Severity Of Illness In Children Research Articles

Molecular epidemiology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children, Wuhan, 2020–2022

BackgroundMycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is an important pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia in children. The factors contributing to the severity of illness caused by M. pneumoniae infection are still under investigation. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of common M. pneumoniae detection methods, as well as to analyze the clinical manifestations, genotypes, macrolide resistance, respiratory microenvironment, and their relationship with the severity of illness in children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia in Wuhan.ResultsAmong 1,259 clinical samples, 461 samples were positive for M. pneumoniae via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Furthermore, we found that while serological testing is not highly sensitive in detecting M. pneumoniae infection, but it may serve as an indicator for predicting severe cases. We successfully identified the adhesin P1 (P1) genotypes of 127 samples based on metagenomic and Sanger sequencing, with P1-type 1 (113/127, 88.98%) being the dominant genotype. No significant difference in pathogenicity was observed among different genotypes. The macrolide resistance rate of M. pneumoniae isolates was 96% (48/50) and all mutations were A2063G in domain V of 23S rRNA gene. There was no significant difference between the upper respiratory microbiome of patients with mild and severe symptoms.ConclusionsDuring the period of this study, the main circulating M. pneumoniae was P1-type 1, with a resistance rate of 96%. Key findings include the efficacy of qPCR in detecting M. pneumoniae, the potential of IgM titers exceeding 1:160 as indicators for illness severity, and the lack of a direct correlation between disease severity and genotypic characteristics or respiratory microenvironment. This study is the first to characterize the epidemic and genomic features of M. pneumoniae in Wuhan after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, which provides a scientific data basis for monitoring and infection prevention and control of M. pneumoniae in the post-pandemic era.

Role of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in critically ill children with hospital-acquired pneumonia: an observational study in hospital with controls

BackgroundDiagnosing hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) (ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and non-ventilator associated pneumonia (Non-VAP)) is still a hot issue. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is prognostic in critically ill children with...

Parent and Clinician Views on Not Using Antibiotics for Mild Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

Preschool-aged children with mild community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) routinely receive antibiotics even though most infections are viral. We sought to identify barriers to the implementation of a "no antibiotic" strategy for mild CAP in young children. Qualitative study using semistructured interviews conducted in a large pediatric hospital in the United States from January 2021 to July 2021. Parents of young children diagnosed with mild CAP in the previous 3 years and clinicians practicing in outpatient settings (pediatric emergency department, community emergency department, general pediatrics offices) were included. Interviews were conducted with 38 respondents (18 parents, 20 clinicians). No parent heard of the no antibiotic strategy, and parents varied in their support for the approach. Degree of support related to their desire to avoid unnecessary medications, trust in clinicians, the emotional difficulty of caring for a sick child, desire for relief of suffering, willingness to accept the risk of unnecessary antibiotics, and judgment about the child's illness severity. Eleven (55%) clinicians were familiar with guidelines specifying a no antibiotic strategy. They identified challenges in not using antibiotics, including diagnostic uncertainty, consequences of undertreatment, parental expectations, follow-up concerns, and acceptance of the risks of unnecessary antibiotic treatment of many children if it means avoiding adverse outcomes for some children. Although both parents and clinicians expressed broad support for the judicious use of antibiotics, pneumonia presents stewardship challenges. Interventions will need to consider the emotional, social, and logistical aspects of managing pneumonia, in addition to developing techniques to improve diagnosis.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Text Message Interface to Assess Parents' Real-time PICU Experiences.

Parents of children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) experience substantial stress; a parent's perception of their child's illness severity, more than objective measures, predicts psychological outcomes. No tools exist to assess parents' real-time experiences. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a text-based tool to measure parental experience. Inclusion criteria included PICU stay >48 h, physician approval, smartphone access, and English-speaking caregiver. Eligible parents received a text-based baseline survey and surveys every other day while hospitalized regarding their mood/experiences and optional open-ended questions regarding stressors. They received post-discharge follow-up surveys at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. Follow-up surveys assessed mood and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Interviews and surveys about the interface were conducted 1 week and 3 months following discharge. Feasibility was assessed by descriptive statistics (eg, response rates), and acceptability was assessed by descriptive statistics (survey results) and thematic analyses of interviews. Of 20 enrolled participants, the first 5 were excluded due to technical issues. Of the 15 included, results demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Most participants (86%) completed all surveys during the PICU stay and continued to complete surveys at a high rate: 79%-94% 3 months post-discharge. All participants agreed that the system was easy to use and were satisfied with the system at discharge, and 91% remained satisfied 3 months post-discharge. Additionally, 76% reported comfort, and 69% reported benefit. From the interviews, participants lauded the system's convenience and applicability of content. Some proposed changes to improve ergonomics. Many suggested this interface could help teams better support families. A text-based interface for measuring experience in the PICU is feasible and acceptable to parents. Further research can explore how this could identify parents most at risk of adverse psychological sequelae and lead to earlier supportive interventions.

Clinical Profile, Laboratory Findings and Outcome of Severe Dengue Infection among Children Admitted at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Dengue infection is endemic in Bangladesh and presents with varying degrees of severity of illness in children. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the common clinical profile, biochemical findings and outcome of severe dengue fever in children. Methodology: This prospective cohot study was conducted on dengue NS1 or IgM or RT-PCR positive admitted children up to 14 years of age from April 2019 to October 2019 for a period of 6 months at the Pediatrics Department of Evercare Hospital, Dhaka. Data were analyzed after collection of demographic variables, presenting complaints and examination findings of 75 enrolled children. Results: A total of 75 cases were classified as severe dengue fever. The most common age of presentation was 4 to 7 years. The most common presenting symptom of severe dengue cases were fever (97.3%), abdominal pain and vomiting (77.3%) and shock (62.7%). Pleural effusion was the most common physical findings seen in 35 cases (46.6%) followed by ascites in 26 cases (34.7%). Elevation in aspartate amino transaminase AST (IU/L) was found in 82.6%, low albumin was found in 78.7% of the cases. Hypernatremia was the most common electrolyte abnormality found in 35 cases (46.7%). Regarding coagulation profile, raised D-dimer & low fibrinogen were found in 53 (70.7%) & 42 cases (56.0%) respectively. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was prolonged in 37.3%. Case fatality rate (CFR) was 5.3%. Conclusion: In conclusion, raised AST and D-dimer, low fibrinogen & albumin level as well as hyponatremia are significant laboratory findings indicating severity of the disease. Shock is a common presentation of severe dengue in children. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2022;9(2):40-46

Factors associated with caregiver burden among family caregivers of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

ObjectivesTo identify caregiver and children factors associated with caregiver burden on primary caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP).DesignSystematic reviewData sourcesSeven electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web...

The association of comorbidities with mortality and severity among children with COVID-19

Background: Several case series have described the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in pediatric patients and suggest milder illness severity in children compared with adults. However, some cases presented more severe diseases with small numbers of deaths have been documented. Some studies in developed countries demonstrated that the presence of comorbidities among COVID-19 patients could increase the severity of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the association of comorbidities with mortality and severity among children with COVID-19. Methods: This was an analytic retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in Prof. Dr. IGNG Ngoerah Hospital, Denpasar, from May 2020 until March 2022. A total of 94 children aged 28 days-18 years old with confirmed COVID-19 were included in this study and divided into two groups, with comorbidities and without comorbidities. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between comorbidities and their relation to mortality and severity. The statistical significance was set at p less than 0.05. Results: The normality test showed that the age data distribution is not normal with the median age of 72 months (IQR 45-189) and 108 months (IQR 64-240) in the comorbidities and without comorbidities group, respectively. Bivariate analysis showed there was a significant association between comorbidities with the mortality and severity among children with COVID-19 (PR 3.21; 95% CI 1.04-9.90; p= 0.036) and (PR 10.71; 95%CI 4.12-27.83; p< 0.001), respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed the comorbidities increased risk of mortality and severity with adjusted OR (aOR) 3.74 (95%CI 1.14-12.25) and adjusted OR (aOR) 11.8 (95%CI 4.35-32.41), respectively; after adjusting for age and nutritional status. Conclusion: Comorbidities significantly affect mortality and severity among children with COVID-19.

The effects of measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic on the seasonal dynamics of respiratory viruses in children.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of public health measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic on respiratory viruses. The study was conducted between February 1, 2021 and December 1, 2022. Patients aged 1 month to 18 years hospitalized for infectious diseases were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory viruses by multiplex PCR. Of the total 1173 patients, 56.2% were male and 43.8% were female, and 47.5% of the patients were under 24 months of age. The viruses detected were SARS-CoV-2 31.9%, human rhinovirus/enterovirus 19.4%, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 9.3%, parainfluenza virus 7%, adenovirus 6%, seasonal coronavirus 5.2%, bocavirus 3.8%, influenza 3.1%, and metapneumovirus 2.8%. Among the patients, 386 were hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections, 238 with upper respiratory tract infections, 202 to evaluate fever etiology, 111 with acute gastroenteritis and 236 with other diagnoses. Of these patients, 113 were admitted to the intensive care unit. Intensive care unit admission rates were statistically significantly higher for bocavirus and RSV, in those hospitalized between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022 (first period when schools were held full-time face-toface at all grades) and in children aged 1-24 months. Public health measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the seasonal distribution of respiratory viruses and the severity of illness in children.

Lack of Association Between a Quantified Lung Ultrasound Score and Illness Severity in Pediatric Emergency Department Patients With Acute Lower Respiratory Infections.

Lung ultrasound (LUS) may help determine illness severity in children with acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) but limited pediatric studies exist. Our objective was to determine the association between LUS findings and illness severity in children with LRTI. We conducted a prospective study of patients <20 years with LRTI. Trained investigators performed standardized LUS examinations of 12 regions. Blinded sonologists reviewed examinations for individual pathologic features and also calculated a Quantified Lung Ultrasound Score (QLUS). We defined focal severity as QLUS of ≥2 in ≥1 region, and diffuse severity as QLUS of ≥1 in ≥3 regions. The primary outcome was the Respiratory component of the Pediatric Early Warning Score (RPEWS), a 14-item scale measuring respiratory illness severity. Secondary outcomes included hospital admission, length of stay, supplemental oxygen, and antibiotic use. We enrolled 85 patients with LRTIs, 46 (54%) whom were hospitalized (5.4% intensive care). Median RPEWS was 1 (interquartile range 2). Neither individual features on ultrasound nor total QLUS were associated with RPEWS, hospitalization, length of stay, or oxygen use. Mean RPEWS was similar for participants regardless of focal (1.46 versus 1.26, P=.57) or diffuse (1.47 versus 1.21, P=.47) severity findings, but those with focal or diffuse severity, or isolated consolidation, had greater antibiotic administration (P < .001). In children with LRTI, neither individual features nor QLUS were associated with illness severity. Antibiotics were more likely in patients with either focal or diffuse severity or presence of consolidation on ultrasound.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among low-income, racially and ethnically diverse US parents

ObjectiveExamine factors impacting U.S. parents’ intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. MethodsData were collected February-May 2021 from parents living in six geographically diverse locations. The COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey assessed perceived susceptibility and severity to adverse outcomes from the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews assessed perceptions about benefits and risks of vaccinating children. ResultsFifty parents of 106 children (newborn-17 years) were included; half were Spanish-speaking and half English-speaking. 62% were hesitant about vaccinating their children against COVID-19. Efficacy and safety were the main themes that emerged: some parents perceived them as benefits while others perceived them as risks to vaccination. Parent hesitancy often relied on social media, and was influenced by narrative accounts of vaccination experiences. Many cited the lower risk of negative outcomes from COVID-19 among children, when compared with adults. Some also cited inaccurate and constantly changing information about COVID-19 vaccines. ConclusionMain drivers of parent hesitancy regarding child COVID-19 vaccination include perceived safety and efficacy of the vaccines and lower severity of illness in children. Practice ImplicationsMany vaccine-hesitant parents may be open to vaccination in the future and welcome additional discussion and data.

Circulating Histones and Severity of Illness in Children with Sepsis: A Prospective Observational Study.

To measure circulating histone H3 levels in children with severe sepsis and explore its relationship with severity of illness and organ failures. Children aged 3 mo to 12 y with severe sepsis admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were prospectively studied. Healthy controls were enrolled from the outpatient department for comparison. Levels of H3 histones were measured on day 1 and day 3. Thirty-seven patients and 14 controls with median (IQR) age 5 (0.67, 8) and 5 (3, 7) y, respectively were enrolled. Common diagnoses included severe pneumonia (n = 9), staphylococcal sepsis (n = 6), and seasonal tropical infections (n = 4). Two-third (n = 26, 70%) had septic shock. One third (35%) had an unfavorable outcome; 11 died and 2 discontinued care. Median (IQR) H3 levels were not statistically different among patients with sepsis and controls [0.84 (0.62, 1.13) vs. 0.72 (0.52, 0.87) ng/mL; p = 0.10]. There was no significant change in H3 between day 1 and day 3 [0.84 (0.62, 1.13) vs 0.74 (0.5, 0.98)ng/mL; p = 0.22]. Children with thrombocytopenia (n = 27) showed a trend towards higher H3 compared to those without thrombocytopenia (n = 10) [0.9 vs. 0.67ng/mL; p = 0.06]. However, H3 levels were not elevated in patients with cardiovascular dysfunction, those needing renal-replacement therapy, or unfavorable outcomes. The present data provides early evidence that in children hospitalized with severe sepsis, histone H3 is not elevated as compared to healthy controls. H3 levels during initial days of sepsis requiring PICU admission were not different with regards to severity of illness, organ dysfunction, and clinical outcome. There was a trend towards elevated H3 in children with thrombocytopenia, which needs further evaluation.

Income‐driven socioeconomic status and presenting illness severity in children with acute respiratory failure

Children living in low socioeconomic communities are vulnerable to poor health outcomes, especially when critically ill. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and illness severity upon pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission in children with acute respiratory failure. This secondary analysis of the multicenter Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for Respiratory Failureclinical trial includes children, 2 weeks to 17 years old, mechanically ventilated for acute respiratory failure; specifically, subjects who had parental consent for follow-up and residential addresses that could be matched with census tracts (n = 2006). Subjects were categorized into quartiles based on income, with a median income of $54,036 for the census tracts represented in the sample. Subjects in the highest income quartile were more likely to be older, non-Hispanic White, and hospitalized for pneumonia. Subjects in the lowest income quartile were more likely to be Black, younger, and hospitalized for asthma or bronchiolitis, to have age-appropriate baseline functional status, and history of prematurity and asthma. After controlling for age group, gender, race, and primary diagnosis, there were no associations between income quartile and either Pediatric Risk of Mortalityscores or pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. As measured, income-based SES was not associated with illness severity upon PICU admission in this cohort of patients. More robust and reliable methods for measuring SES may help to better explain the mechanisms by which socioeconomic affect critical illness.

Characterizing T cell subsets in the nasal mucosa of children with acute respiratory symptoms.

BackgroundIn infants admitted to an ICU with respiratory failure, there is an association between the ratio of CD8+ to CD4+ T cells within the upper respiratory tract and disease severity. Whether this ratio is associated with respiratory disease severity within children presenting to a pediatric emergency department is not known.MethodsWe studied a convenience sample of 63 children presenting to a pediatric emergency department with respiratory symptoms. T cell subsets in the nasal mucosa were analyzed by flow cytometry. We compared CD4+ and CD8+ T cells subsets in these samples and analyzed the proportion of these subsets that expressed markers associated with tissue residency.ResultsWe were able to identify major subsets of CD8 and CD4 T cells within the nasal mucosa using flocked swabs. We found no difference in the ratio CD8+ to CD4+ T cells in children with upper or lower respiratory illness. A positive association between tissue-resident memory T cell frequency and patient age was identified.ConclusionsIn our patient populations, the CD8+:CD4+ ratio was not associated with disease severity. The majority of T cells collected on nasal swabs are antigen experienced, and there is an association between the frequency of tissue-resident T cells and age.Impact Immune cell populations from the nasal mucosa can be captured using flocked nasal swabs and analyzed by flow cytometry.Nasal CD8+:CD4+ ratio does not predict respiratory illness severity in children presenting to the emergency department.The frequency of CD8+ and CD4+ resident memory T cells within the nasal mucosa increases with age.

Rotavirus and illness severity in children presenting with acute gastroenteritis at the primary care out-of-hours service

Background Rotavirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children in the Netherlands, where rotavirus vaccination has not yet been implemented. Objectives To evaluate a difference in illness severity course depending on the presence of rotavirus infection and assess the prevalence of viruses and the referral rate in children with acute gastroenteritis. Methods A prospective cohort of children aged 6 months to 6 years presenting with acute gastroenteritis to a primary care out-of-hours service from October 2016 to March 2018. Faeces were sampled and sent to a laboratory where viral pathogens were identified and quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Severe course of acute gastroenteritis was defined as a Modified Vesikari Score of ≥11. In addition, we assessed referral rates. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate differences between groups. Results We included 75 children (34 boys) with a median age of 1.5 years (interquartile range, 0.9–2.0 years). The prevalence of rotavirus was 65.3% (95% confidence interval, 53.5–76.0) with a median cycle threshold of 16.0. Severe course of acute gastroenteritis was present in 31 of 71 children (4 were lost to follow-up). Those with rotavirus (20/47) did not have a severe course more often than those without (11/24): odds ratio, 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.33–2.36). Referral rates were comparable for rotavirus (15.2%) and non-rotavirus (14.3%). Conclusion In out-of-hours primary care, rotavirus is common but not associated with increased severity and higher referral rates in children with acute gastroenteritis.

Acute Hepatitis Is a Prominent Presentation of the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Single-Center Report.

A newly recognized multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has had a paradigm-shifting effect on the perception of severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) illness severity in children. We report the clinical and biochemical features of liver involvement, and the comorbidities that present with hepatitis, in a substantial cohort of patients. This is a retrospective cohort study of 44 patients with MIS-C admitted at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian during April and May 2020. We evaluated the number of patients who developed hepatitis and examined both demographics and inflammatory laboratory values to ascertain those that were at higher risk for liver involvement and more severe disease. Hepatitis was present in 19 subjects (43%) and was associated with more severe disease. Persons with hepatitis had significantly higher rates of shock at presentation (21.1% vs. 0%; P=0.008), greater respiratory support requirement (42.1% vs. 12%; P=0.005), and longer hospitalization times (median, 7 [interquartile range {IQR}, 5, 10] vs. 4days [IQR, 3.5, 6.5]; P<0.05). Patients with hepatitis also had significantly higher levels of ferritin (706.9 vs. 334.2mg/mL; P<0.01), interleukin-6 (233.9 vs. 174.7pg/mL; P<0.05), troponin (83.0 vs. 28.5ng/L; P<0.05), and B-type natriuretic peptide (7,424.5 vs. 3,209.5pg/mL; P<0.05). The single patient with liver failure also developed multiorgan failure requiring vasopressors, hemodialysis, and mechanical ventilation. All patients were discharged, though >50% had persistent hepatitis up to 1month after discharge. Hepatitis is common in children with MIS-C and is associated with a more severe presentation and persistent elevation of liver function tests in many. Despite the positive outcomes reported here, close follow-up is warranted given the limited knowledge of the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver.

The Association Between Ventilatory Ratio and Mortality in Children and Young Adults.

The ventilatory ratio (VR) is a dead-space marker associated with mortality in mechanically ventilated adults with ARDS. The end-tidal alveolar dead space fraction (AVDSf) has been associated with mortality in children. However, AVDSf requires capnography measurements, whereas VR does not. We sought to examine the prognostic value of VR, in comparison to AVDSf, in children and young adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from 180 mechanically ventilated children and young adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. VR was calculated as (minute ventilation × [Formula: see text])/(age-adjusted predicted minute ventilation × 37.5). AVDSf was calculated as [Formula: see text]. VR and AVDSf had a moderate correlation (rho 0.31, P < .001). VR was similar between survivors at 1.22 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.0-1.52) and nonsurvivors at 1.30 (IQR 0.96-1.95) (P = .2). AVDSf was lower in survivors at 0.12 (IQR 0.03-0.23) than nonsurvivors at 0.24 (IQR 0.13-0.33) (P < .001). In logistic regression and competing risk regression analyses, VR was not associated with mortality or rate of extubation at any given time (competing risk death; all P > .3). An AVDSf in the highest 2 quartiles, in comparison to the lowest quartile (AVDSf < 0.06), was associated with higher mortality after adjustment for oxygenation index and severity of illness (AVDSf ≥ 0.15-0.26: odds ratio 3.58, 95% CI 1.02-12.64, P = .047, and AVDSf ≥ 0.26: odds ratio 3.91 95% CI-1.03-14.83, P = .045). At any given time after intubation, a child with an AVDSf ≥ 0.26 was less likely to be extubated than a child with an AVDSf < 0.06, after adjustment for oxygenation index and severity of illness (AVDSf ≥ 0.26: subdistribution hazard ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.33-0.94, P = .03). VR should not be used for prognostic purposes in children and young adults. AVDSf added prognostic information to the severity of oxygenation defect and overall severity of illness in children and young adults, consistent with previous research.

Cohort study showing correlation of Vitamin D levels with severity of illness in children admitted with acute febrile illness

Background: Acute febrile illness (AFI) which is characterized by illness without any identified source has been less explored. However, no studies have correlated AFI, its various etiologies along with stay in hospital duration, and admission in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with Vitamin D levels as per our knowledge. Objective: The present study was conducted with a cohort of children having Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and individuals with adequate levels of Vitamin D and a correlation among them was tried to be established. Materials and Methods: We conducted this study at the pediatric department of a tertiary hospital of Western India using the standard protocol. We determined severity of illness using six observational items and their scales as per acute illness observation scale (AIOS). Laboratory investigations such as complete hemogram, renal function tests, liver function tests, bacteriology cultures, radiography, and sonography were done as per indication. Serum calcium, serum phosphorous, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels were evaluated in all patients. Evaluation of Vitamin D status was done in all children within 48 h of admission to the hospital using chemiluminescent immunoassay method. Outcome parameters such as the duration of hospital stay and final outcome as discharged or death were noted. Results: We found bronchiolitis as the major etiology in most of the AFI cases. The children which required NICU admission had VDD. Children, who had AIOS score &gt;10, indicating that severity of disease was also maximum from VDD group. Moreover, the hospital stay of VDD group was significantly higher. Conclusion: Overall data suggested that condition of children with AFI deteriorated more in the group which are deficient in Vitamin D suggesting that supplementation of Vitamin D could be fruitful strategy to reduce the disease severity.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Is an Independent Predictor of Adverse Outcomes in Children in the Emergency Department with Suspected Sepsis

To evaluate the impact of early disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) on illness severity in children using a database of emergency department ED encounters for children with suspected sepsis, in view of similar associations in adults. Laboratory and clinical data were extracted from a registry of emergency department encounters of children with suspected sepsis between April 1, 2012, and June 26, 2017. International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis DIC scores were calculated from laboratory values obtained within 24 hours of emergency department admission. Univariate logistic regression, multivariable logistic regression, and Cox regression were used to assess the influence of DIC scores on vasopressor use (primary outcome), mortality, ventilator requirement, pediatric intensive care unit admission, and hospital duration (secondary outcomes). The optimal DIC score cutoff for outcome prediction was determined. Of 1653 eligible patients, 284 had DIC scores within 24 hours, including 92 who required vasopressors and 23 who died within 1 year. An initial DIC score of ≥3 was the most sensitive and specific DIC score for predicting adverse outcomes. Those with a DIC score of ≥3 vs <3 had increased odds of vasopressor use in both univariate (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 2.63-7.62; P < .001) and multivariable (OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.82-7.85; P < .001) analyses. Additionally, those with a DIC score of ≥3 vs <3 had increased 1-year mortality with a hazard ratio of 3.55 (95% CI, 1.46-8.64; P = .005). A DIC score of ≥3 was an independent predictor for both vasopressor use and mortality in this pediatric cohort, distinct from the adult overt DIC score cutoff of ≥5.

The epidemiological and clinical profile of COVID-19 in children: Moroccan experience of the Cheikh Khalifa University Center.

IntroductionCOVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus. The first cases were identified in Wuhan. It rapidly spread causing a pandemic worldwide. The incidence and severity of this disease are likely to be different in children compared with adults. Few publications of COVID-19 in children have been published. Our Moroccan paediatric series is among the first studies on this disease in Africa.MethodsWe included all children with COVID-19 who were admitted and treated at the hospital from March 25 to April 26, 2020. We have collected information, including demographic data, symptoms, imaging data, laboratory results, treatments and clinical progress from patients with COVID-19.ResultsSince the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV) in Morocco, a total of 145 COVID-19 confirmed cases have been reported in the Cheikh Khalifa’s Hospital. Among this cases, 15 children were registered. The median age of patients was 13 years. There were 7 boys and 8 girls. Five children are asymptomatic, 8 have mild symptoms and 2 have a moderate respiratory difficulty. The RT-PCR test results were positive in all patients. Radiologically, we found in 2 cases, multiple nodules with ground-glass opacities on the chest scan. The treatment was based on the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Evolution under treatment was good for all patients.ConclusionThis study describes the profile of COVID-19 in child in a Moroccan hospital and confirms that the severity of illness in children with COVID-19 to be far less than adults.

Overnutrition in Infants Is Associated With High Level of Leptin, Viral Coinfection and Increased Severity of Respiratory Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of overnutrition (obese and overweight) with severity of illness in children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs), frequency of viral coinfections and leptin levels.Methods: We studied 124 children <2 years old that were hospitalized for ALRI. Nutritional status was calculated by z-scores according to weight-for-age z-scores, length or height-for-age z-scores, and weight-for-height z-scores. Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) were obtained and viral respiratory pathogens were identified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) load was assessed using quantitative RT-PCR. NPA and plasma leptin level were measured. Clinical data and nutritional status were recorded, and patients were followed up until hospital discharge. Viral coinfection was defined as the presence of two or more viruses detected in the same respiratory sample. Severity of illness was determined by length of hospitalization and duration of oxygen therapy.Results: Children with overnutrition showed a greater frequency of viral coinfection than those with normal weight (71% obese vs. 37% normal weight p = 0.013; 68% overweight vs. 37% normal weight p = 0.004). A lower RSV load was found in obese (5.91 log10 copies/mL) and overweight children (6.49 log10 copies/mL) compared to normal weight children (8.06 log10 copies/mL; p = 0.021 in both cases). In multivariate analysis, obese, and overweight infants <6 months old were associated with longer hospital stays (RR = 1.68; CI: 1.30–2.15 and obese: RR = 1.68; CI: 1.01–2.71, respectively) as well as a greater duration of oxygen therapy (RR = 1.80; IC: 1.41–2.29 and obese: RR = 1.91; CI: 1.15–3.15, respectively). Obese children <6 months showed higher plasma leptin level than normal weight children (7.58 vs. 5.12 ng/μl; p <0.046).Conclusions: In infants younger than 6 months, overnutrition condition was related to increased severity of infections and high plasma leptin level. Also, children with overnutrition showed a greater frequency of viral coinfection and low RSV viral load compared to normal weights children. These findings further contribute to the already existent evidence supporting the importance of overnutrition prevention in pediatric populations.