Question: What are the neonatal risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Findings: Significant effect sizes were observed for congenital heart disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.35), macrosomia (OR, 1.11), low birth weight (OR, 1.63), very low birth weight (OR, 2.25), small for gestational age (OR, 1.17), jaundice (OR, 1.74), male sex (OR, 1.47), and Apgar score (OR, 1.40). Meaning: These factors were identified as risk factors for ASD. |
Question: Is there a reliable model to predict intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-resistant Kawasaki disease (KD)? Finding: We constructed 5 machine learning models to predict IVIG-resistant KD. Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model was superior to logistic, support vector machine, light gradient boosting machine and multiple layers perception models. The SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) value interpreted the contribution of each feature in XGBoost model. Meaning: XGBoost model showed the excellent performance to predict IVIG-resistant KD with explainable and visualizable machine learning algorithm. |
A recent unexplained acute kidney injury (AKI) outbreak due to pharmaceutical product contamination with diethylene glycol (DEG) raises public attention. Our study revealed that DEG-contaminated paracetamol causes unexplained AKI in children. However, paracetamol is not the only contaminated drug. Other drugs, such as cough expectorants, antihistamines, and sedatives, can also be affected. Other chemicals, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, can also contribute to poisonings. |
Question: Does paternal support affect exclusive breastfeeding failure? Finding: Exclusive breastfeeding failure by 3 months was affected by paternal support. Meaning: Fathers should be included in breastfeeding education and antenatal care. |
· Pediatric obesity increases the risk of metabolic complications (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and long-term cardiovascular diseases. · A new obesity definition and various indicators (continuous metabolic syndrome score, pediatric simple metabolic syndrome score, fatty liver index) have been proposed to evaluate children’s susceptibility to metabolic disorders. · Laboratory and body composition tests in pediatric screenings can identify groups at high risk of metabolic complications of obesity. |
Question: Does online responsive teaching (RT) impact children's and parents’ emotions and behaviors, and do parents find it satisfactory? Finding: Online RT significantly improved children's pivotal and problem behaviors, decreased parenting stress, and enhanced parental interactive styles with high satisfaction. Meaning: This pilot study's findings suggest that online RT can enhance child outcomes, offering accessible interventions amid challenges such as limited access and pandemics. |
Questions: Can the serum levels of kisspeptin and DLK1 be potential biomarkers for monitoring the treatments for central precocious puberty (CPP)? Findings: There were no significant differences in the baseline serum kisspeptin and DLK1 levels in CPP girls compared to girls with premature thelarche (PT). After 6 months of GnRH analogue treatment in CPP girls, median serum kisspeptin levels decreased, while median serum DLK1 levels increased compared to baseline. Meanings: Serum levels of kisspeptin and DLK1 may serve as novel biomarkers for monitoring the efficacy of treatments for CPP. |
Question: Is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) associated with functional/structural abnormalities later in life? Finding: School-aged children with severe BPD had abnormalities on pulmonary function tests and lung computed tomography despite no subjective respiratory symptoms; however, only prenatal oligohydramnios and prolonged ventilator use were associated with abnormal lung function. Meaning: Long-term monitoring of preterm infants’ lung health is essential, especially for those with prenatal oligohydramnios or prolonged ventilator use. |
In neonatal resuscitation: · Laryngeal masks are recommended when endotracheal intubation or positive-pressure ventilation fails. · Laryngeal masks are useful even during chest compressions. · Laryngeal masks aid neonates >34 weeks’ gestation and/or with a birth weight >2 kg. · Main usage barriers include limited experience (81%), preference for endotracheal tubes (57%), and lack of awareness (56%). · Second-generation laryngeal masks have a built-in esophageal drainage tube that prevents regurgitation into the glottis, and an orogastric tube can be inserted within the esophageal drainage tube to protect against gastric inflation. |
· The infant gut microbiome is highly dynamic and individualized. · Microbes are vertically transmitted from mother to infant during delivery and throughout infancy. · Delivery mode, gestational age, diet, and antibiotic use influence infant microbiome composition and function. · In animal studies, the microbiome played critical roles in the structural and functional development of the infant gastrointestinal and immune systems. · Microbiome-targeted therapies have great potential to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. |
· Oral immunotherapy should be supervised by pediatricians with experience administering oral food challenge tests and managing allergic reactions. · Food allergen intake is gradually increased and maintained for years. · Patients may experience allergic reactions and psychological problems. · Adjunctive therapies (biologics, antihistamines, and leukotriene receptor antagonists) may improve efficacy and safety. · Contraindications include uncontrolled asthma, malignancy, active autoimmune disorders, and beta-blocker usage. |
Despite worldwide acceptance of acetaminophen (paracetamol) in pediatric medicine, careful examination reveals no valid objections to the conclusion that early exposure to acetaminophen causes neurodevelopmental injury in susceptible babies and children. Nevertheless, debate that early exposure to acetaminophen causes neurodevelopmental injury has centered around the prenatal period, evidence of which is relatively limited compared to that in the postnatal period, which is the time of greatest absolute and relative risk. |
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post transcriptionally, and MiRNA expression levels vary with developmental stages. MiRNAs play an important role in several biological processes in children, including growth, neuro-development, inflammation, and tumor formation. Research on miRNAs may uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying various pediatric diseases, leading to the development of novel biomarkers that aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these diseases. |
· Review of articles that investigated the applications of virtual, augmented, or mixed reality in pediatric clinical settings and in the training of pediatric medical professionals was conducted. · A total of 89 studies were retrieved, with 36 randomized controlled trials. · In most studies, intervention using the novel technology was at least as effective or more effective than the traditional method. · Use of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality has potential in pediatrics. |
· X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), the most common cause of hypophosphatemic rickets, affects 1/20,000 people. · XLH is caused by a loss-of-function mutation of the PHEX gene. · Its main pathogenesis is elevated fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) level. · Burosumab, an FGF23 inhibitor, was developed in the early 2000s. · Burosumab was approved in Korea in 2020 for XLH patients aged 1+ years with radiographic evidence of bone disease. |
Question: This is the first meta-analysis to examine published evidence of the effectiveness of virtual reality at reducing pain during pediatric intravenous injections. Finding: Our results suggest that virtual reality effectively reduces pain associated with intravenous injections in pediatric patients. Meaning: These findings suggest the importance of virtual reality in decreasing the pain of intravenous injections among children. |
· Recent advances in molecular genetics have improved our understanding of pediatric endocrine disorders and are now used in mainstream medical practice. · Genome-wide association studies can increase our understanding of the biological mechanisms of disease and inform new therapeutic options. · The identification of founder mutations leads to the efficient localization of the genes underlying Mendelian disorders. · Next-generation sequencing technologies benefit clinical practice and research of pediatric endocrinology. |
Question: What are the adverse clinical outcomes of neonates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–infected mothers? Finding: Infants of mothers with COVID-19 were at significantly increased risk of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), use of noninvasive ventilation, and need for supplemental oxygen (P<0.05). Meaning: Neonates of mothers with COVID-19 are at risk of TTN and require respiratory support. Close monitoring is essential to ensuring timely intervention if required. |
Question: Would students with reading disorder have a significantly higher prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactiveimpulsive disorder (ADHD) symptoms than neurotypical students? Finding: Students at risk of reading disorder exhibited significant ADHD symptoms compared with those not at risk of reading disorder according to all presentations of teacher assessments versus only for predominantly inattentive presentations of the parental assessments. Meaning: Students with reading disorder have a significantly higher prevalence of ADHD symptoms than neurotypical students. Sex, parental education level, average family income, and children’s school affiliation significantly influenced reading disorder prevalence. |
Question: Does a short and intensive art-based intervention affect symptoms and social interactions among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Finding: The short and intensive art-based intervention did not affect symptoms in children with ASD level 2 or 3, including social awareness, social cognition, social communication, social motivation, and autistic mannerisms. Meaning: The short and intensive art-based intervention did not improve the symptoms of patients with ASD. |
Question: The risk factors for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as breastfeeding, congenital heart disease, and low birth weight, in neonates are not well understood. Finding: This umbrella review obtained significant effect sizes for ADHD for congenital heart disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.04), low birth weight (OR, 2.25), never breastfed (OR, 1.55), and Apgar score (OR, 1.30). Meaning: Congenital heart disease, low birth weight, lack of breastfeeding, and Apgar scores were significant factors for ADHD. |
· 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. |
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. |
· Vitamins have effector mechanisms in the innate and adaptive immune systems and potential roles in preventing and reducing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). · Vitamins may be immunonutrients in the treatment of COVID-19 infections and prevention of patient deterioration due to critical illness, thus demonstrating the significance of a nutritious, well-balanced diet. |
· Electroencephalography (EEG) directly images the electrical activity of neurons at a higher temporal resolution than other neuroimaging techniques. · EEG is still widely used in brain function research due to its advantages. · Forward and inverse problems of EEG analyses require solutions. · Methods such as the dipole and distributed source models have been introduced. · Applications of EEG are expanding with the integration of other technologies and large-scale data. |
Question: What is the spatial distribution and determinants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among students in Korea? Finding: The community population was closely associated with the risk of COVID-19, and the number of students per school class were inversely associated with COVID-19 rates in students. Meaning: Our finding suggests that controlling the community-level burden of COVID-19 can help prevent sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in school-aged children. |