Impact of covid-19 outbreak on the behavior of children and adolescents in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

With coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions and lockdown, children and adolescents have experienced emotional and physical isolation from family and community members. This isolation has a negative impact on children's and adolescents' mental health, physical health, and behavior. An online cross-sectional study of children and adolescents aged 5 to 11 years was conducted to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their behavior, emotions, and sleep routines. A total of 413 participants, with a mean age of seven (217 boys and 195 girls), were included in the study. Most of the children were in primary school and lived with both parents. Boys and older children were found to have been fatigued during the pandemic. A significant association was found between the participants' age and regression, opposition, and adaptation behaviors. A significant increase in screen usage and decrease in children's physical activity after the outbreak were noted. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected children's and adolescents' psychosocial, behavioral, and physical habits. Government programs to support the mental and psychological well-being of children and adolescents should be encouraged. Social communication, physical activity, and collaborative games are also important factors.

C-Reactive Protein Levels in Children with Acute Bronchiolitis.

Results: Of 287 patients, 229 (79.2%) were included. 132 (57.6%) were males. Median presentation age was 3.7 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.27-12.33) months. Median CRP level was 10.4 (IQR, 2.8-35.1) mg/L. CRP was high in 167 (72.9%) patients. 17.6% (33/187 patients) had confirmed bacterial coinfection. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was detected in 84 (36.7%) patients. Mean CRP level was higher in RSV-negative compared to RSV-positive patients, 31.3 ± 44.3 versus 21.5 ± 27.7 mg/L, respectively (P = 0.042). Respiratory viral serology profile was positive in 34.7% (17/49 patients). 66.9% (107/160 patients) had positive chest X-ray. Antibiotics were used in 78.1% (179/227 patients). Thirteen (5.7%) patients required intensive care, five (2.2%) had surgical intervention, four (1.8%) required endotracheal intubation, and four (1.8%) died. Patients with high CRP were older at presentation (P < 0.0001) and had more fever (P < 0.0001) and cough (P = 0.002), but lower hemoglobin level (P < 0.0001) compared to those with normal CRP. Fever (P = 0.016) and hemoglobin level (P = 0.002) were independent factors. Conclusion: Most children with acute bronchiolitis had high rate of elevated CRP values that did not correlate with the rate of bacterial coinfection. High CRP levels were found in older children, those presented with more fever and cough, and had a lower hemoglobin level despite that those factors were previously reported to be associated with disease severity and bacterial coinfection. This study also showed a high overall rate of antibiotic prescriptions in mostly viral disease.