Cardiac Pre-tamponade Secondary to Generalized Myxedema Due to Neglected Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in a Child With Down Syndrome.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder in live-born infants, often associated with intellectual disability and various medical conditions, including thyroid dysfunction. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), an autoimmune subtype, is a leading cause of acquired hypothyroidism in DS children. Severe hypothyroidism can precipitate myxedema, a critical condition linked to complications like pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. This case study presents a nine-year-old male with DS who was admitted for acute respiratory distress exhibiting classic signs of myxedema. Initial investigations revealed severe hypothyroidism and significant pericardial effusion. Surgical pericardiotomy drained 800 mL of fluid, confirming myxedema secondary to HT. Levothyroxine therapy led to progressive improvement, resolving myxedematous infiltrate and associated symptoms within a month. Follow-up at 12 months demonstrated sustained improvement with normalized thyroid function and no clinical disease activity. This case highlights an atypical presentation of HT in a DS child with cardiac pre-tamponade.

A Case of Cytomegalovirus Infection With Severe Thrombocytopenia in an Infant Who Was Successfully Managed With Antiviral Therapy.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family of DNA viruses. It is one of the major infectious causes that induce thrombocytopenia. We herein report a case of CMV infection in an infant complicated with severe thrombocytopenia that was successfully managed by antiviral treatment. A three-month-old girl presented with generalized petechial lesions in the limbs, trunk, and eyelids, discovered by chance during a vaccination consultation in an apyretic context. Blood examinations demonstrated thrombocytopenia at 26,000/mm3. She was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered thrice and corticosteroid therapy at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day was started. The evolution during her hospitalization was marked by the increase to 373,000/mm3. A week later, the platelet had decreased again to 8000/mm3. Positive serology and high CMV DNA detected in serum by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis of CMV infection. In consideration of the severe thrombocytopenia, antiviral therapy with ganciclovir 5 mg/kg/12 hours was initiated. The platelet counts increased with decreasing CMV loads. She was discharged home after clinical stabilization with a close follow-up over one year.

New-Onset Diabetes with Ketoacidosis Precipitated by COVID-19 in Children: A Report of Two Cases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is growing evidence that the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is emerging as a potential trigger virus for the development of diabetes mellitus in children. This can occur even in patients without factors predisposing to impaired glucose metabolism. Here, we report two rare cases of diabetic ketoacidosis revealing new-onset diabetes and precipitated by COVID-19. These cases are reported in view of their rarity and originality. The relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 is discussed. RESULTS: Two children developed symptoms suggestive of diabetic ketoacidosis preceded by polyuria, polydipsia, and asbestos. There is a documented COVID-19 infection in the parents of the 2 children. An asymptomatic infection was detected in the 2 patients on the basis of a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. Thoracic imaging and inflammatory workup were negative in both cases. Both patients responded well to treatment, including rehydration regimens and intravenous insulin. On the 2nd day of their hospitalization, they were transferred to several injections of subcutaneous insulin with therapeutic and nutritional education from the parents. After about 4 weeks, their insulin requirements probably decreased due to the diabetes honeymoon. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 can induce acute onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis in children. More research data are needed to improve our knowledge of this constellation and to guide the most appropriate therapies.