The Role of Serum Vitamin D Level on Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels on the clinical aspect of acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children

The Role of Serum Vitamin D Level on Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels on the clinical aspect of acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children

Rhabdomyolysis after BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine in an adolescent male

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (BNT162b2) conferred a high level of protection against Covid-19 with a proven short-term safety profile. Although cases of vaccine-associated myopericarditis have been reported, the existence of rhabdomyolysis without myocarditis has not yet been published. A 16-year-old, healthy male patient, who did not use any herbal or illegal drugs before, was admitted with muscle pain that developed after the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. Cardiac examination and heart enzymes were normal and the patient had significantly higher creatinine kinase levels. The patient, whose enzymes returned to normal with only force hydration therapy, recovered without complications. Reporting the side effects of the vaccine, which has a short history of application to large populations, is of vital importance in the conduct of vaccine development studies and in identifying the risky group in terms of side effects

The Risk of Tuberculosis and TNF-alpha Inhibitors

The clinical use of TNF-alpha inhibitors have been increasing in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. The most common anti-TNF-alpha agents on clinical use are ethanercept, infliximab and adalimumab. TNF-alpha is an important mediator in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis, therefore the use of TNFAI increases the risk of tuberculosis. Patients who are on anti-TNF alpha treatment should be carefully evaluated for tuberculosis risk before and during therapy. The recommended screening tools are detailed history, physical examination, tuberculin skin test and/or interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) release assay and chest X-Ray every six months

Fournier's gangrene after anorectal surgery in infant: Two case reports

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening soft tissue infection characterized by progressive necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous tissues and fascia. Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a serious and aggressive form of infective necrotizing fasciitis involving perineal region and genitalia: Presently described are 2 pediatric cases of FG with widespread necrosis of surrounding tissue following anorectal surgery, causing severe septic shock. Case I : Six-month-old female patient with anal stenosis and duplication presented at emergency clinic with fever, somnolence, irritability, and feeding difficulty. Physical examination upon admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with septic shock determined she had ecchymosis in anal region. At 12fth hour after admission, lesion had become necrotic and patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics after surgical debridement. Cultures were negative and patient had complete recovery 2 months after admission. Case 2: Nine-month-old male patient was admitted to ICU for convulsions and sepsis eight hours after fistulectomy. Scrotal, gluteal, and perianal edema and ecchymosis were observed on physical examination. Perianal debridement and colostomy were performed, and patient was given broad-spectrum antibiotics after basic life support strategies for septic shock. Complete recovery was achieved after hyperbaric oxygen treatment for perianal lesion and patient was discharged from the hospital in third month after admission. After anorectal surgery, every patient should be observed carefully for FG. Early debridement, proper antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment can be life-saving

A Child with 3p Deletion Syndrome Who Recovered from Influenza-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Influenza virus can cause serious complications, especially in patients with comorbid illnesses. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is among the most common causes of influenza-related morbidity and mortality. Herein we present the case of a boy with a genetic disorder who recovered from influenza-related ARDS. A 3-year-old boy with 3p deletion syndrome was admitted for refractory cough and fever. During his follow-up, sudden respiratory failure concomitant with ARDS occured. He was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and intubated. Broad-spectrum anti-biotherapy and oseltamivir were administered. Nazopharnygeal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed H1N1. Venitalition parameters were set according to that recommended for ARDS. On the ninth day of his admission, the patient was discharged from PICU. Appropriate ventilation strategies together with early oseltamivir therapy improves outcomes of influenza-related ARDS

Recognizing immunodeficiency in children with recurrent infections: What are the predictive factors?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the children presenting with the complaint of recurrent infections and to determine the possible predictive factors foreseeing the requirement for further investigations