Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

Editorial

Endocrinology

Rickets prevalence and treatment outcome: real-world data from Taiwan

Young Suk Shim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):868-870. Published online October 23, 2025

Rickets should be recognized as a significant public health concern during infancy and childhood. Recent studies from Taiwan have demonstrated a steady increase in the prevalence of nutritional rickets, and a similar trend is likely to emerge in Korea. Therefore, comprehensive clinical evaluation and appropriate biochemical assessment are essential to prevent long-term skeletal and systemic complications. Prompt diagnosis and timely initiation of appropriate treatment are crucial.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01949

Basic Research

Stem cell mining: urine cells to biobanking

Yong Joo Ahn

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):761-762. Published online September 24, 2025

· A safe and accessible source of somatic cell generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in pediatric neurogenic disorders
· A noninvasive and simple method for isolating urine cells, which can effectively reprogram into pluripotent stem cells using episomal vectors
· Establishing a urine-derived iPSC bank as a reliable and scalable resource for disease modeling, therapeutic testing, and personalized medicine in pediatric neurogenic disorders.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02229

General Pediatrics

Artificial intelligence in pediatric healthcare: bridging potential, clinical practice, and ethical considerations

Yoon Lee, Seohyun Hong, Dong Keon Yon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):652-655. Published online August 28, 2025

· Artificial intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential for pediatric healthcare, with applications spanning prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up across diverse subspecialties; however, ethical concerns, scarcity of pediatric- specific data, and limited funding remain significant challenges.
· International consensus on pediatric AI guidelines, expanding child-specific datasets, and incorporating explainable AI are essential to ensure safety and trust.
· Multicenter collaboration and increased investment can address these gaps, enabling equitable, reliable, and pediatric- centered AI solutions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01844

Other

Beyond the eye: a multidisciplinary perspective on managing pediatric myopia

Eoi Jong Seo

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):566-568. Published online July 18, 2025

Myopia is a growing global public health concern because of its association with irreversible vision loss such as myopic traction maculopathy, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and glaucoma. The effective prevention of myopia in childhood requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates ophthalmologic care with lifestyle, nutrition, and sleep interventions. Early detection through regular visual screening in schools and primary care settings and timely ophthalmology referrals are critical to preventing high myopia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00955

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Intermittent sigh breaths during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation among newborn infants

Ga Won Jeon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):486-488. Published online April 16, 2025

Intermittent sigh breaths during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation can improve ventilation and oxygenation by enhancing lung recruitment. Although research on this approach in newborn infants is limited, some published studies suggest that sigh breaths are generally applied at a rate of 2–3 breaths/min with an inspiratory time of 0.5–1 second and pressure of current mean airway pressure + 5 cmH₂O (maximum, 30 cmH₂O).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00549

Neurology

Screen time and neurodevelopment in preschoolers: addressing a growing concern in pediatric practice

Soongang Park, Hyewon Woo

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):434-436. Published online January 13, 2025

· Excessive screen time in preschoolers is associated with neurodevelopmental delays, particularly during the early years of life.
· Parental supervision and national guidelines are critical in mitigating the negative impacts of excessive screen time and fostering healthy media habits in preschoolers.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01536

Other

Further research on impact of microplastics on children's health is essential to protecting future generations

Jongin Lee, Dong-Wook Lee

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):359-361. Published online November 13, 2024

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

· The ecological impacts of microplastics have been documented. It was recently recognized that they can directly or indirectly cause diseases in humans.
· There are few established methods for assessing human exposure to microplastics.
· Standardization of exposure assessments and large-scale epidemiological studies are required to explore the human effects of microplastics.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01459

General Pediatrics

Global breastfeeding efforts: a long way to go

Hye-Jung Shin

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(4):300-302. Published online November 13, 2024

Web of Science 2 Crossref 2

· Despite much effort, breastfeeding practices remain unsatisfactory worldwide.
· Effective breastfeeding-promoting interventions are needed that are appropriate for age, culture, and social environment.
· Interventions can promote breastfeeding, especially in younger populations such as adolescent mothers.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01361

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Advancements and challenges in neonatal resuscitation: embracing laryngeal mask airways for improved outcomes

Jang Hoon Lee

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(4):298-299. Published online November 28, 2024

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is the most critical intervention provided during delivery room resuscitation. In the new guidelines, this recommendation has been expanded to suggest the use of laryngeal mask airyway (LMA) versus face masks for PPV. Evidence-based information and hands-on training related to this practice will help more healthcare providers become familiar with and appropriately use LMA during delivery room resuscitations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01088

The predetermined future: tackling South Korea’s total fertility rate crisis

Jin Kyu Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(3):225-227. Published online November 6, 2024

· South Korea faces a severe demographic crisis with the lowest global fertility rate. Despite significant investments, the total fertility rate continues to decline.
· It is necessary to fully mobilize national capabilities and execute comprehensive strategies that focus on both intangible and tangible values.
· Immediate and decisive action is essential to addressing these challenges effectively.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00871

Nutrition

Zinc as a treatment modality for acute infectious diarrhea in children

Ji Sook Park

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(3):223-224. Published online October 31, 2024

· Prevention and management of dehydration is the major goal of treatment in acute infectious diarrhea in children.
· Zinc could be effective as an adjuvant therapy in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhea in malnourished children.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00381

Hematology

Absolute versus functional iron deficiency

Hye Lim Jung

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):138-140. Published online November 13, 2024

Web of Science 1 Crossref 2

· Iron deficiency (ID), the most common cause of anemia, can be classified into absolute and functional types. Absolute ID is a state of low total body iron, while functional ID is a state of imbalance between iron demand and iron availability due to inflammation and/or infection.
· ID is diagnosed by serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01732

Allergy

Effect of metabolic syndrome on pulmonary dysfunction in children with asthma

Hyo-Bin Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):136-137. Published online November 13, 2024

· The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased in Korean children during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic owing to reduced physical activity resulting from social distancing.
· Metabolic syndrome impacts pulmonary dysfunction in childhood asthma.
· Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism linking asthma and metabolic syndrome and develop interventions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00360

Cardiology

What we should know about pediatric heart failure: children are not small adults

Ja-Kyoung Yoon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(1):62-64. Published online November 6, 2024

· Pediatric heart failure (PHF) features high morbidity and mortality rates.
· Although adults and children can share a common diagnosis of heart failure, the underlying causes can differ significantly and require distinct therapeutic approaches.
· Treatments designed for adults are often applied to PHF despite the fundamental physiological and developmental differences between them.
· Child-specific data are vital for the development of tailored treatments to meet the unique needs of patients with PHF.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01130

Allergy

Comorbidities of allergic rhinitis in children

Yong Ju Lee

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(12):675-676. Published online July 31, 2024

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

· Allergic rhinitis in children often goes undiagnosed or untreated, with significant systemic complications like sleep disorders, growth issues, and gastrointestinal symptoms linked to nasal obstruction.
· A patient-centered action plan that considers symptom severity, preferences, and comprehensive management of associated complications is essential for effective treatment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00164

Advancements in food allergen immunotherapy: improving quality of life and reducing risks

Jihyun Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(12):672-674. Published online July 31, 2024

· Pediatric food allergies considerably impair patient and family quality of life, particularly those with persistent allergies to common food allergens.
· Recent research has focused on developing diverse approaches to food allergen immunotherapy, showing promising outcomes of oral, sublingual, and epicutaneous immuno therapies.
· Critical considerations in immunotherapy candidate selection underscore the need for personalized approaches and reliable biomarkers in future studies to improve treatment outcomes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01718

Infection

Preventing bloodstream infections in children after liver transplantation

Young June Choe

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(11):599-600. Published online April 18, 2024

Liver transplantation (LT) is crucial for children with end-stage liver diseases, yet bloodstream infections (BSI) pose significant risks, despite medical advancements. Immunosuppressants, essential for preventing organ rejection, heighten infection susceptibility. Understanding BSI organisms is vital due to antimicrobial resistance. Pediatric LT recipients have unique risk factors, demanding tailored preventive measures. This systematic review on bacterial BSI emphasizes the urgency of effective prevention strategies, considering the high incidence and distinct organism profile. Further research is vital for optimizing antibiotic management and improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00045

Immunology

Utility of eosinophil granule proteins in management of pediatric chronic cough

Chang-Keun Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(10):519-520. Published online April 17, 2024

· Pediatric chronic cough often involves eosinophilic inflammation; however, objective measurements are not routinely used in treatment decisions.
· Accurate biomarkers of eosinophil activity, such as eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) and cationic proteins (ECP), should be used. EDN, which overcomes the shortcomings of ECP, recently received approval for use in Korean healthcare settings.
· EDN and ECP can play a role in treatment period and drug selection decisions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01431

Neurology

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical features of benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis

Jon Soo Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(9):456-458. Published online March 25, 2024

· The frequency of benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) was not significantly influenced by the pandemic.
· The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has further diversified the etiologic enteric viral pathogens of CwG.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00108

Critical Care Medicine

Is it possible to provide palliative care to pediatric patients with neurological diseases?

Young-Hoon Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(8):403-404. Published online February 15, 2024

· Patients with neurological diseases often require external mechanical support to maintain mechanical ventilation or supply.
· Little has been done to help the families of affected children make difficult decisions that carry significant physical and psychological consequences.
· The establishment of a department that provides pediatric palliative care for neurological patients should be considered.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01032

Genetics and Metabolism

Advancing orphan drug development for rare diseases

Jung Min Ko

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(7):356-357. Published online November 17, 2023

Web of Science 1 Crossref 2

· Rare diseases present unique challenges and unmet needs for which the development of orphan drugs tailored to them offers hope.
· Despite the hurdles posed by limited patient populations, orphan drug designations from regulatory agencies provide incentives, such as extended market exclusivity and tax credits, that ignite transformative advances.
· Scientific progress in genomics, personalized medicine, and analytics empowers precise interventions by decoding genetic anomalies and encouraging effective treatments.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01109

Neurobehavior

Importance of pediatrician’s role in preventing positional plagiocephaly

Hee-Jeong Kang

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(6):294-295. Published online May 21, 2024

· Plagiocephaly is characterized by the asymmetrical shape of a baby’s head.
· Since positional plagiocephaly is associated with developmental delay and further musculoskeletal problems, early detection allows for timely intervention and prevents worsening of the condition.
· Pediatricians can educate parents about proper head positioning and encourage supervised tummy time during awake hours.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01025

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Exploring the role of laryngeal masks in neonatal resuscitation

Euiseok Jung

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(5):247-248. Published online December 28, 2023

· Laryngeal masks (LMs) offer stable airway access and skill retention advantages, making them promising alternatives to positive-pressure ventilation in neonatal care.
· The ease of teaching LM insertion techniques to less experienced providers addresses the need for swift intervention and skill retention.
· Careful consideration of the benefits and challenges of LMs is essential in determining their effective integration into enhanced neonatal resuscitation protocols.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01200

Allergy

Trends in food allergen immunotherapy in Korea after changed national regulations

Tae Won Song

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(4):201-202. Published online November 21, 2023

National regulations, academic guidelines, and clinical trends in food allergen immunotherapies (FA-AIT) differ among countries and have changed rapidly. Current officially approved FA-AIT are oral immunotherapy (OIT) using heated milk/egg in Korea and peanut OIT using standardized products in the United States and Europe. FA-AIT should be administered by specialist physicians with experience administering oral food challenge tests and managing severe allergic reactions inside and outside research settings.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01123

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Impacts of maternal COVID-19 during pregnancy on neonatal health and epidemiology

Jae Woo Lim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(3):149-151. Published online December 28, 2023

Newborns born to mothers infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should be closely monitored for respiratory disorders, such as transient tachypnea of the newborn, regardless of their COVID-19 test results. Further research is required of the development of infants born to mothers with COVID-19. The trends in Korea's birth rate and infant mortality rates have not been significantly affected by COVID-19.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01452

Endocrinology

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents

Hae Sang Lee

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(2):90-91. Published online January 24, 2024

Web of Science 4 Crossref 4

· With the increase in childhood obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a concern in recent years.
· NAFLD is strongly associated with insulin resistance.
· Lifestyle modifications are the mainstay treatment for NAFLD.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00752

Nephrology (Genitourinary)

Clinical considerations and practical issues of kidney complications in children after COVID-19 infection or vaccination

Jiwon Jung, Joo Hoon Lee

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(1):35-36. Published online November 17, 2023

· The proper monitoring for and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced acute kidney injury, which is common in critically ill children, are recommended.
· Glomerulopathy associated with COVID-19 or its vaccination has been reported, and the overall clinical course is similar to that of non-COVID-19-associated diseases.
· Additional COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended; however, careful and individualized decisions should be made in patients with COVID-19- or vaccination-associated glomerulopathy.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01074

Infection

COVID-19 infection and vaccination among children

Amnuay Kleebayoon, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(12):531-532. Published online August 30, 2023

· Coronavirus disease 2019 (OVID-19) infection and immunization have been linked with kidney problems; however, causality has not been proven.
· Concern about confounders is usually needed.
· Correspondence about a published article on the COVID-19 vaccine

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00899

Gastroenterology

Noninvasive and simple, but accurate? Meta-analysis of evidence-based point-of-care ultrasound for assessing dehydration in children

Jin-Hee Oh

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(11):475-476. Published online July 11, 2023

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

· Point-of-care ultrasound imaging, including measurement of the inferior vena cava/aorta ratio, is powerful for evaluating the hemodynamic status of pediatric patients.
· Owing to the limited feasibility of randomized clinical trials and insufficient data in children, imaging tools require validation.
· Objective validity meta-analyses of imaging studies can affect clinical decision-making and serve as a cornerstone for evidence-based practice in pediatrics.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00745

Immunology

Systemic autoinflammatory disorders: autoinflammatory and autoimmune disorders

Young Dae Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(10):439-440. Published online July 4, 2023

Web of Science 8 Crossref 8

· Systemic autoinflammatory disorders (SAIDs) typically have an early onset in life, and may have close relatives may have similar disease.
· SAIDs should be suspected in any patient, especially children, who experience persistent or recurrent inflammatory episodes that fail to fit the pattern of other established diseases.
· Advancements in the understanding of autoinflammation will provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic options for SAIDs patients.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00605

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Editorial