Infections In Pediatric Patients Research Articles

Tonsillar cytotoxic CD4 T cells are involved in the control of EBV primary infection in children

CD4 T cells play a key role in Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection, by modulating latent antigen expression, and exhibiting cytotoxic and regulatory properties. Our aim was to evaluate the presence of Granzyme B (GZMB) and Foxp3 CD4 T cells at different EBV infection status and latency profiles. We examined CD4, GZMB, Foxp3, IL10, TGF-β, CD4-GZMB and CD4-Foxp3 expression at the tonsils of pediatric patients with different infective status and EBV latency profiles. CD4+, GZMB+, Foxp3+, CD4-GZMB+ and CD4-Foxp3+ cell counts were higher at the interfollicular region. Higher expression of CD4-GZMB was found in primary infected patients compared to healthy carriers. In patients that expressed latency III antigens, we demonstrated lower CD4+, CD4-GZMB+, CD4-Foxp3+ expression; a negative correlation between the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10+ and GZMB+ as well as a positive correlation of IL-10+ and CD4+. In patients expressing the lytic protein BMRF1, a positive correlation of TGF-β+ with CD4-GZMB+ and CD4-Foxp3+ was observed. Our findings indicate that CD4-GZMB+ cells are involved in the restriction of primary EBV infection in pediatric patients, which could partially explain the lack of symptoms, whereas both CD4-GZMB+ and CD4-Foxp3+ cells could be involved in the modulation of latency.

Letermovir for Cytomegalovirus infection in pediatric patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a real-life study by the Infectious Diseases Working Group of Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (AIEOP).

Letermovir prophylaxis revolutionized the approach to Cytomegalovirus infection in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT), while data in pediatric setting are still lacking. We retrospectively analyzed 87 HCT children transplanted in 11 AIEOP centers receiving letermovir as off-label indication between January 2020 and November 2022. Letermovir was used as primary, secondary prophylaxis or CMV treatment in 39, 26 and 22 cases, respectively; no discontinuation due to toxicity was reported. Median duration was 100 days (14-256) for primary and 96 days (8-271) for secondary prophylaxis, respectively. None of the patients experienced CMV-clinically significant reactivation during Letermovir primary prophylaxis; one patient developed breakthrough infection during secondary prophylaxis, and 10 and 1 patient experienced asymptomatic CMV-reactivation and CMV-primary infection after drug discontinuation, respectively. Median duration of letermovir in CMV treatment was 40 days (7-134), with 4/22 patients suffering CMV-pneumonia, with an overall response rate of 86.4%. With a median follow-up of 10.7 months (8.2-11.8), estimated 1-year overall survival was 86%; no CMV-related deaths were reported in prophylaxis groups. This is the largest report on Letermovir use in pediatric HCT; real-life data confirm an excellent toxicity profile, with high efficacy as CMV prophylaxis; results in CMV-infection treatment should be investigated in larger, prospective trials.

P395 The frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact of vaccination on the disease morbidity in Polish pediatric patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease treated with biologic therapies

Abstract Background Little is known about morbidity of Covid-19 infection in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) treated with biologic medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with IBD who received biologic therapies. Methods A prospective, observational cohort study to evaluate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination state, and its effect on the disease course among pediatric patients with IBD. The questionnaire included information concerning numbers of vaccine doses, patients’ medication and disease activity. Disease flare was defined by worsening IBD symptoms and change in IBD medications. Outcomes were stratified by vaccine type and IBD medication classes. Results A total of 320 children with IBD, 169 with Crohn’s disease (CD)-52,8%, 150 with ulcerative colitis (UC) - 46,9%, 1 unclassified -0,3%, responded to the questionnaire concerning COVI-19 vaccination. In our cohort 141 (49,7%) patients received biologic therapy: 13 patients (9,2%) adalimumab (ADA), 54 (38,3%) infliximab (IFX), 27 (19,1%) vedolizumasb (vedo), 29 (20,6%) ustekinumab (ust), 6 - vedo + ADA (4,3%), 1 - IFX + vedo (0,7%), 11 - ust + ADA (7,8%). 32 (22,7%) patients had COVID-19 infection during biological therapy (ust 6- 4,3%, vedo 7- 5,0%, ada 2-1,4%, ifx 12- 8,5%, ust + ada 2- 1,4%, vedo + ada 3- 2,1%). Among the patients on biologic treatment suffering from COVID-19, 25 (78,1%) children had mild course of the infection, 4 moderate (12,5%), 2 severe (6,3%), and 1 unknown (3,1%). A total of 127 (39,7%) patients received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine, and among them 8 (6,3%) patients who received 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine got the infection during biologic therapy. In our group, 193 (60,3%) patients have not been vaccinated against COVI-19, and 24 (12,4%) suffered from the disease during biologic therapy. Conclusion Based on the outcomes from our questionnaire concerning COVID-19 vaccination state on the large cohort of pediatric patients with IBD, we conclude that unvaccinated patients get sick more often than vaccinated ones, and that the use of biological treatment has no impact the frequency of covid infections or their course.

P393 The frequency of COVID-19 infection and the impact of vaccination on the disease morbidity in Polish pediatric patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background Little is known about morbidity of Covid-19 infection in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with IBD. Methods A prospective, observational cohort study to evaluate morbidity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among pediatric patients with IBD. The questionnaire included information concerning numbers of vaccine doses, patients’ medication and disease activity. Disease flare was defined by worsening IBD symptoms and change in IBD medications. Results A total of 320 children with IBD, 169 with Crohn’s disease (CD)-52,8%, 150 with ulcerative colitis (UC) - 46,9%, 1 unclassified -0,3%, responded to the questionnaire concerning COVI-19 vaccination. Among the participants 114 (35,6%) patients have suffered from COVID19 (62 CD- 54,4%, 51 UC- 44,7%, 1 unclassified - 0,9%). In 79 cases (69,3%) COVID-19 course was mild, in 31 (27,2%) it was moderate, and 3 (2,6%) children had severe disease. There was no statistically significant difference in morbidity among patients with CD and UC. A total of 127 (39,7%) patients received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine, and among them 22 (17,3%) children got COVID-19 infection after vaccination. 91 (47.2%) of unvaccinated patients got COVID 19 infection. Following SARS-CoV-2 disease, 22 (19.3%) patients reported exacerbation of IBD during or after COVID 19. In 82 (71.9%) patients COVID-19 infection had no effect on the course of their IBD. Among patients with exacerbation during/after SARS-CoV-2 disease, 3 (13.6%) were vaccinated and 19 (86.4%) of them were not vaccinated. Conclusion Based on the outcomes from our questionnaire concerning COVID-19 vaccination state on the large cohort of pediatric patients with IBD, we conclude that unvaccinated patients get sick more often than vaccinated ones, and there is no difference in the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection between children with CD and UC. Also, there is no statistically significant difference in the severity of COVID-19 infection between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Vaccination against COVID-19 has no effect on the exacerbation of IBD during/after infection.

No Impact of Dietary Restrictions on the Risk for Infection in Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Monocenter Analysis.

Prophylactic anti-infective strategies are used in patients with cancer to decrease the risk for infection. Dietary restrictions do not allow raw vegetables and fresh fruits to limit the introduction of potentially harmful pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract, but the efficacy is unclear. In this study analyzing the impact of the dietary restrictions on infectious complications, all children treated between April 2014 and March 2018 for ALL and AML or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were included. Dietary restrictions were standard until March 2016, but were stopped in April 2016. Patients with dietary restrictions (treated April 2014-March 2016) and patients not advised for dietary restrictions (treated April 2016-March 2018) were compared regarding infectious complications, including bloodstream infection, pneumonia, diarrhea, and fever of unknown origin (FUO). Eighty-six patients (25 female; 62 ALL; nine AML, 15 NHL) experienced 223 infections. The 46 patients with dietary restrictions and the 40 patients without food restrictions did not significantly differ regarding the number of infections per patient, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, FUO, admission to intensive care, and death. Our data suggest that dietary restrictions do not affect the risk for infectious complications. Therefore, the indication of dietary restrictions should be reconsidered in pediatric patients with cancer.

Effects of modified external ventricular drainage vs. an Ommaya reservoir in the management of hydrocephalus with intracranial infection in pediatric patients.

Hydrocephalus with intracranial infection (HII) may cause pathological changes in brain tissue structure and irreversible damage to the nervous system. However, intracranial infection is a contraindication to ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt surgery, and the prognosis is improved by early infection control and intracranial pressure reduction. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Ommaya reservoir vs. modified external ventricular drainage (M-EVD) in the management of HII in pediatric patients. This retrospective controlled study included 45 pediatric patients with HII treated with an Ommaya reservoir (n = 24) or M-EVD (n = 21) between January 2018 and December 2022. Clinical outcomes, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test results, complications, and outcomes were compared between the Ommaya reservoir and M-EVD groups. No patient died during the follow-up period. The two groups were similar regarding age, sex, admission temperature, weight, preoperative serum protein and albumin concentrations, CSF analysis (white blood cell count, glucose concentration, and protein content), and clinical symptoms (P > 0.05). Both groups had significant changes in the CSF test results postoperatively compared with preoperatively (P < 0.05). In the M-EVD group, the median days for 13 children to remove the external drainage tube and receive VP shunt was 19 days. The longest drainage tube retention time was 61 days, and there was no intracranial infection or serious complication related to the drainage tube. After the placement of the Ommaya, the median time required for CSF to return to normal was 21 days, and a total of 15 patients underwent VP shunt surgery. The Ommaya reservoir and M-EVD are safe and effective for pediatric patients with HII. Both methods reduce the intracranial pressure and alleviate the symptoms of hydrocephalus, although there are differences between the two methods.

Evaluating the Utility of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein to Predict Bacteremia in Children with Musculoskeletal Infections

Background:Musculoskeletal infections (MSKI; osteomyelitis, septic arthritis) are among the most common invasive bacterial infections in children, often associated with complications. Bacteremia precedes these complications; thus, early identification may prevent them. Acute inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin (PCT) are often elevated in children with acute MSKI. PCT is understudied in children with MSKI. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of PCT and CRP in distinguishing children with MSKI with bacteremia vs. those without.&#x0D; Methods:Patients 6 months to 18 years with strong clinical suspicion of MSKI were prospectively enrolled at Riley Hospital for Children from July 2019 to May 2022 unless clinical evidence suggested an alternative diagnosis or if informed consent was not obtained. CRP was obtained at admission and PCT was collected within 96 hours of presentation to the hospital. Demographic data was recorded from electronic medical records. Two-sided P values of &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant for univariate analysis and logistic regression.&#x0D; Results:Thirty-seven patients were enrolled, the majority being non-Hispanic white males (40.5%), median age of 8 years (IQR, 4-12). Median PCT in children with bacteremia was higher (0.41 ng/mL [IQR 0.14-0.8 ng/mL]) compared to those without (0.10 ng/mL [IQR 0.05-0.31 ng/mL]) (p=0.03). Median CRP in children with bacteremia was higher (13.7 mg/dL [IQR, 9.15-19.9]) compared to those without (4.1 mg/dL, [IQR 0.65-5.8]) (p&lt;0.01). Both PCT and CRP showed good ability to discriminate those with bacteremia from those without, with an area under the ROC of 0.75 (95% CI 0.56, 0.94) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.64, 0.95), respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions:Initial PCT and CRP demonstrated utility in detecting bacteremia in patients presenting with MSKIs. This study warrants further exploration into the usage of PCT and CRP as early predictors of bacteremia for more appropriate treatment and potentially fewer complications of these infections in pediatric patients.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on nutritional and dietary interventions for the treatment of acute respiratory infection in pediatric patients: An EAACI taskforce.

Acute respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Dietary and nutritional interventions, including minerals and vitamin supplementation, have been explored as potential treatments for these infections. However, the evidence on their efficacy is limited and inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the available evidence on the effectiveness of dietary and nutritional interventions for treating acute respiratory tract infections in children. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines in April 2022 and updated in April 2023. Clinical trials focusing on dietary or nutritional interventions, including supplementations, in children with acute respiratory tract infections were included. The selection of interventions and outcomes was based on biological plausibility. Data were extracted using a standardized form, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models. A total of 50 studies were included in the review. Four trials were conducted in low, 32 in lower-middle, 12 in upper-middle, and only two in high-income countries. The studies evaluated various dietary interventions, including zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and probiotics. The results of individual studies on the efficacy of these interventions were mixed, with some showing positive effects on clinical outcomes such as duration of symptoms, while others showed no significant impact. Meta-analysis was conducted for zinc supplementation in children with pneumonia, and the pooled results suggested a potential limited benefit in terms of reduced hospital length of stay but not time to recovery. Meta-analyses on vitamin D did not show any effect in children with pneumonia. This systematic review fills a critical gap in the literature by synthesizing the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of nutritional or dietary interventions for acute respiratory tract infections in children. The findings indicate no dietary or nutritional intervention can currently be recommended for the routine treatment of respiratory tract infections in children based on single supplement studies. The metanalysis suggests that zinc supplementation might have a beneficial effect on length of hospitalization in children with pneumonia. New studies are needed to establish more conclusive evidence for pediatric acute respiratory diseases especially for children living in a context of high-income countries.

COVID-19 associated anosmia in pediatric patients: subject publications review.

Aim: To review the publications subject to the problem of COVID-19 associated anosmia incidence in pediatric patients as well as its pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment and recovery. The peculiarity of pediatric COVID-19 anosmia is due to children accounting for very low percentage of COVID-19 patients (comparing to one in adults), mostly with milder course of the disease. Awareness of anosmia and its proper diagnostics is crucial in children and adolescents, considering it can be the only manifestation in COVID-19 positive pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: In order to achieve this goal a meta-analysis of information from databases followed by statistical processing and generalisation of the obtained data was carried out. Conclusions: Publications on COVID-19 anosmia in children and adolescents are less numerous than those concerning adult patients, so it is important to use every single trustworthy one. Anosmia/ageusia may be the only symptom, early identifier and the strongest predictor of COVID-19 infection in pediatric patients. Prospects for further scientific researches. Further researches regarding differential diagnostics of COVID-19 and other infections, including seasonal influenza, manifesting with both olfactory and taste dysfunction as well as anosmia diagnostics in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum and different types of mental disorders are possible.

Management Strategies for HIV Infection in Paediatric Patients: A Comprehensive Review

Management Strategies for HIV Infection in Paediatric Patients: A Comprehensive Review

Pattern of Bacterial Infections in Paediatric Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia

Objectives: To determine the frequency of bacterial infections and their sensitivity to various antibiotics in paediatric cancer patients having chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Paediatric Oncology ward, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jul 2018 to Jan 2019. Methodology: A total of 205 children aged one year to 12 years undergoing chemotherapy and having neutropenic fever were included. Complete history, full physical examination and related blood, microbiological and radiological investigations were undertaken. Antibiotics were given as per protocol. Results: In our study, the bacterial infections in paediatric cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia was found in 45(21.95%) patients. Of these, gram-positive organisms were found in 25(55.5%) patients and gram-negative in 20(44.4%). Conclusion: The frequency of bacterial infections in paediatric patients with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia is quite high, with a high percentage of gram-positive bacteria.

Outcomes of Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection vs Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

This cohort study compares outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection with those of influenza or respiratory syncytial virus infection in pediatric patients attending the emergency department.

More common RNAemia in the early stage of severe SARS-CoV-2 BF.7.14 infections in pediatric patients

The risk factors of severe infections in children during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak in Beijing remain elusive. SARS-CoV-2-positive children admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with collected plasma specimens were enrolled and screened for common pathogens using capillary electrophoresis-based multiplex PCR from December 12, 2022, to January 24, 2023. The SARS-CoV-2 sub-variants were identified using next-generation sequencing. Plasma was positive for two (positive; P), one (suspicious; S), or no (negative; N) SARS-CoV-2 genes were classified as plasmatic RNA-positive (RNAemia; P + S) or without RNAemia (N). Clinical and laboratory data of the enrolled cases were then collected and analyzed. The 34 enrolled children included 26 males and 24 younger than three years. All were negative for other respiratory pathogens. BF.7.14 (18/29) was the predominant subvariant. Viral loads in respiratory specimens, hours from symptom onset to the first respiratory specimen collection (time-variable), with comorbidities and BF.7.14 and BA.5.2 distributions were significantly different in P vs. N and RNAemia vs. without RNAemia group. Among most cases, the T lymphocyte ratios decreased, while the cytokine level and the B lymphocyte ratio increased. The time variables were 2.22 ± 2.05 and 4.00 ± 2.49 days in BF.7.14 and BA.5.2 infections, respectively. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 was more likely to cause severe infections among males aged ≤ 3 years old with comorbidities during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Beijing, while RNAemia is more common in children at the early stage of severe BF.7.14 infections, and most had high cytokine levels and B-cell activation.

The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the development and course of allergic diseases in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Objective — to improve the prevention and treatment of esophageal lesions in children based on the study of Helicobacter pylori infection in pediatric patients with allergic diseases.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Examination involved 256 children aged 6 to 18 years, from them 118 children without allergic pathology were included in the control group. The diagnosis was verified according to the unified clinical protocols of primary and secondary medical care. H. pylori was determined with biopsy urease test or histologically. Video esophagogastroduodenoscopy with endoscopic determination of pH was used to assess the condition of mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal parts. The results were processed using the methods of non‑parametric statistics.&#x0D; Results. Helicobacter pylori infection occurred more often in children with atopic dermatitis (32%), less often and equally often (24%) at bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis and in 16% of patients with a combination of allergic diseases. Only 2 (1.4%) patients had H. pylori‑associated chronic urticaria, which was related to the specificity of the hospital department. Helicobacter infection was observed more often in patients with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis without atopic changes. When comparing the Helicobacter association in children with allergic diseases depending on age, a significant difference was established in the group of children aged 6—12 years with allergic rhinitis and mainly with atopy. Endoscopic changes in the esophageal mucosa and esophageal motility disorders in association with Helicobacter pylori more often diagnosed in patients with atopic dermatitis (10.3%), less often and equally often in patients with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis (7.7%), the lowest frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection was found in patients with combined allergic pathology (5.1%) and no association in patients with urticaria. Endoscopic signs of esophageal inflammation were more often detected in patients with atopic dermatitis who had Helicobacter pylori infection and esophageal motility disorders. Most often, inflammatory changes in esophageal mucosa were found in patients with allergies developed in the presence of motor disorders, the risk of their development increased in case of Helicobacter infection. It has not been proven that the presence of atopy affected the development of inflammation in the esophagus.&#x0D; Conclusions. Among allergic diseases, Helicobacter pylori infection was more often revealed in patients with atopic dermatitis (32%), allergic rhinitis (24%) and bronchial asthma (24%) without statistical significance. A significant difference in H. pylori contamination depending on age was found only in patients with allergic rhinitis (H. pylori was determined more often in elementary school age), in the rest of the patients and in the control group, no significant differences were found. Endoscopic lesions of the esophagus were more often detected in atopic dermatitis, in particular esophagitis (in 17.9%), it was Helicobacter‑associated in 10.3% of cases and was combined with moderate motor disorders in 10.3% of observations. Allergic rhinitis (15.4%) was also associated with Helicobacter pylori infection (7.7%) and was accompanied by motility disorders in 15.4% of cases. Motor disorders, which were registered both in patients with allergic diseases and in patients without allergies, played an important role in the esophagus inflammation and formation of gastroesophageal reflux disease.&#x0D;

Development and Evaluation of an NTM-IGRA to Guide Pediatric Lymphadenitis Diagnosis.

Diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections remains a challenge. In this study, we describe the evaluation of an immunological NTM-interferon (IFN)-γ release assay (IGRA) that we developed using glycopeptidolipids (GPLs) as NTM-specific antigens. We tested the NTM-IGRA in 99 samples from pediatric patients. Seventy-five were patients with lymphadenitis: 25 were NTM confirmed, 45 were of unknown etiology but compatible with mycobacterial infection and 5 had lymphadenitis caused by an etiologic agent other than NTM. The remaining 24 samples were from control individuals without lymphadenitis (latently infected with M. tuberculosis , uninfected controls and active tuberculosis patients). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated overnight with GPLs. Detection of IFN-γ producing cells was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. NTM culture-confirmed lymphadenitis patient samples had a significantly higher response to GPLs than the patients with lymphadenitis of unknown etiology but compatible with mycobacterial infection ( P < 0.001) and lymphadenitis not caused by NTM ( P < 0.01). We analyzed the response against GPLs in samples from unknown etiology lymphadenitis but compatible with mycobacterial infection cases according to the tuberculin skin test (TST) response, and although not statistically significant, those with a TST ≥5 mm had a higher response to GPLs when compared with the TST <5 mm group. Stimulation with GPLs yielded promising results in detecting NTM infection in pediatric patients with lymphadenitis. Our results indicate that the test could be useful to guide the diagnosis of pediatric lymphadenitis. This new NTM-IGRA could improve the clinical handling of NTM-infected patients and avoid unnecessary misdiagnosis and treatments.

Adenovirus infections in paediatrics: Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Adenovirus infections in paediatrics present a significant health burden, causing various respiratory, gastrointestinal and ocular illnesses. Diagnosing adenovirus infections in pediatric patients can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other viral and bacterial infections. Molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction, are highly sensitive and specific for adenovirus detection. Enhanced surveillance, accurate diagnosis, supportive management and preventive measures are crucial for reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with adenovirus infections in pediatric populations. Further research is needed to advance our understanding of adenovirus pathogenesis, develop effective antiviral therapies and improve vaccine strategies.

Optimal therapeutic strategies for pineal region lesions.

The removal of pineal region lesions are challenging, and therapeutic strategies for their removal remain controversial. The current study was conducted to identify the characteristics and the optimal therapeutic strategies for pineal region lesions. This retrospective study reviewed the treatments of 101 patients with pineal region lesions, and different characteristics and therapeutic strategies were observed. There were no statistical differences in the total resection ratio, complications, and prognosis outcomes between the hydrocephalus group and non-hydrocephalus group, except patients in the hydrocephalus group were younger and pediatric patients had an increased level of intracranial infections. Treatments of lesions and hydrocephalus secondary to pineal region lesions were two integral parts to therapeutic strategies. For the management of lesions, germinoma or non-germinoma were diagnosed preoperatively, and resection or diagnostic radiation were chosen to deal with pineal region lesions. Endoscopic-assisted surgery provided a higher total resection rate. For the management of hydrocephalus, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) had the better therapeutic effect. Additionally, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion before radiotherapy or resection did not improve prognosis outcome, but it was necessary for patients with severe hydrocephalus. Logistical regression analysis indicated that age, lesion size, reoperation ratio, and intracranial complications were predictors of prognosis outcome. More attention should be paid to intracranial infections in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus secondary to pineal region lesions, and CSF diversion before radiotherapy or resection did not promote prognosis outcome, but it was necessary for patients with severe hydrocephalus. Age, lesion size, reoperation ratio, and intracranial complications may be the predictors of prognosis outcome. Most importantly, the surgical algorithm for pineal region lesions which was based on preoperatively diagnosis (non-germinoma and germinoma) is useful, especially for developing countries.

First-Generation Cephalosporins for Treatment of Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis in Children: A Study of Efficacy and Adverse Effects.

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) is a relatively infrequent but significant infection in pediatric patients. As Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of AHO, intravenous and oral first-generation cephalosporins are common therapies. Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed oral therapy for pediatric AHO, although it requires frequent dosing that may affect adherence. Cefadroxil is a comparable oral first-generation cephalosporin with a more desirable dosing schedule. We reviewed pediatric patients admitted to Mayo Clinic between March 2002 and September 2020 for management of AHO who received treatment with a first-generation cephalosporin. We reviewed timing of oral therapy transition, therapy-associated adverse effects, and recurrence of disease after completion of therapy. There were 59 patients included in the study. There was similar occurrence of adverse effects in patients receiving cefadroxil and cephalexin, although use of cefadroxil coincided with more gastrointestinal adverse effects and leukopenia and use of cephalexin with more rash and neutropenia. One secondary treatment failure occurred in our study, in a patient receiving cephalexin for treatment of septic arthritis. Cefadroxil may be a reasonable alternative oral therapy for methicillin-susceptible S aureus or culture-negative AHO in pediatric patients, particularly when a less frequent dosing schedule is desired. Future study with a larger sample size is warranted.

388. Evaluating Rates of Co- and Secondary Infections in Pediatric Patients with COVID-19 Infections in Relation to Antibiotic Prescribing: An Observational Study

Abstract Background All ages have been greatly impacted by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While many patients with COVID-19 are prescribed antibiotics, there is often little microbiologic evidence for concurrent or secondary bacterial infection. Such prescribing practices may lead to increased antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the number of microbiologically confirmed bacterial co- and secondary infections in pediatric patients with COVID-19 and characterize associated antimicrobial use at a large academic medical center. Methods An observational, retrospective review of pediatric patients ≤ 18 years admitted to Children’s Medical Center Dallas campus with COVID-19 infections from 5/01/2020 to 9/30/2022 was performed. Basic demographic, epidemiologic, laboratory, and microbiologic data was obtained upon admission and each new antibiotic course. Cultures and microbiologic data were reviewed for relevance. Antibiotic use was characterized based on drug selection, indication, and spectrum. Results Using the International Classification of diseases, tenth revision (ICD-10) code for COVID-19 pneumonia (U07.1) identified 229 patients, of which 164 met inclusion criteria. Within the included patient population, a total of 22 microbiologically-proven infections were found. Both co- and secondary infections were rare (8/164 (5%) and 8/164 (5%), respectively) and consisted of various organisms from differing sites (9 pulmonary, 9 bloodstream, 4 urinary tract, 1 Clostridiodes difficile infection). The most frequently identified organism was Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 102/164 (63%) children received antibiotics ≤ 48 hours of admission. There were 43 additional instances where antibiotics were started &amp;gt; 48 hours after admission. Conclusion Both co- and secondary bacterial infections are rare in pediatric patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, but many hospitalized patients are given antibiotics. Antibiotics were continued in the absence of microbiologic data potentially increasing antimicrobial resistance. There is clearly a role for antimicrobial stewardship in pediatric patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

1706. Risk factors for infections caused by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in pediatric critical care settings: A case control study

Abstract Background Infections due to Gram negative resistant bacterial pathogens are a major concern in intensive care units. The purpose of this study is to determine the risk factors for developing ESBL-producing and CRE infections in pediatric patients in critical care settings (PICU and NICU). Methods A retrospective case control study of infections due to ESBL-producing and CRE during a 5-year period (2016-2021) at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit. All patients had positive cultures during their PICU/NICU stay. Control cases were matched for age, infection site and year of infection but their cultures grew Enterobacterales that were non-ESBL or carbapenemase producers. Results A total of 58 patients with ESBL/Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (cases) and 59 control patients were included. Majority of organisms were E. coli and Klebsiella species recovered from respiratory tract. There was no difference in both groups in regards to age, gender, race or length of hospital stay (p &amp;gt;0.3). There was no difference in prior hospital admission, PICU or NICU stay during the previous 6 months, indwelling devices, comorbid conditions, or surgery in the last 6 months (p &amp;gt;0.3). However, the presence of gastrostomy tube was more frequent in the cases group (29.3%) than the control group (15.3%) (p=0.078). Risk factors by univariate analysis included history of antibiotic use in last 6 months (93% in cases vs 73% in controls; p=0.006), cephalosporins use &amp;gt; 14 days (67% vs 31.2%; p=0.006),Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole treatment duration &amp;gt; 14 days (11.1% vs 0%; p=0.012), carbapenem treatment duration &amp;gt; 14 days (14% vs 1.9%; p=0.027), and vancomycin use &amp;gt; 14 days (43.6% vs 21.6%; p=0.053). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that antibiotic usage in the last 6 months was the single best predictor for cases with odds ratio of 5.02-fold (95% CI 1.56-16.13) (p=0.007). Conclusion Prior broad spectrum antibiotic usage was significantly associated with acquisition of ESBL and carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales. The study further underscores the need for optimizing antimicrobial stewardship practices to limit unnecessary and prolonged use of antibiotics to prevent the emergence of resistant pathogens. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures