The evaluation of vitamin K status in children with febrile seizure.

BACKGROUND: Febrile seizure is the most common neurological disorder in childhood. The exact pathophysiology of febrile seizures is unknown. Recent studies showed the role of vitamin K in nonhematological and inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to investigate the serum vitamin K levels in children with febrile seizures. AIMS: To evaluate vitamin K levels in children with febrile seizures. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. METHODS: This multicenter study examined representative populations in 8 different cities in Turkey between April 1, 2018 and April 1, 2019. Blood samples were taken from all children at presentation. Vitamin K1, vitamin K2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A total of 155 children were included in the study-84 children with febrile seizures and 71 children in febrile control group. Serum vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 levels were also higher in children with febrile seizures than in the controls. The results of statistical analysis showed that vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 levels were correlated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels. The median vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 levels of children experiencing their first febrile seizure were higher than those in children with recurrent febrile seizures. Type of febrile seizure has no effect on serum vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 levels. CONCLUSION: In children with febrile seizures, vitamin K levels are higher than those in the control group. These new findings may contribute to elucidating the etiopathogenesis of febrile seizures.

Paracetamol infusion-related severe hypotension and cardiac arrest in a child.

Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen) is an antipyretic, non-opioid analgesic, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and is one of the most commonly used medications worldwide. In recent years, IV paracetamol has been frequently used in hospitalized patients to reduce fever and pain. Significant adverse reactions associated with intravenous paracetamol are extremely rare. Typically reported adverse events include hypotension, malaise, hypersensitivity reaction, liver enzyme elevation, and thrombocytopenia. We present herein a case of IV paracetamol infusion-related severe hypotension and cardiac arrest.

Cavernous sinus syndrome as the initial presentation of childhood non-hodgkin lymphoma.

A 10-year-old boy with unilateral ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and proptosis underwent diagnostic examination. Symptoms of headache, nausea, dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite began 14 days after the onset of ocular manifestations and 7 days before he was examined. Complete blood count showed an increased white blood cell count with 64% blast cells, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The patient was transferred to a pediatric hematology unit, where he underwent bone marrow aspiration biopsy. Bilateral ocular inflammatory findings and left-sided mild proptosis became evident. He was diagnosed as having B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma infiltrating the bilateral cavernous and sphenoid sinuses.