Aarya K Rajalakshmi, Aditya K S Pawar, Raman Baweja
{"title":"Pharmacological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: An overview.","authors":"Aarya K Rajalakshmi, Aditya K S Pawar, Raman Baweja","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.114315","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.114315","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 1%-3% of children and adolescents. It is characterized by obsessions, and compulsions and is associated with significant distress and interference with functioning. The first line treatment for pediatric OCD is cognitive-behavioral therapy, specifically exposure response prevention. In situations where there are challenges to meaningful engagement in therapy, accessing therapy or when the illness is severe, pharmacological interventions can be a useful adjunct to treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are established as the initial pharmacological approach. Clomipramine is also an effective medication option, but its use is limited by tolerability concerns. However, a subset of patients does not respond to these first-line interventions of cognitive-behavioral therapy and serotoninergic medication. In these treatment-resistant patients, antipsychotic augmentation can be helpful as the next pharmacological option but should be used cautiously due to potential for side effects. Glutamate modulating agents are an emerging medication class as augmenting options. Newer treatments for pediatric OCD that are effective, safe, and well-tolerated are needed. This comprehensive review outlines the approach to pharmacological treatment of pediatric OCD and the evidence supporting their use.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"114315"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516592","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":"Advances in diagnostic prediction of coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease.","authors":"Ting Zhou, Yan Pan, Cai-Qiang Jiao","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.112079","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.112079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology in children with coronary artery lesions (CALs) being its most concerning complication. Untimely diagnosis may lead to long-term cardiac damage and adult-onset cardiovascular disease. Researchers have long sought to identify risk factors for predicting high-risk CALs development in patients with KD. Domestic and international scholars have established scoring systems and predictive models to assess CAL risk based on these factors. This review summarized recent advances in four key areas: (1) Diagnostic prediction scoring systems; (2) Biomarker indicators; (3) Analytical methods; and (4) Predictive models for KD-associated cardiovascular complications, aiming to provide references for CAL prediction in KD.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"112079"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010545/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517452","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":"Pediatric burns: Key insights from cohort of 325 patients.","authors":"Atul Parashar, Somesh Thakur, Renu Sharda","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.114064","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.114064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Burns are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children, especially in developing countries like India. Unless fatal, burns can lead to lifelong disability, affecting social and psychological well-being of the child. It further exacerbates the financial strain on parents and adversely impacts the mental well-being of siblings.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To understand the epidemiological profile as well as the psychosocial and economic impact of burns on patients and their families which may help us to devise strategies to manage and prevent these largely avoidable injuries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An observational study was conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 20 months in which pediatric burn patients of age less than 15 years of age were evaluated. Demographic profile, circumstances of injury, type of burns (scalds, flame burns, electric burns), adult supervision at the time injury, time lapse and condition of patient at initial reporting, severity of burns, length of hospital stay and stay in intensive care unit, surgical procedures performed, outcome, deaths, adverse behavioral changes, financial impact on parents and impact on siblings were studied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Majority of pediatric burns enrolled in the study were below 5 years of age (63.4%). Male (59.7%) to female (40.3%) ratio was 1.5:1. Scalds were the most common cause in all ages (55.07%). Flame burns (28.6%) and electric burns (16.3%) were more common in older children between age group 5-15 years. Patients who presented early with total body surface area burnt less than 50% had better outcomes. Mean loss of number of working days of parents in our study was 27.77 ± 13.07 days. Most common behavioral alteration reported in patients was irritability and anger (5.18%). Mean number of losses of school days for siblings was 20.59 ± 14.72 days. Multiple behavioral changes were observed in the siblings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Majority of pediatric burns are caused by preventable factors. Public awareness regarding risk factors and preventive strategies can go a long way in reducing both pediatric disability as well as financial impact on the family.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"114064"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010563/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517386","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}
Bianca Schmiliver, Arosh S Perera Molligoda Arachchige
{"title":"Imaging of pediatric pulmonary infections: A pictorial review.","authors":"Bianca Schmiliver, Arosh S Perera Molligoda Arachchige","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.110318","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.110318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pulmonary infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in children. While the clinical presentation often guides diagnosis and treatment, imaging-particularly chest radiography-plays an essential adjunctive role. This is especially true when the diagnosis is uncertain or complications arise. This review synthesizes the characteristic imaging findings associated with common viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens in pediatric patients. Emphasis is placed on identifying overlapping radiographic features, recognizing patterns suggestive of specific etiologies, and understanding the implications of radiographic complications for clinical management. In addition to reviewing pathogen-specific manifestations, we discuss the evolving role of computed tomography and other advanced imaging modalities for the diagnosis and monitoring of complex pulmonary infections in the pediatric population.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"110318"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010351/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517458","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":"Understanding recurrent wheezing: A parent's guide.","authors":"Thamonpan Kiatvitchukul, Pandaree Dokkham, Kornthip Jeephet, Klaita Srisingh","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.113430","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.113430","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recurrent wheezing following acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in early childhood is a common clinical problem and may be an early indicator of chronic respiratory diseases. Early identification of associated risk factors is essential for early intervention and prevention.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate the risk factors and timing of recurrent wheezing episodes following ALRTI in children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted among pediatric patients ≤ 5 years old admitted with ALRTI and wheezing at Naresuan University Hospital between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2023. Participants were followed for 12 months. Data from electronic and paper records were analyzed using STATA 18.0. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests compared recurrence and non-recurrence groups through survival curves.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant predictors of recurrent wheezing included age 12-24 months [odds ratio (OR): 2.38; 95%CI: 1.50-3.78, <i>P</i> < 0.001], prematurity (OR: 1.66; 95%CI: 1.07-2.58, <i>P</i> = 0.024), allergic rhinitis (OR: 1.50; 95%CI: 1.04-2.17, <i>P</i> = 0.031), urban residency (OR: 1.68; 95%CI: 1.19-2.38, <i>P</i> = 0.003), eosinophilia (absolute eosinophil count > 500 cells/μL) (OR: 3.29; 95%CI: 1.57-6.91, <i>P</i> = 0.002), and prior lower respiratory tract infection (OR: 1.82; 95%CI: 1.20-2.76, <i>P</i> = 0.005). The median time to recurrence was 100 days (interquartile range: 43-125), varying across clinical and environmental subgroups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Children with certain demographic and clinical features have higher recurrent wheezing risk after ALRTI, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and early preventive care.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"113430"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010551/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517466","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}
Leana Phebe Wilson, Zubair Khan, Pushparaj Nilkanth Patil, Rajesh G Konnur, Nagarajan Sriram
{"title":"Multimodal distraction reduces intravenous cannulation pain and anxiety in preschoolers: Controlled prospective study.","authors":"Leana Phebe Wilson, Zubair Khan, Pushparaj Nilkanth Patil, Rajesh G Konnur, Nagarajan Sriram","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.111388","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.111388","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hospitalization and intravenous (IV) procedures are known to provoke significant pain and anxiety in preschool children, potentially leading to long-term psychological distress. Despite growing evidence supporting distraction techniques, practical, low-cost interventions suited for resource-limited settings remain underutilized.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the effectiveness of a nurse-led multimodal distraction intervention - comprising balloon blowing, art therapy, and kaleidoscope use - in reducing pain and anxiety during IV therapy among hospitalized preschool children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A posttest-only controlled observational study was conducted at Shri Vinoba Bhave Civil Hospital, India. A total of 600 hospitalized preschoolers (aged 3-6 years) were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (<i>n</i> = 300; distraction intervention) or control group (<i>n</i> = 300; routine care). Pain was measured using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, and anxiety was assessed using the Visual Analogue Anxiety Scale. The distraction intervention included daily 5-minute sessions: (1) Pre-procedure familiarization (balloon/art); (2) Intra-procedure distraction (kaleidoscope and balloon blowing); and (3) Post-procedure relaxation. Outcomes were evaluated on day 3. Data were analyzed using independent <i>t</i>-tests and correlation analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Children in the experimental group had significantly lower pain scores [mean ± SD (3.07 ± 1.39)] than the control group (8.80 ± 1.01) (<i>t</i> = 58.56, <i>P</i> < 0.00001). Anxiety levels were also reduced in the experimental group (5.85 ± 1.56 mm) compared to controls (9.39 ± 0.73 mm) (<i>t</i> = 35.55, <i>P</i> < 0.00001). A moderate positive correlation was found between pain and anxiety in both groups (experimental: <i>r</i> = 0.67; control: <i>r</i> = 0.66; <i>P</i> < 0.05). Significant associations were also found between pain levels and variables such as age, IV site, cannula size, and medication type (<i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrates that a simple, low-cost, nurse-led multimodal distraction strategy can significantly reduce pain and anxiety in preschool children undergoing IV therapy. Its ease of use and scalability make it highly suitable for immediate integration into pediatric care, especially in low-resource healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"111388"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010571/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517373","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":"Effectiveness of the extensively hydrolyzed formulas in the management of infantile colic: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Konstantinos Dodos, Tsampika-Vasileia Kalamara, Stylianos Xinias, Antigoni Mavroudi, Dorothea Kapoukranidou, Antigoni Sarantaki, Athina Diamanti, Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.111066","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.111066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Infantile colic (IC) is a common, self-limiting condition marked by excessive, unexplained crying. Evidence on the use of extensively hydrolyzed formulas (eHFs) as a dietary intervention remains fragmented.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of eHFs in managing symptoms of IC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane and Web of Science databases (1980-2025) identified randomized controlled trials and crossover studies assessing the efficacy of eHF in infants diagnosed with IC based on Wessel's or ROME III criteria. Studies were included if they involved infants ≤ 6 months old on partial or exclusive formula diets, and were excluded if the diagnosis was unclear. Data were synthesized qualitatively and through meta-analysis using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 340 infants across intervention and comparator arms. In all studies, eHF significantly reduced crying duration and colic symptoms compared to regular formula or dicyclomine. The meta-analysis showed a pooled OR of 4.8 (95%CI: 2.53-9.11, <i>P</i> < 0.05). Secondary outcomes such as stool consistency and parental quality of life were variably reported but tended to favor eHF.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>eHF appear significantly more effective than standard formulas and pharmacologic comparators in reducing colic-related symptoms. These findings support eHF as a viable dietary intervention for IC, though larger, well-controlled trials are warranted to confirm long-term outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"111066"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010475/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517450","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}
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Salman Alzayani, Nermin Kamal Saeed, Adel Salah Bediwy, Archana Prabu Kumar, Hosameldin A Bediwy, Reem Elbeltagi
{"title":"Gastrointestinal consequences of cesarean section birth: A systematic review of short- and long-term effects in infancy and beyond.","authors":"Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Salman Alzayani, Nermin Kamal Saeed, Adel Salah Bediwy, Archana Prabu Kumar, Hosameldin A Bediwy, Reem Elbeltagi","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.111501","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.111501","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cesarean section (C-section) delivery rates are rising globally, raising concern about their potential long-term health consequences on offspring. Emerging evidence suggests that C-section, by bypassing the physiological and microbial exposures of vaginal birth, may adversely affect neonatal gastrointestinal (GI) development and immune regulation.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the short- and long-term gastrointestinal outcomes in infants born <i>via</i> C-section, compared to those born vaginally.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published from inception to 2024. Studies were included if they reported gastrointestinal outcomes among C-section-born infants and included a vaginal delivery comparison group. Outcomes of interest included short-term disorders (infantile colic, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, dyschezia, and functional gastrointestinal disorders) and long-term conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies including cow's milk protein allergy, celiac disease, and microbiota dysbiosis). Data extraction and synthesis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>C-section -born infants demonstrated a higher risk of several short-term GI disturbances, including infantile colic, reflux, and constipation. These outcomes were consistently associated with early gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and delayed colonization by <i>Bifidobacteria</i> and <i>Bacteroides</i>. Long-term associations with C-section included a modest increase in the risk of Crohn's disease, cow's milk protein allergy, and food sensitization, while the links with ulcerative colitis and celiac disease were inconsistent. Breastfeeding, probiotic/synbiotic supplementation, and limited antibiotic exposure emerged as protective modifiable factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>C-section delivery is associated with a higher risk of adverse gastrointestinal outcomes in infancy and childhood, driven in part by early-life gut microbial disruption. Preventive strategies targeting microbial restoration and immune modulation, particularly breastfeeding and probiotic interventions, may help mitigate these risks. Clinicians should be aware of these associations to guide personalized care and parental counseling, particularly in elective C-section deliveries.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"111501"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517368","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}
Nabeel Ahmad, Uzair Ahmed, Ghulam Mohy Ud Din, Mavia Habib, Muhammad Shaheer Luqman, Muhammad Talha, Muneeb Saifullah, Ikra Rana
{"title":"Comparison of bilirubin albumin ratio and total serum bilirubin for predicting neurological dysfunction in newborns: A meta-analysis.","authors":"Nabeel Ahmad, Uzair Ahmed, Ghulam Mohy Ud Din, Mavia Habib, Muhammad Shaheer Luqman, Muhammad Talha, Muneeb Saifullah, Ikra Rana","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.112088","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.112088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) remains a serious complication of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, especially in resource-limited settings. While total serum bilirubin (TSB) is widely used for risk stratification, the bilirubin/albumin (B/A) ratio has been proposed as a surrogate for free bilirubin, the neurotoxic fraction.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare the diagnostic accuracy of the B/A ratio <i>vs</i> TSB for predicting acute BIND in neonates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating the B/A ratio and TSB for predicting BIND in neonates (≥ 35 weeks' gestational age). Data sources included PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD), sensitivity, specificity, and heterogeneity (<i>I</i> <sup>2</sup>) were calculated using a bivariate random-effects model. Meta-regression was used to assess whether biomarker type (B/A <i>vs</i> TSB) explained performance differences. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five studies involving a total of 1022 neonates were included, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 57:40. The SMD for B/A ratio was 1.71 (95%CI: 1.00-2.41, <i>P</i> < 0.0001), and for TSB it was 1.68, both showing strong associations with BIND. Meta-regression revealed no significant difference in predictive value between the two biomarkers (<i>P</i> = 0.96).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both TSB and the B/A ratio are comparably effective in predicting BIND. While the B/A ratio may provide incremental value in specific clinical contexts, current evidence supports continued reliance on TSB for routine risk stratification.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"112088"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517375","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}
Ranya Moutafakir, Oriana Denise Strilinsky-Pérez, Jesús Zamora-Tortosa, Julia Raya-Benítez, Ángela Benítez-Feliponi, Marie Carmen Valenza, María Granados-Santiago
{"title":"Beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours of physical therapists towards pediatric complex regional pain syndrome.","authors":"Ranya Moutafakir, Oriana Denise Strilinsky-Pérez, Jesús Zamora-Tortosa, Julia Raya-Benítez, Ángela Benítez-Feliponi, Marie Carmen Valenza, María Granados-Santiago","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.110584","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.110584","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pediatric complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating chronic condition that affects the quality of life and psychosocial development of children and adolescents. Despite increasing recognition, significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges persist, partly due to the lack of clinical criteria tailored to the pediatric population.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate current diagnostic and therapeutic practices in pediatric CRPS, identifying barriers to timely intervention and gaps in provider knowledge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Physiotherapists who had treated at least one pediatric CRPS case in the past two years were surveyed. The online questionnaire included 40 questions divided into three sections: Professional knowledge, therapeutic approaches, and personal perceptions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and <i>χ</i> <sup>2</sup> tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants worked in private clinics (71%) and collaborated with other healthcare professionals. About 53% had specific training in pediatric pain, while 40% had training in CRPS. Only 13% had received training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The use of the Budapest criteria was limited, primarily applied during the diagnostic suspicion phase. The most common therapeutic strategies included mirror therapy (40%) and relaxation techniques (80%). The main reported challenges were the lack of specific clinical guidelines (60%) and insufficient professional training (47%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Physical therapists are key contributors to multidisciplinary diagnosis and play a central role in managing pediatric CRPS in most cases, adopting a collaborative and largely non-pharmacological approach. However, the absence of standardized clinical guidelines limits treatment consistency. The development of pediatric-specific protocols and enhanced training in psychological therapies such as CBT is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 1","pages":"110584"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010332/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517430","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}