International Journal of Pediatrics最新文献

{"title":"Low Birth Weight Newborns at Public Hospitals in the Awi Zone of Northwest Ethiopia: Birth Defects and Associated Variables.","authors":"Tsegaye Mehare, Molla Getie, Getaneh Tegegne, Yewbmirt Sharew","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/2312755","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/2312755","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Birth defect is a leading contributor to infant mortality and has significant effects on life expectancy and quality of life. To parents alongside clinical specialists, assessing plus managing infants exhibiting single or multiple anomalies remains remarkably arduous. This study is aimed at assessing the frequency of congenital malformation and associated factors among low birth weight neonates born in public hospitals of Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia in 2023.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted an institutional based cross-sectional study among 311 mothers of low birth weight newborns. The study was carried out at three primary hospitals (Chagni, Dangla, and Gimjja Bete) and Injibara general hospital from December 2022 to July 2023. Participants included mothers whose LBW newborns were delivered at these facilities, as well as those who delivered at home but presented to the same healthcare settings for care within 24 h of delivery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A birth defect was observed in 53 (17%) of the newborns. Independent predictors of birth defects in LBW infants included MUAC < 22 cm (AOR: 3.67; 95% CI: 1.52, 8.83), maternal age 36-49 years (AOR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.26, 10.56), and nonadherence to foliate supplementation before and during early gestation (AOR: 4.46; 95% CI: 1.61, 12.40). In contrast, history of obstetric complications, although yielding an AOR of 1.90, was not significantly associated (95% CI: 0.87-4.15).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In the Awi Zone, 17% of LBW newborns presented with birth defects, with the musculoskeletal system being the most frequently affected site. Significant independent risk factors included failure to take folate supplements before and during early pregnancy, MUAC < 22 cm, and maternal age 36-49 years. Although a history of obstetric complications showed a positive association, it was not statistically significant in the adjusted model.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2312755"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13451932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148698278","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":"Breastfeeding Determinants in Bafia Health District (Cameroon): A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Dominique Enyama, Cavin Epie Bekolo, Célestin Géraud Yamb Essola, Diomède Noukeu Njinkui, Marie Christine Atyam Ekoto, Sime Tchouamo Arielle Annick, Jérôme Ateudjieu","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/8888854","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/8888854","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) provides optimal nutrition, but only 48% of Cameroonian infants are breastfed early within 1 h after birth, and 40% are EBF until 6 months, below WHO's 2025 target of 50%. We aimed to identify factors associated with early breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity in Bafia Health District, Cameroon. A cross-sectional study at six health facilities examined 422 newborns (≤ 14 days) for early initiation and 544 infants (6-15 months) for EBF. Data from structured questionnaires on sociodemographic, obstetric, and breastfeeding factors were analyzed using multivariate binary logistic regression. The prevalence of early breastfeeding initiation was 73.7% (95% CI: 69.30%-77.67%), and EBF prevalence was 53.9% (95% CI: 49.66%-58.01%). Factors promoting early initiation included vaginal delivery (aOR = 5.64), maternal pregnancy awareness (aOR = 2.22), and singleton pregnancy (aOR = 2.31). Continued EBF was positively influenced by maternal pregnancy awareness (aOR = 2.67), lack of maternal employment (aOR = 7.23), maternal education (aOR = 2.04), and Muslim faith (aOR = 4.20). Although breastfeeding rates are higher than the national average, they still fall short of WHO recommendations. Enhancing maternal education and awareness initiatives during pregnancy could greatly boost early initiation and EBF duration, leading to improved infant health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8888854"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13424824/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148654944","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":"Seroprevalence of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Among Asymptomatic Children Attending Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania.","authors":"Delfina R Msanga, Sofia Ottaru, Patrick Ngoya, Tulla Masoza, Rogatus Kabyemera, Domenica Morona, Stephen E Mshana, Mariam M Mirambo","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/3549120","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/3549120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Toxoplasmosis infection affects at least 30% of the human population globally. Transmission primarily occurs through the ingestion of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> oocysts. Various studies have documented the seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> among children with neurological manifestations such as autism, epilepsy, and hydrocephalus; however, data on asymptomatic infants remain limited. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> infection and identify associated risk factors among children in Mwanza, Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted between September 2017 and April 2018 in Mwanza, Tanzania. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic, clinical data, and environmental exposure factors for <i>T. gondii</i> infection for the enrolled infants and the mother or caregivers. Clinical data were retrieved from the electronic hospital information management system. <i>T. gondii</i> specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 223 infants were enrolled, with a median age (IQR) of 3 (1-7) months; 55.6% were male. Mothers or caretakers had a median age (IQR) of 27 (22-32) years. The majority were aged < 35 years, resided in urban areas, and were married. Most infants were exclusively breastfed. Good hygiene practices, including handwashing and appropriate latrine waste disposal, were commonly reported among mothers or caretakers. None of the infants tested positive for <i>T. gondii</i>-specific IgM antibodies, whereas 83 (37.2%; 95% CI: 30.0%-43.0%) were seropositive for IgG antibodies. On multivariate logistic regression analyses, having a peasant mother or caretaker (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8, <i>p</i> = 0.02) decreases the odds of being <i>T. gondii</i> IgG seropositive.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>More than one-third of asymptomatic infants in Mwanza were seropositive for <i>T. gondii</i> IgG antibodies. The odds of <i>T. gondii</i> IgG seropositivity were significantly lower among infants whose mothers or caretakers were peasants.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3549120"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13397330/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585954","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":"The Burden of Unintentional Falls Among Adolescents in Iran During 1990-2021 Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study.","authors":"Habibollah Azarbakhsh, Andishe Hamedi, Sanaz Amiri, Seyed Parsa Dehghani, Mohadeseh Ghanbari-Jahromi, Fatemeh Rezaei","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/9693349","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/9693349","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Children, due to their naturally active behavior, and adolescents, because of their exploratory tendencies and engagement in risky behaviors, are more vulnerable to injuries such as falls. The purpose of this study is to investigate the trend of morbidity, mortality, and burden of unintentional fall in Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Indicators including prevalence, incidence, death, years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and DALY for two genders in Iran were extracted from GBD 2021. A joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine the pattern of changes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the study period (1990-2021), 6583 deaths from unintentional fall occurred in the adolescents in Iran. Of these, 77.1% (<i>n</i> = 5077) cases occurred in boys. The incidence trend has been decreasing in boys and increasing in girls. The prevalence trend in boys and girls has been decreasing. The mortality trend in boys and girls has been decreasing. The trend in the DALY rate in boys and girls has been decreasing. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, the trend in the DALY rate in boys and girls has been decreasing. AAPC was -1.8 (95% CI: -1.82 to -1.78) for boys and -1.5 (95% CI: -1.52 to -1.48) for girls.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although incidence, prevalence, mortality, DALY, YLL, and YLD rates have declined over the past three decades, the burden of unintentional falls among adolescents-especially boys-remains substantial. Prioritizing targeted prevention for high-risk groups and strengthening safety education and environmental safety measures are essential policy actions.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9693349"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389238/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148563544","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":"Exploring an Infectious Disease Service Pathway for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children: An Audit and Retrospective Analysis.","authors":"Holly Tarn, Michelle Bond","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/3622069","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/3622069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) experience a high burden of infectious diseases (IDs) and are a highly vulnerable population group with significant mental, physical, social and developmental needs. However, currently in the United Kingdom, there is no framework regarding how to implement ID screening guidance for UASC, leading to a wide variation in outcomes. This project is aimed at exploring the ID pathway for UASC within a single South-East UK local authority, spanning two trusts-including one with a 'one-stop' clinic-to inform service improvement recommendations. The study was conducted by retrospective case note review of routinely collected, anonymised patient data from all UASC under the care of the local authority over a 1-year timeframe. The study design consisted of (a) an audit of UASC ID referrals for all children in the local authority against RCPCH guidance, (b) analysis of attendance rates and (c) analysis of reasons for noncompletion. Thirty-seven patients were analysed (local trust <i>n</i> = 30, neighbouring trusts <i>n</i> = 7). The pathway's success varied across different aspects. Tuberculosis (TB) and blood-borne virus (BBV) testing showed notably higher referral and attendance rates compared to other single-centre studies. However, gaps in the process were evident in areas such as testing for schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis. Additionally, the appointment completion rate varied across ID services, highlighting some themes in low attendance, in particular a low attendance rate for those 'out of area'. Our key recommendation is the undertaking of further research to inform the development of a more robust pathway for UASC in the region, with consideration of a county-wide pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3622069"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13373307/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148474074","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":"Infant Dyschezia Is Associated With Increased Risk of Functional Constipation in Childhood: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Mahbod Kaveh, Arman Malekiantaghi, Hamideh Mohammadi, Hosein Shabani-Mirzaee, Kambiz Eftekhari","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/6410431","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/6410431","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Functional constipation (FC) frequently occurs in children and leads to notable discomfort as well as substantial healthcare costs. Infant dyschezia (ID) is characterized by excessive straining and crying before passing soft stools in infants and is traditionally considered benign and self-limiting. However, emerging evidence suggests a possible link between ID and later chronic bowel dysfunction. The objective of this work was to examine whether a history of ID is linked to the later emergence of FC during childhood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We recruited 150 children for this case-control investigation, including 90 individuals diagnosed with FC and 60 healthy controls, all from a tertiary pediatric outpatient clinic. Diagnoses were based on Rome IV criteria. Data on demographics, infant feeding, family history of constipation, and history of ID were collected through structured interviews. We applied logistic regression analysis to determine which factors independently predicted FC.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Children with FC were significantly more likely than controls to have a history of ID (66.7% vs. 40.0%, <i>p</i> = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, ID remained independently associated with FC (OR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.34-5.64; <i>p</i> = 0.006). Breastfeeding during infancy (either exclusive or partial) showed a protective effect (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.09-0.56; <i>p</i> = 0.002). The FC group contained more boys (54.4% vs. 35.0%), but this difference was not statistically significant (<i>p</i> = 0.057).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results indicate that ID could serve as an independent risk factor for childhood FC. Early recognition and parental guidance are essential to prevent mismanagement and long-term morbidity. Longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm causality and inform preventive strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6410431"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329262/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148392504","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":"Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Young Children: Variables Associated With Emergency Department Attendance and Hospitalization.","authors":"Shay Nemet, Yael Reichenberg, Avner Herman Cohen, Shai Ashkenazi, Bernice Oberman, Yoel Levinsky, Moriya Cohen, Eli Cohen, Vered Shkalim Zemer","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/8884147","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/8884147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study was aimed at identifying variables associated with attending pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) and hospitalization of young children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A population-based case-control study, which included all children aged 1-6 years diagnosed with CAP from three major districts of a health maintenance organization during 2014-2020. Children born preterm, or with chronic lung diseases or immunodeficiency, were excluded. The cohort was divided into three groups: children diagnosed and treated by the community pediatrician, those who attended PEDs, and those hospitalized.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort comprised 59,662 children with CAP, of whom 3685 (6.2%) attended PEDs and 2026 (3.4%) were hospitalized. Of the children treated in the PED, 33% were hospitalized versus 1.4% of those diagnosed in the community. Using multivariable analyses, members of a minority sector, low or middle socioeconomic status, elevated white blood cell count, and high C-reactive protein levels were independently and significantly associated with PED attendance and hospitalization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Community pediatricians should integrate the identified variables associated with attending PEDs and hospitalization to optimize management of children with CAP, given the potential for complications and mortality. The recognized 6.2% PED attendance and 3.4% hospitalization, with the identified related associations, have implications for pediatric healthcare planning.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8884147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13316131/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148363916","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":"Shifts in Pediatric Respiratory Virus Trends After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights From a 12-Year Hospital-Based Study in South Korea.","authors":"Eunkyo Ha, Ju Hee Kim, Jeewon Shin, Won Seok Lee, Eun Lee, Hey Sung Baek, Man Yong Han","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/4499218","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/4499218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the seasonal patterns of pediatric respiratory infections, likely due to an immunologic gap. However, the roles of weather conditions and viral interactions in age-specific transmission, seasonality, and coinfections remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study analyzed data from children hospitalized with respiratory tract infections between January 2012 and December 2023 at a single tertiary center in Korea. Six common respiratory viruses were identified via multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study period was divided into prepandemic (January 2012 to January 2020), pandemic (February 2020 to November 2021), and postpandemic (December 2021 to December 2023) periods. Pandemic-period patients (<i>n</i> = 171) were excluded from comparative analyses. Virus positivity, coinfection rates, and demographic differences were assessed using chi-square tests and <i>t</i>-tests. Time-series analysis using seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models (SARIMA and SARIMAX) was conducted to compare observed and predicted trends.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 12,306 hospitalized children, 86.3% were in the prepandemic period and 12.3% in the postpandemic period. Median age rose from 20.0 to 27.0 months. Rhinovirus (21.3%-43.7%) and human metapneumovirus (6.6%-9.6%) increased, while influenza declined (4.8%-2.8%). Seasonal patterns shifted, with higher positivity in summer and autumn. Observed trends diverged from SARIMAX predictions, suggesting changes not fully explained by the meteorological variables included in the model. Coinfections with three or more viruses rose (1.7%-3.0%), and virus-negative proportions decreased (32.6%-16.7%). RSV showed three peaks in the postpandemic period, suggesting possible shifts in viral cocirculation patterns.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Shifts in pediatric respiratory virus patterns were observed in the postpandemic period and were not fully explained by meteorological variables alone, highlighting the need for adaptive surveillance incorporating broader environmental and demographic factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4499218"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13305671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148347245","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":"Quality Improvement Initiatives in Pediatric Emergency Care in Low-Resource Settings: Addressing Patient Safety and Outcomes.","authors":"Chibuike Daniel Onyejesi, Abenezer Kebede, Eslam Abady, Muhammad Azan Shahid, Chukwunonye Onyeka Ogbuji, Rayan Raed Salahaldin, Zainab Ibrahim Mohamed, Olalekan John Okesanya, Yenifer Milagros Aponte, Mohamed Alsabri","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/6683096","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/6683096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pediatric emergency care (PEC) in low-resource settings faces systemic challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and supply chain inefficiencies, which contribute to preventable morbidity and mortality. Quality improvement (QI) initiatives offer a structured framework to address these challenges, enhance patient safety, and improve clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted using literature identified from PubMed and Google Scholar, supplemented by reports and guidance documents from the World Health Organization and nongovernmental organizations. Search terms included combinations of \"pediatric emergency care,\" \"quality improvement,\" \"patient safety,\" \"low-resource settings,\" \"LMICs,\" \"triage,\" \"task shifting,\" \"telemedicine,\" \"digital health,\" and \"community health workers.\" Eligible sources included primary studies, reviews, implementation reports, and policy documents addressing QI interventions, implementation barriers, facilitators, or outcomes relevant to PEC in low-resource settings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Included studies reported improvements in triage reliability, time to treatment, guideline adherence, patient-flow organization, workforce capacity, and data availability. Several triage- and ETAT-based interventions reported reductions in pediatric mortality or improved time-sensitive care processes, whereas digital health interventions improved triage completion, referral monitoring, and real-time decision support. Key enablers included local adaptation, staff training, audit and feedback, interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable governance structures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Strengthening QI initiatives is essential to achieving global health goals and ensuring equitable healthcare access for children in resource-limited settings. Sustainable, evidence-based interventions are critical for building resilient PEC systems and optimizing workflows.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6683096"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13307193/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148347273","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":"Incidence of Recurrent Otitis Media With Effusion (OME) Following Tympanostomy in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Mohammad Hosein Taziki Balajelini, Mohammad Reza Mofatteh, Masoud Mohammadi, Zahra Taziki Balajelini, Abdolhalim Rajabi","doi":"10.1155/ijpe/8886046","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijpe/8886046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common pediatric condition, often managed with tympanostomy tube insertion. However, recurrence after tube extrusion remains a significant concern, with global incidence rates varying across studies.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis is aimed at quantifying the global incidence of recurrent OME post-tympanostomy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Wiley, Ovid, and Scopus) was performed in August 2024. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical assessment tool. Pooled incidence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effects model. Cumulative meta-analyses were conducted to track global incidence trends over time. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata Version 16 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 1117 retrieved articles, 21 met the inclusion criteria. The global pooled incidence of recurrent OME post-tympanostomy was 30% (95% CI: 23%-37%). Subgroup analysis showed 31% recurrence with tubes alone (95% CI: 24%-38%) versus 20% with adjunctive antibiotics (95% CI: 14%-26%). The highest recurrence (45%, 95% CI: 34%-55%) occurred in cases combining tympanostomy with cleft palate surgery. Cumulative meta-analysis indicated a declining trend in OME recurrence between 2005 and 2019, with the incidence rate decreasing from 39% to 24% over this period.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Approximately one-third of children undergoing ventilation tube (VT) insertion surgery experience recurrence of OME. Although some studies suggest that adding antibiotics to VT insertion therapy may reduce recurrence in children at risk for chronic infection, this evidence is not consistent and should be interpreted with caution. In addition, patients with cleft palate have a higher likelihood of OME recurrence and require long-term follow-up. These findings may assist physicians in refining treatment decisions based on individual patient characteristics and recurrence risk, though further high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these observations.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8886046"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13292024/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148334235","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}