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Original Article
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...
Characterization of gut microbiota in very low birth weight infants with versus without bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Anucha Thatrimontrichai, Manapat Praditaukrit, Gunlawadee Maneenil, Supaporn Dissaneevate, Kamonnut Singkhamanan, Komwit Surachat
Background: Gut–lung crosstalk is a pathway involving interactions between the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and immune systems. The immune responses of the gut and lungs are intricately linked, and previous studies demonstrated that the gut microbiota can influence systemic immune responses in the respiratory system as well as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
Purpose: To analyze the composition of the gut microbiota in very low...
Review Article
Anxiety disorders presenting as gastrointestinal symptoms in children – a scoping review
Anjali Kumar, Pramodh Vallabhaneni
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and their association with anxiety disorders in children significantly impact a child’s functioning and treatment response. This study aimed to scope the evidence of anxiety disorders manifesting as FGID in children up to 16 years old. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted on Embase (1974-2024), Medline (via EBSCOHost 1946-2024), and APA PsycINFO (via EBSCOHost 1967-2024). Articles...
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.
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...
Original Article
Infection
Clinical characteristics and associated factors of pediatric acute necrotizing encephalopathy: a retrospective study
Huiling Zhang, Yilong Wang, Qianyun Ding, Xuekun Li, Sheng Ye
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):153-162.   Published online November 11, 2024
· The mortality rate of acute necrotizing encephalopathy was high.
· Laboratory tests revealed that the fatal group had higher creatinine, lactate, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, creatine kinase, and D-dimer than survivors.
· The fatal group displayed lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores and arterial pH.
Review Article
Other
Microplastic and human health with focus on pediatric well-being: a comprehensive review and call for future studies
Rogers Wainkwa Chia, Ntegang Venant Atem, Jin-Yong Lee, Jihye Cha
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(1):1-15.   Published online November 6, 2024
· Milk and formula are common sources of microplastic in infants.
· Water and air are the most common sources of microplastic pollution from infancy to adolescence.
· Microplastic use by children of all ages can cause cell damage and affect their health.
· Microplastics present in children can be quantified using a stereomicroscope and characterized using micro- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
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.
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.
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).
Gastroenterology
Prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children
Yu Kyung Cho, Jin Lee, Chang Nyol Paik
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):377-383.   Published online August 21, 2023
· Pediatric small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) manifestations range from nonspecific abdominal symptoms to malabsorption or malnutrition.
· SIBO is prevalent in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorders.
· Predisposing factors include disturbed intestinal motility, altered anatomy, and/or abnormal body defense systems against intestinal bacteria.
· Breath tests are safe and noninvasive.
· Treatment principles include managing predisposing conditions, nutritional support, symptom control, and antibiotics.
Developmental and Behavioral Medicine
Clinical practice guidelines for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: recent updates
Tae Hoon Eom, Young-Hoon Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(1):26-34.   Published online June 14, 2023
· Primary pediatricians should play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
· The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, has lowered the diagnostic threshold for older teens and adults and a comorbid diagnosis with autism is now allowed.
· The American Academy of Pediatrics had added recommendation-related comorbid conditions in its guideline and the Society of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics recently developed a complex ADHD guideline.
· The European ADHD Guideline Group recently developed a guideline for managing ADHD during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Original Article
Gastroenterology
Inferior vena cava to aorta ratio in dehydrated pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Gilbert Sterling Octavius, Michelle Imanuelly, Johan Wibowo, Nadia Khoirunnisa Heryadi, Melanie Widjaja
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(11):477-484.   Published online June 14, 2023
Question: The inferior vena cava to aorta (IVC/Ao) ratio measured via ultrasound has been touted as a promising noninvasive technique to assess clinically significant dehydration in pediatric patients.
Finding: Our meta-analysis found that IVC/Ao ratio had a positive likelihood ratio of 3.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1–5.1) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.18 (95% CI, 0.12–0.28).
Meaning: Hence, IVC/Ao ratio is insufficient to exclude or confirm significant dehydration in pediatric patients.
Relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperandrogenemia in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome
Ozlem Kara, Hanife Aysegul Arsoy, Murat Keskin
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):395-402.   Published online June 14, 2023
Question: Is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents?
Finding: The frequency of NAFLD did not increase in adolescents with PCOS. However, hyperandrogenemia was a risk factor for NAFLD.
Meaning: Adolescents with PCOS and hyperandrogenemia should be closely monitored for hepatic steatosis.
Assessing indicators and clinical differences between functional and organic childhood constipation: a retrospective study in pediatric gastroenterology clinics
Hasan M. Isa, Fatema A. Alkharsi, Fatema A. Salman, Maryam S. Ali, Zahra K. Abdulnabibi, Afaf M. Mohamed
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):296-306.   Published online June 14, 2023
Question: What causes childhood constipation, and what can predict organic constipation?
Finding: Constipation represents 14.7% of gastroenterology visits. Functional constipation is more common among constipation types, while organic constipation is more common in young children and those with a low body weight, stunted growth, mucus in the stool, and associated diseases.
Meaning: Younger children and those with lower growth or mucus in the stool should be assessed for underlying organic causes of constipation.
Review Article
Neonatology (Perinatology)
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants
In Gyu Song
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):281-287.   Published online December 30, 2022
· Among survivors, 60.9% of infants born at 22 weeks’ gestation had moderate to severe impairments, whereas 50.3% born at 23 weeks’ and 42.2% at 24 weeks’ gestation had moderate to severe impairments.
· Moderate and late preterm infants reportedly have less severe disease than very preterm infants, but they still experience adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
· The careful follow-up and early detection of developmental problems in these patients are required.
Original Article
Infection
Seroprevalence of maternal peripartum human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the Nigerian literature
Abdulrasheed Usman, Muhammad Hamis Musa, Bukhari Isah Shuaib, Olayemi Balogun, Mukhtar Adeiza
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):307-316.   Published online December 22, 2022
The peripartum period is an important transmission time for human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) infection, mainly via breastfeeding and partly through the placental tissues of carrier mothers. Although most HTLV-1–infected individuals are asymptomatic, fetal and childhood infections often result in several diseases with disappointing treatment outcomes. An estimated HTLV-1 burden in Nigeria among perinatal women must be determined to enable rational planning of a comprehensive health care intervention.
Review Article
Gastroenterology
Role of social media use in onset of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children
Mauro Cinquetti, Vanessa Dargenio, Michele Fingerle, Carolina Marchiotto, Marco Biasin, Massimo Pettoello Mantovani, Flavia Indrio
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(6):226-232.   Published online December 21, 2022
· Social media use can cause adverse health outcomes, including gastrointestinal disorders, in children and adolescents.
· Recent findings have shown a high prevalence of social media use and decreased well-being in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
· The biopsychosocial nature of functional gastrointestinal disorders and the clear influence of social media on the psychosocial lives of children suggests the likely involvement of social media in their development.
Nutrition
Protein substitutions as new-generation pharmanutrition approach to managing phenylketonuria
Fatma Nur Keskin, Teslime Özge Şahin, Raffaele Capasso, Duygu Ağagündüz
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(8):320-331.   Published online November 1, 2022
Phenylketonuria, an autosomal recessive disease that results from the inability to metabolize phenylalanine, is currently treated with medical nutrition therapy. New treatment approaches such as tetrahydrobiopterin, glycomacropeptide, large neutral amino acids, pegvaliase, and gene therapy significantly impact disease management and dietary enrichment. This article also reviews animal and human studies that have evaluated the efficacy and safety of these new protein substitutes.
Original Article
Nutrition
Survey of Korean pediatrician’s perceptions of barriers to and improvements in breastfeeding
Seong Phil Bae, Woo Ryoung Lee, Won-Ho Hahn, Hye-Jung Shin, Young Min Ahn, Son Moon Shin, Yong Joo Kim, Ellen Ai-Rhan Kim, Youn Jeong Shin, Dae Yong Yi, Soon Min Lee, Juyoung Lee, Jin A Lee, Sung-Hoon Chung, Euiseok Jung, Eui Kyung Choi, Ju Sun Heo
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(11):540-546.   Published online July 29, 2022
Question: What barriers to breastfeeding do Korean pediatricians perceive?
Finding: Regardless of medical institution, breastfeeding counseling for parents is currently limited, and breastfeeding is commonly discontinued due to various maternal and neonatal factors.
Meaning: To promote breastfeeding, increasing pediatrician participation in breastfeeding counseling with the establishment of appropriate breastfeeding counseling fees and the expansion of practical and high-quality breastfeeding education for medical staff should be considered.
Oncology
Treatment outcomes of high-dose chemotherapy plus stem cell rescue in high-risk neuroblastoma patients in Thailand
Kunanya Suwannaying, Piti Techavichit, Patcharee Komvilaisak, Napat Laoaroon, Nattee Narkbunnam, Kleebsabai Sanpakit, Kanhatai Chiengthong, Thirachit Chotsampancharoen, Lalita Sathitsamitphong, Chalongpon Santong, Panya Seksarn, Suradej Hongeng, Surapon Wiangnon
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(9):453-458.   Published online May 24, 2022
Question: This study aimed to elucidate the outcomes of high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue without immunotherapy.
Finding: The 5-year overall survival and event-free survival rates were 45.1% and 40.4%, respectively.
Meaning: High-dose chemotherapy plus stem cell rescue followed by cis-retinoic acid for 12 months is well tolerated and could improve survival in patients with HR-NB in limited resource settings.
Review Article
Gastroenterology
Upper gastrointestinal tract involvement of Crohn disease: clinical implications in children and adolescents
Eun Sil Kim, Mi Jin Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(1):21-28.   Published online September 10, 2021
· Clinical manifestations of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract involvement in Crohn's disease (CD) are common but often clinically underestimated.
· Diagnosing CD by confirming inflammation of the UGI tract histologically is challenging because macroscopic and microscopic findings overlap with those of other diseases.
· Ongoing efforts are needed to enable a standardized assessment of UGI CD in the future.
Original Article
Endocrinology
Association between polycystic ovary syndrome and risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring: a meta-analysis
Azam Maleki, Saeid Bashirian, Ali Reza Soltanian, Ensiyeh Jenabi, Abdollah Farhadinasab
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2022;65(2):85-89.   Published online April 15, 2021
Question: Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increased risk of having an offspring with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Finding: Six articles (3 cohort and 3 case-control studies; 401,413 total ADHD cases) met the study criteria. Maternal PCOS was associated with an increased risk of ADHD in the offspring based on odds ratio (OR) and relative ratio (RR) (OR, 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–1.57) and (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.35–1.51), respectively.
Meaning: Our study showed that maternal PCOS is a risk factor for ADHD.
Review Article
Infection
Effects of nasopharyngeal microbiota in respiratory infections and allergies
Hyun Mi Kang, Jin Han Kang
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(11):543-551.   Published online April 15, 2021
· The nasal microbiota varies with age and is shaped by various factors in healthy individuals.
· The pathological condition of the respiratory tract appears to be associated with reduced nasal microbiota biodiversity, while dysbiosis is involved in the pathophysiology of many respiratory diseases, including otitis, sinusitis, allergic diseases, and lower respiratory infections.
Original Article
General Pediatrics
Efficacy of probiotics for managing infantile colic due to their anti-inflammatory properties: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Reza Shirazinia, Ali Akbar Golabchifar, Mohammad Reza Fazeli
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(12):642-651.   Published online April 12, 2021
Question: Do probiotics reduce colic symptoms?
Finding: Probiotics reduced colic symptoms in colicky infants probably due to the anti-inflammatory properties.
Meaning: Probiotics may be an effective and less noxious way to manage infantile colic.
Nutrition
Impact of preoperative nutritional status on surgical outcomes in patients with pediatric gastrointestinal surgery
Nehal El Koofy, Hadeer Mohamed Nasr Eldin, Wesam Mohamed, Mostafa Gad, Sara Tarek, Gamal El Tagy
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(9):473-479.   Published online November 16, 2020
Question: Is malnutrition a risk factor for postoperative complications in pediatric surgical patients?
Finding: There is a high incidence of malnutrition in pediatric surgical patients. Stunting increases the risks of postoperative complications and extended hospital stays, while underweight status contributes to extended hospital stays.
Meaning: Preoperative nutritional assessments are crucial to improving postoperative outcomes. Anemia increases the risk of postoperative complications and should be corrected preoperatively.
Other
Association between pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl exposure during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder among children: a meta-analysis
Fereshteh Mehri, Saeid Bashirian, Salman khazaei, Ensiyeh Jenabi
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(6):286-292.   Published online July 27, 2020
· 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.
Gastroenterology
Noninvasive markers for esophageal varices in children with cirrhosis
Parisa Rahmani, Fatemeh Farahmand, Ghobad Heidari, Azadeh Sayarifard
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(1):31-36.   Published online July 21, 2020
Question: Can noninvasive biomarkers identify esophageal varices among children with esophageal cirrhosis?
Finding: The spleen size, platelet count, international normalized ratio, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, platelet count to spleen size ratio, and risk score differed significantly between the patients with and those without esophageal varices.
Meaning: These biological parameters can predict esophageal varices among pediatric patients and indicate the need for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Review Article
Other
Comparison of diagnostic and treatment guidelines for undescended testis
Jaeho Shin, Ga Won Jeon
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2020;63(11):415-421.   Published online March 23, 2020
Primary caregivers should consider surgical specialist referral of patients with undescended testis if no descent occurs by 6 months, undescended testis is newly diagnosed after 6 months of age, or testicular torsion is suspected. Orchiopexy is recommended between 6 and 18 months at the latest. The original location of the testes and the age at orchiopexy are predictive factors for infertility and malignancy later in life.
Pulmonology
The past, present, and future of humidifier disinfectant-associated interstitial lung diseases in children
Eun Lee, So-Yeon Lee, Soo-Jong Hong
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2020;63(7):251-258.   Published online December 9, 2019
Exposure to environmental factors can cause interstitial lung diseases (ILDs); however, such types of ILDs are rare. From 2007 to 2011, an ILD epidemic occurred in South Korea owing to inhalational exposure to toxic chemicals in humidifier disinfectants (HDs). HD-associated ILDs (HD-ILDs) are characterized by rapidly progressing respiratory failure with pulmonary fibrosis and a high mortality rate of 43.8%−58.0%. Although...


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