Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

Original Article

Hematology

Hyperhomocysteinemia in pediatric β-thalassemia: links to vitamin cofactor deficiencies and oxidative stress

Arzu Dadashova, Gunay Aliyeva, Rana Rahimova, Gulnara Azizova, Khayala Mammadova

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):819-830. Published online July 8, 2025

Question: What are the biochemical and clinical correlates of hyperhomocysteinemia in pediatric β-thalassemia, and how does it relate to vitamin status, oxidative stress, and splenectomy?
Finding: Most pediatric β-thalassemia patients exhibited severe hyperhomocysteinemia, which was strongly associated with folate and B₁₂ deficiencies and influenced oxidative stress patterns, particularly in splenectomized individuals.
Meaning: These findings suggest that routine monitoring and correction of B-vitamin deficiencies may mitigate hyperhomocysteinemia-related risks in pediatric thalassemia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00556

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Respiratory severity score-guided postnatal systemic corticosteroid therapy for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm infants

Gyeong Eun Yeom, Ju Sun Heo, Baek Sup Shin, Seh Hyun Kim, Seung Han Shin, Ee-Kyung Kim, Han-Suk Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):656-665. Published online July 8, 2025

Question: Does a respiratory severity score (RSS)-guided postnatal corticosteroid protocol improve respiratory outcomes of extremely preterm (EP) infants without worsening neurodevelopmental outcomes?
Finding: The protocol enabled targeted and early steroid use, thereby reducing severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia without affecting mortality or causing neurodevelopmental impairments.
Meaning: The RSS-guided protocol may offer a more precise and individualized postnatal corticosteroid therapy for EP infants.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00514

General Pediatrics

Trends and determinants in breastfeeding among Korean infants (2007–2021): a nationwide study using the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children

Minwoong Kang, Eui Kyung Choi, Jeung Min Lee, Hye-Jung Shin, Woo Ryoung Lee, Son Moon Shin; Korean Society of Breastfeeding Medicine

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):772-780. Published online July 4, 2025

Question: What are the recent trends and determinants of breastfeeding in South Korea?
Finding: Breastfeeding rates in South Korea declined significantly from 2007 to 2021, with lower rates observed in preterm, low-birthweight, and multiple-birth infants as well as rural or lower-income households.
Meaning: Targeted interventions, including prenatal education, postnatal support, and community-based programs, are required to address disparities and improve breastfeeding rates.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00857

Oncology

Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for treatment of relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancy in children and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ghea Mangkuliguna, Edi Setiawan Tehuteru, Reganedgary Jonlean, Nicholas Adrianto, Stella Kallista

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):712-721. Published online July 4, 2025

Question: Does consolidative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy improve outcomes of children and young adult patients with relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies?
Finding: The meta-analysis showed reduced relapse rates and favorable survival trends with allo-SCT despite low evidence quality.
Meaning: Consolidative allo-SCT after CAR T-cell therapy may enhance survival; however, further clinical studies are needed.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00031

Review Article

Other

Artificial intelligence in pediatric healthcare: current applications, potential, and implementation considerations

Taejin Park, In-Hee Lee, Seung Wook Lee, Sek Won Kong

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):641-651. Published online June 25, 2025

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential benefits in pediatric care, but its real-world adoption requires clinician literacy, ethical and legal safeguards, and cautious implementation. Large language models are emerging across healthcare, but their use in pediatric clinical practice remains premature. Thus, the cautious and accountable implementation of AI is crucial to preventing unintended harm and realizing its potential.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00962

Original Article

Other

Role of neutrophil elastase in predicting infection among children with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia

Mahmoud A. El-Hawy, Doaa M. Elian, Mai El-Sayad Abd El-Hamid, Esraa T. Allam, Mariam S. Kandeel, Asmaa A. Mahmoud

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):801-807. Published online June 10, 2025

Question: Can neutrophil elastase (NE) levels predict infection— the primary cause of mortality—among children with hematological malignancies and febrile neutropenia (FN)?
Finding: Elevated levels of NE were found in children with chemotherapy-induced FN and a bacterial infection.
Meaning: Increased NE levels and prolonged FN are important factors associated with mortality risk.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00318

Gastroenterology

Treatment targeting pediatric inflammatory bowel disease-associated anemia: experience from a single tertiary center

Ana S.C. Fernandes, Sara Azevedo, Ana Rita Martins, Ana Isabel Lopes

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):722-731. Published online June 10, 2025

Question: Does treating iron deficiency (ID) using intravenous iron in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) feature long-term safety and efficacy?
Finding: Intravenous iron supplementation was safe and effective. However, the ID recurrence rate was higher than expected.
Meaning: Proactive screening and treatment of ID in pediatric IBD are essential. The Ganzoni formula likely underestimates the iron requirements of pediatric patients. Prospective trials are needed to optimize iron treatment dosing.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00640

Critical Care Medicine

Effect of postoperative enteral protein supplementation on nitrogen balance in critically ill children

Irene Yuniar, Kadek Apik Lestari, Antonius Hocky Pudjiadi, Fatima Safira Alatas, Yoga Devaera

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):790-800. Published online May 30, 2025

Question: Does high-protein enteral nutrition better increase the average nitrogen balance (NB) and decrease the intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) level of critically ill postoperative children than standard-protein enteral nutrition?
Finding: The study demonstrated a significant increase in average NB but no significant decrease in I-FABP levels in the high- versus low-protein group.
Meaning: These findings suggest that high-protein enteral nutrition can improve NB in critically ill postoperative children, thereby supporting their recovery.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00227

Gastroenterology

Adenosine deaminase and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist genetic polymorphisms among obese children with versus without metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

Hala M. Sakhr, Mohammed H. Hassan, Azza Mohamed Taha, Ali Helmi Bakri

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):808-818. Published online May 29, 2025

Question: Is there an association between adenosine deaminase (ADA) G22A and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) genetic polymorphisms and pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)?
Finding: The GG genotype and G allele of ADA G22A were significantly associated with obesity but not pediatric MAFLD, while the *1/*2 genotype of the IL-1RN gene was significantly associated with obesity and pediatric MAFLD.
Meaning: The IL-1RN gene may contribute to pediatric MAFLD.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00731

Perspective

General Pediatrics

Navigating the complex behavioral landscape of children in foster care and adopted families

Anisha Choi, Sandhya J. Kadam

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):620-623. Published online May 12, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00822

Clinical Note

Genetics and Metabolism

Expanding genotype-phenotype correlation of Kenny-Caffey syndrome type 1

Manuela Lo Bianco, Federica Sipala, Xena Giada Pappalardo, Gaia Fusto, Roberta Rizzo, Federico Favata, Carla Cimino, Silvia Marino, Martino Ruggieri, Agnese Suppiej, Simone Ronsisvalle, Raffaele Falsaperla

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):616-619. Published online May 12, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00360

Perspective

Gastroenterology

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in children: a practical update based on Indian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ISPGHAN) 2024 guidelines

Ankit Agrawal, Arghya Samanta

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):546-550. Published online May 12, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00157

Review Article

Allergy

Global burden of asthma among children and adolescents with projections to 2050: a comprehensive review and forecasted modeling study

Tae Hyeon Kim, Hyunjee Kim, Jiyeon Oh, Soeun Kim, Michael Miligkos, Dong Keon Yon, Nikolaos G Papadopoulos

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):329-343. Published online April 22, 2025

Web of Science 3 Crossref 4

Pediatric asthma can persist to adulthood and must be effectively managed. This review examined the prevalence of asthma among individuals younger than 20 years and revealed a decline from 1990 to 2021, higher rates in males, and a peak in children aged 5–9 years. Despite a projected continued decrease in prevalence by 2050, asthma will remain a significant health concern for children and adolescents.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00423

Original Article

Nutrition

Factors associated with thiamin deficiency in pediatric patients with heart disease and receiving diuretics: a single-center study

Phakwan Laohathai, Rathaporn Sumboonnanonda, Puthita Saengpanit, Chodchanok Vijarnsorn, Chatchawan Srisawat, Kwanjai Chotipanang, Sarawut Junnu, Supawan Kunnangja, Hathaichanok Rukprayoon, Phakkanan Phuangphan, Sompong Liammongkolkul, Arthima Phaokong, Narumon Densupsoontorn

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):666-672. Published online April 16, 2025

Question: Are pediatric patients with heart disease who are receiving diuretics at risk of thiamin deficiency (TD)?
Finding: Fifteen percent of the patients had TD. TD was associated with inadequate dietary thiamin intake and increasing age.
Meaning: The thiamin pyrophosphate effect should be assessed in those with high risk of TD. Dietary counseling should be emphasized to ensure adequate dietary thiamin intake.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01893

Review Article

Other

Cost-effectiveness of newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency: a systematic review

Rezwanul Rana, Syed Afroz Keramat, Moin Ahmed

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):628-640. Published online April 16, 2025

Universal newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) demonstrates robust cost-effectiveness across diverse high-income healthcare systems, both from healthcare and societal standpoints. Early detection yields substantial savings. While uncertainties persist, impacting precise cost-effectiveness, the overall finding is positive. Future research must prioritize enhanced data collection and statistical rigor to refine our understanding of SCID's economic impact within the Australian context.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00052

Correspondence

Infection

A commentary on "COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with systemic lupus erythematosus"

Hinpetch Daungsupawong, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):624-625. Published online April 16, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00304

Original Article

Hematology

Treatment and clinical outcomes of pediatric autoimmune hemolytic anemia: real-world single-center data from Korea

Young Dai Kwon, Eun Sun Jung, Yeon Jung Lim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):522-529. Published online April 16, 2025

Question: Can pediatric autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) be effectively managed using first-line steroids?
Finding: In this single-center study, pediatric patients with AIHA achieved normal hemoglobin levels within 16.5 days (range, 9.0–22.0 days) of first-line steroid treatment and maintained effective responses for 2 months.
Meaning: These outcomes highlight the efficacy of steroid treatment in pediatric versus adult AIHA and underscore the need for multicenter trials to establish standardized treatment guidelines.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.02026

Editorial

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

Original Article

Infection

Role of miRNA-146a and miRNA-125b in Helicobacter pylori

Nashwa Farouk Mohamed, Ola G.A. Behairy, Manal S. EL-Defrawy, Mona Mahmoud Elsayed, Naglaa F. Alhusseini

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):781-789. Published online April 1, 2025

Crossref 1

Question: Why is the early detection of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis in children important?
Finding: The early detection of H. pylori-related gastritis is crucial for its effective management, especially in pediatric patients with dyspepsia.
Meaning: The use of miRNA signatures could detect early gastritis, enabling timely H. pylori eradication treatment to mitigate growth delays and cancer risk.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00192

Pulmonology

Effect of vitamin C supplement in treatment of childhood pneumonia requiring hospitalization: a randomized controlled trial

Chutima Phuaksaman, Katechan Jampachaisri, Klaita Srisingh

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):690-699. Published online April 1, 2025

This study assessed the effects of vitamin C on children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Vitamin C supplementation improved clinical symptoms within 48–72 hours compared to placebo but did not reduce the length of hospital stay (LOS). These findings suggest that vitamin C is beneficial for managing CAP severity, but does not affect LOS.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01970

Association of macrophage migration-inhibitory factor gene and growth differentiation factor 15 gene polymorphisms and their circulating levels with respiratory distress syndrome among preterm neonates

Ali Helmi Bakri, Mohammed H. Hassan, Khaled Abdalla Abd-Elbaseer, Mahmoud Abo-Alhassan Sayed, Ahmed Alamir Mahmoud Abdallah, Eman Ahmed Abd-Elmawgood

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):680-689. Published online April 1, 2025

Question: Do macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) levels and their gene polymorphisms affect RDS among preterm babies?
Finding: Significantly higher serum MIF and GDF-15 levels were observed in patients with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The mutant G- and C-alleles of GDF-15 rs4808793 C>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and MIF rs755622 G>C SNP were present at significantly higher frequencies in preterm neonates with RDS.
Meaning: MIF and GDF-15 play a significant role in neonatal RDS and its severity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00416

Neurology

Establishing an induced pluripotent stem cell bank using urine cells from pediatric patients with neurogenetic diseases

Hien Bao Dieu Thai, WonWoo Jung, Sol Choi, Woo Joong Kim, JangSup Moon, ByungChan Lim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):569-577. Published online April 1, 2025

Crossref 1

Question: What can be used to create a reliable supply of somatic cells for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generation and standardize procedures for building an iPSC bank for researching pediatric neurogenetic disorders?
Findings: Noninvasively acquired urine cells are a desirable cell source for iPSC reprogramming.
Meaning: An iPSC bank can be created from diverse patient cell sources and offer a useful resource for translating research results into clinical therapy for pediatric neurogenetic disorders.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01830

Review Article

Other

Myopia: a review of current concepts, association with nonophthalmological conditions, and treatment strategy in children and adolescents

Yeon Woong Chung

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):554-565. Published online April 1, 2025

Crossref 2

Myopia is a major ophthalmological disorder with increasing prevalence worldwide, particularly in East Asia. Evidence indicates that its development involves complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Body stature, sleep patterns, and nutritional status significantly influence the progression of myopia during childhood and adolescence. Its treatment and prevention strategies include optical correction, atropine therapy, increased outdoor activity, decreased near work, and regular retinal monitoring.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00115

Original Article

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Incidence of neural tube defects in tertiary care university hospital in Bangladesh

Ismat Jahan, Arif Hossain, Shah Nizam Uddin Shaon, Sadeka Choudhury Moni, Mohammad Kamrul Hassan Shabuj, Sanjoy Kumer Dey, Mohammad Abdul Mannan, Mohammod Shahidullah

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):530-538. Published online April 1, 2025

Question: What is the burden of neural tube defects (NTDs) in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit in Bangladesh?
Finding: The overall incidence of NTD was 6.4 (range, 4.59–11.2) per 1,000 live births, and the meningomyelocele complex was the most frequent location.
Meaning: The high incidence of NTD found in a leading tertiary care multidisciplinary referral hospital in Bangladesh may not reflect that of the wider population.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01578

Pulmonology

Clinical course of children with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans with versus without comorbid bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Lamia Medghoul, Julien Grosjean, Christophe Marguet, Hortense Petat

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):497-502. Published online April 1, 2025

Question: Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a chronic respiratory disease that typically develops in children after a severe respiratory infection. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is often comorbid in patients with PIBO.
Finding: Corticosteroid pulse therapy effectively manages PIBO with or without comorbid BPD, significantly reducing exacerbations and decreasing the daily requirement for inhaled corticosteroids.
Meaning: Therapeutic effects of corticosteroid pulses are rapid and sustained over time, in both groups.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00122

Review Article

Immunology

NLRP3 inflammasome: a key player in neonatal brain injury

Cagla Kiser, Ilkcan Ercan, Defne Engur, Sermin Genc

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):475-485. Published online April 1, 2025

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is the major cause of neonatal brain injury. NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome activation leads to neuroinflammation, which significantly affects newborn mortality. The establishment of preventive and therapeutic strategies against brain damage requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation and inflammasome activation in the neonatal brain.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01935

Original Article

Hematology

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with type VI mucopolysaccharidosis

Vedat Uygun, Koray Yalçın, Hayriye Daloğlu, Seda Öztürkmen, Suna Çelen, Suleimen Zhumatayev, Gülsün Karasu, Akif Yeşilipek

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):601-607. Published online March 11, 2025

Crossref 1

Question: Could hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) be an alternative to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for type VI mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS VI)?
Finding: HSCT is generally not offered due to reports of high toxicity and mortality. However, we detected fewer complications and graft-versus-host disease cases and no deaths with HSCT.
Meaning: HSCT is both less expensive than ERT and permanent; thus, it should be considered an alternative treatment for MPS VI.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.02033

Gastroenterology

Efficacy and safety of carbon dioxide versus room-air insufflation in pediatric colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial

Ajay Aravind, Ujjal Poddar, Anshu Srivastava, Moinak Sen Sarma

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):594-600. Published online March 11, 2025

CO₂ insufflation has been used instead of air insufflation to reduce postprocedure pain and discomfort in adults; however, adequately powered studies in children are scarce. This randomized controlled trial of 200 children showed that CO₂ insufflation reduces postprocedure pain and discomfort during pediatric colonoscopy with no signs of CO₂ retention. CO₂ insufflation is safe and causes less pain in children.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.02012

Somatic symptom severity during acute illnesses among children with functional gastrointestinal disorders

Rattanachart Sirinil, Anundorn Wongteerasut

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):587-593. Published online March 11, 2025

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are associated with various somatic symptoms measured using a visual analogue scale and the Children’s Somatic Symptoms Inventory-24 questionnaire. Children with FGIDs exhibited more significant somatic symptoms than controls during acute illnesses. Gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI manifestations are significantly more common in children with FGIDs.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01795

Letter to the Editor

General Pediatrics

Debate around and impact of digital screen time and media parenting on children’s development

Gowda Parameshwara Prashanth

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):551-553. Published online March 11, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00073

Cited By 31	Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants
Cited By 29	Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
Cited By 27	Gut microbiota affects brain development and behavior
Cited By 24	Association of gut microbiota with obesity in children and adolescents
Cited By 24	Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among parents of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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