Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

Original Article

Other

Did government subsidy program improve quality of care for children with complex chronic conditions in children’s hospitals? A quasi-experimental study in South Korea

Riyoung Na, Myoung-Hee Kim, Seok-Jun Yoon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(7):582-592. Published online May 28, 2026

Question: Do government-funded Specialized Public Medical Centers for Children (SPMCCs) improve the quality of care for pediatric patients requiring complex and intensive medical care?
Finding: The SPMCC hospital designation reduced 30-day readmission rates among pediatric patients with severe conditions.
Meaning: Government investments are associated with improved quality of care for children with complex chronic conditions. Therefore, sustained government funding is essential to enhancing pediatric care quality.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2026.00199

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Association between base excess levels and clinical outcomes among very low birth weight infants: a multicenter birth cohort study in South Korea

Ji Yoo Kim, Hyeon Jin Kim, Heeyoon Choi, Minji Kim, Jinseok Lee, Yong Sung Choi, Dong Keon Yon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(7):555-562. Published online May 21, 2026

Question: Is metabolic acidosis at birth in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) associated with long-term clinical outcomes?
Finding: Metabolic acidosis at birth was associated with increased mortality, adverse respiratory outcomes, neurological morbidities, and infection-related and gastrointestinal outcomes.
Meaning: VLBWIs with metabolic acidosis are at high risk of systemic complications. This finding emphasizes the need for close monitoring and comprehensive care.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02817

Endocrinology

Intramuscular and subcutaneous gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist tests for central precocious puberty in girls: a randomized controlled trial

Worapimon Lerdrassameethad, Suttipong Wacharasindhu, Vichit Supornsilchai, Khomsak Srilanchakon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(6):518-523. Published online April 15, 2026

Question: Did the intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists have comparable timing and diagnostic utility for evaluating central precocious puberty in girls?
Finding: Both the IM and SC GnRH stimulation tests demonstrated comparable times to peak luteinizing hormone levels.
Meaning: Clinicians may consider the IM route as a time-efficient alternative, as it offers similar diagnostic utility for central precocious puberty without compromising the detection of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2026.00052

Anthropometric trajectories of Korean children and adolescents with severe obesity

Jeongho Han, Hakyung Lee, Dong Jun Ha, Jieun Lee, Yong Hee Hong, Hwa Young Kim, Jaehyun Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(6):508-517. Published online April 10, 2026

Question: How do body mass index (BMI) and metabolic markers change over time in severely obese Korean children and adolescents receiving only lifestyle modifications?
Finding: Among 124 participants, BMI z scores decreased modestly over 2.6 years, primarily in younger prepubertal boys. However, most remained severely obese, with minimal improvement in body composition or metabolic markers.
Meaning: Lifestyle interventions alone have limited efficacy for severe pediatric obesity. Early and more intensive treatments are required.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02999

Pulmonology

High-Risk CCL14 lineage drives severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a study in central China

Chunbo Hao, Zijie Li, Yanjuan Yu, Song Wang, Genhao Wang, Gaijing Jia, Tiantian Sun, Shouhang Chen, Yang Wu, Yu Tang, Fang Wang, Guangcai Duan, Yuefei Jin

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(6):497-507. Published online April 10, 2026

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Question: Are the predominant circulating strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae associated with disease severity and clinical indicators?
Finding: The common cluster label 14 (CCL14) lineage was a high-risk clone circulating in central China that demonstrated a strong association between severe pediatric pneumonia and a distinct hyperinflammatory profile.
Meaning: Targeted molecular surveillance of the CCL14 lineage may facilitate early risk stratification and guide clinical management to reduce the burden of severe disease.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02796

Neurology

Classification of neurocognitive impairment in pediatric drug-resistant focal epilepsy by quantifying seizure-affected brain network abnormalities in clinical diffusion-weighted imaging connectome

Jeong-Won Jeong, Min-Hee Lee, Yoon Ho Hwang, Michael Behen, Aimee Luat, Csaba Juhász, Eishi Asano

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(5):443-454. Published online March 13, 2026

Question: Does epilepsy affect neurocognitive functions in pediatric drug-resistant focal epilepsy?
Finding: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) connectome could identify new imaging markers for seizure-associated structural abnormalities. New markers reflect deviations of local efficiency in neurocognitive networks and provide outstanding discretionary capacity for neurocognitive impairments, achieving an accuracy range of 90%–98% in the independent test patients.
Meaning: Supplementary MRI-driven decisions could be performed for personalized interventions to mitigate long-term neurocognitive effects.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02936

Nutrition

Human milk macronutrient composition and intake in relation to preterm infant growth: a cohort study

Eakkarin Mekangkul, Chonnikant Visuthranukul, Anongnart Sirisabya, Thaninee Chitsinchayakul, Santi Punnahitananda, Sirinuch Chomtho

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(5):428-436. Published online April 22, 2026

Question: Is macronutrient intake, particularly that from human milk, distinctly associated with the growth of preterm infants?
Finding: Total protein and fat intake derived from human milk and fortifiers showed distinct positive associations with weight gain velocity.
Meaning: Particular attention to protein and fat composition during individualized human milk fortification can optimize weight gain in preterm infants.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02509

Neurology

Clinical application of whole exome and genome sequencing in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders

Keun Soo Lee, Seung Hwan Oh, Ja Young Lee, Go Hun Seo, Da Eun Roh, Ji Kyoung Park, Bo Lyun Lee

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(5):417-427. Published online April 22, 2026

Question: What is the diagnostic utility of whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) in unexplained neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs)?
Finding: WES and WGS achieved a combined diagnostic yield of 39.1% in children with NDDs. Novel variants accounted for over half the pathogenic findings, and trio-based or phenotype-driven testing improved the diagnostic rate.
Meaning: Comprehensive genomic sequencing integrated with clinical phenotyping enhances diagnostic yield among children with NDDs.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02775

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Context-dependent features of transcriptomic landscapes in pregnant mother-neonate dyads of preeclampsia

Yu-Chun Cheng, Yun-Ju Lai, Wei-Shiung Lian, Ching-Chang Tsai, Hsin-Hsin Cheng, Hong-Ren Yu, Mao-Meng Tiao, Jiunn-Ming Sheen, Ying-Lun Hsu, Feng-Sheng Wang, I-Chun Lin

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(5):394-406. Published online February 19, 2026

Question: What genes are commonly altered in mother-neonate dyads immediately after shared exposure to preeclampsia?
Finding: Perinatal/peripartum gene expression in preeclampsia is context-dependent, involves diverse signaling pathways, and is associated with some perinatal features.
Meaning: Our results may help build the fundamentals for managing future cardiometabolic risks in these populations. Further investigation of the long-term influence of these candidate genes on cardiometabolic phenotypes is required.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02565

Neurology

Long-term outcome in children with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome: a multicenter retrospective study in Korea

Sun Ah Choi, Minhye Kim, Hye Jin Kim, Woo Joong Kim, Byung Chan Lim, Ji Yeon Han, Hunmin Kim, Min-Jee Kim, Mi-Sun Yum, Jiwon Lee, Jeehun Lee, Hyewon Woo, Jon Soo Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(5):386-393. Published online February 19, 2026

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Question: How have epilepsy and cognitive outcomes of children with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) evolved over the past 20 years?
Finding: Approximately 78% of children developed chronic epilepsy, and one-third progressed to drug-resistant epilepsy, while 90% of them exhibited intellectual disabilities.
Meaning: Given the poor outcomes associated with IESS, consensus guidelines tailored to Korean clinical practice are required to ensure timely treatment and improve outcomes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02089

Hematology

Outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia in Thailand

Kleebsabai Sanpakit, Kamala Laohverapanich, Bunchoo Pongtanakul, Nattee Narkbunnam, Chayamon Takpradit, Usanarat Anurathapan, Samart Pakakasama, Supanun Lauhasurayotin, Kanhatai Chiengthong, Thirachit Chotsampancharoen, Pornpun Sripornsawan, Piya Rujkijyanont, Duantida Songdej, Nongnuch Sirachainan, Suradej Hongeng

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(4):340-352. Published online March 13, 2026

Question: Can hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) cure pediatric transfusion-dependent thalassemia in Thailand? What influences its outcomes?
Finding: Among 266 HSCT procedures, 5-year overall survival and event-free survival rates were 91.3% and 81.0%, respectively. Outcomes were comparable between related and unrelated donors. Pre-HSCT ferritin >2,500 ng/mL, low CD34+ cell dose, and oral busulfan conditioning were associated with unfavorable survival. Longterm complications affected 22.7% of survivors.
Meaning: Optimizing pre-HSCT care, ensuring adequate grafting, and long-term surveillance are crucial.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02173

Cardiology

Influence of atrial septal defect on mitral valve growth after repair of coarctation of the aorta or an interrupted aortic arch in infants

Yi-Chia Wang, Heng-Wen Chou, Chi-Hsiang Huang, Hsing-Hao Huang, Yih-Sharng Chen, En-Ting Wu, Shyh-Jye Chen, Ming-Tai Lin, Shuenn-Nan Chiu, Shu-Chien Huang

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(4):322-329. Published online January 13, 2026

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Question: Does atrial septal defect (ASD) physiology affect postrepair mitral valve growth in patients with coarctation of the aorta or an interrupted aortic arch?
Finding: Mitral valve growth occurred after biventricular repair but not single-ventricle palliation, particularly in patients with small valves and low ASD pressure gradients.
Meaning: The ASD pressure gradient determines mitral valve growth and should guide surgical strategies in patients with borderline hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02110

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Prolonged cerebral oxygenation surveillance with algorithm-based management: a neurocritical care bundle for extremely preterm infants

Kai-Hsiang Hsu, Wei-Hung Wu, Shu-Yu Lin, Chih-Chen Chang, Mei-Yin Lai, I-Hsyuan Wu, Shih-Ming Chu, Ming-Chou Chiang, Reyin Lien

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(4):304-312. Published online December 22, 2025

Web of Science 1

Question: Is prolonged monitoring of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO₂) and hemodynamic parameters a feasible approach? Can these measures predict the neurological outcomes in extremely preterm infants?
Finding: We used a neurocritical care bundle from birth to discharge or term-equivalent age. Infants with poor outcomes had significantly lower rcSO₂ values.
Meaning: Understanding rcSO₂ and hemodynamic parameters may help manage cerebral hypoxia and reduce neurological complications in extremely preterm infants.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02117

Thrombocytopenia in preterm infants born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study

Ru Xue, Guoqing Zhang, Xiafang Chen, Jun Bu, Lanlan Mi, Fei Bei

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(3):266-273. Published online December 22, 2025

Question: What are the characteristics and clinical implications of thrombocytopenia in preterm neonates born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus?
Finding: Nearly one-third of preterm infants developed thrombocytopenia. Key modulators of this risk included gestational age, maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and hydroxychloroquine use. Thrombocytopenia may be associated with neonatal morbidity.
Meaning: Platelet count should be monitored during the first week of life, and infants should be assessed for potential complications.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01942

Allergy

Can a basophil activation test of cord blood predict a cow's milk allergy?

Dilara Fatma Kocacik Uygun, Durmuş Burgucu, Vedat Uygun, Gül Alkan Bulbul, Fulden Duyar, Cem Yasar Sahnal, Aysen Bingöl

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(3):257-265. Published online January 20, 2026

Question: Can a basophil activation test (BAT) of cord blood predict a cow's milk allergy?
Finding: Infants with a high casein-BAT value were more likely to develop food allergy symptoms in the first year, whereas cow’s milk BAT showed no predictive association.
Meaning: Cord blood casein BAT may help identify newborns at increased risk for early-life food allergies, enabling closer monitoring and preventive strategies, although larger studies are needed for validation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01697

Other

Improvements in obesity-related measures among Asian patients with severe obesity following a structured lifestyle intervention

Pei-Shan Chen, Shu-Mei Tsai, Chih-Hsuan Chang, Hui-Ru Yang, Yen-Ju Huang, Hsiang-Yin Liu, Kai-Chi Chang, Huey-Ling Chen

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(3):247-256. Published online December 22, 2025

Question: How does obesity severity affect baseline fitness and improvements in key obesity-related measures following participation in a structured lifestyle modification program?
Finding: Severely obese youth showed poorer baseline physical fitness but greater improvements in key obesity-related measures following lifestyle interventions.
Meaning: Early targeted intervention may help prevent progression to more severe obesity and declines in physical fitness in patients with obesity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01774

Gastroenterology

Longitudinal analysis of gut microbiota dysbiosis and bacterial signatures predictive of postoperative enterocolitis in children with Hirschsprung disease

Sireekarn Chantakhow, Chanon Kunasol, Jiraporn Khorana, Kanokkan Tepmalai, Nipon Chattipakorn, Siriporn C. Chattipakorn

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(3):214-227. Published online December 10, 2025

Question: Do gut microbiota differ between patients with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and healthy children, and can specific bacterial taxa predict postoperative HSCRassociated enterocolitis (HAEC)?
Finding: Patients with HSCR showed gut dysbiosis with reduced diversity. Postoperative microbial changes included increased alpha diversity. Certain taxa, such as Eubacterium and Collinsella, were associated with recovery or HAEC.
Meaning: Distinct microbial signatures may help identify HAEC risk and guide microbiota-based strategies to improve outcomes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01886

General Pediatrics

Global and regional burden of neonatal disorders (preterm birth, encephalopathy, jaundice, and sepsis), 1990–2021 and projections to 2050

Yuseon Kang, Jeongseon Oh, Dongjin Yeo, Jaeyu Park, Sooji Lee, Na Yun Kim, Jungmin Park, Seung Ha Hwang, Tae Hyeong Kim, Dong Keon Yon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(2):171-181. Published online October 30, 2025

Web of Science 2 Crossref 1

This study provides the first comprehensive estimated global burden of neonatal disorders attributable to risk factors in 1990–2021 stratified by sex, cause, sociodemographic index (SDI), and region. We identified persistent disparities across SDI levels, with low birthweight and short gestation contributing most to the age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rate of neonatal disorders. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted context-specific interventions to reduce infant mortality and improve neonatal health equity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01480

Associations of routine breakfast and napping habits with early adiposity rebound by age 3 years: a population-based cohort study in Japan

Toshifumi Yodoshi

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(2):163-170. Published online October 22, 2025

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

In a population‑based cohort of 74,466 children, 25% experienced early adiposity rebound (AR) by age 3. Daily breakfast and routine napping at 1.5 years were independently associated with lower odds of AR, while obesity at 1.5 years was a strong predictor. These modifiable routines could help delay AR and enable early identification during routine child health checks.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01998

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80 for preventing allergic, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases in young children in China: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Ke Chen, Xi Zhang, Kaihong Zeng, Jiayi Zhong, Shanshan Jin, Yang Nie, Ping Yang, Nianyang He, Haixia Chen, Yanmei Cao, Yunrong Fu, Ziji Fang, Wei Jiang, Changqi Lium

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(2):150-162. Published online October 30, 2025

Web of Science 1

Question: Can probiotic BLa80 bring long-term benefits to the health of young children?
Finding: This trial demonstrated that the daily administration of s BLa80 at 5×109 colony-forming units for 3 months in children can reduce the risk of eczema, upper respiratory tract infections, and acute tracheitis/bronchitis as well as beneficially improve the gut microbiome without any adverse effect.
Meaning: Bla80 can bring definite health benefits to young children.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01256

Gastroenterology

Progression from acute to chronic pancreatitis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Endre Botond Gagyi, Mahmoud Obeidat, Edina Tari, Szilárd Váncsa, Dániel Sándor Veres, Peter Banovcin, Péter Jenő Hegyi, Péter Hegyi, Bálint Erőss

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(2):117-129. Published online December 4, 2025

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Approximately 1 in 5 children with acute pancreatitis develops recurrent attacks, and over one-third of such cases progress to chronic pancreatitis. Progression is closely linked to genetic mutations, particularly PRSS1, and anatomical abnormalities, whereas demographic and routine clinical factors lack predictive value. These results support early genetic and anatomical assessments, enabling targeted follow-ups and timely interventions in highrisk pediatric patients.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01879

Critical Care Medicine

High-dose methylprednisolone and tocilizumab improve survival of patients with high-risk pediatric acute necrotizing encephalopathy

Chaonan Fan, Fei Li, Kechun Li, Zheng Li, Yiyang Mao, Lijuan Wang, Gang Liu, Yingchao Liu, Quan Wang, Suyun Qian

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(1):56-64. Published online October 22, 2025

Web of Science 2 Crossref 3

Question: Which immunomodulatory strategies can reduce mortality in children with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE)?
Finding: High-dose methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg/day) significantly improved the survival of high-risk patients, particularly when combined with tocilizumab.
Meaning: These findings support the use of a severity-based immunotherapy approach to optimize the outcomes of pediatric ANE.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01431

Allergy

Maternal sleep disorders during pregnancy and subsequent risk of allergic diseases in Japanese children: the TMM BirThree Cohort Study

Ami Uematsu, Masatsugu Orui, Mami Ishikuro, Keiko Murakami, Aoi Noda, Genki Shinoda, Taku Obara, Shinichi Kuriyama

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(1):36-45. Published online October 22, 2025

Web of Science 2 Crossref 2

Question: Associations have been made between maternal sleep disorders during pregnancy and allergic diseases including bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and allergic conjunctivitis/rhinitis/hay fever in their children.
Finding: In the crude model, sleep disorders during pregnancy were associated with all examined allergic diseases in children. After adjustment, significant associations remained for atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis/rhinitis/hay fever.
Meaning: The study highlights associations between maternal sleep and child allergic diseases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01165

Gastroenterology

Gut microbiota and metabolomic alterations in newborns of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus

Wan-Hsin Su, Yi-Wei Wang, Chien-Chang Chen, Ming-Wei Lai, Hsun-Chin Chao, Ming-Chou Chiang, Ren-Huei Fu, Pai-Jui Yeh

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(1):26-35. Published online October 22, 2025

Crossref 2

Question: Does maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affect newborn gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles?
Finding: Neonates born to mothers with diet-controlled GDM exhibited reduced gut microbiota α-diversity, altered β-diversity, and metabolic shifts, including changes in fumarate and succinate levels, with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and adipocytokine signaling pathway activation.
Meaning: Maternal GDM affects early microbial colonization and metabolism in newborns and may have long-term health implications.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01074

Editorial

Allergy

Prioritizing maternal sleep: a public health strategy for preventing childhood allergic diseases

Eunchae Lee, Seohyun Hong, Dong Keon Yon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(1):22-25. Published online December 18, 2025

Sleep disorders affect more than half of pregnancies worldwide and can harm maternal health and offspring outcomes. Prioritizing maternal sleep as a public health strategy may help prevent prenatal and pediatric allergic diseases and reduce their burden. Other maternal health strategies may also reduce the burden of offspring allergic diseases, while adequate maternal sleep is associated with other offspring outcomes, underscoring its importance as a key public health strategy.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01718

Original Article

General Pediatrics

Lipoprotein(a) prevalence trends in Portuguese children and adolescents: a real-world perspective

Isabel Morais Ribeiro, Susete Vieira, Miguel Saraiva, Mónica Tavares, José Carlos Oliveira, Isabel Mangas Palma, Helena Ferreira Mansilha

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(12):1031-1040. Published online November 24, 2025

Early lipid screening, including lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), in children/adolescents is key to identifying and managing dyslipidemia and reducing the risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease. This study shows that prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in high-risk Portuguese children is alarming, with over 30% at intermediate/high risk and nearly 1% at very high-risk (>430 nmol/L). Since Lp(a) is mostly genetically determined, one-time early screening in atrisk children is crucial for timely monitoring and prevention.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00339

Pulmonology

Ciclesonide shows a lung-protective effect in neonatal hyperoxia-exposed rats

Victoria Mielgo, Miguel A. Gomez-Solaetxe, Lara Olazar, Begoña Loureiro, Carmen Rey-Santano

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(12):1023-1030. Published online October 2, 2025

Question: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most prevalent chronic lung disease of prematurity. Numerous nonpharmacological/pharmacological interventions have been investigated without clear consensus. Can ciclesonide, a new synthetic glucocorticoid, effectively treat BPD?
Finding: Ciclesonide mitigated hyperoxia-induced lung injury and right ventricular hypertrophy in newborn rats.
Meaning: These findings suggest that postnatal ciclesonide may be an alternative to existing corticosteroids for the treatment of BPD.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01137

Critical Care Medicine

Cytokine profile of Post–cardiopulmonary bypass in children

Kantara Saelim, Kanokpan Ruangnapa, Jirayut Jarutach, Pongsanae Duangpakdee, Smonrapat Surasombatpattana, Pharsai prasertsan

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(12):1015-1022. Published online September 19, 2025

Web of Science 4 Crossref 4

Question: Can cytokine levels predict low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in children post–cardiopulmonary bypass?
Finding: Elevated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were associated with LCOS, with an increase in IL-8 of >56 pg/mL from baseline to immediately postoperative being the strongest predictor.
Meaning: Monitoring immediately postoperative IL-8 levels may help identify pediatric patients at risk of LCOS, enabling timely interventions to improve outcomes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00836

Infection

Association between vitamin D polymorphisms and binding protein and COVID-19 risk and severity in children

Victoria Giatraki, Helen Dimitriou, Georgia Martimianaki, Christos Tsatsanis, Emmanouil Galanakis, Chrysoula Perdikogianni

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(12):998-1006. Published online October 22, 2025

Question: Addressing crucial genetic variants within the vitamin D pathway and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) susceptibility, the vitamin D receptor, vitamin D binding protein, and CYP27B1-1260 polmorphisms might be associated with COVID-19 occurrence and severity in children.
Finding: The FokI FF genotype might be an independent risk factor for COVID-19 severity in childhood.
Meaning: This research may further elucidate genetic susceptibility to multisystem viral infections and establish genetic markers for severe clinical outcomes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00577

Oncology

HLA‒B*58:01 and skin reactions in pediatric hematology and oncology patients treated with allopurinol

Parisa Maneechai, Cholada Ratanatharathron, Jassada Buaboonam, Kleebsabai Sanpakit

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(12):974-980. Published online October 2, 2025

Crossref 1

Question: Does human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–B*58:01 increase the risk of cutaneous reactions in pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases receiving allopurinol?
Finding: : Of 108 patients, 17.6% carried HLA–B*58:01 but none developed skin reactions. The only rash occurred in an HLA-B*58:01–negative patient.
Meaning: Short-duration allopurinol may mitigate severe cutaneous adverse reaction risk regardless of genotype. Routine HLA-B*58:01 screening may be unnecessary in pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases briefly receiving allopurinol.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01032

Cited By 55	Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among parents of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Cited By 36	Community-acquired pneumonia in children: updated perspectives on its etiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Cited By 34	Metabolic complications of obesity in children and adolescents
Cited By 33	Microplastic and human health with focus on pediatric well-being: a comprehensive review and call for future studies
Cited By 30	Global burden of asthma among children and adolescents with projections to 2050: a comprehensive review and forecasted modeling study

Funded articles