Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

Review Article

Hematology

Promising role of voxelotor in managing sickle cell disease in children: a narrative review

Amit Agrawal, Gaurav Jadon, Japna Singh, Dalwinder Janjua

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):106-114. Published online November 13, 2024

Voxelotor has promising ability to increase hemoglobin levels and reduce hemolysis markers in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Several preclinical and phase II/III trials have demonstrated its efficacy, dose-dependent responses, and tolerability in children. Ongoing trials are assessing its safety and effectiveness in various populations, including children younger than 12 years. These findings suggest its potential as a disease-modifying drug, warranting further exploration of its role in SCD management.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00500

General Pediatrics

Prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in Malaysia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ker Yang Chua, Ker Yung Chua, Karuthan Chinna, Chooi Ling Lim, Maheeka Seneviwickrama

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):115-126. Published online November 13, 2024

The incidence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide. National surveys in Malaysia have shown similar trends. This review aimed to increase our understanding of the prevalence and associated factors of childhood overweight, obesity, and excess weight in Malaysia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted of studies reporting the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Malaysian children aged <18 years....

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00899

Gastroenterology

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

Editorial

Allergy

Effect of metabolic syndrome on pulmonary dysfunction in children with asthma

Hyo-Bin Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):136-137. Published online November 13, 2024

· The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased in Korean children during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic owing to reduced physical activity resulting from social distancing.
· Metabolic syndrome impacts pulmonary dysfunction in childhood asthma.
· Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism linking asthma and metabolic syndrome and develop interventions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00360

Hematology

Absolute versus functional iron deficiency

Hye Lim Jung

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):138-140. Published online November 13, 2024

· Iron deficiency (ID), the most common cause of anemia, can be classified into absolute and functional types. Absolute ID is a state of low total body iron, while functional ID is a state of imbalance between iron demand and iron availability due to inflammation and/or infection.
· ID is diagnosed by serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2023.01732

Original Article

Gastroenterology

Differences in immune cells and gene expression in human milk by parity on integrated scRNA sequencing

Dae Yong Yi, Hong-Jai Park, Min Sun Shin, Hyoungsu Kim, Sang Jin Lee, Insoo Kang

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):141-152. Published online January 10, 2025

Question: Is there a difference in immune cells in human breast milk by parity?
Finding: There were higher proportions of monocytes and T/B cells in the primiparous and multiparous group, respectively. The expression of genes with a direct role in the infant immune system and immune response-related genes were highest in the primiparous group
Meaning: There were parity-dependent differences in the expression of genes between innate and adaptive immune cells.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01585

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00794

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

Developmental and Behavioral Medicine

Characteristics of temper tantrums in 1–6-year-old children and impact on caregivers

Warangkana Prutipaisan, Issarapa Chunsuwan, Tippawan Hansakunachai, Paskorn Sritipsukho

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):170-177. Published online November 13, 2024

Question: What are common tantrum behaviors in preschool children, and how frequently are problematic behaviors observed? Do problematic tantrums have a different emotional impact on caregivers compared to typical tantrums?
Finding: Temper tantrums are common in preschool children, and verbal tantrums are the most common type.
Meaning: Problematic tantrums, defined as tantrums exhibiting aggressive physical behavior, long duration (>15 minutes), or frequent occurrence (>3 days/wk), significantly affected caregivers’ emotions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00766

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Effect of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation with intermittent sigh breaths on carbon dioxide levels in neonates

Kulthida Baingam, Anucha Thatrimontrichai, Manapat Praditaukrit, Gunlawadee Maneenil, Supaporn Dissaneevate

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):178-184. Published online November 13, 2024

Question: Can sigh breaths (Sighs) application during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) decrease partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) levels?
Finding: The mean PaCO₂ level after Sighs during HFOV was significantly decreased compared to that after HFOV alone (mean difference, -3.6 mmHg).
Meaning: HFOV plus Sighs functionality can reduce PaCO₂ levels. However, further studies are required to conclusively determine the effects of Sighs.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01011

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