Pediatric ReportsPub Date : 2025-05-13DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17030057
Nicoletta Cera, Joana Pinto, Ricardo Faustino
{"title":"Functional and Structural Alterations in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and a Preliminary Activation Likelihood Estimation Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Nicoletta Cera, Joana Pinto, Ricardo Faustino","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17030057","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pediatric17030057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare and complex neuroinflammatory disease characterized by demyelination and neurological dysfunction in individuals under 18 years of age. This systematic review and activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the existing literature on functional and structural brain alterations in pediatric MS patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following the PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 21 studies involving 917 pediatric MS patients and 320 healthy controls, assessing brain structure and function using MRI and fMRI techniques.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results reveal consistent alterations in brain regions critical for cognitive and motor functions, including reduced brain volume, increased lesion load, and disrupted functional connectivity, particularly in the thalamus, cerebellum, and hippocampus. The ALE meta-analysis identified significant activation clusters in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, angular gyrus, and superior parietal lobes, regions associated with cognition, attention, and working memory.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that pediatric MS uniquely affects brain development, contributing to cognitive impairments that differ from those observed in adult MS. Our study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and tailored therapeutic interventions to mitigate neurodevelopmental disruptions and improve long-term outcomes in pediatric MS patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101243/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pediatric ReportsPub Date : 2025-05-13DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17030056
Albina Tummolo, Giulia Paterno, Rosa Carella, Livio Melpignano, Donatella De Giovanni
{"title":"Exploring Partners, Parenting and Pregnancy Thinking in Late Adolescents and Young Adults with Inherited Metabolic Disorders.","authors":"Albina Tummolo, Giulia Paterno, Rosa Carella, Livio Melpignano, Donatella De Giovanni","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17030056","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pediatric17030056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The psychosocial impact of living with an Inherited Metabolic Disorder (IMD) is becoming increasingly relevant and can have a significant impact on planning the future, conditioning the reproductive decisions made during adolescence and young adulthood. The aim of this paper is to explore thoughts about partner choices, parenthood and pregnancy among adolescents and young adults affected by IMDs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was performed. A sample of 23 patients affected by a range of IMDs were interviewed. Twenty-two questions were provided, distinguished into four main themes: partners, parenthood, pregnancy and need for information.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>More than half of participants (57%) reported insecurities about relationships and declared that they were single for this reason, with most (70%) having a hope of having children in the future, although with the awareness and fear that they could also be affected. Almost all females (90%) consider themselves able to carry a pregnancy in a way similar to other women. There was the common need for more information about their potential fertility and parenthood linked to their condition.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Being diagnosed with an IMD can influence personal decisions regarding relationships and reproduction. The early identification of issues in these domains may enhance referrals for personalized interventions and build more focused support programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101304/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Affective Neuroscience Personality Scale (ANPS) in Children with Internalizing Disorders.","authors":"Simone Cupellaro, Valentina Colonnello, Ugo Sabatello, Chiara Ubertini, Carla Sogos","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17030055","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pediatric17030055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study of endophenotypes represents a new research approach to overcome the limits of a syndromic model to psychiatric diseases. The Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS, 31) is a self-report questionnaire used to facilitate the transition from the syndromic to the endophenotypic model through the assessment of basic emotional systems described by Panksepp (1): SEEKING, PLAY, CARE, FEAR, RAGE, PANIC, and LUST. The ANPS was used with adults, but it may be important to investigate the expression of basic emotional systems in childhood clinical disorders. <b>Methods</b>: The present study compares the ANPS scores of a group of children (<i>n</i> = 71) with internalizing disorders (diagnoses of depression and anxiety) with those of a normative group (<i>n</i> = 208) (8-13 years). <b>Conclusions</b>: We found that the group with internalizing disorders showed significantly lower scores for SEEKING and PLAY and significantly higher scores for ANGER and SADNESS than the control group. Furthermore, depressed children reported significantly lower scores in the SEEKING, PLAY, CARE scales and higher scores in the ANGER and SADNESS scales than healthy children. The children with anxiety disorder had significantly lower scores in the SEEKING and PLAY scales and higher scores in the FEAR and SADNESS scales than control children. No significant effect was found in reference to the age of the children. The results indicate that the ANPS might be a useful instrument to assess the expression of emotional endophenotypes in childhood.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101299/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pediatric ReportsPub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17030054
Paulina Gebhart, Christian Singer, Daniela Muhr, Christina Stein, Yen Y Tan
{"title":"A De Novo PTEN Pathogenic Variant in a Young Girl with Sporadic Cowden Syndrome-A Case Report.","authors":"Paulina Gebhart, Christian Singer, Daniela Muhr, Christina Stein, Yen Y Tan","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17030054","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pediatric17030054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by benign overgrowth in various tissues and a high risk of breast and thyroid cancer. CS is closely associated with pathogenic variants (PVs) in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (<i>PTEN</i>) tumor suppressor gene. PVs in <i>PTEN</i> are usually inherited and estimates of de novo frequencies remain inconclusive. The diagnosis of <i>PTEN</i>-associated syndromes remains a challenge in clinical practice, due to patients showing seemingly unrelated symptoms. We report on the clinical management of a now 18-year-old female CS patient, who initially presented with macrosomia, motor development delay and later, lipomas on the abdominal wall. Genetic testing revealed a de novo <i>PTEN</i> PV <i>c.1003C>T(p.Arg335X)</i>. The PV was detected in leukocyte DNA of the patient. Using direct DNA sequencing, as well as NGS, the PV was not found in any of the tissues derived from immediate family members. However, the PV was detected in multiple samples representing other germ layers of the affected patient, which renders constitutional mosaicism unlikely. This case constitutes the first description of a de novo <i>PTEN</i> PV, in which constitutional mosaicism was systematically ruled out and underscores the importance of timely genetic testing of patients and their relatives. The diagnosis of a <i>PTEN</i> PV in early childhood allows for the implementation of a comprehensive, lifelong care plan that addresses both pediatric and adult medical needs as well as cancer risk surveillance and family planning. This not only accounts for the affected patients, but also their close family members who might be susceptible to the same PV.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pediatric ReportsPub Date : 2025-04-30DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17030053
Sung-Ha Kim, Jong-In Lee, Soohyun Park, So-Hyun Paek
{"title":"Acute Abdominal Pain with Obstructing Trichobezoar: A Pediatric Case of Rapunzel Syndrome Diagnosed in a Pediatric Emergency Department.","authors":"Sung-Ha Kim, Jong-In Lee, Soohyun Park, So-Hyun Paek","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17030053","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pediatric17030053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Acute abdominal pain is a prevalent complaint in pediatric emergency departments. Primary care physicians can find it challenging to treat such pain and, in particular, to determine whether it requires emergent surgical intervention. Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical cause of abdominal pain, but it is important to understand that other rare conditions can also be life-threatening.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report the case of a 6-year-old girl who presented to our pediatric emergency center with complaints of acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. She had no notable medical history, including perinatal, surgical, or psychiatric disorders. After finding a bezoar-like structure through a combined enteritis CT scan, reassessing the child's dietary concerns revealed that the child had experienced symptoms of trichophagia for approximately 3 to 4 years. Enterotomy and the removal of the bezoar were successfully performed. A pediatric psychiatric consultation was carried out to prevent further trichophagia-induced complications.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite our patient's relatively young age and the failure to obtain a history of trichophagia at the onset, we successfully diagnosed a rare condition called Rapunzel syndrome. Although several cases of this condition have been reported by pediatric surgeons, we emphasize the role of physicians in pediatric emergency departments when examining children with this rare syndrome.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101168/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Supernumerary Teeth in the Anterior Maxilla of Non-Syndromic Children and Adolescents: A Retrospective Study Based on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Scans.","authors":"Antonis Lykousis, Ioanna Pouliezou, Nikolaos Christoloukas, Aliki Rontogianni, Anastasia Mitsea, Christos Angelopoulos","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17030052","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pediatric17030052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background/Objectives:</i> The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the supernumerary teeth located in the anterior region of the maxilla of non-syndromic Greek children and adolescents, as well as their possible correlation with demographic characteristics and radiographic findings. <i>Methods:</i> The study sample comprised cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from 224 children and adolescents aged up to 18 years. The following parameters were studied: location of supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxillary area, their morphology, their relationship to adjacent anatomical structures and adjacent teeth, and potential implications. <i>Results:</i> Out of the 224 cases 26 (11.6%) presented supernumerary teeth. There was higher prevalence in males than females (61.5% versus 38.5%, respectively). Among the 26 participants diagnosed with supernumerary teeth, one supernumerary tooth was found in 80.8% of children/adolescents, while 19.2% had two supernumerary teeth. The vast majority of supernumerary teeth were impacted (92.3%), and their morphology in 57.7% of cases was conical. A total of 38.5% of cases had normal orientation, 26.9% inverted orientation, 19.2% horizontal orientation, and 15.4% other. The localization was palatal in 84.6%, and the area of localization for 50% of cases was the midline. <i>Conclusions:</i> The prevalence of supernumerary teeth in the studied sample of Greek children and adolescents was 11.6% and tended to appear as single, impacted, conical, and with normal orientation. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, due to the limitations in the sampling strategy and the restricted generalizability of this study. The need for further research to enhance broader applicability for different populations is highlighted. These findings are instrumental for a more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of supernumerary teeth, contributing to more accurate and individualized dental treatment planning in children and adolescents. This will help to avoid future issues in the patient's dentition.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144128074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pediatric ReportsPub Date : 2025-04-22DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17030051
Xosé Ramón García-Soto, Maria Isabel Villanueva-Alameda, Jessica Fernández-Solana, Jerónimo J González-Bernal, Arancha Bernal-Jiménez, Lara Santos-Martín, Juan García-Mellado, Sara Calvo-Simal, Rodrigo Vélez-Santamaría
{"title":"Quality of Life and Psychological Functioning in Children with PFAPA Syndrome.","authors":"Xosé Ramón García-Soto, Maria Isabel Villanueva-Alameda, Jessica Fernández-Solana, Jerónimo J González-Bernal, Arancha Bernal-Jiménez, Lara Santos-Martín, Juan García-Mellado, Sara Calvo-Simal, Rodrigo Vélez-Santamaría","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17030051","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pediatric17030051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>This study analyzes the impact of PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the psychological functioning of children and adolescents aged 2 to 1 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 62 participants (31 males and 31 females) diagnosed with PFAPA. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Family Impact Module scale of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were used to assess psychological functioning and HRQoL, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants exhibited predominantly low HRQoL, particularly in physical health and emotional functioning. School functioning was also affected. However, social functioning and family relationships showed more favorable scores. A positive correlation was observed between age and emotional symptoms. Family concern was the most significantly impacted aspect.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PFAPA syndrome has a significant impact on the HRQoL of affected children and adolescents, particularly in physical and emotional aspects. A holistic approach is necessary for disease management, considering not only physical symptoms but also psychosocial and academic factors, as well as the impact on the family.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101420/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pediatric ReportsPub Date : 2025-04-21DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17020050
Liborija Lugović-Mihić, Dora Bukal, Lorena Dolački, Lucija Zanze, Ema Barac, Renata Tomašević, Maja Vilibić
{"title":"Mental Health, Psychological Features and Psychiatric Comorbidity of Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: A Review.","authors":"Liborija Lugović-Mihić, Dora Bukal, Lorena Dolački, Lucija Zanze, Ema Barac, Renata Tomašević, Maja Vilibić","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17020050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17020050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Adolescence is a sensitive period of development marked by significant changes. The quality of life (QoL) of adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD) can be substantially impacted by the disease. The chronic nature of AD is particularly significant: due to recurring (relapsing) skin lesions, adolescents are likely exposed to greater stress and depressive symptoms than those experiencing transient or one-time symptoms. Aesthetic and functional AD skin lesions during adolescence lead to reduced happiness, high stress and depression.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this review, we wanted to present the current knowledge on mental health, psychological features and psychiatric comorbidity of adolescents with AD, based on the previous studies/research on this topic presented in the PubMed database.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Previous studies have confirmed that sleep disturbances, behavioral disorders, internalizing profiles, depression and anxiety, stress symptoms and suicidality represent the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities and psychological features in adolescents with AD. According to research data, adolescents with AD also reported a tendency toward feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts and attempts. The relationship between sleep disturbances, psychiatric disorders, and suicidality in adolescents with AD is complex and multifaceted.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Adequate social competencies are essential for healthy mental development, as their impairments may be associated with psychological alterations or psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence that potentially persist into adulthood. These findings highlight the need for continuous psychological evaluation and the implementation of intervention programs from an early age. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, accompanied by psychopharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (when indicated), seem to be the most beneficial treatment options in AD patients who have the most frequent psychiatric comorbidities: depression and anxiety.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12030628/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pediatric ReportsPub Date : 2025-04-18DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17020049
Rosa Angela Fabio, Martina Semino, Michela Perina, Matteo Martini, Emanuela Riccio, Giulia Pili, Danilo Pani, Manuela Chessa
{"title":"Virtual Reality as a Tool for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Rett Syndrome: Reducing Stereotypies and Improving Motor Skills.","authors":"Rosa Angela Fabio, Martina Semino, Michela Perina, Matteo Martini, Emanuela Riccio, Giulia Pili, Danilo Pani, Manuela Chessa","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17020049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17020049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that causes the loss of motor, communicative, and cognitive skills. While no cure exists, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving quality of life. Virtual Reality (VR) has shown promise in enhancing motor function and reducing stereotypic behaviors in RTT. This study aims to assess the impact of VR training on upper limb motor skills in RTT patients, focusing on reaching and hand-opening tasks, as well as examining its role in motivation and engagement during rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty RTT patients (aged 5-33) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (VR training) and a control group (standard rehabilitation). Pre- and post-tests evaluated motor skills and motivation in both VR and real-world contexts. The VR training involved 40 sessions over 8 weeks, focusing on fine motor tasks. Non-parametric statistical methods were used to analyze the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results indicated significant improvements in the experimental group for motor parameters, including reduced stereotypy intensity and frequency, faster response times, and increased correct performance. These improvements were consistent across VR and ecological conditions. Moreover, attention time increased, while the number of aids required decreased, highlighting enhanced engagement and independence. However, motivation levels remained stable throughout the sessions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrates the potential of VR as a tool for RTT rehabilitation, addressing both motor and engagement challenges. Future research should explore the customization of VR environments to maximize the generalization of skills and sustain motivation over extended training periods.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12030142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144014529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pediatric ReportsPub Date : 2025-04-17DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17020048
Victoria Jane Kain, Ranjan Dhungana, Animesh Dhungana
{"title":"Reducing Neonatal Mortality in Nepal's Remote Regions: A Narrative Review of Challenges, Disparities, and the Role of Helping Babies Breathe (HBB).","authors":"Victoria Jane Kain, Ranjan Dhungana, Animesh Dhungana","doi":"10.3390/pediatric17020048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17020048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nepal's diverse geography creates significant challenges for healthcare accessibility, particularly for neonatal care. Rural areas, especially in the mountainous regions, face severe healthcare gaps due to isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled staff. Strengthening healthcare in these underserved regions is essential to reducing neonatal mortality. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) is a neonatal resuscitation training program designed to reduce neonatal mortality due to birth asphyxia in low-resource settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search identified studies on neonatal mortality and interventions, particularly HBB, which were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. This review examines disparities in neonatal health outcomes, regional differences, and barriers to healthcare access.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This review identifies key themes related to healthcare disparities, neonatal mortality, and birth outcomes in Nepal's remote regions. Geographical isolation, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and cultural barriers contribute to persistently high neonatal mortality, particularly in mountainous areas such as Jumla and Dolpa, where rates exceed 60 per 1000 live births. HBB has shown a significant impact, reducing neonatal mortality by up to 60% when effectively implemented. However, infrastructural gaps, lack of emergency transport, and the uneven distribution of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) remain critical challenges. Addressing these disparities requires expanded training, increased availability of neonatal resuscitation equipment, and culturally sensitive healthcare strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":45251,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Reports","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12030588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144002263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}