Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

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

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

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

Lamia Medghoul, Julien Grosjean, Christophe Marguet, Hortense Petat

Background: Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a rare chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that occurs after a respiratory infection. Its diagnosis is generally based on clinical history, respiratory symptoms, and computed tomography (CT) findings.
Purpose: Here we evaluated the frequency of exacerbations, clinical progress, and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) usage in children diagnosed with PIBO with or without comorbid bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods:...

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00122 [Accepted]

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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

Background: It is uncertain whether hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), versus standard enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), is effective for type VI mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS VI).
Purpose: New related advances in HSCT prompted an examination of the transplant procedures performed in a recent cohort. Methods: This single-center retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 17 pediatric patients with MPS VI who underwent allogeneic...

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.02033 [Accepted]

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

Rattanachart Sirinil, Anundorn Wongteerasut

Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are associated with various gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI symptoms, risk factors for which commonly include psychosocial and physical stresses.
Purpose: This study aimed to compare somatic symptom severity between children with FGIDs and healthy controls during acute illnesses. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study whose inclusion criterion was age 4–18 years. Children were...

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01795 [Accepted]

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Nonlinear association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and asthma in children and adolescents in the USA: a cross-sectional study

Chuhan Cheng, Liyan Zhang

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation associated with various diseases including respiratory conditions. However, the relationship between NLR and asthma in the pediatric population remains underexplored.
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the association between NLR and asthma in children and adolescents and assess its potential role as a predictive biomarker for pediatric asthma. Methods: We...

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01844 [Accepted]

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Serum amyloid A and proadrenomedullin as early markers in critically ill children with sepsis

Nagwan Saleh, Wafaa Abo El Fotoh, Mona Habib, Salem Deraz

Background: Pro-adrenomedullin (pro-ADM), the most stable part of ADM, serves as an indirect marker of ADM levels. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a protein produced primarily in the liver during acute inflammation.
Purpose: To assess the role of SAA and pro-ADM, individually and in combination, as diagnostic and prognostic markers in pediatric sepsis. Methods: This prospective case-control cohort study included...

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01928 [Accepted]

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Review Article

Nutrition

The Korea Infant Physical Growth Examination Survey (KIPGroS): a study protocol

Jong Woo Hahn, MinSoo Shin, Jin Gyu Lim, Yoon-Joo Kim, Ki Soo Kang, Narae Lee, Seong Hee Jeong, Mun Hui Jeong, Yeoun Joo Lee, Eui Kyung Choi, Jung Ok Shim, Jee Yoon Park, Chan-Wook Park, Joo Young Kim, Su Jin Jeong, Young Hwa Jung, Jaehyun Kim, Chang Won Choi, Ju Whi Kim, Seung Han Shin, Yun Jeong Lee, Young Ah Lee, Choong-Ho Shin, Seung-sik Hwang, Young Eun Kim, Youn Ha Kang, Kyungwon Oh, Sungha Yun, Jae Sung Ko, Jin Soo Moon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):352-358. Published online February 13, 2025

The suitability of World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts for assessing the growth of children under 3 years of age in all countries remains controversial, and their applicability must be evaluated based on country-specific growth data. The Korea Infant Physical Growth Examination Survey evaluated the suitability of WHO growth charts to contribute to the next revision of growth charts in Korea.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00297

Original Article

Nutrition

Differential effects of dietary and physical activity interventions on adiposity of children with obesity

Anekchoke Tangtongsoong, Chonnikant Visuthranukul, Yuda Chongpison, Sirinuch Chomtho

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):370-378. Published online February 3, 2025

Question: How do dietary intake and physical activity affect body mass index (BMI) z scores and adiposity among children with obesity?
Finding: Higher dietary protein and fiber intakes were significantly associated with a decrease in BMI z scores and adiposity among children with obesity.
Meaning: Optimizing dietary interventions by focusing on protein and fiber intakes could be an effective strategy for managing childhood obesity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01347

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Karnchanit Sausukpaiboon, Nuanpan Penboon, Pornpimol Rianthavorn

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination remains an essential strategy for reducing disease burden. Specific guidelines for vaccinating children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are currently unavailable, highlighting the gap in tailored recommendations for this population.
Purpose: This study aimed to estimate parental intention to vaccinate children with SLE against COVID-19 and identify factors associated with this intention. It also explored...

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01340 [Accepted]

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Infection

Enteric pathogens implicated in acute infectious diarrhea among young children in resource-limited region with rapidly growing population: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Aseel Mahmood Ibrahim Al-Mashahedah, Randa Mohammed Dhahi

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):379-387. Published online December 23, 2024

Question: What are the most common enteric pathogens in acute diarrhea among children younger than 5 years of age, and which age group is most susceptible?
Finding: Bacteria were the most common causative microorganisms of diarrhea, followed by viruses, parasites, and fungi. The 1–2-year age group was the most commonly affected.
Meaning: There is a need to formulate preventive strategies targeting children exposed to enteric pathogens to limit diarrhea.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01333

Nephrology (Genitourinary)

C3 glomerulopathy in children: experience at a resource-limited center

Soumya Reddy, Abhishek Ghante, Mahesha Vankalakunti, Anil Vasudevan

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(4):311-318. Published online November 28, 2024

Question: What are the clinicopathological features and outcomes of pediatric C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) in resource-limited settings?
Finding: Children with C3G in resource-limited settings have significant morbidities, and most experience kidney sequelae despite treatment. Electron microscopy was performed in only 50% of our patients, while none received complement assays or genetic testing.
Meaning: Pediatric C3G presentation, management, and kidney outcomes vary. Its thorough evaluation and management are challenging in resource-limited settings.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01256

Neurology

Occurrence of stroke in children and young adults in Indonesia: a multicenter private hospital study

Jeanne Leman, Veli Sungono, Yosua Timotius Haryono, Muhammad Adam Mudzakir, Dewi Lestari Rahmawati, Callistus Bruce Henfry Sulay, Gilbert Sterling Octavius

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(4):303-310. Published online November 13, 2024

Question: What is the occurrence of pediatric stroke in Indonesia?
Finding: This multicenter study identified 1,074 stroke cases, predominantly hemorrhagic (83.4%), with males and older children at higher risk. Accidents were the primary cause (73.2%).
Meaning: Pediatric stroke in Indonesia shows critical epidemiological trends, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts, particularly for high-risk groups like males and accident victims.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01214

Review Article

Gastroenterology

Practical concepts and strategies for early diagnosis and management of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in East-Asian children

Byung-Ho Choe

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(3):185-198. Published online November 13, 2024

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) often coexist with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and other IgE or non-IgE mediated GI diseases. Diagnosing EGIDs requires a high index of suspicion and a comprehensive approach to differentiate them from conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Tests such as fecal calprotectin and biopsies aid in severe cases. Maintaining a food diary helps identify triggers for long-term elimination. Awareness and education are key to effective management.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01165

Value of transabdominal ultrasonography for diagnosing functional constipation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Duc Long Tran, Phu Nguyen Trong Tran, Paweena Susantitaphong, Phichayut Phinyo, Palittiya Sintusek

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):127-135. Published online November 13, 2024

Transabdominal ultrasonography is increasingly used as a novel modality for detecting pediatric functional constipation (FC). This systematic review and metaanalysis aimed to assess the diagnostic parameters of FC including rectal diameter (RD) and anterior rectal wall thickness. A systematic search was conducted of the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed databases through September 29, 2023, to identify studies comparing RD...

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00927

Original Article

Neurology

Evaluation of pediatric migraine triggers: a single-center study

Hey-Joon Son, Joo-Ok Jin, Kon-Hee Lee

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):163-169. Published online November 11, 2024

Question: What are the primary triggers for pediatric migraines, and how do they impact clinical management?
Finding: Common triggers for pediatric migraines include sleep disturbances, academic stress, and motion sickness, with academic stress identified as the most intense.
Meaning: Recognizing and addressing specific triggers like sleep disturbance and academic stress is crucial to effectively managing pediatric migraines with emphasis on personalized care to improve outcomes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00738

Review Article

Other

Global trends in importance of 24-hour movement behaviors to pediatric health: implications for South Korea

Eun-Young Lee, Reyana Jayawardena, Seiyeong Park, Justin Y Jeon, Yeon-Soo Kim, Mark S. Tremblay

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(1):16-29. Published online November 11, 2024

· The 24-hour movement behavior paradigm provides an important framework for future pediatric health promotion efforts.
· Policy priorities should include advancing surveillance and monitoring assessments related to 24-hour movement behaviors, evaluating their implementation in school and government policies, and building preparedness for future pandemics and natural disasters, including climate change, by promoting healthy 24-hour movement behaviors.
· Future research should advocate for the promotion of 24- hour movement behaviors.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00178

Original Article

General Pediatrics

Nonpharmacological interventions for managing postoperative pain and anxiety in children: a randomized controlled trial

Edlin Glane Mathias, Mamatha Shivananda Pai, Vijay Kumar, Dinesh Narayanakurup, Malavika Kulkarni, Vasudeva Guddattu, Ann-Cathrine Bramhagen, Baby S Nayak, Anice George

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(12):677-685. Published online October 31, 2024

Question: What is the effect of nonpharmacological interventions on postoperative pain and anxiety among children.
Finding: Nurse-provided distraction interventions reduce pain and anxiety among pediatric surgical patients.
Meaning: The findings suggest that nonpharmacological interventions provided postoperatively to children reduce their pain and anxiety levels.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01690

Review Article

General Pediatrics

Protecting our future: environmental hazards and children’s health in the face of environmental threats: a comprehensive overview

Jungha Lee, Hyo-Bin Kim, Hun-Jong Jung, Myunghee Chung, So Eun Park, Kon-Hee Lee, Won Seop Kim, Jin-Hwa Moon, Jung Won Lee, Jae Won Shim, Sang Soo Lee, Yunkoo Kang, Young Yoo; The Environmental Health Committee of the Korean Pediatric Society

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(11):589-598. Published online October 31, 2024

Web of Science 1 Crossref 2

· Exposure to air pollutants cause allergic and respiratory diseases as well as chronic kidney disease.
· Adequate physical activity and proper nutrition are essential for children to maintain good health.
· We must educate people about the harmful effects of noise, blue light, heavy metals and smoke.
· Government and society must actively decrease environ-mental hazards.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01578

Original Article

Pulmonology

Efficacies of different treatment strategies for infants hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis

Hyeri Jeong, Dawon Park, Eun Kyo Ha, Ju Hee Kim, Jeewon Shin, Hey-Sung Baek, Hyunsoo Hwang, Youn Ho Shin, Hye Mi Jee, Man Yong Han

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(11):608-618. Published online October 28, 2024

· This study analyzed 45 randomized controlled trials (5,061 participants, 13 interventions) of the comparative efficacies of treatments for acute bronchiolitis in infants.
· Inhalation therapy with epinephrine and hypertonic saline significantly reduced the length of hospital stay compared with normal saline.
· Hypertonic saline had the greatest ability to improve the clinical severity score of bronchiolitis in infants younger than 2 years of age.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01676

Review Article

Developmental and Behavioral Medicine

Effect of pesticide exposure on stunting incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sani Rachman Soleman, Yaltafit Abror Jeem, Muhammad Fathi Banna Al Faruqi, Mahdea Kasyiva, Vita Widyasari, Kuswati Kuswati, Nur Aini Djunet, Muflihah Rizkawati, Ety Sari Handayani

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(10):510-518. Published online September 24, 2024

This review aimed to determine whether pesticide exposure is associated with stunting in children. The 13 included studies agree that pesticide exposure is not correlated with stunting incidence regardless of substance type (organophosphate and pyrethroid). Heterogeneity appeared with age covariate as potential confounding. The evidence of this study is challeng-ing, as the adverse effects of pesticides grossly occurred. The protection of children is warranted for preventing future neurodevelopment issues.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01522

Original Article

Cardiology

Comparative analysis of adolescent hypertension definitions for predicting early adulthood carotid artery intima-media thickness: Tehran lipid and glucose study

Maryam Barzin, Shirin Yaghoobpoor, Maryam Mahdavi, Behnaz Abiri, Majid Valizadeh, Fereidoun Azizi, Pooneh Dehghan, Farhad Hosseinpanah

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(12):694-703. Published online September 12, 2024

Web of Science 2 Crossref 1

Question: What is the prevalence of HTN among adolescents enrolled in the TLGS according to 3 different accepted definitions (4th report, ESH, and AAP-CPG). Also, what is the ability of each of these definitions in predicting early adulthood CIMT, as a surrogate for cardiovascular disease events?
Finding: The highest and lowest prevalence of stage 1 HTN was observed with the AAP-CPG (17.7%) and ESH (8.8%), respectively. Similarly, the highest and lowest prevalence of stage 2 HTN was noted with the AAP-CPG (1.5%) and ESH (0.8%), respectively. The highest to lowest predictive abilities belonged to the 4th report, ESH, and AAP-CPG, respectively.
Meaning: Among the various definitions of pediatric HTN, the 4th report offered the best ability to predict a high CIMT during early adulthood, followed by the ESH and AAP-CPG.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00248

Review Article

Developmental and Behavioral Medicine

Screen time among preschoolers: exploring individual, familial, and environmental factors

Sangha Lee, Donghee Kim, Yunmi Shin

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(12):641-650. Published online September 12, 2024

This systematic review examined the correlation between screen time and various factors in preschoolers. Findings suggest that media parenting, including setting appropriate media limits, is crucial in protecting against excessive screen exposure. However, limited research has been done on the impact of family and personal factors, particularly with the increasing use of portable devices among young children.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01746

Rheumatology

Double-negative T cells in pediatric rheumatic diseases

Dimitri Poddighe, Tilektes Maulenkul, Kuanysh Dossybayeva, Gulsamal Zhubanova, Zaure Mukusheva, Lyudmila Akhmaltdinova

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(12):632-640. Published online September 12, 2024

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Double-negative T (DNT) cells appear to be increased in several pediatric rheumatic diseases and this finding may be correlated with disease activity to some extent. However, due to significant heterogeneity in several methodological aspects, further investigations in rheumatic children are needed to assess the potential relevance of DNT cells as biomarkers and clarify their immunopathological role.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01760

Allergy

Comparison and review of international guidelines for treating asthma in children

Eui Jeong Roh

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(9):447-455. Published online August 20, 2024

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children. Although asthma in children may spontaneously improve, it continues into adulthood in many cases. Therefore, appropriate disease management and medication are essential. Consistent and objective guidelines are needed to manage pediatric asthma and related adverse reactions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2022.01466

Original Article

Genetics and Metabolism

Interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphisms in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia

Seham Mohamed Ragab, Wafaa Moustafa Abo ElFotoh, Mahmoud Ahmed El-Hawy, Eman Abdelfatah Badr, Saara Khairat Ali Mostafa, Mai El-Sayad Abd El-Hamid

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(9):465-473. Published online July 24, 2024

· Polymorphisms in interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) antagonists may significantly affect the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
· IL-1B and IL-1R antagonist gene polymorphisms are correlated with severity and susceptibility to primary ITP in children.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00577

Review Article

Developmental and Behavioral Medicine

Comprehensive evaluation of the child with global developmental delays or intellectual disability

Abdullah Nasser Aldosari, T. Saeed Aldosari

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(9):435-446. Published online May 29, 2024

· A detailed history and comprehensive physical examination remain the cornerstones for establishing a diagnosis of global developmental delay/intellectual disability (GDD/ID).
· Comprehensive surveillance and screening programs play a significant role in the early detection of GDD.
· Whole-exome sequencing is highly recommended as first- or second-line testing for individuals with idiopathic GDD/ID.
· Early intervention by a well-versed multidisciplinary team can significantly improve the outcomes and prognosis of GDD/ID.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01697

Original Article

Developmental and Behavioral Medicine

Effectiveness of online responsive teaching in young children with developmental disabilities: a pilot study

Jung Sook Yeom, Jeongmee Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(6):303-311. Published online May 21, 2024

Crossref 1

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01662

Review Article

Pulmonology

Evidence-based management guidelines for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents

Eun Lee, Kyunghoon Kim, You Hoon Jeon, In Suk Sol, Jong Deok Kim, Taek Ki Min, Yoon Ha Hwang, Hyun-Ju Cho, Dong In Suh, Hwan Soo Kim, Yoon Hee Kim, Sung-Il Woo, Yong Ju Lee, Sungsu Jung, Hyeon-Jong Yang, Gwang Cheon Jang

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(9):418-426. Published online January 23, 2024

· We suggest offering long-term macrolides to children with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis with frequent exacerbations (conditional recommendation, moderate quality of evidence).
· We do not recommend the routine use of mucolytic agents, inhaled corticosteroids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent exacerbation of bronchiectasis in children (inconclusive, very low quality of evidence).
· We recommend the use of nebulized hypertonic saline to prevent exacerbations and improve the lung function of children with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (weak recommendation, moderate quality of evidence).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.00871

Original Article

Cardiology

Effect of face mask on pulmonary artery pressure during echocardiography in children and adolescents

Alireza Ahmadi, Mohammad Reza Sabri, Zohreh Sadat Navabi

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(3):161-167. Published online January 23, 2024

Question: Can face masks alter pulmonary pressure in children and adolescents with and without congenital heart disease?
Findings: Mask removal during echocardiography (ECHO) reduced pulmonary pressure.
Meaning: These findings suggest that face masks should be removed during ECHO in children and adolescents.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01172

Review Article

Nephrology (Genitourinary)

Effects of diethylene glycol contamination of pharmaceutical products on unexplained acute kidney injury in children: a systematic review

Sani Rachman Soleman, Muhammad Luthfi Adnan, Hilmi Ardian Sudiarto, Satria Bintang Mahathma, Alya Ayu Tazkia, Hana Afifah Firdaus, Alfreda Amelia Khotijah, Miranti Dewi Pramaningtyas, Emi Azmi Choironi

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(8):395-402. Published online January 4, 2024

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01039

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