The Significance of Lung Ultrasonography in Children with COVID-19

Introduction:The infection of new Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) continues to affect both adults and children worldwide. Although there are studies of adult patients with COVID-19 that defined ultrasound findings, there is limited data available on the diagnostic use of ultrasonography in children. This study is aimed to evaluate the results of bedside lung ultrasonography (LUS) performed in pediatric patients with COVID-19.Methods:The study included pediatric patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19. All lung areas were visualized on LUS and evaluated together with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, and chest X-ray (CXR) findings.Results:An evaluation was made of 102 pediatric patients, comprising 54 girls and 48 boys with a mean age of 9.65±4.78 (min 35 days-max 17) years. Forty-six percent of the patients had respiratory system symptoms, 36% were asymptomatic, and 18% had symptoms other than in the respiratory system. Pathologic findings were determined on CXR in 36% of patients, and on LUS in 57%. The difference in the detection rate of pathologic findings between LUS and CXR was statistically significant (p=0.001). Pathology was observed on LUS in 29 of 65 patients with normal CXR. The sensitivity rate for detecting pathology in patients with respiratory symptoms was 49% on CXR and 77% on LUS (p=0.001).Conclusion:We determined that the sensitivity of LUS is higher than CXR in demonstrating lung involvement in patients with COVID-19 with respiratory symptoms. LUS may be helpful in the evaluation of pediatric patients with COVID-19 but more studies are needed to prove its feasibility in children

Youth Suicides in the Second Wave of the Pandemic in Turkiye

Objective: It is widely recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social isolation have significant short- and long-term effects on mental health worldwide. Previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding the short-term impact on mental health during the first wave of the pandemic. This study aims to investigate the influence of the second wave of the pandemic on suicide rates among children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study recorded cases of self-harm among children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, who were admitted to our center's pediatric emergency department between November 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. These cases were compared with those admitted during the same months one year prior, considering similar age groups and diagnoses. Results: A total of 53 cases were included in our study, with 21 cases occurring before the pandemic and 32 cases during the second wave. While the total number of admissions decreased during the second wave of the pandemic, there was an increase in suicide attempts. Suicide attempts were more prevalent among females, often linked to family or peer-related issues and impulsivity. Conclusions: The findings of our study highlight the evident long-term adverse effects on mental health during the second wave of the pandemic. To effectively address these consequences in the future, it is crucial to comprehend the devastating long-term impact of the pandemic on mental health