BACKGROUND: Lymphadenopathy (LAP) is a common finding in pediatric patients. It was aimed to determine predictive factors in distinguishing cases with malignant or benign lymphadenopathy in this study. SUBJECTS AND METHO...BACKGROUND: Lymphadenopathy (LAP) is a common finding in pediatric patients. It was aimed to determine predictive factors in distinguishing cases with malignant or benign lymphadenopathy in this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between January 2022 and January 2023, 101 patients (1-16 years old) with lymphadenopathy were retrospectively examined. RESULTS: LAP was localized in 80.2% (n=81) cases and generalized in 19.8% (n=20) cases. In 60 cases (59.4%), lymph node sizes were found to be greater than 20×20 mm in width and length. The most common infectious causative agent was Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Seven (6.9%) patients underwent biopsy and all were diagnosed with malignancy. When the benign and malignant groups were compared, age, lymph node length, and width on physical examination, anteroposterior and longitudinal diameter of the lymph node on ultrasonography (USG) were statistically significantly higher in the malignant group (p<0.05). The presence of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy was found to be an important factor in differentiating the malignant group (p<0.003). The most important factors in distinguishing the groups are respectively were the anteroposterior diameter of the lymph node on ultrasonography and the presence supraclavicular lymph node in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: It is not always easy to distinguish benign and malignant etiologies in patients with lymphadenopathy. A detailed history, a careful physical examination, laboratory studies, and excisional biopsy are guiding.
The combination of vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam (V+P/T) is used for empirical antibiotic treatment of severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients and those colonized with multidrug-resistant bac...The combination of vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam (V+P/T) is used for empirical antibiotic treatment of severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients and those colonized with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nephrotoxicity is a frequently observed adverse effect of vancomycin. Its risk can be reduced by therapeutic drug monitoring and adjusted dosing. Piperacillin/tazobactam (P/T) rarely causes interstitial nephritis. The results of retrospective cohort studies in children predominantly show a low, clinically irrelevant, additive nephrotoxicity (defined as an increase in creatinine in the serum) of both substances. Due to the limitations of the existing publications, the ABS working group of the DGPI and experts of the GPN do not recommend against the use of P/T plus vancomycin. Preclinical studies and a prospective study with adult patients, which evaluated different renal function tests as well as clinical outcomes, do not support previous findings of additive nephrotoxicity. Time-restricted use of V+P/T can minimize exposure and the potential risk of nephrotoxicity. Local guidelines, developed in collaboration with the antibiotic stewardship team, should define the indications for empirical and targeted use of P/T and V+P/T. When using combination therapy with V+P/T, kidney function should be monitored through clinical parameters (volume status, balancing, blood pressure) as well as additional laboratory tests such as serum creatinine and cystatin C.
Cetiner M, Bergmann C, Bettendorf M
… +14 more, Faust J, Gäckler A, Gillissen B, Hansen M, Kerber M, Klaus G, König J, Kühlewein L, Oh J, Richter-Unruh A, von Schnurbein J, Wabitsch M, Weihrauch-Blüher S, Pape L
Klin Padiatr
· 2024 Sep · PMID 38458231
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Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare, autosomal recessive multisystem disease. The pathophysiological origin is a dysfunction of the primary cilium. Clinical symptoms are heterogeneous and variable: retinal dystrophy, o...Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare, autosomal recessive multisystem disease. The pathophysiological origin is a dysfunction of the primary cilium. Clinical symptoms are heterogeneous and variable: retinal dystrophy, obesity, polydactyly, kidney abnormalities, hypogenitalism and developmental delays are the most common features. By the approval of the melanocortin 4 receptor agonist setmelanotide, a drug therapy for BBS-associated hyperphagia and obesity can be offered for the first time. Hyperphagia and severe obesity represent a considerable burden and are associated with comorbidity and increased mortality risk. Due to the limited experience with setmelanotide in BBS, a viable comprehensive therapy concept is to be presented. Therapy decision and management should be conducted in expert centers. For best therapeutic effects with setmelanotide adequate information of the patient about the modalities of the therapy (daily subcutaneous injection) and possible adverse drug events are necessary. Furthermore, the involvement of psychologists, nutritionists and nursing services (support for the application) should be considered together with the patient. The assessment of therapy response should be carried out with suitable outcome measurements and centrally reported to an adequate register.
BACKGROUND: About 2,200 children and adolescents in Germany per year are diagnosed with oncological diseases. Through now, there are almost no offers for home care services for these patients. There is a pilot program of...BACKGROUND: About 2,200 children and adolescents in Germany per year are diagnosed with oncological diseases. Through now, there are almost no offers for home care services for these patients. There is a pilot program offering hospital-based home care for children and adolescents with cancer in Germany. The perspective of the parents will be researched by a qualitative exploring study. PATIENTS: In this interview study parents from children with cancer will be interviewed. METHOD: A qualitative exploring interview study, seeking the subjective perspective from parents on the hospital-based home care for children with cancer. The sample was drawn criterion-guided. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. For socio- demographic characteristics the participants respond to an online questionnaire. RESULTS: Eleven women and three men aged between 30 and 60 years participated in the interviews. The average age of the ill children was 8.43 years. Five parents state that the children's illness did not lead to a reduction in working hours or to the termination of the employment relationship. Hospital-based home care results in subjectively perceived relief in everyday family life, especially in terms of time. Furthermore, a reduction in the psychological perception of stress is described. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Due to the study design, the results presented here are to be regarded as indicative. In future studies the presented results should be supplemented by quantitative representative studies.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the clinical and chest radiographic features of pediatric patients with serologically proven Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical...PURPOSE: The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the clinical and chest radiographic features of pediatric patients with serologically proven Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical records and chest radiographs of 55 consecutive patients (28 male, 27 female) with serologically positive IgG mycoplasma pneumonia were reviewed. The pneumonic infiltrates were described on chest radiography into 3 different patterns as a peribronchovascular infiltration, reticulonodular infiltration and consolidation. RESULTS: More than 91% of patients presented with cough and 70% of patients had fever. Chest radiographs displayed three different patterns: (i) peribronchovascular infiltration (n=33, 60%); (ii) reticulonodular infiltration (n=12, 22%); (iii) consolidation (n=10, 18%). Bilateral peribronchovascular infiltration in central and middle lung zones were frequently seen (n=33, 60%). Other radiological features were unilateral lesions in 51% of patients, pleural effusion in 18%, and hilar lymphadenopathy in 20%. CONCLUSION: There are various radiological features of mycoplasma pneumonia in children. Bilateral peribronchovascular infiltration confined to central and middle lung regions seems to be more closely associated with mycoplasma infection.
INTRODUCTION: In German-speaking countries children with cancer are treated in about 70 hospitals. While national and European curricula for pediatric oncology and hematology (POH) have been developed, little is known, h...INTRODUCTION: In German-speaking countries children with cancer are treated in about 70 hospitals. While national and European curricula for pediatric oncology and hematology (POH) have been developed, little is known, how far these curricula have been implemented into daily training and what topics are deemed urgent by instructors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In 2022 the Didactics and Educational working party of the German Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Society conducted a survey plus interview by phone call on local educational conditions in POH and needs of educators. RESULTS: Thirty-two (45%) POH centers answered the questionary, half have appointed persons overseeing the training. A wide range educational scenarios were described in some centers. Trainees identified urgent needs in areas such as hybrid education and demanded training workshops on specific topics and intensified networking and a general curriculum implemented into daily care as mandatory. CONCLUSION: This is the first survey on educational issues in POH in German speaking centers, describing the current situation before and under pandemic conditions. Great individual efforts have already been achieved by dedicated teachers. A comprehensive training program in POH is still missing, which translates the national curriculum into daily practice, while improving networking and balancing the resources of the individual centers.
INTRODUCTION: Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) is the most common periodic fever condition in children. There is no consensus on treatment to prevent attacks and re...INTRODUCTION: Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) is the most common periodic fever condition in children. There is no consensus on treatment to prevent attacks and reduce their frequency. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of colchicine treatment in PFAPA syndrome. In addition, we described the demographic and clinical features of PFAPA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 58 PFAPA patients who were started on colchicine treatment between January 2017 and January 2022. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory tests, genetic analysis of MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) mutations, and autoinflammatory disease activity index (AIDAI) scores of all patients were evaluated. In addition, patients were divided into two groups according to MEFV variants and compared. RESULTS: Attack frequency, duration, and AIDAI scores decreased in all patients after colchicine treatment. Duration of follow-up was 13.53±6.65 months. The median±IQR age at diagnosis was 3.2 (2-5) years. Thirty three (56.9%) patients had heterozygous mutations of MEFV. The most common MEFV variants were M694V (63.6%). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of colchicine responses. CONCLUSION: Colchicine treatment is effective and safe in patients with PFAPA who have frequent attacks. No association was established between the presence of heterozygous mutations of MEFV and colchicine response.
Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis (APIGN) is one of the most common causes of acute glomerulonephritis in children. It may lead to inflammation and proliferation of glomerular tissue through immunologic mechanisms...Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis (APIGN) is one of the most common causes of acute glomerulonephritis in children. It may lead to inflammation and proliferation of glomerular tissue through immunologic mechanisms (Balasubramanian R, Paediatr Int Child Health 2017;37:240-247).
BACKGROUND: Several previous studies have reported a more severe course of nephrotic syndrome in children with low birth weight. PATIENTS: Cohort of 223 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: We aimed to i...BACKGROUND: Several previous studies have reported a more severe course of nephrotic syndrome in children with low birth weight. PATIENTS: Cohort of 223 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: We aimed to investigate the association between course of nephrotic syndrome and low birth weight. Data from seven paediatric nephrology centres were used. RESULTS: Children with low birth weight had 3.84 times higher odds for a more severe course of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (95% CI 1.20-17.22, P=0.041), and those with low birth weight and remission after 7 days had much higher odds for a more severe course of disease (OR 8.7). Low birth weight children had a longer time to remission (median 12 vs. 10 days, P=0.03). They had a higher need for steroid-sparing agents (OR for the same sex=3.26 [95% CI 1.17-11.62, P=0.039]), and the odds were even higher in females with low birth weight (OR 6.81). There was no evidence of an association either between low birth weight and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or between low birth weight and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. DISCUSSION: We conducted the first multicentric study confirming the worse outcomes of children with NS and LBW and we found additional risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Low birth weight is associated with a more severe course of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome, while being female and achieving remission after 7 days are additional risk factors.
BACKGROUND: This study analyzes the RSV season 2021/2022 in a referral children's hospital, compares the epidemiology and illness severity with RSV-infected inpatients from 2016 to 2020 and audits the adherence to our in...BACKGROUND: This study analyzes the RSV season 2021/2022 in a referral children's hospital, compares the epidemiology and illness severity with RSV-infected inpatients from 2016 to 2020 and audits the adherence to our internal therapy standard for RSV bronchiolitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Inpatients with rtPCR-confirmed RSV infection (Jan. 2016 to Jan. 2022). RESULTS: The audit comprises 306 RSV inpatients, on average 50 hospitalizations per year; in 03/2020, a rapid RSV Season-Offset was observed. In the winter season 2020/2021, no patient with RSV was hospitalized. Beginning in July, we noticed a rapid increase of RSV-admissions (most cases in Sept./Oct, duration until Dec. 2021; n=53). In 2021-2022, a significant larger share needed PICU admission (9.4% vs 3.2%, p=0.040). Adherence to the internal guidance was low; only 11.8% (n=36) of all patients received supportive treatment without inhalative or systemic medications, 37% of all patients received antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: This audit confirms the strong impact of public preventive measures directed against SARS-CoV-2 transmission on RSV epidemiology. Few weeks after easing public COVID-19 restrictions (summer 2021), RSV inpatient cases rapidly increased, lasting until Dec. 2021. The audit of bronchiolitis management revealed surprisingly low adherence to the internal guidance, despite a face-to-face educational session with the attending pediatricians in Oct. 2021. Low adherence resulted in an unnecessary exposure of RSV patients to systemic medications of questionable benefit including antibiotics.
BACKGROUND: The differentiation between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and tuberculosis (TB) relies on radiological changes. Confirming the diagnosis remains a challenge because typical findings are often missing i...BACKGROUND: The differentiation between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and tuberculosis (TB) relies on radiological changes. Confirming the diagnosis remains a challenge because typical findings are often missing in children. This study evaluates diagnostic sensitivity, specifity and interobserver agreement on the radiological diagnosis of TB by chest-x-rays in accordance to professional specialization and work experience. METHODS: Chest x-rays of 120 children with proven tuberculosis infection were independently evaluated by general radiologists, paediatric radiologists and paediatric pulmonologists. Results were compared to a reference diagnosis created by group of experienced paediatric radiologists and paediatric pulmonologists. Primary endpoints were diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and interobserver variability defined as Krippendorfs alpha of thesel groups compared to the reference diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 120 chest x-rays 33 (27,5%) were diagnosed as TB by the reference standard . Paediatric pulmonologist had the highest diagnostic sensitivity (90%) but were less specific (71%) whereas general radiologist were less sensitive (68%) but more secific (95%). The best diagnostic accuracy was achieved by pediatric radiologists with a diagnostic sensitivity of 77% and specificity 95% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated significant interobserver variability and relevant differences in sensitivity and specificity in the radiological diagnosis of TB between the groups. Paediatric radiologists showed the best diagnostic performance. As the diagnosis of pulmonary TB has significant therapeutic consequences for children they should be routinely involved in the diagnostic process.