María Garrido Rodríguez, Ana María Borrull Senra, Susanna Hernández-Bou, Ane Artetxe Barroso, Bernat Servitje Verdaguer, Ángela Hurtado Mingo, Arístides Rivas García, Iris Collazo Vallduriola, Iker Gangoiti, Roberto Velasco, Mercedes de la Torre Espí, José Antonio Alonso-Cadenas
{"title":"Streptococcus pneumoniae Remains Leading Cause of Bacteremia in Children Despite 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Introduction.","authors":"María Garrido Rodríguez, Ana María Borrull Senra, Susanna Hernández-Bou, Ane Artetxe Barroso, Bernat Servitje Verdaguer, Ángela Hurtado Mingo, Arístides Rivas García, Iris Collazo Vallduriola, Iker Gangoiti, Roberto Velasco, Mercedes de la Torre Espí, José Antonio Alonso-Cadenas","doi":"10.1111/apa.70217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70217","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To describe the epidemiology and primary diagnoses of previously healthy children aged 3-59 months who presented to paediatric emergency departments (PEDs) with a positive blood culture following the introduction of the publicly funded 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional, retrospective registry study in seven PEDs between 2017 and 2022. The findings were compared with those of a similar registry from 2011 to 2016.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the funded PCV13 period, 278 patients were recorded. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Streptococcus pneumoniae (36.6%), Escherichia coli (12.6%), and Streptococcus pyogenes (29.4%). The most common diagnosis was focal infection (54.3%), followed by bacteremia without a focus of infection (26.6%), and severe invasive bacterial infection (19.1%). Poor outcomes were observed in 29.8% of patients. The most common serotypes during the funded PCV13 period were 10A, 24, and 8, none of which are included in PCV13.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Streptococcus pneumoniae remained the leading cause of bacteremia in previously healthy children aged 3-59 months, with a predominance of non-vaccine serotypes. Although half of the patients had a localised infection, a substantial proportion developed severe invasive bacterial infections. Poor outcomes occurred in one out of every three to four invasive bacterial infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144602351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S Hyvönen, T Solasaari, T Pokka, K Korpela, W M de Vos, A Salonen, T Ruuska-Loewald, K-L Kolho
{"title":"Maternal Prenatal and Postnatal Stress and Infections in Infancy.","authors":"S Hyvönen, T Solasaari, T Pokka, K Korpela, W M de Vos, A Salonen, T Ruuska-Loewald, K-L Kolho","doi":"10.1111/apa.70228","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70228","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To study maternal stress as a possible risk factor for early infections in infants in a well-characterised, prospective infant HELMi cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We measured maternal stress during the last trimester with questionnaires (4 items, scales 0-100) and breastmilk cortisol levels at 3 months. We compared maternal stress between infants with several infections (n = 125) and infants with no infections (n = 122) during the first 6 months of life. The episodes and days with symptoms were recorded using an online diary. Control subjects were matched for sex, year of birth, mode of delivery, and timing of breastmilk sample. The analysis was adjusted for season of birth and number of siblings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median maternal prenatal stress, related to household during the last trimester, was higher in the infection group than in controls (37 [IQR 19.5-61] vs. 19 [7.8-42.3]; p = 0.02). There was no difference in prenatal stress related to pregnancy or the relationship between the groups. The breastmilk cortisol levels did not differ between the groups (medians of 6.8 nmol/L [IQR 4.8-8.8] and 6.2 nmol/L [4.5-8.4], respectively; p = 0.12).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Prenatal stress was linked to the occurrence of infections in infancy. Whether support for stress reduction may reduce the risk for infections warrants further study.</p>","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Howaida Elmowafi, Jenny M Kindblom, Linda Halldner, David Gyllenberg, Estelle Naumburg
{"title":"Children and Young Adults Who Used Medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Faced Increased Cardiac Risks.","authors":"Howaida Elmowafi, Jenny M Kindblom, Linda Halldner, David Gyllenberg, Estelle Naumburg","doi":"10.1111/apa.70215","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>There have been concerns about links between medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cardiac events in children and young people. Our aim was to identify any associations.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This Swedish case-control study used national register data to identify individuals aged 5-30 years who received their first diagnosis of a cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, fainting or collapse in 2006-2018. Each case was matched with five controls, by age, sex and region. Associations between ADHD medication and cardiac events were assessed using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Adjustments were made for concomitant medications and comorbidities, including congenital heart disease (CHD).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We studied 112 605 cases (57.9% female), with a median age of 20 years (range 5-30), and 563 024 matched controls. Using ADHD medication was associated with cardiac events (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.47-1.81) across sexes and age groups. Undefined arrhythmias had the strongest association (aOR 2.66, 95% CI 2.27-3.13). Cardiac arrests and defined arrhythmias had no associations. Long-term medication was associated with an increased risk (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.28). CHD had no impact.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ADHD medication was associated with cardiac events, particularly undefined arrhythmias. CHD did not increase the risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tshilidzi van der Lecq, Gerd Holmström, Esmè Jordaan, Gugulabatembunamahlubi Kali, Rudzani Muloiwa, Natasha Rhoda
{"title":"Surviving Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Have a Higher Risk of ROP in Sub-Saharan Africa.","authors":"Tshilidzi van der Lecq, Gerd Holmström, Esmè Jordaan, Gugulabatembunamahlubi Kali, Rudzani Muloiwa, Natasha Rhoda","doi":"10.1111/apa.70216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) risk factors have been investigated in population-based studies from most global regions. No such studies are available from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where improved neonatal care is increasing the survival of preterm infants at risk of ROP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A population-based study was conducted in infants born in Cape Town, South Africa, from 1 May 2022 to 31 January 2023. The screening criteria were birth weight < 1250 g or gestational age < 32 weeks. The data were extracted from the Retinopathy of Prematurity South African register.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 378 screened infants, 115 (30.4%) of whom developed ROP. In the multiple regression analyses, lower birth weight was an independent ROP risk factor, OR 1.3 95% CI 1.2-1.5, p < 0.001. Surgical necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) was the only other independent ROP risk factor, OR 5.8 95% CI 1.6-21.0, p = 0.007. Infants with birth weight < 1000 g were 39.4% (130/378) of those screened and more likely to develop ROP compared to larger infants, OR 2.4 95% CI 1.5-3.9, p < 0.001.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Birth weight remained a significant ROP risk factor, especially for those born weighing less than 1000 g. These infants represented a larger proportion of screened infants compared to previous Sub-Saharan African studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"We Need a New Approach to Clinical Research on Paediatric Infections, Immunity and Neuropsychiatry.","authors":"Giovanni Fronticelli Baldelli, Danilo Buonsenso","doi":"10.1111/apa.70213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70213","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nora Karara, Katarzyna Parcińska, Helena Fonseca, Artur Mazur
{"title":"Body Modifications in Adolescents: Risks, Responsibilities, and the Role of Paediatricians.","authors":"Nora Karara, Katarzyna Parcińska, Helena Fonseca, Artur Mazur","doi":"10.1111/apa.70206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) position paper provides a comprehensive overview of body modifications (BMs) among adolescents, addressing prevalence, health implications and regulatory gaps. Based on these findings, it offers evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers and policymakers to improve adolescent healthcare through informed counselling, preventive strategies and strengthening regulations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This position paper was developed by the EAP, the official paediatric section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), through targeted literature review and consensus discussions by the Strategic Advisory Group for Adolescent Health, with final approval by the EAP Executive Committee.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A literature review revealed high body modification prevalence among European adolescents, significant health risks and correlations with risk-taking behaviours. Key gaps included inconsistent regulatory frameworks and a lack of healthcare provider guidance. The EAP developed recommendations for integrating body modification discussions into routine care, strengthening regulations and improving healthcare provider education.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Paediatricians should integrate discussions on body modifications into routine consultations, ensuring adolescents make informed decisions while promoting body positivity. Strengthening regulations, standardising safety measures and improving healthcare provider education are essential steps towards safeguarding adolescent health.</p>","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Wickström, Paola Oras, Maria Lundgren, R M Eva-Lotta Funkquist
{"title":"Providing Education About Skin-To-Skin Contact Significantly Increased Duration of Skin-To-Skin Contact for Newborns.","authors":"Maria Wickström, Paola Oras, Maria Lundgren, R M Eva-Lotta Funkquist","doi":"10.1111/apa.70219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Skin-to-skin contact postpartum has many well-documented benefits, but there is a lack of evidence on effective strategies to enhance the practices and on the duration of skin-to-skin contact beyond the first hour postpartum. This study aimed to determine if an educational breastfeeding programme for healthcare professionals and parents could increase skin-to-skin contact duration in newborns.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental design with baseline and intervention measurements was used in two clinics. Newborns between 37 + 0 and 42 + 0 weeks gestation were included. The intervention involved targeted training for healthcare professionals and an educational package on breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact for parents.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>211 parents recorded a diary and skin-to-skin contact duration with the mother on day one increased from 12.9 h in the baseline group to 14.6 h in the intervention group (p = 0.009). The proportion of newborns receiving nearly continuous skin-to-skin contact (> 20 h) increased from 33% to 58% (p = 0.001). Newborns who had more skin-to-skin contact on day one were held more frequently by parents at 2 months.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The intervention increased skin-to-skin contact duration and the proportion of newborns receiving nearly continuous skin-to-skin contact during the first 24 h. Enhancing skin-to-skin contact is essential and the programme could positively impact family health.</p>","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144568155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"It Is Not Shampooing Alone That Makes a Certified Hospital Dog Safe for Patient Care.","authors":"C Wretman, A Risberg, H Grönlund, A Edner","doi":"10.1111/apa.70208","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70208","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Philippe Sylvestre, Marc-Antoine Marquis, Nathalie Gaucher
{"title":"Between Home and Hospital: Is There an Optimal Location of Death for the Dying Child?","authors":"Philippe Sylvestre, Marc-Antoine Marquis, Nathalie Gaucher","doi":"10.1111/apa.70210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70210","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55562,"journal":{"name":"Acta Paediatrica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144555920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}