Perinatal Outcomes of Newborns of COVID-19-Infected Pregnant Women: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to review the characteristics and outcomes of the newborns of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected pregnant women. We conducted an online bibliographic search using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central. Studies were deemed eligible if they recruited newborns from mothers with confirmed COVID-19 and reported the perinatal outcomes of neonatal COVID-19 cases. A total of 20 studies were included. Neonates born to mothers with positive COVID-19 results have been shown to have significantly lower birth weights (mean difference, MD = -48.54 g, p = 0.04), increased risks of fetal distress (odds ratio, OR = 1.76, p < 0.00001), respiratory distress (OR = 1.96, p = 0.006), premature birth (OR = 2.08, p < 0.00001), neonatal death (OR = 2.20, p = 0.004), and a lower 5-minute Apgar score (OR = 1.44, p = 0.02). Additionally, they were more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (OR = 2.25, p = 0.007) and test positive for COVID-19 themselves (OR = 9.88, p = 0.03). However, other parameters, such as risks for malformations, mechanical ventilation, hypoglycemia, and sepsis, appeared to be comparable between the two groups. Maternal infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy is associated with several neonatal outcomes, some of which are adverse and others that do not show significant deviation from norms. While our meta-analysis clearly illustrates heightened risks associated with premature birth, reduced neonatal weight, and other challenges, it also emphasizes that not all neonatal outcomes can be directly attributed to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Efficacy and Safety of Palivizumab as a Prophylaxis for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Disease: An Updated Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of palivizumab as a prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, and Science Direct from inception till November 2023. Studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of palivizumab in infants aged between 28 days and three months of age were included. We analyzed the data using Review Manager 5.4 software, with results pooled across studies and expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 10 studies were included. The effect estimates favored palivizumab over placebo regarding the hospitalization for RSV infection (RR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.65; P<0.00001) and ICU admission (RR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.81; P=0.005). On the other hand, the effect estimate showed no significant difference between palivizumab and placebo regarding all-cause mortality (RR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.15; P=0.16), lower respiratory tract infection (RR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.11 to 1.69; P=0.22), and need for mechanical ventilation (RR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.67; P=0.48). Palivizumab can be considered a prophylaxis for RSV disease in young children as it is safe, well-tolerated, and effective in reducing RSV hospitalizations. However, further research through high-quality randomized controlled trials is required to determine its efficacy as a therapeutic agent for established RSV infections.

A Clinical Profile of Pediatric COVID-19 Testing in the Emergency Department, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic marked a health and economic crisis of massive proportions. In its early months, literature was centered on adult medical and critical care. As time progressed, international reports of COVID-19 infection in children steadily grew; however, data on disease features in the United Arab Emirates' pediatric population was noticeably lagging. Method: The presented research was conducted at Latifa Women and Children Hospital Emergency Department to ascertain an association between a child's presenting features and basic investigations to a subsequent positive COVID-19 test result. Data was collected via electronic medical records and statistical analysis performed with SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of four hundred and five (405) patients were analyzed, with 32 (8%) being COVID-19 positive on initial testing in emergency department. There is a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) between testing positive for COVID-19 infection and history of exposure to COVID-19-positive individuals; the presence of runny nose, cough, poor feeding, and abdominal pain with reassuring physical examination findings; and predominantly normal reports of basic blood investigations and chest X-ray images. Conclusion: This research demonstrates that a minority of children tested for COVID-19 in the initial wave of the pandemic tested positive. A significant proportion of COVID-19-positive pediatric patients exhibit history of exposure to COVID-19-positive individuals; the presence of runny nose, cough, poor feeding, and abdominal pain; normal physical examination; normal basic blood investigations and chest X-ray findings.

Clinical and Laboratory Features of PCR-Confirmed and Clinically Suspected COVID-19 Pediatric Patients: A Single Hospital-Based Experience During the First COVID-19 Wave in the United Arab Emirates.

Objective: This study investigated clinical and laboratory differences between confirmed (RT-PCR-positive) and clinically suspected (RT-PCR-negative) COVID-19 pediatric patients, and explored factors associated with disease severity at presentation and duration of hospitalization. Methods: Medical charts of COVID-19-confirmed and clinically suspected pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Abu Dhabi were reviewed. Sociodemographic information and clinical and laboratory outcomes were retrieved and analyzed. Results: Between 1 April to 30 June, 2020, 173 patients (mean age: 3.6 ± SD 3.2 years) presented with respiratory symptoms. Of them, 18.0% had confirmed contact with COVID-19 cases, 66.5% had symptoms for ≤3 days, and 86.7% were with moderate to severe disease. Twenty-eight (16.1%) patients tested positive while the rest (83.8%) tested negative in RT-PCR. COVID-19-confirmed and clinically suspected patients were statistically similar (p > 0.05) in all sociodemographic data, disease severity, and vital signs except residence status (89.3% vs. 58.6% were residents, respectively, p = 0.002) and contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases (82.1% vs. 5.5%, respectively, p < 0.001). Fever (100 and 91.0%) and cough (100 and 95.9%) were the most common symptoms in both confirmed and clinically suspected COVID-19 patients. All patients were statistically comparable in mean white blood cell and platelet counts and hemoglobin concentration, except in mean concentration of neutrophils (higher in clinically suspected, p = 0.019). C-reactive protein was two times higher in clinically suspected compared to confirmed patients (p = 0.043). Lymphocyte (OR: 1.31, p < 0.001), LDH (OR: 1.01, p = 0.001), D-dimer (OR: 1.92, p < 0.001), and ferritin levels after 24-36 h (OR: 9.25, p < 0.05), and SGPT (OR: 1.04, p < 0.05) were all associated with disease severity. Elevated ferritin (>300 µg/L) after 24-36 h was the only correlated factor with disease severity (aOR: 17.38, p < 0.05). Confirmed compared with clinically suspected patients (aOR: 4.00, 95% CI: 2.92-5.10) and children with moderate compared with mild disease (aOR: 5.87, 95% CI: 1.08-32.06) had longer hospitalization. Conclusion: In pediatric patients with negative RT-PCR, COVID-19 is still suspected based on clinical symptoms and epidemiological data. A tentative diagnosis can be made based on a thorough examination, and proper medical management can be initiated promptly.

A Novel Nonsense Gene Variant Responsible for Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy Type 39: Case Report.

Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) is a severe form neurological disorder of age-related epileptic encephalopathy. Characteristically, it presents with tonic spasms within the first 3 months of life. The spasms can be generalized or focal and hemi-convulsions, it can be in clusters or singly which occur hundreds of times per day, not related to sleep cycle, leading to psychomotor impairment and death. Some cases of EIEE are due to metabolic disorders or brain malformations that may or not be genetic in origin. The genetic origin of EIEE are usually related to brain dysgenesis or neuronal dysfunction. Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy-39 (EIEE39) is a result of homozygous mutation in the SLC25A12 gene (603667) on chromosome 2q31. Here it was described a homozygous nonsense variant of the SLC25A12 gene in our 7 years old child, which was not reported in the literature so far.

Oxidative Stress and Anti-Oxidant Markers in Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) caused by decreased surfactant and structural lung immaturity. The imbalance between oxidative status and antioxidant defence system was suggested to be an important trigger for lung affection with RDS. AIM: The goal of the current research was to elucidate the significance of the oxidant/ antioxidant status in the pathogenesis of RDS in preterm infants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This controlled study included 31 preterm neonates with RDS and 36 healthy preterm neonates. Quantification level of oxidative stress biomarkers; malondialdehyde (MDA) & hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) along with antioxidant enzymes activity; catalase (CAT) & superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma of healthy premature neonates compared with those with RDS. RESULTS: status of oxidative stress markers (MDA & H2O2) showed a significant increase with decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes activity (CAT & SOD) in neonates with RDS when compared to healthy prematures. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study indicate that the increased oxidative stress accompanied by reduced antioxidant defences may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress in preterm newborns.

ABO blood grouping in Egyptian children with rotavirus gastroenteritis.

INTRODUCTION: Rotavirus gastroenteritis is an important public health problem all over the world, causing a notable economic burden in both developing and developed countries. AIM: To explore the relationship between blood group typing, rotavirus gastroenteritis, and its severity in Egyptian children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross sectional case control study was conducted on 231 cases of acute gastroenteritis attending the outpatient clinic of Al-Zahraa University Hospital. Full history taking, clinical examination, and clinical data collection were done. Blood samples were collected for an ABO grouping. Stool samples were tested for viral gastroenteritis agents. RESULTS: Rota positive cases of GE were significantly more prevalent among cases with blood group A (p < 0.05) and significantly less among cases with blood group B (p < 0.05). The rate of hospitalisation was highly significantly greater among cases with group A (p < 0.005), and significantly lower among cases with group AB and O (p < 0.05). As regards the degree of dehydration, moderate and severe cases were highly significant in groups A and O (p < 0.005). Rota-positive gastroenteritis showed significant positive correlations with indicators of severity such as hospitalisation, degree of dehydration, and duration of fever (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Blood group A is highly associated with paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis. This could highlight an important risk factor, which could play a significant role for the pathogenesis of rotavirus gastroenteritis and severity as well. Furthermore, more intervention care could be needed for blood group A paediatric patients, if gastroenteritis especially rotavirus affect this group to avoid comorbidities.

Chédiak-Higashi syndrome with novel gene mutation.

Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare disorder of immune deficiency with autosomal recessive inheritance. Over the past 20 years, ∼500 cases were published worldwide. The mean age of onset is 5-6 years. We report here a case of CHS in a boy aged 2½â€…years who presented to us with pneumonia which turned to be Chédiak-Higashi syndrome with a novel variant, not previously described in the literature, which is caused by mutations in the CHS1 gene.This case is reported for its novel mutation, and the absence of the accelerated phase until now. Awareness, early recognition and management of this condition may prevent the preterm morbidity associated with this case.

Prediction of Gut Wall Integrity Loss in Viral Gastroenteritis by Non-Invasive Marker.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABPs) are mainly expressed in the intestinal villi, which are the initial site of destruction in viral gastroenteritis. AIM: This study was designed to assess serum I-FABPs as a predictor of gut wall integrity loss in viral gastroenteritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 cases of acute viral gastroenteritis. Twenty-eight healthy children matching in age were recruited as control group. Serum I-FABPs were measured using ELISA technique. Viral detection and typing were done by PCR for adenovirus, and by Reverse transcriptase PCR for rotavirus, astrovirus and norovirus. RESULTS: Serum I-FABPs level was significantly higher in the cases compared to the controls and was also higher in the 46 rotavirus gastroenteritis cases compared to other viral gastroenteritis cases. Serum I- FABPs level was significantly higher in severely dehydrated cases as compared to mildly dehydrated ones (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Serum I-FABPs could be used as an early and sensitive predictor marker of gut wall integrity loss in children with viral gastroenteritis and its level can indicate case severity.

Role for leptin and prolactin in human juvenile rheumatic diseases.

This study was done to evaluate the relation between the level ofleptin, prolactin, IL-4 and IL-5 with the activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study included 33 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 included twenty-one patients with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (13 males and 8 females) with age 11.9 +/- 3.6 years and twelve patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were enrolled as group 2 (2 males and 10 females) with age 15.8 +/- 2.9 years. Twenty-one healthy children with matched age, sex and anthropometrics measures were included in the study to serve as control group (group 3). There were significant increases in the levels of Leptin (<0.038), Prolactin (p < 0.021) IL-4 (p < 0.005) in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis group with insignificant decrease in IL-5 (p < 0.724) in comparison to control group. Systemic Lupus group show a significant increase in level of Leptin (p < 0.05), Prolactin (p < 0.02) and IL-4 (p < 0.000) with an insignificant increase in IL-5 (p < 0.685) in comparison to control group. RA patients show a positive significant correlation between Prolactin, IL-5 and activity with negative insignificant correlation between IL-4 and activity. Where in Lupus patients there was a positive significant correlation between Prolactin, IL-4 and activity with negative insignificant correlation between IL-5 and activity. There was no correlation between Leptin and activity in both diseases (RA, SLE). There's a highly significant positive correlation between serum Leptin levels and BMI among all patients of RA and Lupus (p < 0.000, p < 0.003), respectively. There was a difference in the Leptin level between male and female patients with a significant increase in the female than male (p < 0.05). We can conclude from our results that Leptin cannot be used to assess disease activity in RA and SLE where Prolactin can be used to assess disease activity in RA and SLE.

Serum melatonin in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with disease activity.

The study was conducted to investigate the abnormalities in early morning serum melatonin among patients with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) and to outline its relation to disease activity and severity. Twenty one patients with JRA and twenty healthy age and sex matched controls were enrolled in the study. Fifteen patients had polyarticular JRA, 3 had oligoarticular and 3 had systemic onset JRA. Evaluation was carried out clinically, functionally and radiologically by using disease activity score, Juvenile Arthritis Functional Assessment Report for Children (JAFAR-C score) and modified Larsen score, respectively. Laboratory investigations included Complete Blood Picture (CBC), The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), classic IgM Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Anti-nuclear Antibodies (ANA) and melatonin estimation in serum. The serum levels of melatonin were significantly increased in JRA patients (mean +/- SD = 13.9 +/- 8 pg mL(-1)) as compared to healthy controls (mean +/- SD = 8.1 +/- 2.7 pg mL(-1), p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation could link serum melatonin levels to disease activity scores and ESR (r = 0.91, p < 0.001 and r = 0.55, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant correlation was found between melatonin and either Larsen or JAFAR scores (r = 0.19, r = 0.15, respectively). According to melatonin levels, there were 2 groups of patients: Group I with elevated melatonin level (more than 11 pg mL(-1)) (n = 15) and group II with normal melatonin level (less than 11 pg mL(-1)) (n = 6). Patients with elevated melatonin levels had higher ESR (p < 0.05), higher disease activity scores (p < 0.01) and Larsen scores (p < 0.05), than the group of patients with normal serum melatonin. The results of GAFAR scores were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). Hence the study conclude that the elevated melatonin levels among JRA patients with active synovitis and its close relation to disease activity rather than disease severity suggests that melatonin might play a promoting role in rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, inhibition of its synthesis and/or action by specific antagonists may be of therapeutic value.