Antibody response after a booster dose of BNT162B2mRNA and inactivated COVID-19 vaccine.

Introduction: The necessity of a booster dose is a matter that has not been as yet illuminated, although it is noted that neutralizing antibody titers decrease over time. We aimed therefore to evaluate antibody titers and seroconversion rates after a booster mRNA vaccine and a booster inactivated vaccine. Methods: A total of 322 participants were divided into three main groups, with two subgroups each, based on their vaccinations and previous infection history. The levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ig-G were analyzed with the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S assay. Results: The antibody titers showed a linear and significant increase from one vaccine group to the other, displaying progressive changes from group 2IV to group 3IV, and then to group 2IV/mRNA. All of the seronegative participants were in the 2IV(-) subgroup; 93.3% of the participants whose antibody titers were above the upper limit were in the 2IV/mRNA group. Doctors were much more inclined to have a booster dose and mRNA vaccines than nurses. The status of being a doctor increases the rate of having a booster dose 7.8 times; likewise, each annual increase in age increases the rate 1.05 times. Conclusion: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels decrease over time. The antibody response rate to only two doses of the inactivated vaccine was meager, so a booster dose is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of inactivated vaccines. The third dose of the vaccine, especially that of the mRNA vaccine, which was found to be much more superior to the inactivated vaccine, should be strongly recommended.

The Impact of Childhood and Parental Vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rates in Children.

BACKGROUND: The data on the indirect protection of children via the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination of household members are insufficient, and analyses to evaluate the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines are limited. METHODS: We gathered data on 12,442 patients under the age of 18 regarding the vaccination status of their household members, their vaccine preferences and doses, and their previous history of COVID-19 infection immediately before the patients were administered a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between September 1, 2021 and December 5, 2021. RESULTS: A total of 18.4% (2289) were vaccinated, 91.4% with BNT162b2mRNA vaccine, 8.6% with inactivated COVID-19 vaccine; 48.7% received a single dose, and 51.3% had 2 doses. Real-time RT-PCR positivity proportions were much higher in older children ( P < 0.001) and were higher in children 12 years of age and older [odds ratio (OR), 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-1.47] compared with others. SARS-CoV-2 infection was significantly lower in the vaccinated group (fully and incompletely) ( P < 0.001). Unvaccinated (OR, 4.88; 95% CI: 3.77-6.13) and incompletely vaccinated children (OR, 1.83; 95% CI: 1.52-2.12) had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection compared with fully vaccinated patients No significant association was found between the COVID-19 real-time RT-PCR positivity rates of patients and the vaccination status or vaccine preferences of household members ( P > 0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were significantly lower in vaccinated children, especially with mRNA vaccines. The indirect protection of unvaccinated children via the vaccination of household members against COVID-19 seems inadequate. The individual vaccination of children remains crucial.

The Prevalence of COVID-19 in Asymptomatic Cases and Its Effect on Complication Development in Children Scheduled for Emergency and Urgent Surgery.

Objective: Although COVID-19 in childhood is often asymptomatic or has a more benign course, the safety of healthcare workers should be the primary goal because of the risk of contamination. In our study, we aimed to investigate the asymptomatic COVID-19 PCR positivity and its effect on the development of complications in emergency and non-deferred surgery cases that will help both the patient, the operating room and the health care workers. Material and Methods: This is a prospective study that was performed in patients under 18 years of age who were operated on due to emergency and urgent cases in the Ankara City Children's Hospital, which was serving as an anti-pandemic hospital. The patients were evaluated from May 1 to October 1, 2020. Of the 458 patients, 433 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal swab (PCR) samples were taken from all patients along with preoperative examinations. Results: Of the 433 cases included in the study, 155 (33.5%) were girls and 278 (66.5%) were boys. It was determined that emergency cases constituted 389 (89.8%) of all cases. The most common emergency pathologies according to age groups were intestinal obstruction or atresia in the neonatal period, foreign body aspirations of the respiratory tract in the preschool period, and acute appendicitis in the school age. Nasal swab PCR results were positive in only four patients, this rate was found to be 0.9% in the entire study group, and postoperative complications and transmission to healthcare workers were detected at none. Conclusion: In this prospective study, low COVID-19 PCR positivity (0.9% prevalence) was detected in asymptomatic children scheduled for emergency or non-deferred surgery, and we believe that it will shed light on the planning of safe procedure practices. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Amaç: Çocukluklarda COVID-19 sıklıkla asemptomatik ya da daha selim bir seyre sahip olsa da temas riskinden dolayı sağlık çalışanlarının güvenliği asıl hedef olmalıdır. Çalışmamızda hem hasta hem ameliyathane hem de sağlık çalışanlarının iş güvenliğine ışık tutacak acil ve ertelenemeyen cerrahi olgularında asemptomatik COVID-19 PCR pozitifliğini araştırmayı amaçladık. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmamız pandemi hastanesine dahil çocuk hastanesinin çocuk cerrahisi kliniğine acil ve ertelenemeyen cerrahi nedenler ile başvuran 18 yaş altı olgular için tasarlanmış olup ileriye dönük yapılmış tek merkezli bir çalışmadır. Çalışmaya Mayıs 2020 -Ekim 2020 tarihleri arası altı aylık izlemde acil ve ertelenemeyen cerrahi yapılan olgular dahil edildi. Belirtilen tarihler arasında başvuran 458 hasta değerlendirildi ve kriterleri karşılayan 433 hasta çalışma kapsamında değerlendirildi. olgulardan preoperatif muayene ve tetkik esnasında COVID-19 için nazofaringeal sürüntü (PCR) örneği alındı. Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen 433 olgunun 155'i kız (%33.5), 278'i (%66.5) erkekti. Yaş ortalaması 9.5 yıl olarak hesaplandı. Acil vakaların tüm olguların 389'unu (%89.8) oluşturduğu saptandı. Yaş gruplarına göre en sık acil patolojilerin;yenidoğan döneminde intestinal obstrüksiyon veya atreziler, okul öncesi dönemde solunum yoluna yabancı cisim aspirasyonlar, okul çağında akut apandisit olduğu görüldü. Nazal sürüntü PCR sonuçları sadece dört hastada pozitif bulundu, bu oranın tüm çalışma grubunda %0.9 olduğu görüldü, bu olguların hiçbirinde postoperatif komplikasyon ve sağlık çalışanına bulaş saptanmadı. Sonuç: Bu prospektif çalışma ile acil veya ertelenemeyen cerrahi planlanan asemptomatik çocuklarda düşük COVID-19 PCR pozitifliği (%0.9 prevalans) tespit edilmiş olup güvenli prosedür uygulamalarının planlanmasına ışık tutacağı kanaatindeyiz. (Turkish) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Disease / Cocuk Hastaliklari Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Evaluation of Suspected COVID-19 Patients in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now a global pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 in pediatric patients and to compare the characteristics of positive and negative patients. This study conducted from March to May 2020 in a tertiary children's hospital. Patients were included if they were under 18 years old and a SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test had been performed. Of the 1,812 patients included in the study, 365 (20.1%) were positive for COVID-19. The median age was 102 months in the positive group, 70 months in the negative group ( p < 0.001). The sex distribution was almost equal. Nearly all positive patients had been in close contact with a COVID-19 infected family household member ( p < 0.001). The most common symptoms were fever (54.4%) and cough (38.6%). The asymptomatic patient rate was higher in the positive group ( p < 0.001). Lymphopenia (<1500/mm 3 ) was found in 29.9% of the positive children ( p = 0.005). When the groups were compared, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; and C-reactive protein level were lower in the positive group. Chest radiography was performed in 95.3% of the positive patients, and the results of 29.7% of them were interpreted as pathological ( p < 0.001). Most of the pediatric patients had a history of contact with COVID-19 positive individuals, and therefore, the diagnosis is generally suspected from a history of household exposure to COVID-19. Lymphopenia can help predict positivity. Awareness, reinforcing infection control measures, and performing health management within families are important steps to manage these patients.

Should a third booster dose be scheduled after two doses of CoronaVac? A single-center experience.

In the 10th month of the pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination was given first to healthcare workers in Turkey after receiving emergency use approval from the Ministry of Health. This study, which was performed at the COVID-19 reference center in Ankara (the capital of Turkey) aimed to evaluate the seroconversion rate of the CoronaVac vaccine. The anti-spike immunoglobulin G response to the two-dose vaccination was retrospectively examined in healthcare workers who had no previous history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The postvaccine seroconversion rate was investigated by measuring the antibody levels of healthcare workers who had received CoronaVac. Vaccination was administered as 600 SU in 28-day intervals. The healthcare workers' anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G levels were used to determine the seroconversion rate 2 months after the second dose of the vaccine. Of the healthcare workers, 22.9% (n = 155) were seronegative. The younger the age of the participant, the higher the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G. Furthermore, anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G levels were much higher in women than men.

Management of a Pediatric Burn Center During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of an algorithm that was created to prevent coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) transmission during the management of children with burns in a tertiary pediatric burn center. Children admitted to the burn center between May 2020 and November 2020 were prospectively evaluated for cause, burn depth, TBSA, length of stay, symptoms suggesting COVID-19, suspicious contact history, history of travel abroad, and COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. Patients were divided into two groups: unsuspected (group 1) and suspected (group 2), depending on any history of suspicious contact, travel abroad, and/or presence of symptoms. A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study, which included 59 boys (58.4%) and 42 girls (41.6%). Group 1 included 79 (78.2%) patients, and group 2 consisted of 22 (21.8%) patients. The most common cause of the burns was scald injuries (74.2%). The mean age, TBSA, and length of stay were 4.5 years, 12.0%, and 13.2 days, respectively. Four patients (3.9%) had a positive PCR test (two patients in each group). Comparing groups, males were more commonly found in group 2 (P = .042), but no differences were found for the other variables. No patients or burn center staff members developed COVID-19 during the course of hospitalization. In conclusion, every child should be tested for COVID-19 upon admission to a burn unit, and a modified algorithm should be constructed for the handling and management of pediatric burn patients.

Determination of Factors to Distinguish MIS-C from Acute Appendicitis in Children with Acute Abdominal Pain.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to make the differential diagnosis between acute appendicitis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) for patients presenting with the complaint of acute abdominal pain (AAP) and to identify the determining factors for the diagnosis of MIS-C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one children presenting with AAP/suspected AAP were evaluated. Of these, 24 (29.6%) were included in the MIS-C group (MIS-C/g) and 57 were included in the suspected appendicitis group (S-A/g), which consisted of two subgroups: appendicitis group (A/g) and control observation group (CO/g). RESULTS: Comparing MIS-C/g, A/g, and CO/g, duration of abdominal pain (2.4, 1.5, 1.8 days), high-grade fever (38.8, 36.7, 37°C), severe vomiting, and severe diarrhea were higher in MIS-C/g. Lymphocytes count (LC) was lower, while values of C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and coagulopathy were higher in MIS-C/g (p < 0.05). The optimal cutoffs for the duration of abdominal pain was 2.5 days; the duration of fever, 1.5 days; peak value of fever, 39°C; neutrophil count, 13,225 × 1,000 cell/µMoL; LC, 600 × 1,000 cell/µMoL; ferritin, 233 µg/L; and D-dimer, 16.4 mg/L (p < 0.05). The optimal cutoff for CRP was 130 mg/L (sensitivity 88.9, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, NPV, negative predictive value 92.5%, p < 0.001). All patients in MIS-C/g tested positive by serology by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). CONCLUSION: The duration of abdominal pain, presence of high-grade and prolonged fever, and evaluation of hemogram in terms of high neutrophil count and low LC exhibit high sensitivity and negative predictive value for MIS-C presenting with AAP. In case of doubt, inflammatory markers such as CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, and serology for SARS-CoV-2 should be studied to confirm the diagnosis.

Algorithm for the diagnosis and management of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Although the initial reports of COVID-19 cases in children described that children were largely protected from severe manifestations, clusters of paediatric cases of severe systemic hyperinflammation and shock related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection began to be reported in the latter half of April 2020. A novel syndrome called "multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children" (MIS-C) shares common clinical features with other well-defined syndromes, including Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome. Our objective was to develop a protocol for the evaluation, treatment and follow-up of patients with MIS-C. METHODS: The protocol was developed by a multidisciplinary team. We convened a multidisciplinary working group with representation from the departments of paediatric critical care, cardiology, rheumatology, surgery, gastroenterology, haematology, immunology, infectious disease and neurology. Our protocol and recommendations were based on the literature and our experiences with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. After an agreement was reached and the protocol was implemented, revisions were made on the basis of expert feedback. CONCLUSION: Children may experience acute cardiac decompensation or other organ system failure due to this severe inflammatory condition. Therefore, patients with severe symptoms of MIS-C should be managed in a paediatric intensive care setting, as rapid clinical deterioration may occur. Therapeutic approaches for MIS-C should be tailored depending on the patients' phenotypes. Plasmapheresis may be useful as a standard treatment to control hypercytokinemia in cases of MIS-C with severe symptoms. Long-term follow-up of patients with cardiac involvement is required to identify any sequelae of MIS-C.

Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance of healthcare providers in a tertiary Pediatric hospital.

Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the perceptions of healthcare providers who work in a tertiary children's hospital about domestic and foreign COVID-19 vaccines to determine the frequency of hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination prior to its availability in Turkey and to elucidate the reasons for its rejection and distrust.Methods: A questionnaire about COVID-19 vaccination was conducted with 343 healthcare providers, including pediatricians, pediatric nurses, and auxiliary health staff. The questionnaire was conducted online. In the survey, participants were asked about sociodemographic characteristics and opinions on domestic and foreign COVID-19 vaccines, and reasons for vaccine refusal.Results: Women were more likely to be reluctant to get a domestic (p < .001) or foreign (p < .001) COVID-19 vaccine than men. There was a significant relationship between age and vaccine acceptance (p = .01). The younger the age of the healthcare provider, the higher the rate of vaccine hesitancy (r = - 0.25). Years of professional experience were correlated with vaccine acceptance (r = 0,19, p < .05), but vaccine rejection and indecision did not change (p > .05). The factors predicting vaccine acceptance were status as a doctor, more than 10 years of professional experience, and male gender.Conclusion: More than half of the healthcare providers were willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine once available. Indecision rates were found to be high, although rejection rates were not. Status as a doctor, more than 10 years of professional experience, and male gender were factors associated with vaccination intention.

Therapeutic plasma exchange: A potential management strategy for critically ill MIS-C patients in the pediatric intensive care unit.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and the role of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in treatment of children with severe MIS-C. In addition, we assessed demographic data, clinical features, laboratory abnormalities, underlying conditions, treatments, and outcomes. Patients with severe MIS-C who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between September 01 and October 05, 2020 were included in this observational, descriptive, retrospective study. The data collected included the patients' demographic data, presenting symptoms, clinical features, laboratory parameters, diagnostic investigations, and medications. Of 27 children with MIS-C, 63 % were male. The median age of the patients was nine years. Intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids were used for treatment in 100 % of the patients, anakinra in 51.8 %, vasopressors in 85.1 %, noninvasive mechanical ventilation in 25.9 %, and invasive mechanical ventilation in 18.5 %. Ten of the 27 patients (37 %) underwent TPE. In the patients who underwent TPE, the median PELOD score was 21 (IQR: 11-30.25) before TPE and 10 (IQR: 10-11) after TPE (p < 0.001). Moreover, their median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 52 % (IQR: 49.25 %-55 %) before TPE and median LVEF was 66.5 (IQR: 58 %-68.5 %) after TPE (p = 0.012). The median number of TPE sessions was three (IQR: 2-4.75). The mortality rate of the patients with severe MIS-C admitted to the PICU was 7.4 %. We suggest that TPE should be considered as a therapeutic option in children with severe MIS-C. Early initiation of TPE followed by immunomodulatory therapy in critically ill children with MIS-C may help improve clinical and laboratory outcomes.

Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal in Parents.

OBJECTIVE: The frequency of vaccine refusal, which is associated with many factors, is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to predict the frequency of vaccine refusal against domestic and foreign COVID-19 vaccines and identify the factors underlying refusal. METHODS: A survey consisting of 16 questions about COVID-19 vaccination was conducted either face-to-face or online with 428 parents who agreed to participate in the study. The parents had children who were inpatients or outpatients in the Children's Hospital of Ankara City Hospital. In the survey, parents were asked about family sociodemographic characteristics, opinions on domestic and foreign COVID-19 vaccines, and reasons for vaccine refusal. RESULTS: While 66.1% of parents were reluctant to receive foreign COVID-19 vaccines, only 37.4% were reluctant to receive domestic COVID-19 vaccines. The participants' preference for the domestic vaccine was significantly higher for themselves and their children (P < 0.05). Women were less likely to be willing to receive foreign vaccines than men (P < 0.05). As the education level increased, fewer parents preferred the domestic vaccine for themselves (P = 0.046) and their children (P = 0.005). Both domestic and foreign vaccine acceptability for parents and their children was higher among parents with high anxiety levels regarding COVID-19 infection (P < 0.05). The most common reasons for refusal were anxiety about vaccine side effects, lack of knowledge about the effectiveness of vaccines, and distrust of vaccines originating from abroad. CONCLUSION: Most of the participants were hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. This study demonstrates that vaccine uptake can be increased by considering the higher preference for domestic vaccines.