Morbidity In Children Research Articles

Epigenetics to clinicopathological features: a bibliometric analysis of H3 G34-mutant diffuse hemispheric glioma literature.

Pediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas are the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in children. More than 30% of diffuse hemispheric gliomas (DHG) in adolescents harbor histone H3 G34 mutations and are recognized by the World Health Organization as a distinct tumor entity. By reporting bibliometric characteristics of the most cited publications on H3 G34-mutant DHG (H3 G34 DHG), we provide an overview of emerging literature and speculate where future research efforts may lead. One hundred fourteen publications discussing H3 G34 DHG were identified, categorized as basic science (BSc), clinical (CL), or review (R), and ranked by citation number. Various bibliometric parameters were summarized, and a comparison between article types was performed. Articles within this study represent principal investigators from 15 countries and were published across 63 journals between 2012 and 2024, with 36.84% of articles originating in the United States. Overall median values were as follows: citation count, 20 (range, 0-2591), number of authors, 9 (range, 2-78), and year of publication, 2020 (range, 2012-2024). Among the top ten most cited articles, BSc articles accounted for all ten reports. Compared to CL and R articles, BSc articles were published in journals with higher impact factors. We establish variability in bibliometric parameters for the most cited publications on H3 G34 DHG. Our findings demonstrate a paucity of high-impact and highly cited CL reports and acknowledge an unmet need to intersect basic mechanism with clinical data to inform novel therapeutic approaches.

Implementing Community-Based Strategies for Improved Pneumonia Care in Children: Insights From a Pilot Study.

Respiratory ailments, encompassing a spectrum of disorders, are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children, with pneumonia being particularly significant, accounting for 16% of child mortality. To ensure timely engagement with healthcare services, it is imperative to instill awareness through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives targeting mothers of children under five. The primary objective of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of a community-based intervention on health-seeking behaviour, knowledge, and practice measures concerning the management and prevention of pneumonia in children. The pilot study mirrored the main study's procedures in two villages, Bhuvanahalli and Gavanahalli, each randomly assigned as either an experimental or a control group. We selected 12 mothers with children under the age of five who had community-acquired pneumonia, employing a straightforward random technique, with six mothers from each group. These mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire focusing on health-seeking behaviour, knowledge, and practices related to the management and prevention of pneumonia. Mothers in the experimental group received a community-based intervention, specifically an educational set focusing on health-seeking behaviour, knowledge, and practice measures concerning the management and prevention of pneumonia in children, while those in the control group continued with their routine practices. We collected post-test data from the mothers in both groups at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th months of the intervention. The data analysis was conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28 (Released 2021; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) software. The Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis analyses indicated a notable and statistically significant shift in health-seeking behaviour, knowledge, and practices pertaining to the management and prevention of pneumonia in children as a result of the community-based educational intervention implemented in the experimental group (P<0.05). Community-based intervention is crucial to preventing mortality and morbidity in children. The findings of the pilot study affirm its feasibility and lay a strong foundation for further investigation and implementation.

Increasing Preterm Delivery and Small for Gestational Age Trends in South Carolina during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Preterm delivery (PTD) complications are a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess trends in PTD and small for gestational age (SGA) and whether trends varied between race-ethnic groups in South Carolina (SC). We utilized 2015-2021 SC vital records linked to hospitalization and emergency department records. PTD was defined as clinically estimated gestation less than (<) 37 weeks (wks.) with subgroup analyses of PTD < 34 wks. and < 28 wks. SGA was defined as infants weighing below the 10th percentile for gestational age. This retrospective study included 338,532 (243,010 before the COVID-19 pandemic and 95,522 during the pandemic) live singleton births of gestational age ≥ 20 wks. born to 260,276 mothers in SC. Generalized estimating equations and a change-point during the first quarter of 2020 helped to assess trends. In unadjusted analyses, pre-pandemic PTD showed an increasing trend that continued during the pandemic (relative risk (RR) = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06). PTD < 34 wks. rose during the pandemic (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12) with a significant change in the slope. Trends in SGA varied by race and ethnicity, increasing only in Hispanics (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04) before the pandemic. Our study reveals an increasing prevalence of PTD and a rise in PTD < 34 wks. during the pandemic, as well as an increasing prevalence of SGA in Hispanics during the study period.

Breastfeeding Practices among Urban Mothers of Central Kerala, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The practice of breastfeeding is vital in child nutrition and morbidity. The authors aimed to determine breastfeeding practices and factors related to Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers with children aged six months to 2 years in an urban area of Thrissur district, Kerala, India.&#x0D; Methods: This was a community-based and cross-sectional study conducted on 339 mothers using cluster sampling in 2016 for one year in the urban area of Thrissur district, Kerala. Details regarding sociodemographic factors, obstetric history, child-related data and breastfeeding practices were collected from mothers using a pretested and semi-structured questionnaire. Analyses were done using SPSS16 and Epi Info 7.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of study population was 27.21 ± 4.27. 223 mothers (65.78 %, 95% CI = 60.43-70.77) initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour, and prelacteal feeding was observed in 25 cases (7.37%, 95% CI = 4.92-10.83). 99.71% practiced feeding on demand, and 30.97% (95% CI = 26.15- 36.24) of children were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months with mean duration of 3.95± 1.79 months. The mean age at which complementary feeding started was 4.83±1.32 months. Cultural beliefs, mothers' employment, and problems during breastfeeding were significant predictors of EBF for up to 6months.&#x0D; Conclusion: Despite high educational status and good antenatal care among the study population, breastfeeding practices were not carried out at the recommended level. Breastfeeding was initiated within 1 hour of delivery by 2/3rd ,and 1/3rd of the children were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months. Cultural beliefs and mothers' employment were factors associated with EBF.&#x0D;

Sociodemographic Correlates of Integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services Utilization Among Childbearing Mothers in Nigeria.

Background Some social and demographic factors might limit the ability of childbearing mothers (CBMs) to use healthcare services for themselves and their children, thereby exposing them to maternal, infant, and child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic correlates of the utilization of integrated maternal, newborn, and child health (IMNCH) services by CBMs in Benue State, Nigeria. Methodology A community-based, correlational survey study was conducted among a random sample of 1,200 CBMs. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pretested, structured questionnaire, the Integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services Utilization Questionnaire (IMNCHSUQ), and study participants were chosen using a multistage sampling procedure. Of the IMNCHSUQ issued, only 896 copies had complete data, which were used for the analysis. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The data were evaluated using the mean, standard deviation, and point-biserial correlation, and the null hypotheses were tested using linear regression at the 0.05 level of significance. Results The majority of the CBMs were married (79.7%) and unemployed (66.0%) while the predominant age group was between 15 and 24 years (42.7%). CBMs had a high level of utilization of IMNCH services (x= 3.30, SD = 0.94). The sociodemographic factors studied had little or no influence on the utilization of IMNCH services among CBMs. The most significant demographic predictor was the place of residence. Marital status, educational level, parity, and age were also found to be significant predictors in a few services. Conclusions Uneven distribution of IMNCH centers may be a major cause of the failure of CBM's lack of utilization of IMNCH services, especially in rural settlements with sparse distribution of facilities.

Association of Heamoglobin Concentration during Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes

The prevalence of gestational diabetes is rapidly rising, ranging from 9 to 26% of pregnancies globally. Muchevidence has shown that hyperglycemia during pregnancy not only increases perinatal morbidity and mortality in both mothers and children but also increases features of disease later. A case control study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Al-Elwiya Teaching Hospital in Baghdad-Iraq during a period of one year from 1st of December 2021 till end of November 2022. It included 80 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy with viable fetus and gestational age ≥28 weeks and receiving iron supplement from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy or earlier. They were divided into two groups: Case group included 40 pregnant women who had diagnosed with gestational diabetes and control group included 40 healthy pregnant women without any complaint matched with the case group in age and gestational age. First trimester hemoglobin level taken from the medical records during antenatal care. In our study, Pregnant women with gestational diabetes had significantly higher mean of first trimester hemoglobin level compared with controls (12.04g/dl versus 10.99g/dl, p=0.001). First trimester hemoglobin level was found to be significant independent risk factor for greater likelihood of gestational diabetes. Higher hemoglobin level during pregnancy were associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes.

Delivery of a post-natal neonatal jaundice education intervention improves knowledge among mothers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda.

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality. As many infants are discharged by 24 hours of age, mothers are key in detecting severe forms of jaundice. Mothers with limited knowledge of NNJ have a hard time identifying these infants who could go on to have the worst outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of a jaundice education package delivered to mothers prior to hospital discharge on maternal knowledge after discharge. This was a before and after interventional study involving an education package delivered through a video message and informational voucher. At 10-14 days after discharge, participants were followed up via telephone to assess their post-intervention knowledge. A paired t-test was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention on knowledge improvement. Linear regression was used to determine predictors of baseline knowledge and of change in knowledge score. Of the 250 mothers recruited, 188 were fit for analysis. The mean knowledge score was 10.02 before and 14.61 after the intervention, a significant difference (p<0.001). Factors determining higher baseline knowledge included attendance of 4 or more antenatal visits (p < 0.001), having heard about NNJ previously (p < 0.001), having experienced an antepartum illness (p = 0.019) and higher maternal age (p = 0.015). Participants with poor baseline knowledge (β = 7.523) and moderate baseline knowledge (β = 3.114) had much more to gain from the intervention relative to those with high baseline knowledge (p < 0.001). Maternal knowledge of jaundice can be increased using a simple educational intervention, especially in settings where the burden of detection often falls on the mother. Further study is needed to determine the impact of this intervention on care seeking and infant outcomes.

Maternal education and its influence on child growth and nutritional status during the first two years of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The first 1000 days of life are critical for a child's health and development. Impaired growth during this period is linked to increased child morbidity, mortality, and long-term consequences. Undernutrition is the main cause, and addressing it within the first 1000 days of life is vital. Maternal education is consistently identified as a significant predictor of child undernutrition, but its specific impact remains to be determined. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the influence of high versus low maternal education levels on child growth from birth to age two, using population-based cohort studies. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, ERIC, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1990 to January 2024 using appropriate search terms. We included population-based cohort studies of healthy children aged two years and under and their mothers, categorizing maternal education levels. Child growth and nutritional outcomes were assessed using various indicators. Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction and assessed study quality. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was utilized for quality assessment. Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I2 statistic. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed, and publication bias was evaluated. The literature search retrieved 14,295 titles, and after full-text screening of 639 reports, 35 studies were included, covering eight outcomes: weight for age z-score (WAZ), height for age z-score (HAZ), BMI for age z-scores (BMIZ), overweight, underweight, stunting, wasting, and rapid weight gain. In middle-income countries, higher maternal education is significantly associated with elevated WAZ (MD 0.398, 95% CI 0.301-0.496) and HAZ (MD 0.388, 95% CI 0.102-0.673) in children. Similarly, in studies with low-educated population, higher maternal education is significantly linked to increased WAZ (MD 0.186, 95% CI 0.078-0.294) and HAZ (0.200, 95% CI 0.036-0.365). However, in high-income and highly educated population, this association is either absent or reversed. In high-income countries, higher maternal education is associated with a non-significant lower BMI-Z (MD-0.028, 95% CI-0.061 to 0.006). Notably, this inverse association is statistically significant in low-educated populations (MD-0.045, 95% CI-0.079 to-0.011) but not in highly educated populations (MD 0.003, 95% CI-0.093 to 0.098). Maternal education's association with child growth varies based on country income and education levels. Further research is needed to understand this relationship better. This study was a student thesis supported financially by Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).

Bacterial etiology and antimicrobial resistance pattern of pediatric bloodstream infections: a 5-year experience in an Iranian referral hospital

BackgroundBloodstream infections (BSI) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children in developing countries. The purpose of the current study was to establish the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from bloodstream infections at Children’s Medical Center Hospital (CMC), Tehran, Iran.MethodsWe retrospectively recorded all positive blood cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility of all bloodstream isolates among children admitted to CMC, during 5 years. Specimen culture, bacterial identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed according to standard laboratory methods.ResultsFrom 3,179 pathogens isolated from the blood cultures 2,824 bacteria were cultured, with 1,312 cases being identified as Gram-positive bacteria (46%) and 1,512 cases as Gram-negative bacteria (54%). The most common Gram-negative bacteria isolated were as follows: Pseudomonas spp. (n = 266, 17.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 242, 16%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 204, 13.5%), Enterobacter spp. (n = 164, 10.8%), Escherichia coli (n = 159, 10.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 126, 8.3%), Serratia marcescens (n = 121, 8%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 73, 4.8%). The most common Gram-positive bacteria isolated were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) (n = 697, 53%), Streptococcus spp. (n = 237, 18%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 202, 15%) and Enterococcus spp. (n = 167, 12.7%). 34% of bacterial strains were isolated from ICUs. The rates of methicillin resistance in S. aureus and CONS were 34% and 91%, respectively. E. coli isolates showed high resistance to cefotaxime (84%). All isolates of K. pneumoniae were susceptible to colistin and 56% were susceptible to imipenem. P. aeruginosa isolates showed high susceptibility to all antibiotics.ConclusionsOur findings emphasize the need of clinicians having access to up-to-date bacterial susceptibility data for routinely prescribed drugs. Continuous monitoring of changes in bacterial resistance will aid in the establishment of national priorities for local intervention initiatives in Iran. The increased risk of BSI caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms, emphasizes the significance of implementing appropriate antibiotic prescribing regulations and developing innovative vaccination techniques in Iran.

Exposure to sunlight and allergic morbidity in children from the PARIS birth cohort

Exposure to sunlight and allergic morbidity in children from the PARIS birth cohort

Spatial patterns and multilevel analysis of factors associated with paediatric tuberculosis in India

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a serious global health problem that remains as leading cause of high mortality and morbidity in children. Despite India with a high global tuberculosis burden, very few studies have specifically addressed the problem of TB among children, a vulnerable group where delayed diagnosis aggravates the morbidity. MethodsIdentifying the hotspots with high risk of Paediatric TB by employing a localized clustering method can help in developing regional policies for eliminating TB. Factors specified at various levels must be taken into account in studies of health aetiology and their practical applications for disease control. Multilevel analysis is a viable analytic technique for including components identified at many levels in an epidemiologic study and the interindividual variances can be inferred using multilevel analysis. ResultsIn this study, the incidence of tuberculosis pertaining to individual-level attributes are elucidated at district and state level through a multilevel model using the information from National Family Health Survey-5, carried out in 2019–20 comprising 636,699 households over 28 states and 8 union territories of India and the spatial method has detected 62 hotspots. ConclusionThe model expresses a nested structure with districts and states having significant contribution in the variation of paediatric TB and the autocorrelation pattern exhibited by the hotspots emphasises the need for targeted TB elimination programs.

High rates of placental inflammation among samples collected by the Multi-Omics for Mothers and Infants consortium

BackgroundThe Multi-Omics for Mothers and Infants (MOMI) consortium aims to improve birth outcomes. Preterm birth is a major obstetric complication globally causing significant infant and childhood morbidity and mortality. ObjectivesWe analyzed placental samples (basal plate, placenta/chorionic villi and/or the chorionic plate) collected by the 5 MOMI sites: The Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement (AMANHI) Bangladesh, AMANHI Pakistan, AMANHI Tanzania, The Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS) Bangladesh and GAPPS Zambia. The goal was to analyze the morphology and gene expression of samples collected from preterm and uncomplicated term births. Study designThe teams provided biopsies from 166 singleton preterm (<37 weeks) and 175 term (≥37 weeks) deliveries. They were formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded. Tissue sections from these samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and subjected to morphological analyses. Other placental biopsies (n = 35 preterm, 21 term) were flash frozen, which enabled RNA purification for bulk transcriptomics. ResultsThe morphological analyses revealed a surprisingly high rate of inflammation involving the basal plate, placenta/chorionic villi and/or the chorionic plate. The rate in chorionic villus samples, likely attributable to chronic villitis, ranged from 25% (Pakistan site) to 60% (Zambia site) of cases. Leukocyte infiltration in this location vs. the basal plate or chorionic plate correlated with preterm birth. Our transcriptomic analyses identified 267 genes as differentially expressed (DE) between placentas from preterm vs. term births (123 upregulated, 144 downregulated). Mapping the DE genes onto single cell RNA-seq data from human placentas suggested that all the component cell types, either singly or in subsets, contributed to the observed dysregulation. Consistent with the histopathological findings, GO (Gene Ontology) analyses highlighted leukocyte infiltration/activation and inflammatory responses in both the fetal and maternal compartments. ConclusionThe relationship between placental inflammation and preterm birth is appreciated in developed countries. Here, we show that this link also exists in developing geographies. Also, among the participating sites, we found geographic- and/or population-based differences in placental inflammation and preterm birth, suggesting the importance of local factors.

MODERN METHODS OF HERNIOPLASTY TREATMENT FOR COMPRESSED ABDOMINAL HERNIAS AFTER SURGERY

Globally, pneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age. While the majority of pneumonia-related deaths in children are mostly in developing countries, the burden of the disease is large and there are significant health-related costs associated with pneumonia in developed countries. This article discusses the causes of pneumonia in children. Untreated pneumonia is aggravated by the development of pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications.

What is Under the Tent? Posterior Fossa Tumors in Children, the Usual Suspects—Part 1

Pediatric posterior fossa tumors are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. In this 2-part series, we discuss the spectrum of posterior fossa tumors and their clinical and molecular characteristics. In Part 1, the authors discuss the 5 primary differential diagnoses of posterior fossa tumors: medulloblastoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma, diffuse midline glioma, H3K27-altered, and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors. Each posterior fossa tumor is clinically and histologically defined. Additionally, relevant epidemiology data, current genetics/molecular classification according to the fifth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System, and imaging findings are reviewed. The new version of the international standard for the classification of central nervous system tumors introduces major changes that advance the role of molecular diagnostics in the pediatric central nervous system tumor classification, particularly in posterior fossa tumors, which may impact management and outcomes.Learning Objective: To recognize the imaging appearance of the most common posterior fossa tumors in children.

Predictors of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Influenza Virus, and Human Metapneumovirus Carriage in Children Under 5 Years With WHO-Defined Fast-Breathing Pneumonia in Pakistan.

Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children < 5 years. We describe nasopharyngeal carriage of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and influenza virus among children with fast-breathing pneumonia in Karachi, Pakistan. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs from children aged 2-59 months with fast-breathing pneumonia, enrolled in the randomized trial of amoxicillin versus placebo for fast-breathing pneumonia (RETAPP) (NCT02372461) from 2014 to 2016. Swabs were collected using WHO standardized methods, processed at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Viral detection was performed using LUMINEX xTAG respiratory viral panel assay and logistic regression identified clinical and sociodemographic predictors. Of the 1000 children tested, 92.2% (n = 922) were positive for viral carriage. RSV, hMPV, and influenza virus were detected in 59 (6.4%), 56 (6.1%), and 58 (6.3%) children and co-infections in three samples (two RSV-hMPV and one influenza-hMPV). RSV carriage was common in infants (56%), we observed a higher occurrence of fever in children with hMPV and influenza virus (80% and 88%, respectively) and fast breathing in RSV (80%) carriage. RSV carriage was positively associated with a history of fast/difficulty breathing (aOR: 1.96, 95% CI 1.02-3.76) and low oxygen saturation (aOR: 2.52, 95% CI 1.32-4.82), hMPV carriage was positively associated with a complete vaccination status (aOR: 2.22, 95% CI 1.23-4.00) and body temperature ≥ 37.5°C (aOR: 2.34, 95% CI 1.35-4.04) whereas influenza viral carriage was associated with body temperature ≥ 37.5°C (aOR: 4.48, 95% CI 2.53-7.93). We observed a high nasopharyngeal viral carriage among children with WHO-defined fast-breathing pneumonia in Pakistan. Fever, difficulty in breathing, hypoxia and vaccination status areimportant clinical predictors for viral nonsevere community-acquired pneumonia.

Successful Use of Anticoagulation-free Prolonged Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Massive Pulmonary Hemorrhage in a Child with Heart Transplant and Mechanical Mitral Valve: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Background: Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used as a rescue mode of support in children with life-threatening respiratory failure. However, the dilemma arises as to how to balance anticoagulation to prevent circuit thrombosis while avoiding bleeding complications or worsening hemorrhage. Clinical Description: We present an adolescent with a history of Noonan syndrome, orthotopic heart transplant, and mechanic mitral valve that required emergent veno-venous (VV) ECMO support due to life-threatening hypoxia related to severe pulmonary hemorrhage secondary to anticoagulation for his prosthetic mitral valve. Management and Outcome: The patient remained on ECMO for 28 days with no anticoagulation and did not receive any anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents postdecannulation for 4 months despite the presence of a mechanical valve. No thrombotic complications to the mechanical valve or the ECMO circuit occurred. Conclusion: Prolonged anticoagulation-free VV-ECMO support may be used as a rescue strategy in patients with massive pulmonary hemorrhage resulting in refractory respiratory failure.

MONITORING AND MEASURES FOR PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN

Globally, pneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age. While the majority of pneumonia-related deaths in children are mostly in developing countries, the burden of the disease is large and there are significant health-related costs associated with pneumonia in developed countries. This article discusses the causes of pneumonia in children. Untreated pneumonia is aggravated by the development of pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications.

Ayurveda Approach towards Respiratory Illness in Children

Abstract: Preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and other infections are the leading causes of morbidity in children, therefore each child's physical and emotional needs differ according to their age, personality, and developmental stage. 15% of children suffer from RRTIs. Predisposing variables include immune system inadequacies, anatomic and functional changes in the respiratory tract, air pollution exposure, and poor socioeconomic conditions. RRTIs are a prevalent disorder, especially in children under the age of six, and are usually caused by poor environmental conditions. 60% of patients had bacterial growth but RRIs begin as a viral respiratory tract infection and symptoms of infection for at least 10 days.i URTI is most common known cause of morbidity in children, which causes limiting daily activities and causing school absence.

Evaluation of hospitalized morbidity in children of the first month of life in a multidisciplinary children hospital of the megalopolis

Objective: evaluation of factors affecting hospitalization of children of the first month of life in a multi-disciplinary children's hospital in a metropolitan area. Material and methods. Using the continuous method, data from 267 children in the first month of life in St. Petersburg was copied from the Ariadna medical information system. Re-sults. In 2020-2022 the majority of children were treated through compulsory medical insurance (89.5-93.2%). During the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 66.7% of patients were admitted as emergencies. More than half of the children were admitted through internal routing. In 2022, the highest hospitalization rate was in patients with certain conditions arising in the perinatal period (452.6%o) and congenital malformations (242.1%o), and the longest average duration of treatment was observed in patients with factors influencing health status population and visits to health care institutions (24.5±7.5 days), respiratory diseases (22.5±21.5 days). Most children were discharged with improvement. Conclusion. The hospitalized morbidity of children in the neonatal period is influenced by a significant number of factors, among the main ones being the location of the medical organization, the presence of a perinatal center in its structure and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iron deficiency anemia in hospitalized children

Iron is an abundant element on earth. It is used by nearly all forms of life from micro-organisms to humans for their developmental and survival as it is part of many enzymes involved in biological processes such as DNA synthesis, oxygen transport, and cellular energy production. Anemia is the most widely recognized manifestation of iron deficiency. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, based on age, in 200 hospitalized children 0-14 years old. Hemoglobin &lt;12g/dL was found in 54.5% of children, 69% of the children 0-2years old had Hb&lt;12g/dL, 51% of the children 2-6years old had Hb&lt;12g/dL, and 19% of the children 6-14years old had Hb&lt;12g/dL. In conclusion iron deficiency anemia is prevalent in hospitalized children, infants are the group mostly affected. Iron deficiency anemia is a major health concern as it increases risk of child morbidity, impairs cognitive and physical developmental in children and reduces school performance. It is an easily treated medical condition with excellent outcome, so a meticulous clinical attention and evaluation should be kept for children of any age.