• Meconium exposure is weakly associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development in children. • More evidence based on large prospective cohort studies is required to conclude whether meconium exposure is associated with an increased risk of ASD. |
Behavioral therapy, the most widely proven intervention for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is required for life for individuals with ASD. Parent involvement, early detection, and early therapy play important roles. We must organize the risk factors for ASD and develop a screening tool that can be easily applied in the clinical, daycare, or school setting. |
· The number of coronavirus disease 2019 cases has exponentially increased worldwide, and children ≤19 years old account for 11.0% of all confirmed cases. · mRNA vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, and adenoviral vector vaccines, AZD1222 and Ad26.COV2.S, authorized for emergency use in the Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization are reviewed. · Clinical trials of these vaccines have shown that they are safe and serious adverse reactions are rarely observed. |
· Earlier modeling studies of the effects of school closures on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were largely derived from the pandemic influenza model, resulting in conflicting implications. · Observational findings suggest no clear effect of school closures on community transmission or overall mortality. · School closures must be weighed against potential high social costs, which can also negatively affect children’s health. |
· Very low birth weight infants remain at high risk of developing neurodevelopmental impairments in early childhood. · It is important to establish a network follow-up protocol and complete assessments with fewer dropouts to enable clarification of the outcomes of registered infants. · All possible strategies should be employed to maintain good compliance after neonatal intensive care unit discharge. |
Question: Although neurologic complications have been reported during the acute phase of infection in children, less is known about the postinfectious phenomenon associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) virus. Finding: We present a case of a 7-year-old female with a prior asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 who subsequently developed encephalopathy and status epilepticus in association with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody positivity. Meaning: Here we present the first case of postinfectious of a MOG spectrum disorder associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient. |
Question: What are the prevalence and clinical characteristics of celiac disease (CD) in children in Bahrain? Finding: We found a significant increase in CD prevalence over the last decade (P=0.0001). A male predominance was noted. Atypical presentations were common. Most patients had poor adherence to a gluten-free diet. Meaning: CD is an underdiagnosed condition. Atypical symptoms should be considered to prevent missing patients with CD. |
Question: How has the antibiotic susceptibility of urinary pathogens changed and what does it imply? Finding: A yearly increase in multidrug-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing pathogens was observed. A higher recurrence rate was observed in cases of febrile urinary tract infection caused by ESBL producers in patients with underlying vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Meaning: The initial empirical antibiotic should reflect the changing susceptibility patterns and underlying VUR status. |
· This meta-analysis analyzed the association between pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) risk among children. · A significant association was noted between PCB and pesticide exposure during pregnancy and ASD risk among children (odds ratio [OR], 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–2.34 and OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02–1.39), respectively. · Pesticide and PCB exposure during pregnancy may affect ASD risk among children. |
Recent studies are focused on the noninferiority of noncarbapenem therapy for the treatment of extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceae infections to reduce the utilization of carbapenem. |
Concerns have arisen in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic upon pregnancy and postnatal care starting from reproductive decision-making. To the utmost knowledge, reproductive decisions should not be based primarily on health-related COVID-19 concerns, as the possibility of vertical transmission is negligible and the perinatal outcome is generally not poor compared to pregnancies without COVID-19, as long as infection control measures are well kept. |
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system has made a big step in the genome editing which still requires technical developments for the efficient applications in the many fields including congenital heart diseases (CHDs), closely related to the genomic abnormality. In this review, we tried to cover the most updated researches of CRISPR-Cas9 in the CHDs to understand the current technologies, eventually becoming therapeutic bases for the CHD patients. |
· Norovirus is the most common virus in Korean children with acute gastroenteritis. · Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. are the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in Korean children, with a detection rate of 3%–20%. · Uncommon bacterial and parasitic gastroenteritis require attention because of increasing international exchange and overseas travel. |
• Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are events that look like epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical discharges. • PNES are a manifestation of psychological and emotional distress. • Treatment for PNES does not begin with the psychological intervention but starts with the diagnosis and how the diagnosis is delivered. • A multifactorial biopsychosocial process and a neurobiological review are both essential components when treating PNES |
Question: What should be considered in an immunocompromised child with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Finding: Due to the importance of appropriately managing COVID-19 in children with cancer, the possibility of a fatal outcome should be considered in immunocompromised patients who receive chemotherapy agents. Meaning: In all kinds of infections including COVID-19, disuse management and the development of international guidelines for children with cancer is challenging but important. |
Question: Is there any risk of vertical transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and what is its neonatal profile? Finding: Biological samples for vertical transmission were negative in all deliveries; however, 2 neonates tested positive for nasopharyngeal COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. No significant neonatal morbidity was observed. Meaning: COVID-19 does not increase adverse neonatal outcomes and shows a negligible risk of vertical transmission; however, horizontal transmission cannot be underestimated. |
Question: What factors are associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in adolescents with childhood asthma? Finding: Age, mold sensitization, and increased eosinophil count were associated with BHR in boys versus a reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio in girls. Early mold sensitization was a risk factor for persistent BHR in boys only. Meaning: Sex-specific differences were observed in the factors associated with BHR in adolescents. |
Acute fulminant myocarditis is an uncommon syndrome characterized by sudden and severe cardiac inflammation, which leads to cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmia, heart blocks, or multiorgan failure. Despite aggressive clinical course, patients with acute fulminant myocarditis have better outcomes than those with the nonfulminant type when appropriately supported during the acute phase of the disease. Therefore, early recognition of deteriorating myocarditis and timely mechanical circulatory support are crucial to improve outcomes. |
With the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is important to consider why Kawasaki disease (KD) is prevalent in young children and its symptoms are similar to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in older children. We hypothesized that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression may be related. In fact, this may be an answer why COVID-19 occurs less frequently in children with lower ACE2 expression. |
Identifying phenotypes and endotypes of asthma patients is challenging, and eosinophilic phenotypes are generally characterized by severe or refractory asthma. Biologicals targeting eosinophils are promising for the control of severe or refractory asthma symptoms. To ensure proper treatment, increased understanding of the diverse phenotypes of high Th2 inflammation in pediatric asthma is needed. |
Bayesian false-discovery probability and false-positive report probability are the 2 major Bayesian methods used to evaluate noteworthiness of a genetic variant. Application of stricter P value is needed to confirm statistical significance in meta-analyses. Gene network analysis of noteworthy genetic variants shows a blueprint of the genetic background in complex diseases. |
Pediatric obesity contributes to the development of vascular dysfunction and metabolic and cardiovascular diseases which have all been shown to track into adulthood, increasing the risk of early mortality. Early exercise intervention is critical for combating obesity-related comorbidities and the optimal exercise prescription has yet to be well documented. Exercise prescriptions to combat pediatric obesity should incorporate both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises with an emphasis on long-term adherence. |
Acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) occurs as an inflammatory response to an initial myocardial insult. Its rapid and deadly progression calls for prompt diagnosis with aggressive treatment measures. The demonstration of its excellent recovery potential has led to increasing use of mechanical circulatory support, especially extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Arrhythmias, organ failure, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and decreased ventricular function at presentation... |
Question: What is the most important factor that increases mortality in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who receive selective head cooling? Finding: All cases of neonatal mortality were severe HIE (stage 3), and a severely abnormal amplitude-integrated electroencephalography and mortality were increased with the need for advanced neonatal resuscitation upon delivery. Meaning: Advanced neonatal resuscitation affects HIE outcomes, and medical personnel should be prepared to provide the best intervention. |
· Mortality is decreased significantly in meta-analysis of studies in different regimen of fluconazole prophylaxis. · Significant decrease was seen in incidence of invasive candidiasis-associated mortality in extremely low birth weight infants in same schedules of prophylaxis. · More studies required to relief the concerns. |
Determining the therapeutic hypothermia and predict long-term prognosis quickly and accurately in infants with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy requires a thorough history taking, physical examination, amplitude-integrated electroencephalography, brain magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, heart evaluation (cardiac enzymes, electrocardiography, and echocardiography), and several other biomarkers. |
· The early diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) could be supported by molecular testing in sporadic NF1 patients and would benefit their health. · The well-planned surveillance and introduction of newly developed drugs targeting molecular pathways could improve the lives of pediatric NF1 patients. |
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) was detected in approximately 3% of neonates of mothers with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). • Neonatal COVID-19 is relatively benign with 16%–22.4% cases asymptomatic. • Neonates with pre-existing medical conditions and preterm infants are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19. • Requirement for neonatal mechanical ventilation is 20%–22.4% (vs. 4% in children) • Low birth weight (13.9%) and premature birth (22.2%) affect neonates of mothers with COVID-19. |