mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric gastrointestinal allergic disorders

Eell Ryoo

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(6):250-251. Published online May 19, 2023

· Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in rapidly increasing food allergy.
· There is still no definitive way to diagnose food allergy.
· Early introduction of peanuts, eggs, and cow’s milk reduces food allergy incidence.
· Administration of probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium bifidum can partially reduce the occurrence of allergic symptoms.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00136

Review Article

Allergy

Recent topics on gastrointestinal allergic disorders

Yoshiyuki Yamada

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(6):240-249. Published online January 9, 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) allergies are divided into immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, and mixed types. In addition to non-IgE-mediated, overlapping eosinophilic GI disorders (EGIDs) have increased in Japan. EGIDs, a mixed-type allergy category, include eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and non-EoE EGIDs. The number of EoE cases has increased in Western countries, followed by Asian countries. Recent GI allergies may also be associated with type 2 inflammation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01053

Gastroenterology

Update on eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease beyond eosinophilic esophagitis in children

Hye Ran Yang

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(6):233-239. Published online January 3, 2023

· Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) is uncommon, with a prevalence of 1–30/100,000 in the general population; however, it is increasing worldwide.
· The diagnosis of EGID is based on histopathological findings of endoscopic mucosal biopsy in which tissue eosinophils are counted in each gastrointestinal tract segment of patients with chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms.
· Individualized treatment strategies, including adequate dietary and pharmacological therapy, may help improve outcomes of children with EGID.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01046

Role of social media use in onset of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children

Mauro Cinquetti, Vanessa Dargenio, Michele Fingerle, Carolina Marchiotto, Marco Biasin, Massimo Pettoello Mantovani, Flavia Indrio

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(6):226-232. Published online December 21, 2022

Cited By 1

· Social media use can cause adverse health outcomes, including gastrointestinal disorders, in children and adolescents.
· Recent findings have shown a high prevalence of social media use and decreased well-being in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
· The biopsychosocial nature of functional gastrointestinal disorders and the clear influence of social media on the psychosocial lives of children suggests the likely involvement of social media in their development.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.00843

Clinical Note

Other

Novel PTRH2 gene variant causing IMNEPD (infantile-onset multisystem neurologic, endocrine, and pancreatic disease) in 2 Saudi siblings

Dalal K. Bubshait

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(5):223-225. Published online March 23, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01074

Original Article

Cardiology

Echocardiographic reference z scores of right ventricular dimension and systolic function of children aged 5–12 years

Alaba Busola Oladimeji, Moriam Omolola Lamina, Peter Odion Ubuane, Motunrayo Oluwabukola Adekunle, Omolara Adeolu Kehinde, Barakat Adeola Animasahun, Olisamedua FidelisNjokanma

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(5):215-222. Published online April 18, 2023

Question: Z score reference values for right ventricular size and systolic function in children using echocardiography are available in several countries. Despite the high burden of diseases involving the right ventricle in Nigeria, these reference values have limited applicability.
Finding: The right ventricular sizes of Nigerian children differed from those published elsewhere.
Meaning: These reference values will aid the treatment, monitoring, and pre- and postintervention for Nigerian children.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01410

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Cited By 14	Changing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children and adolescents
Cited By 14	The impacts of exercise on pediatric obesity

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