Children-Basel最新文献

{"title":"Effectiveness of Digital Mental Health Interventions for Children and Adolescents.","authors":"José María Fernández-Batanero, José Fernández-Cerero, Marta Montenegro-Rueda, Daniel Fernández-Cerero","doi":"10.3390/children12030353","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030353","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Children's mental health is an issue of growing global concern, with a significant impact on children's emotional, social and cognitive development. In recent years, digital apps and platforms have emerged as innovative tools to address mental health challenges. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies in supporting children's and adolescents' mental health.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results suggest that digital apps and platforms have significant potential to support children's mental health. However, their effectiveness depends on factors such as app design, parental involvement and cultural adaptation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The inclusion of gamified elements and integration with traditional mental health strategies can enhance outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941436/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Kawasaki Disease: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review on Diagnosis, Clinical Features, and Treatment.","authors":"Giulia Inguscio, Stefano Romano, Maria Vincenza Mastrolia, Gabriele Simonini, Teresa Giani","doi":"10.3390/children12030349","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030349","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a hyperinflammatory and potentially fatal complication associated with rheumatologic disorders. In Kawasaki disease (KD), MAS is a rare and poorly described condition, making its differentiation from a severe, treatment-resistant presentation of KD particularly challenging.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We aimed to describe MAS in KD by analyzing its epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics, complications, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature review of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify English-language studies on KD complicated by MAS, including case reports and case series, until 15 November 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 176 pediatric patients (60 females; median age 4 years, range 0.13-17) from 48 articles were included. MAS occurred after or simultaneously with KD diagnosis in 174/176 cases (99%). Common features included fever (100%), splenomegaly (49.4%), and hyperferritinemia (98.2%). Cardiac involvement was reported in 37% of children. The HLH-2004 criteria were met in 63% of cases, while the 2016 Ravelli criteria for MAS complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis were met in 94%. Treatment included additional doses of IVIG (36.2%), GCs (82.8%), cyclosporine A (28.7%), and biologics (13.8%), with complete MAS resolution in 93% of cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MAS in KD is a rare but severe complication, with overlapping features that make its differentiation from severe and resistant KD challenging. Persistent fever despite initial IVIG administration, along with splenomegaly and hyperferritinemia, emerge as key warning signs. Ravelli criteria provide stronger diagnostic support compared to the HLH-2004 criteria. Moreover, MAS is associated with increased cardiac involvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941350/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Children with Short Bowel Syndrome: Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation and Management-A Single-Center Experience.","authors":"Maja Velimirovic, Veronika Osterman, Ana Prislan, Tadeja Pintar","doi":"10.3390/children12030351","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030351","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) have abnormal intestinal anatomy, secretion, or motility, which can lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In this paper, we describe our experience with SIBO in children with SBS, focusing on potential risk factors, clinical presentation, and antibiotic treatment. <b>Methods:</b> A single-center retrospective descriptive cohort study of all episodes of clinically suspected SIBO in 16 children with SBS on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) between January 2018 and December 2022 was performed. <b>Results:</b> The mean small bowel remnant was 47 cm (SD = 31.5), with an absent ileocecal valve in 61.5% (8/13). Five children (31.2%) had at least 1 episode of clinically suspected SIBO, with a total of 25 episodes. The most common clinical presentation was diarrhea (76%), followed by meteorism (56%), loss of appetite (48%), flatulence (48%), weight loss (36%), abdominal pain (25%), and vomiting (12%). Fifty-six percent (16/25) of SIBO episodes were treated with one type of antibiotic, 36% (9/25) with two types, and 8% (2/25) with three types. Symptom resolution was achieved in 56% (14/25) of SIBO episodes after one course of antibiotic therapy. Two children (12.5%) had refractory and recurrent SIBO episodes treated with cyclic antibiotic regimens. <b>Conclusions:</b> SIBO can affect the ability of children with SBS to successfully wean off HPN. Diagnostic tests have innate challenges, and early clinical suspicion is paramount. Antibiotic therapy should be individualized considering the child's age, gastrointestinal anatomy, and the risk of SIBO recurrence.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941224/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Animal-Assisted Interventions in Paediatric Hospitals: An Investigation of Italian Healthcare Personnel Attitudes.","authors":"Cinzia Correale, Sofia Orlando, Marta Borgi, Simonetta Gentile, Simona Cappelletti","doi":"10.3390/children12030352","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030352","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evidence of the beneficial effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on patients admitted to paediatric hospitals is growing. However, there is still little information about healthcare professionals' knowledge of and attitudes towards AAI, both as a complement to medical treatments and as a tool for improving the workplace environment. The present study explores the perspectives of Italian paediatric hospital staff after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online questionnaire was developed and distributed to paediatric hospital personnel across Italy. The questionnaire addressed topics including AAI' impact on the hospital environment, their role as a resource for patients and families, their effect on staff well-being, and the perception of the feasibility of AAI implementation in hospitals. Data were analysed descriptively and qualitatively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 44 respondents took part in the survey. Most respondents agreed that AAI could improve hospital environments and serve as a valuable resource for patients and families. However, results were more mixed about the effects of AAI on staff well-being and the feasibility of their implementation. Qualitative analysis identified recurring themes including the positive impact of AAI on emotions/general well-being, improved compliance and treatment outcomes, and reduced stress and distress. Concerns included organisational/logistical challenges, hygiene issues, and potential impact on staff workload. Notably, most participants felt that the COVID-19 pandemic had not affected their perception of AAI safety.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Most respondents viewed AAI favourably and supported their implementation as a means of benefiting patients and caregivers. Concerns mainly related to organisational and logistical barriers highlight areas that require further exploration in future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prospective Monitoring of Lyso-Gb1 on DBS Sample in Three Children Recognized at Newborn Screening for Gaucher Disease and Untreated.","authors":"Claudia Rossi, Daniela Trotta, Rossella Ferrante, Damiana Pieragostino, Silvia Valentinuzzi, Luca Federici, Liborio Stuppia, Vincenzo De Laurenzi, Maurizio Aricò","doi":"10.3390/children12030350","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><b>Background:</b></b> Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disease. Extended neonatal screening currently includes GD in several different regions. Decision on when to start enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) upon confirmed diagnosis or upon appearance of first clinical manifestation of the disease remains an unmet need. <b>Methods:</b> We report our preliminary experience in tightly monitoring blood levels of glucosyl-sphingosine (lyso-Gb1), on DBS at birth and then every 4 weeks, in the absence of ERT in three consecutive newborns identified for GD as part of a screening program. <b>Results:</b> Initial lyso-Gb1 values were above cut-off. In two cases, lyso-Gb1 levels showed a reduction during the first 3 months of life and, by month 4, they had reached a value lower than the upper normal value. In the case of the third child, after an initial drop to less than 50% of the initial value, lyso-Gb1 levels remained pretty stable at the following four time-points. At the time of writing, all remain free from any disease manifestation at the age of 20, 11 and 8 months, respectively, with normal physical growth and blood count; therefore, ERT has not been started yet. <b>Conclusions:</b> A specific threshold for lyso-Gb1 value to be considered as associated with non-reversible progression to disease is not yet defined. We hypothesize that a trend toward stable increase of this biomarker, confirmed at repeated evaluation, rather than a single threshold, could be convincing for starting ERT even before clinical manifestation of the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941730/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Hypertension in Children and Adolescents as Observed by German Pediatricians-A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Jacob Christian Moll, Jens Bohlken, Karel Kostev","doi":"10.3390/children12030348","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030348","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Blood pressure elevation in children is an important health concern. The extent to which hypertension is diagnosed in German pediatric practices is not yet known. The aim of this study is, therefore, to examine the prevalence of hypertension diagnosis in children and adolescents treated in pediatric practices, as well as the factors associated with hypertension in this population. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective case-control study used electronic medical records from 258 primary care pediatricians in Germany and included children and adolescents aged 0-17 years with an initial documented diagnosis of primary hypertension between January 2005 and December 2023. Hypertension patients were matched 1:5 with non-hypertension patients by age and sex. Conditional multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of chronic diseases and therapies with a risk of hypertension. <b>Results:</b> After 1:5 matching, the present study included 7482 children and adolescents with hypertension, and 37,410 controls without hypertension. The average prevalence of hypertension was 0.12% and the incidence was 1.24 cases per 1000 person-years, both increasing with age. In the multivariable regression analysis, a significant positive association was observed between hypertension and ten disorders including obesity (odds ratio, OR: 6.91; 95% confidence intervals, CI: 6.28-7.60), type 1 diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 2.13-3.82), dyslipidemia (OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.46-2.72), chronic bronchitis (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.39-1.90), hypothyroidism (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.30-2.02), migraine (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.17-1.98), ADHD (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.28-1.65), scoliosis (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.13-1.73), chronic rhinitis (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.14-1.50), and reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.04-1.65). Furthermore, paracetamol prescription was positively associated with hypertension risk (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.41-2.00). <b>Conclusions:</b> The significant associations between hypertension and chronic disorders, particularly obesity, underscore the need for early prevention strategies. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations. Similarly, pathophysiological and mechanistic explanations for the associations identified need to be explored and verified in properly designed studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940976/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Novel Chest Compression Technique in Infant CPR: Enhancing Efficacy and Reducing Rescuer Fatigue in Single-Rescuer Scenarios.","authors":"Marek Solecki, Monika Tomaszewska, Michal Pruc, Magdalena Myga-Nowak, Wojciech Wieczorek, Burak Katipoglu, Basar Cander, Lukasz Szarpak","doi":"10.3390/children12030346","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Effective infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) relies on high-quality chest compressions, yet the optimal technique for single-rescuer scenarios remains debated. Although widely used, the two-finger technique (TFT) is associated with an inadequate compression depth and increased rescuer fatigue. While the two-thumb encircling hands technique (TTHT) provides a superior compression depth, its application in single-rescuer scenarios is impractical. This study evaluates a novel technique (nT) as a potential alternative, aiming to optimize both compression efficacy and rescuer endurance. <b>Methods</b>: This randomized crossover study assessed the efficacy of the TFT, TTHT, and nT in a simulated infant CPR setting. Medical students trained in newborn and infant resuscitation performed all three techniques in a controlled environment using a high-fidelity neonatal simulator. We objectively measured and compared key CPR performance metrics, rescuer fatigue, and hand pain among the techniques. <b>Results</b>: The nT and TTHT outperformed the TFT in compression depth, rescuer endurance, and overall CPR quality. The nT achieved the highest adequate compression rate (92.4% vs. 78.6% for TTHT and 65.2% for TFT) while minimizing fatigue (RPE: 3.1 vs. 4.5 for TTHT and 6.2 for TFT) and hand pain (NRS: 1.8 vs. 3.9 for TTHT and 5.4 for TFT). TTHT produced the deepest compressions (mean: 44.2 mm vs. 42.9 mm for nT and 38.6 mm for TFT, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Rescuer anthropometric factors (sex, weight, and height) affected all techniques similarly, suggesting no inherent advantage based on body characteristics. <b>Conclusions</b>: Both the nT and TTHT outperformed the TFT, with the nT demonstrating superior rescuer endurance while maintaining high-quality compressions. Given its ergonomic benefits and effectiveness, the nT emerges as a promising alternative for single-rescuer infant CPR and warrants consideration for future resuscitation guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Open, Randomised, Controlled Study to Evaluate the Role of a Dietary Supplement Containing <i>Pelargonium sidoides</i> Extract, Honey, Propolis, and Zinc as Adjuvant Treatment in Children with Acute Tonsillopharyngitis.","authors":"Fabio Cardinale, Dionisio Franco Barattini, Alessandro Centi, Greta Giuntini, Maria Morariu Bordea, Dorina Herteg, Luca Barattini, Cristian Radu Matei","doi":"10.3390/children12030345","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>A common reason for a pediatrician's visit is acute tonsillopharyngitis (ATR), which is usually caused by viruses. A dietary supplement comprising <i>Pelargonium sidoides</i> extract, honey, propolis, and zinc was proposed as an effective adjuvant for the management of respiratory tract infections. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of this dietary supplement in conjunction with standard of care (SoC) compared to SoC alone, in a pediatric population affected by ATR.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This open randomized study (registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04899401) involved three Romanian sites specialized in pediatric care. The primary endpoints were changes in Tonsillitis Severity Score and the number of patients failing to respond (evaluating the use of ibuprofen or high-dose paracetamol as a rescue medication). One hundred and thirty children, distributed into two groups, were enrolled and treated for six days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed an overall better performance in terms of efficacy of dietary supplement + SoC, compared to SoC alone, with lower total Tonsillitis Severity Score ratings on day 6 (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and lower sub-scores related to erythema and throat pain on day 6. No adverse events were reported. Investigators found compliance to be optimal.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The administration of the dietary supplement + SoC in pediatric patients with ATR was found to be safe and superior to the administration of SoC alone in terms of efficacy. The results confirmed that the tested dietary supplement is an optimum effective adjuvant in the treatment of respiratory tract infections and is suitable for the daily clinical practice of pediatricians.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941233/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Key Gaps in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents: A Critical Appraisal of Clinical Guidelines.","authors":"Francesca Filippi-Arriaga, Michael Georgoulis, Eirini Bathrellou, Meropi D Kontogianni, Eduard Mogas, Graciela Gastelum, Andreea Ciudin","doi":"10.3390/children12030347","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030347","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The worldwide increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity necessitates effective prevention and treatment strategies. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) offer guidance, but significant heterogeneity or lack of practical application exists in their recommendations. The purpose of the present study is to provide an expert, comprehensive, and comparative analysis of gaps in current CPGs for the prevention and treatment of obesity in children and adolescents.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 14 CPGs were identified, focusing on childhood obesity prevention (n = 11), treatment (n = 9), or both (n = 6). Prevention CPGs generally recommend body mass index (BMI) assessment, but specific measurement frequency is often absent. While some provide age-specific dietary recommendations, graphical tools are lacking. Recommendations for increased physical activity and reduced screen time are common, but age-stratified guidance is deficient. Furthermore, recommendations regarding mental health and sleep are notably absent. Treatment CPGs utilize BMI for obesity diagnosis, but inconsistencies in cut-off points persist. Comorbidity assessment is generally recommended, yet age-specific guidance remains lacking. Dietary recommendations are present in most CPGs, but many lack detailed specifications (e.g., meal frequency, portion sizes, macronutrient distribution, age-appropriate examples). Most CPGs advocate for 60 min of daily physical activity and limit screen time to 2 h per day. Recommendations concerning sleep are consistently absent. While parental involvement is acknowledged, specific guidance for active participation in prevention and treatment is deficient. Pharmacological treatment options are frequently outdated, and surgical intervention is reserved for exceptional cases of severe obesity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Standardizing BMI cut-off points and defining age groups across CPGs would improve consistency and comparability in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of childhood obesity. Tailoring recommendations for diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep to specific age groups would ensure developmentally appropriate interventions. A stronger emphasis on early prevention strategies is needed to address the root causes of obesity. Clear guidance for parents and families would facilitate their active engagement in prevention and treatment. Up-to-date information regarding pharmacological and surgical treatments is imperative.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941203/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143731566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inflammatory Markers in the Blood of Spastic Cerebral Palsy Children: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Özlem Tezol, Sıddika Songül Yalçın, Gözde Girgin, Anıl Yirün, Sonia Sanajou, Aylin Balcı Özyurt, Belgin Bayram, Oytun Portakal, Terken Baydar, Çetin Okuyaz, Pınar Erkekoğlu","doi":"10.3390/children12030343","DOIUrl":"10.3390/children12030343","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim was to simultaneously investigate inflammatory biomarkers, neopterin, the kynurenine/tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) pathway, vitamin D (VitD), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and erythrocyte folate, in cerebral palsy (CP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case-control study was conducted at Mersin University Hospital. Three- to ten-year-old patients with spastic CP (n = 50) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 55) were included. Serum levels of neopterin, Trp, Kyn and 25OHD, plasma VDBP, and erythrocyte folate concentrations were measured. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) enzyme activity was evaluated according to the Kyn/Trp ratio. Comparison and correlation analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The levels of neopterin, Trp, and Kyn were lower in children with CP than in healthy controls (<i>p</i> = 0.037, <i>p</i> < 0.001, and <i>p</i> = 0.003, respectively). IDO1 was not significantly different between the CP and control groups (<i>p</i> = 0.214). The levels of VitD and VDBP were higher in children with CP (<i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>p</i> = 0.001, respectively). The level of erythrocyte folate was also higher in children with CP (<i>p</i> < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between age and inflammatory biomarkers in the CP group. Neopterin was correlated with the level of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level (r = 0.292, <i>p</i> = 0.044), while there was no significant correlation between the other biomarkers and the level of GMFCS in the CP group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Inflammatory biomarkers of neopterin and Kyn are lower, inflammatory biomarkers of VDBP and erythrocyte folate are higher, and anti-inflammatory VitD is higher in children with spastic CP compared to healthy children. More knowledge is needed to demonstrate inflammatory and anti-inflammatory status in children with CP.</p>","PeriodicalId":48588,"journal":{"name":"Children-Basel","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940874/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}