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Gastroenterology
Ability of probiotics to reduce functional abdominal pain in children
Ji Sook Park
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(12):585-586.   Published online October 6, 2022
· The ability of probiotics to relieve pain caused by functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) in children is unclear.
· Lactobacillus reuteri may effectively reduce pain caused by childhood FAPD.
· Since the routine use of probiotics cannot be recommended due to a lack of clinical evidence, research into probiotic mixtures or symbiotics remains necessary.
Cardiology
Recent research trends in Kawasaki disease-related infection
Hyang-Ok Woo
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(11):538-539.   Published online July 22, 2022
The incidence of Kawasaki disease has reportedly decreased since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine. However, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children has reportedly occurred more frequently in areas where COVID-19 was prevalent than in previous years. Research into the etiology of childhood and adolescent systemic vasculitis in infection-related immune responses during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased accordingly.
Neurology
Increasing our understanding of rotavirus-induced central nervous system manifestations
Jon Soo Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(11):536-537.   Published online May 6, 2022
· Diverse clinicoradiological features of central nervous system (CNS) complications in rotavirus infection can be identified with the rapid and wide use of various brain magnetic resonance imaging protocols.
· An increased understanding of the various pathophysiological mechanisms of rotavirus-induced CNS manifestations will enable precise management in the future.
Neurobehavior
Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on children’s health
Joon Won Kang
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(10):498-499.   Published online September 16, 2022
· Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had an enormous impact on mental health and other aspects of children’s health.
· The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents have increased in the COVID-19 era.
· Cooperation among parents, guardians, academic societies, and the government is needed to maintain the mental health of children and adolescents.
Other
Three-dimensional printing technolgy in orthopedic oncology
Yongsung Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(10):496-497.   Published online May 11, 2022
Orthopedic oncology is one of the most active fields in applying 3-dimensional printing technology from preoperative planning to intraoperative procedures such as accurate resection of tumors and reconstruction of huge bone defects.
Nephrology (Genitourinary)
Hypertension in adulthood is programmed during the perinatal period
Min Hyun Cho
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(10):494-495.   Published online August 12, 2022
∙ Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm birth can be significant risk factors for the development of adult hypertension.
∙ Several perinatal factors of hypertension are related to IUGR, including renal, vascular, and rapid catch-up growth.
Endocrinology
Bisphenol A leaching from polycarbonate baby bottles into baby food causes potential health issues
Ga Won Jeon
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(9):450-452.   Published online July 25, 2022
Can bisphenol A (BPA) leach out from polycarbonate baby bottles into baby food? BPA and other toxic materials can leach out from baby bottles and increase the risk of various health problems, including endocrine disturbances. Although the use of BPA in baby bottles has been banned, many developing countries still use it, which can cause health issues. Thus, public awareness of this issue is required.
Cardiology
Characteristics of z score systems for diagnosing coronary abnormalities in Kawasaki disease
Gyeong-Hee Yoo
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(9):448-449.   Published online March 14, 2022
Because of the various body sizes of children with Kawasaki disease (KD), coronary artery diameter requires normalization to the body surface area as a z score.
In updated guidelines, coronary artery abnormalities are important criteria in the diagnosis of KD, and z score systems have been accepted to define coronary artery abnormalities.
However, the z score formula should be selected carefully because each yields different results.
Neonatology (Perinatology)
Factors to consider before implementing telemedicine protocols to manage neonatal jaundice
Heui Seung Jo
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(8):403-404.   Published online April 12, 2022
In the rapidly changing environmental situation during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, neonatal centers have developed telemedicine systems with extended coverage for neonatal monitoring and high-risk follow-up programs including neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. At this point, electronic health technology and noncontact medical system increase the effectiveness of rather than replacing the face-to-face visit and the opinions of experienced neonatologists.
Pulmonology
Now lung ultrasound has been established as a fundamental examination in pediatric respiratory diseases
Kyunghoon Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(8):401-402.   Published online July 13, 2022
· Several studies demonstrated the usefulness of lung ultrasound in pediatric respiratory diseases including coronavirus disease 2019.
· Knowledge of lung ultrasound is increasing, and lung ultrasound has been established as a fundamental diagnostic examination for pediatric respiratory diseases.
Cardiology
Early echocardiographic screening for subclinical myocardial dysfunction in children and adolescents with dyslipidemia: why and when?
Hyun Gyung Lee, Hwa Jin Cho
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(8):398-400.   Published online March 7, 2022
Dyslipidemia contributes to early atherosclerosis, premature cardiovascular disease, and subclinical ventricular dysfunction in children. This paper highlights the need for echocardiographic evaluation for impaired diastolic function of both ventricles and narrowing of the aortic valve and sinus of Valsalva. Therefore, early echocardiographic screening of children with primary hyperlipidemia should be considered.
Pulmonology
Influence of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on respiratory health in children
Hyo-Bin Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(7):348-349.   Published online May 3, 2022
· Practicing hand hygiene, wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and other lockdown measures were implemented to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a worldwide disaster that started in 2019.
· The advent of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic resulted in positive secondary effects, such as reduced respiratory viral infections in children and decreased degrees of air pollution.
Neonatology (Perinatology)
Ideal timing for aggressive screening to detect developmental dysplasia of the hip in term and preterm infants
Won-Ho Hahn
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(7):346-347.   Published online March 14, 2022
The risk factors and pathogenesis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) are unclear. Moreover, no universal screening method can entirely eliminate the risk of DDH. However, its incidence is significant and its early detection is critical for improving patient prognosis. Although the ideal evaluation time and risk factors, especially for premature infants, are unclear, the necessity for DDH screening programs for term and preterm infants is emerging.
Nutrition
Human milk oligosaccharides as immunonutrition key in early life
Jung Ok Shim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(7):344-345.   Published online May 3, 2022
· Human milk is a major source of immunonutrients for neonates and infants. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) act as prebiotics and promote the growth of commensal bacteria.
· HMOs inhibit microorganism adhesion to the gut mucosa through interactions with the commensal microbiome and improve gut barrier function by increasing short-chain fatty acid mediated by bifidobacteria and immunomodulation.
· Several randomized controlled trials recently reported on HMOs.
Cardiology
Coronavirus disease 2019 and mRNA vaccines: what’s next – miRNA?
Joon Kee Lee, Heon-Seok Han
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(6):302-303.   Published online March 28, 2022
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded noncoding RNA molecules that function in RNA silencing and the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. The potential role of miRNAs as biomarkers of myocarditis is promising, and miRNAs are expected to be utilized in various clinical fields in the future.
Endocrinology
Low bone mineral density can occur in children after shortterm systemic glucocorticoid treatment
Moon Bae Ahn
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(6):300-301.   Published online April 27, 2022
Osteoporosis diagnosed in children with chronic diseases is a major endocrine complication triggered by the disease itself or its treatment. Although age upon starting osteotoxic agents and the their duration of use are vital contributors, spontaneous recovery of bone mass following treatment completion is a privilege of this specific age group. For any patients short-term glucocorticoid therapy, bone health screening is the next step.
Is type 1 diabetes related to coronavirus disease 2019 in children?
Minsun Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(5):252-253.   Published online March 29, 2022
· Evidence shows that patients with type 1 diabetes have been severely affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in various ways.
· Although there is no reliable evidence that COVID-19 worsens or induces diabetes, it can impair β-cell insulin secretion and glucose control by inducing inflammation and cytokine production.
· A study is needed of the short- and long-term relationship between diabetes and COVID-19 in the Korean pediatric population.
Infection
Effects of nonpharmaceutical interventions for coronavirus disease 2019
Jae Hong Choi
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(5):250-251.   Published online March 22, 2022
∙ Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have decreased the incidence of various infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
∙ During the 2-year COVID-19 pandemic, NPIs changed patients’ daily lives, and the impact on mental health was notable.
∙ The effects of NPIs were evaluated in detail, considering both infections and mental health.
Endocrinology
Clinical and diagnostic importance of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Eun Young Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(3):129-130.   Published online January 14, 2022
∙ Because childhood lipid concentrations continue into adulthood, early evaluation and treatment are needed, but dyslipidemia awareness is low.
∙ For the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia in childhood and adolescence, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood, lifestyle modifications, appropriate exercise, and drug treatment are required.
∙ A large-scale study of the prevalence and therapeutic effects of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents in Korea is needed.
Infection
Importance of maintaining a high childhood vaccination rate and surveillance program against Japanese encephalitis in Korea
Su Eun Park
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(3):127-128.   Published online February 16, 2022
∙ Recent epidemiologic changes of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Korea are area (rural to urban or suburban) and age shift (children to adult).
∙ Although the main factors contributing to recent epidemiologic changes of JE are not well identified, maintaining high vaccination rates of JE appear to be important in preventing of JE in all age groups.
∙ Continuous surveillance for epidemiology and seroprevalence should be carried out.
Allergy
Dietary restriction misconceptions and food allergy education in children with atopic dermatitis
You Hoon Jeon
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(2):83-84.   Published online January 27, 2022
∙ Food intake strategies for preventing food allergies have undergone major changes over the past 20 years.
∙ In children with atopic dermatitis, indiscriminate food restrictions without diagnostic testing leads to nutritional imbalance and poor growth.
∙ When determining food restrictions for pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, an accurate food allergy diagnosis must be preceded, and continuous parental education about food intake is required.
Neurology
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in various pediatric neurologic diseases
Jeongho Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(2):81-82.   Published online January 6, 2022
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has many important biomarkers that are commonly analyzed in pediatric neurologic diseases, including central nervous system infection and inflammation. Neurologic disease in pediatrics is difficult to diagnosis, there are challenges in developing CSF profiles. Some biomarkers are expected to help differential diagnosis.
General Pediatrics
Is it time to add point-of-care ultrasound education to pediatric residency curriculum?
Shin Ae Yoon
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(1):33-34.   Published online October 12, 2021
Growing point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in pediatric patients has led to the need for POCUS education for pediatric residents. Recent experimental studies have suggested that POCUS education improves self-rated POCUS confidence and comfort in pediatric resident training. Considering the effective and sustainable POCUS education curriculum in pediatric resident training, simulation-based education would be a solution.
Endocrinology
Pediatricians must consider familial environment when diagnosing and managing childhood obesity
Young Suk Shim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(1):31-32.   Published online April 19, 2021
•The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide, including in the Republic of Korea, creating a major public healthissue.
•Accumulated evidence indicates a strong relationship between parentalandchildobesity.
•A family-based approach is indicated to prevent and manage childhoodandadultobesity.
Pediatric obesity: life cycle approach of pediatrician and society
Yong Hee Hong
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(1):29-30.   Published online December 28, 2021
• With the emerging epidemic of pediatric obesity, many endocrine comorbidities classically seen in adulthood are surfacing much earlier in life.
• Appropriate obesity counseling and education should be provided from infancy to adolescence.
• Managing pediatric obesity may require school and society involvement.
Other
Global trend and disparity of acute lower respiratory infection as cause of mortality in children under 5 years of age
Abdul Wahab
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(12):630-631.   Published online June 11, 2021
Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. A spatial analysis explains the trends and severity based on the conditions of each country. Countries in Asia and Africa experience many cases of mortality caused by ALRI.
Neurology
Recent studies are focus on the new treatments for hypoxicischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and long-term outcomes in later childhood and adolescence in children with a history on HIE
Eun Sook Suh
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(12):628-629.   Published online September 30, 2021
Neonatal encephalopathy is the most important reason for morbidity and mortality. The early detection of neonate with high risk for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and treatment are important for prevent long term complication. Hypothermia is currently standard treatment option for HIE. Several clinical studies have been performed due to improve the long term outcome. New therapeutic options including xenon, allopurinol, erythropoietin, topiramate will help to reduce neuropsychiatric disability.
Oncology
Infantile hemangioma: timely diagnosis and treatment
Meerim Park
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(11):573-574.   Published online July 22, 2021
While the majority of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) do not require therapy and regress spontaneously, about 10%–15% develop complications such as ulceration, obstruction, or disfigurement. Early intervention is recommended for infants with potentially problematic IHs. Oral propranolol 2–3 mg/kg/day is currently the treatment of choice.
Endocrinology
Ambient air pollution and pediatric diabetes
Jae Hyun Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(10):523-534.   Published online March 12, 2021
· Epidemiological studies have shown that ambient air pollution is associated with diabetes mellitus in children and adults.
· The mechanism of ambient air pollution causing diabetes mellitus is unclear.
· A study of the association between diabetes and air pollution in Korean pediatric populations is required.
Nephrology (Genitourinary)
Obesity and chronic kidney disease: what should pediatric nephrologists know?
Jung Won Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(10):521-522.   Published online June 1, 2021
• Obesity is not only a comorbidity of hypertension, it may be a riskfactorfor chronickidneydisease.
• Renal impairment associated with obesity is believed to start early in childhood and continue into adulthood, implying a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
• The identification of kidney injury, implementation of preventive strategies, and prompt treatment are essential to improving clinical outcomes in obese children with early kidney disease.