Clinical and Cytokine Profile of Children With COVID-19: A Report From Turkey.

Background We aimed to analyze the expression of infection-related biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines in laboratory-confirmed cases and compare the differences between clinically severe and non-severe ones. Method We randomly selected 35 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Blood serum was obtained at the time of admission to the hospital, on the third to the fifth day, and at the time of discharge. Result The median age of our patients was 56.5±69.7 months (range: 1-205 months). The mean pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) was significantly higher at the time of admission than on the third to the fifth day of illness. The mean pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels at three time points were significantly higher in patients with severe cases than in mild-moderate cases. However, there was no significant difference between the clinical severity with regard to the cytokine levels at disease onset and recovery. Conclusion In the study, it was shown that cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Therefore, it may be beneficial to use agents such as tocilizumab in the treatment.

Mortality risk factors among critically ill children with MIS-C in PICUs: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated of clinical characteristics, outcomes, and mortality risk factors of a severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children admitted to a the pediatric intensive care unit. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between March 2020 and April 2021 at 41 PICUs in Turkey. The study population comprised 322 children diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome. RESULTS: The organ systems most commonly involved were the cardiovascular and hematological systems. Intravenous immunoglobulin was used in 294 (91.3%) patients and corticosteroids in 266 (82.6%). Seventy-five (23.3%) children received therapeutic plasma exchange treatment. Patients with a longer duration of the PICU stay had more frequent respiratory, hematological, or renal involvement, and also had higher D-dimer, CK-MB, and procalcitonin levels. A total of 16 patients died, with mortality higher in patients with renal, respiratory, or neurological involvement, with severe cardiac impairment or shock. The non-surviving group also had higher leukocyte counts, lactate and ferritin levels, and a need for mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of MIS-C, high levels of D-dimer and CK-MB are associated with a longer duration of PICU stay. Non-survival correlates with elevated leukocyte counts and lactate and ferritin levels. We were unable to show any positive effect of therapeutic plasma exchange therapy on mortality. IMPACT: MIS-C is a life-threatening condition. Patients need to be followed up in the intensive care unit. Early detection of factors associated with mortality can improve outcomes. Determining the factors associated with mortality and length of stay will help clinicians in patient management. High D-dimer and CK-MB levels were associated with longer PICU stay, and higher leukocyte counts, ferritin and lactate levels, and mechanical ventilation were associated with mortality in MIS-C patients. We were unable to show any positive effect of therapeutic plasma exchange therapy on mortality.

Snakebites in Pediatric Patients in Kahramanmaras: Is Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide a Prognostic Biomarker for Snakebites?

BACKGROUND: Snake envenomations are a serious cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. AIMS: This study was conducted to investigate snake bites in pediatric patients in Kahramanmaras and to determine whether pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) has a prognostic value in these patients. METHODS: Pediatric patients aged <18 years who presented to the pediatric emergency department with snakebites were reviewed retrospectively. The demographical, clinical, laboratory, treatments, and outcomes data were collected from their medical records. Stage 0 and 1 envenomation was considered as a non-serious complication and stage 2 and 3 envenomation was considered as a serious complication. RESULTS: A total of 32 pediatric patients, six females and 26 males, between 2016 and 2021, were included in the study. The mean age was 12.52±3.28 years. There were seven patients without serious complications and 25 patients with serious complications. The best cutoff point for proBNP to predict serious complications was found to be ≥272.5 ng∙L-1 (sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 100%, p=0.011). We also detected complex regional pain syndrome in one of our patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, proBNP was shown to be predictive of a poor outcome of snakebites. Moreover, complex regional pain syndrome, which is rarely reported in the literature, should be kept in mind during the long-term follow-up of snakebites.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19 in 101 cases from Turkey (Turk-MISC study).

AIM: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) may cause shock and even death in children. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features, laboratory characteristics and outcome of children diagnosed with MIS-C in 25 different hospitals in Turkey. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted between 8 April and 28 October 2020 in 25 different hospitals from 17 cities. Data were collected from patients' medical records using a standardised form. Clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes according to different age groups, gender and body mass index percentiles were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The study comprised 101 patients, median age 7 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4.6-9.3); 51 (50.5%) were boys. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was positive in 21/100 (21%) patients; 62/83 (74.6%) patients had positive serology for SARS-CoV-2. The predominant complaints were fever (100%), fatigue (n = 90, 89.1%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 81, 80.2%). Serum C-reactive protein (in 101 patients, median 165 mg/L; range 112-228), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (73/84, median 53 mm/s; IQR 30-84) and procalcitonin levels (86/89, median 5 µg/L; IQR 0.58-20.2) were elevated. Thirty-eight patients (37.6%) required admission to intensive care. Kawasaki disease (KD) was diagnosed in 70 (69.3%) patients, 40 of whom had classical KD. Most patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 92, 91%) and glucocorticoids (n = 59, 58.4%). Seven patients (6.9%) died. CONCLUSION: The clinical spectrum of MIS-C is broad, but clinicians should consider MIS-C in the differential diagnosis when persistent fever, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms are prominent. Most patients diagnosed with MIS-C were previously healthy. Immunomodulatory treatment and supportive intensive care are important in the management of cases with MIS-C. Glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulins are the most common immunomodulatory treatment options for MIS-C. Prompt diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for optimal management.

Influenza Virus Associated Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to determine the clinical characteristics, treatment approaches and the course of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) which developed associated with the influenza virus in the 2019-20 season. METHODS: Patients included 1 month to 18 years who were diagnosed with PARDS associated with the influenza virus in the 2019-20 season. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 64.16 ± 6.53 months, with 60% of the group <5 years. Influenza A was determined in 54 (80.5%) patients and Influenza B in 13 (19.5%). The majority of patients (73.1%) had a comorbidity. Fifty-eight (86.6%) patients were applied with invasive mechanical ventilation, Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference classification was mild in 5 (8.6%), moderate in 22 (37.9%) and severe in 31 (52.5%) patients. Ventilation was applied in the prone position to 40.3% of the patients, and in nonconventional modes to 24.1%. A total of 22 (33%) patients died, of which 4 had been previously healthy. Of the surviving 45 patients, 38 were discharged without support and 7 patients with a new morbidity. CONCLUSION: Both Influenza A and Influenza B cause severe PARDS with similar characteristics and at high rates. Influenza-related PARDS cause 33% mortality and 15.5% morbidity among the study group. Healthy children, especially those aged younger than 5 years, are also at risk.

Thrombotic Microangiopathy in a Severe Pediatric Case of COVID-19.

In this case report, we report a pediatric patient with COVID-19 and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). A 3-year-old girl with fever and respiratory distress was admitted to the hospital. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 by a PCR test. As her respiratory distress increased and blood gas indicated deep respiratory acidosis on the third day of the pediatric intensive care unit follow-up, the patient was intubated and ventilated. Thorax computerized tomography (CT) showed bilateral effusion and atelectasis. During her follow-up, the pleural effusion resolved but there were marked consolidation areas and ground glass opacities compatible with COVID-19 on the follow-up CT. On the 10th day, she became anuric and developed progressive thrombocytopenia and persistent microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, which were suggestive of HUS given a high creatinine level (1.9 mg/dl), an undetectable haptoglobin level, reticulocytosis (8%), and an LDH level of 2540 U/l. Direct Coombs test returned negative. Examination of a peripheral blood smear revealed schistocytes. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was ruled out by normal INR and PTT. In the light of the available findings, we considered the patient to have thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) triggered by COVID-19. It was not a TTP-form of TMA but rather an aHUS type, based on an ADAMTS13 activity level >5%. Hence, plasmapheresis was performed with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). After 4 weeks, she became completely asymptomatic, and her hemodynamic parameters normalized. COVID-19 induced uncontrolled complement activation leading to the development of aHUS. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce morbidity and mortality since its treatment options.

Evaluation of the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of pediatric chronic critical illness.

Our aim was to determine characteristics of children with chronic critical illness (CCI) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care children's hospital in Turkey. The current study was a multicenter retrospective cohort study that was done from 2014 to 2017. It involved three university hospitals PICUs in which multiple criteria were set to identify pediatric CCIs. Pediatric patients staying in the ICU for at least 14 days and having at least one additional criterion, including prolonged mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, sepsis, severe wound (burn) or trauma, encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus, being postoperative, and neuromuscular disease, was accepted as CCI. In order to identify the newborn as a chronic critical patient, a stay in the intensive care unit for at least 30 days in addition to prematurity was required. Eight hundred eighty seven (11.14%) of the patients who were admitted to the PICU met the definition of CCI and 775 of them (87.3%) were discharged to their home. Of CCI patients, 289 (32.6%) were premature and 678 (76.4%) had prolonged mechanical ventilation. The total cost values for 2017 were statistically higher than the other years. As the length of ICU stay increased, the costs also increased. Interestingly, high incidence rates were observed for PCCI in our hospitals and these patients occupied 38.01% of the intensive care bed capacity. In conclusion, we observed that prematurity and prolonged mechanical ventilation increase the length of ICU stay, which also increased the costs. More work is needed to better understand PCCI.

The Role of ProBNP on Prognosis in Scorpion Stings.

INTRODUCTION: Scorpion stings are a major health problem with potentially fatal consequences. Children under the age of 10 y especially face a great risk. Predicting the prognosis is important in reducing mortality and morbidity because it enables the use of early treatment options. In this study, we examine the relationship between proBNP and prognosis in scorpion stings. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients aged ≤18 y who were admitted to the child emergency service with a scorpion sting. We examined the demographical data, clinical findings, laboratory records, treatments, and results of the patients. We classified stage 1 and stage 2 scorpion envenomation as group 1 (mild-moderate) and stage 3 and 4 as group 2 (severe). A t test was used for normally distributed data, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for nonnormally distributed data. The correlation analysis was done using the Spearman test. RESULTS: There were 32 (74%) patients in the mild-moderate group and 11 (26%) in the severe group. ProBNP 1 was significantly higher in the severe group at admission (P=0.016). There was no difference between the troponin I values (P=0.051). ProBNP 2 (12th hour) and proBNP 3 (24th hour) were higher in the severe group (P=0.001 and P=0.032, respectively). There was a negative correlation between proBNP and echocardiographic findings involving ejection fraction and shortening fraction (r=-0.703, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the first proBNP values were significantly higher in the severe group. This suggests that proBNP may be beneficial in predicting prognosis.

Is N95 face mask linked to dizziness and headache?

OBJECTIVES: During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals are recommended to use PPE to prevent the transmission of disease. Healthcare workers who use N95 FFR, which has an important place, experience complaints such as headache and dizziness. In this study, we plan to find the cause of these complaints and aim to clarify whether they are associated with the use of N95 mask. METHOD: Healthcare workers first put on a surgical mask for at least 1 h and a maximum of 4 h, this process was then repeated on another day with the same workers wearing N95 masks. After removing the mask, capillary blood gases were taken and a questionnaire was given. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants over the age of 18 were included in the study; 19 participants were female (56%) and 15 male (44%). The results of the capillary blood gas analysis after the use of surgical mask and N95 mask, respectively: pH: 7.43 ± 0.03; 7.48 ± 0.04 (p < 0.001); pCO2: 37.33 ± 8.81; 28.46 ± 7.77 mmHg (p < 0.001); HCO3: 24.92 ± 2.86; 23.73 ± 3.29 mmol/L (p = 0.131); Base excess (BE): 1.40 (- 3.90-3.10); - 2.68 (- 4.50-1.20) [median (Q1-Q3)] (p = 0.039); lactate: 1.74 ± 0.68; 1.91 ± 0.61 (p = 0314). Headache, attention deficit and difficulty in concentrating were significantly higher after using N95 mask. CONCLUSION: Respiratory alkalosis and hypocarbia were detected after the use of N95. Acute respiratory alkalosis can cause headache, anxiety, tremor, muscle cramps. In this study, it was quantitatively shown that the participants' symptoms were due to respiratory alkalosis and hypocarbia.

Evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers in acute mercury intoxication.

INTRODUCTION: Very few studies have evaluated the association between mercury exposure and oxidative stress in humans, particularly in children. AIM: This is the first report where we aimed to determine the oxidative stress status of children who were accidentally exposed to elemental mercury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, the study group was composed of 86 randomly selected children poisoned by mercury; the control group was composed of 78 children who had no history of mercury exposure. At admission, blood samples were collected. Blood superoxide dismutase activity, catalase enzyme activity, and glutathione peroxidase activity were measured by Fridovich, Beutler, and Lawrence Burk methods respectively, and the results were given as U/g Hb. Malondialdehyde level was measured by Ohkawa methods, and the results were given as mmol/ml. RESULTS: Catalase activity was significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group (1.28±0.62 vs. 3.90±0.86 U/g Hb, p=0.010). In exposed children, SOD activity was significantly higher than the controls (5936±810 vs. 2226±464 U/g Hb, p=0.03), while the GSH-Px activity was significantly lower (13.01±3.21 vs. 34.97±7.32 U/g Hb, p=0.013). The MDA levels of the mercury group were significantly higher than the MDA levels of the control group (2.85±0.84 vs. 2.05±0.79 mmol/ml, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that acute mercury poisoning causes an alteration of oxidative stress status in children exposed to elemental mercury.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura.

INTRODUCTION: Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitic syndrome characterized by non-thrombocytopenic purpura, arthritis/arthralgia, abdominal pain, and glomerulonephritis. The pathogenesis of HSP has not been clearly identified. Oxidative damage has a role in the pathogenesis of most cases. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate changes of oxidative stress by studying parameters like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in an attempt to identify the role of oxidative stress in HSP from another perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 23 pediatric patients (ten girls and thirteen boys) diagnosed with HSP who were under follow-up at Sutcu Imam University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics between 2014 and 2016 and twenty healthy children as the control group. The parents of all subjects gave informed consent to participate in the study. In the HSP group, the beginning season of the illness and the systemic involvement during follow-up were determined. Blood specimens were obtained at presentation before any treatment was started. SOD, CAT activities, and MDA values in erythrocyte and plasma samples were compared between the patient group and the healthy children. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with HSP (13 males, 10 females) and 20 healthy children participated in this study. The mean age of the HSP cases was 8.21±3.78 years (range 2-16 years) and of the controls was 8.6±4.2 (range 3-14 years). The mean MDA value was 2.95±0.71 nmol/ml in the patient group and 2.67±0.66 nmol/ml in the control group (p=0.787). The mean level of the CAT enzyme was 1.32±0.35 U/g Hb in the patient group and 7.8±1.74 U/g Hb in the control group (p=0.001). The mean levels of the SOD enzyme were 3.06±0.85 U/g Hb in the patient group and 0.97±0.36 U/g Hb in the control group (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although high MDA levels support the role of lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of HSP, statistical significance was not reached owing to a limited number of our patients. The reduced CAT enzyme activity is consistent with the findings of previous reports. This finding supports the notion that oxidative stress can play a role in the pathogenesis of HSP. KEYPOINTS: Our findings support the notion that oxidative stress can play a role in the pathogenesis of HSP.

Assessment of Children Exposed to Maras Powder Intoxication.

INTRODUCTION: A smokeless tobacco known as Maras powder (MP) is commonly consumed in the southern region of Turkey. To the extent of our knowledge, no previous study in literature has reported acute MP intoxication in children. AIM: Our aim was to determine the clinical effects and treatment strategies of MP poisoning in children.Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children <18 years of age with MP intoxication who were followed up in the Intensive Care Unit between January 2016 and April 2018 in our center. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (M/F= 25/16) were included in this study. The mean age was 13.2±22.4 months (age range: 7 to 30 months). The patients presented with vomiting (n=23, 56%), cough (n=17, 41.5%), loss of consciousness (n=11, 26.8%), respiratory distress (n=6, 14.6%), convulsion (n=7, 17%), cyanosis (n=1, 2.4%), and abdominal pain (n=1, 2.4%) following oral ingestion of the substance. On their physical examination all patients with convulsion were in a comatose state. Thirty-two patients (78%) had tachycardia; 15 patients (36.5%) had pharyngeal hyperemia; and three (7.3%) had hiccups. Although the female patients had a lesser rate of symptoms than male patients, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our aim was to inform the doctors about the clinical picture that develops after taking this substance and contribute to the understanding of the treatment approach.

The Role of Natural Antioxidants Against Reactive Oxygen Species Produced by Cadmium Toxicity: A Review.

Cadmium (Cd) is a significant ecotoxic heavy metal that adversely affects all biological processes of humans, animals and plants. Exposure to acute and chronic Cd damages many organs in humans and animals (e.g. lung, liver, brain, kidney, and testes). In humans, the Cd concentration at birth is zero, but because the biological half-life is long (about 30 years in humans), the concentration increases with age. The industrial developments of the last century have significantly increased the use of this metal. Especially in developing countries, this consumption is higher. Oxidative stress is the imbalance between antioxidants and oxidants. Cd increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and causes oxidative stress. Excess cellular levels of ROS cause damage to proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, membranes and organelles. This damage has been associated with various diseases. These include cancer, hypertension, ischemia/perfusion, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, insulin resistance, acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, skin diseases, chronic kidney disease, eye diseases, neurodegenerative diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington disease). Natural antioxidants are popular drugs that are used by the majority of people and have few side effects. Natural antioxidants play an important role in reducing free radicals caused by Cd toxicity. Our goal in this review is to establish the relationship between Cd and oxidative stress and to discuss the role of natural antioxidants in reducing Cd toxicity.

Daily Practice of Mechanical Ventilation and Weaning in Turkish PICUs: A Multicenter Prospective Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate conventional mechanical ventilation weaning characteristics of patients requiring conventional mechanical ventilation support for greater than 48 hours within the PICU. DESIGN: The prospective observational multicenter cohort study was conducted at 15 hospitals. Data were being collected from November 2013 to June 2014, with two designated researchers from each center responsible for follow-up and data entry. SETTING: Fifteen tertiary PICUs in Turkey. PATIENTS: Patients between 1 month and 18 years old requiring conventional mechanical ventilation for greater than 48 hours were included. A single-center was not permitted to surpass 20% of the total sample size. Patients with no plans for conventional mechanical ventilation weaning were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Conventional mechanical ventilation MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: Pertinent variables included PICU and patient demographics, including clinical data, chronic diseases, comorbid conditions, and reasons for intubation. Conventional mechanical ventilation mode and weaning data were characterized by daily ventilator parameters and blood gases. Patients were monitored until hospital discharge. Of the 410 recruited patients, 320 were included for analyses. A diagnosis of sepsis requiring intubation and high initial peak inspiratory pressures correlated with a longer weaning period (mean, 3.65 vs 1.05-2.17 d; p < 0.001). Conversely, age, admission Pediatric Risk of Mortality III scores, days of conventional mechanical ventilation before weaning, ventilator mode, and chronic disease were not related to weaning duration. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients requiring conventional mechanical ventilation with a diagnosis of sepsis and high initial peak inspiratory pressures may require longer conventional mechanical ventilation weaning prior to extubation. Causative factors and optimal weaning for this cohort needs further consideration.

The comparison of the resistivity index values in the ultrasonographic evaluation of a unilateral atrophic/hypoplastic kidney.

Background: In the study, we aimed to determine the sensitivity of the renal resistivity index (RI) in differentiating hypoplastic and atrophic kidneys in patients with small-sized kidneys, and to evaluate its capacity to predict the renal involvement confirmed by the DMSA scintigraphy.Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the ultrasonography (US) and DMSA findings, and medical records of pediatric patients with unilateral diminutive kidneys followed between January 2017 and June 2018. The RI measurements were performed twice, and the mean RI was calculated for each kidney of all patients.Results: Sixty-three (male/female, m/f = 28/35) pediatric patients aged 107.2 ± 49.4 months (range 14-206 months) were included in this study. The DMSA scintigraphy revealed abnormal changes to atrophic kidneys in 38 patients and hypoplastic kidneys in 25. There were no differences between the groups with atrophy and hypoplasia by age, gender, urine density, and creatinine. The patient group with atrophic kidneys had a mean RI of 0.55 ± 0.21, and patients with hypoplastic kidneys had a mean RI of 0.67 ± 0.03. The mean RI and systolic/diastolic rates of the patients with atrophy were significantly lower than of the patients with hypoplastic kidneys (p = 0.042 and p = 0.048, respectively). There was a positive correlation between RI and DFR in the group with atrophy (r = 0.461, p = 0.016), but this was not the case for the group with hypoplastic kidneys (r= -0.066, p = 0.889).Conclusions: The resistivity index might be very useful for differentiating atrophy and hypoplasia in patients with unilateral small kidneys and can be used instead of scintigraphic evaluation.

Role of Hemodialysis in the Management of Cyanide Intoxication From Apricot Kernels in a 3-Year-Old Child.

Cyanide (CN) is one among the most potent and rapidly acting lethal poisons, and it may cause death unless immediately diagnosed and treated. We report an unusual case of pediatric CN poisoning after ingestion of apricot kernels containing amygdalin, who survived with antidotal therapy and hemodialysis. A 3-year-old girl presented with respiratory distress and coma following tonic-clonic convulsions after ingestion of 3 apricot kernels. She had severe metabolic acidosis (pH 6.91, bicarbonate [HCO3] 5.6 mEq/L, base excess -26.0 mEq/L). Her blood CN level was measured 3.15 mg/L, 3 hours after ingestion. Hydroxocobalamin could not be administered immediately because it had to be brought from a medical center 4 hours apart. Therefore, a 3-hour hemodialysis session was carried out, following which she showed some clinical improvement. In addition, when hydroxocobalamin was obtained, it was then administered. During follow-up, she was completely asymptomatic with blood pressure, and other hemodynamic parameters normalized. This case presents hemodialysis as a way to correct metabolic derangements from CN poisoning and suggests that it may have a role in select cases of pediatric CN poisoning, especially when CN-scavenging antidotes may be unavailable.

Acute Mercury Poisoning in a Group of School Children.

OBJECTIVE: Elemental mercury is a toxic liquid element that is used widely in the home, medicine, agriculture, and industry. It is readily vaporized and inhaled at room temperature. Thereby, inhalation can cause acute or chronic poisoning. Mercury can be found in environmental naturally find but some dangers sources give rise to contaminations. It can be very dangerous to all living organisms, especially children. METHODS: This study presents the features of mercury poisoning in a group of pediatric cases. Data were obtained for 29 pediatric cases exposed to elemental mercury in a high school chemistry laboratory in Turkey. Patients with a blood mercury level exceeding 10 µg/L or a urine mercury level exceeding 15 µg/L were considered to have mercury poisoning. The patients were treated with 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonic acid or D-penicillamine. RESULTS: Twenty-nine children with mercury poisoning were admitted to the hospital. The median duration of exposure was 58 (range, 15-120) minutes. Ten (29%) children were asymptomatic. Physical and neurological examinations were normal in 19 (65.5%) children. The most common presenting complaint was headache. The most common neurological abnormality, partly dilated/dilated pupils, was present in 9 (31%) children. Mercury levels were measured in blood samples every 5 days, and the median blood mercury level was 51.98 (range, 24.9-86.4) µg/L. There was a positive correlation between the duration of exposure and maximum blood/urine mercury levels (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elemental mercury exposure is potentially toxic; its symptomatology varies, especially in children. Secure storage of mercury and other toxic substances and provision of information about this subject to individuals who might be exposed to mercury and their families might help to prevent mercury poisoning.

Ultrasound Elastography in Pediatric Congenital Hypothyroid Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is most frequently encountered in newborns as an endocrine disorder characterized by thyroid hormone deficiency, and is one of the most common reasons for preventable mental retardation. This prospective study was designed to detect the pediatric occurrences of CH followed as euthyroid, with no anomalies detected via US on the gray scale, in comparison with a pediatric group with normal levels. METHODS: A total of 42 apparently healthy children with no thyroid disorder (Group 1) and 54 euthyroid CH (Group 2) using thyroid hormone were included in this study. Both B-mode gray scale ultrasound (US) and elastography examinations were made using Toshiba Aplio 400 device (Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Otawara, Japan), with a 12 MHz linear probe. All the radiological examinations were made by a single radiologic physician with at least 5 years of experience in elastography. RESULTS: In total, 96 occurrences in the right and left lobes of 192 thyroid gland measurements were included in the research. There were 20 males and 22 females in the healthy group (n=42), and 28 males and 26 females in the CH group (n=54). Although, there were no significant differences in the average age or gender (p=0.563), there were significant differences in the strain index (SI) values in the CH group.The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was done to calculate the cut-off value for diagnosing CH with strain index ratio (SIR); the value of the cut-off was 0.695, with 63.1% sensitivity and 50.9% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study about CH in children. Our study found the SIR of CH to be higher than the normal thyroid parenchyma. It showed that in parenchymal related CH, SE should be used. This study should be a guide for new studies that should be done about the different etiological factors of CH.

Acute mercury poisoning among children in two provinces of Turkey.

Elemental mercury exposure occurs frequently and is potentially a toxic, particularly in children. Children are often attracted to elemental mercury because of its color, density, and tendency to form beads. Clinical manifestations of elemental mercury intoxication vary depending on its form, concentration, route of ingestion, and the duration of exposure. We present data on 179 pediatric cases of elemental mercury poisoning from exposure to mercury in schools in two different provinces of Turkey. Of all patients, 160 children had both touched/played with the mercury and inhaled its vapors, while 26 children had only inhaled the mercury vapor, two children reported having tasted the mercury. The median duration of exposure was 5 min (min 1-max 100), and 11 (6 %) children were exposed to the mercury for more than 24 h at home. More than half of the children (51.9 %) were asymptomatic at admission. Headache was the most common presenting complaint. The results of physical and neurological examinations were normal in 80 (44.6 %) children. Mid-dilated/dilated pupils were the most common neurological abnormality, and this sign was present in 90 (50.2 %) children. Mercury levels were measured in 24-h urine samples daily, and it was shown that the median urinary level of mercury was 29.80 µg/L (min, 2.40 µg/L; max, 4,687 µg/L). A positive correlation was also found between the duration of exposure and urinary mercury levels (r = 0.23, p = 0.001). All patients were followed up for 6 months. On the first follow-up visit performed 1 month after discharge, the neurological examinations of all patients were normal except for those patients with peripheral neuropathy and visual field defects. On the last follow-up visit at the sixth month, only two children still experienced visual field defects. In conclusion, this study is one of the largest case series of mercury intoxication of students in schools. Elemental mercury exposure can be potentially toxic, and its symptomatology is variable, particularly in children. Therefore, school staff and children should be aware of the risk of mercury toxicity. Pediatricians also need to warn parents and children about the hazards of playing with any chemical.

The epidemiology and economic impact of varicella-related hospitalizations in Turkey from 2008 to 2010: a nationwide survey during the pre-vaccine era (VARICOMP study).

Varicella can cause complications that are potentially serious and require hospitalization. Our current understanding of the causes and incidence of varicella-related hospitalization in Turkey is limited and sufficiently accurate epidemiological and economical information is lacking. The aim of this study was to estimate the annual incidence of varicella-related hospitalizations, describe the complications, and estimate the annual mortality and cost of varicella in children. VARICOMP is a multi-center study that was performed to provide epidemiological and economic data on hospitalization for varicella in children between 0 and 15 years of age from October 2008 to September 2010 in Turkey. According to medical records from 27 health care centers in 14 cities (representing 49.3% of the childhood population in Turkey), 824 children (73% previously healthy) were hospitalized for varicella over the 2-year period. Most cases occurred in the spring and early summer months. Most cases were in children under 5 years of age, and 29.5% were in children under 1 year of age. The estimated incidence of varicella-related hospitalization was 5.29-6.89 per 100,000 in all children between 0-15 years of age in Turkey, 21.7 to 28 per 100,000 children under 1 year of age, 9.8-13.8 per 100,000 children under 5 years of age, 3.96-6.52 per 100,000 children between 5 and 10 years of age and 0.42 to 0.71 per 100,000 children between 10 and 15 years of age. Among the 824 children, 212 (25.7%) were hospitalized because of primary varicella infection. The most common complications in children were secondary bacterial infection (23%), neurological (19.1%), and respiratory (17.5%) complications. Secondary bacterial infections (p < 0.001) and neurological complications (p < 0.001) were significantly more common in previously healthy children, whereas hematological complications (p < 0.001) were more commonly observed in children with underlying conditions. The median length of the hospital stay was 6 days, and it was longer in children with underlying conditions (<0.001). The median cost of hospitalization per patient was $338 and was significantly higher in children with underlying conditions (p < 0.001). The estimated direct annual cost (not including the loss of parental work time and school absence) of varicella-related hospitalization in children under the age of 15 years in Turkey was $856,190 to $1,407,006. According to our estimates, 882 to 1,450 children are hospitalized for varicella each year, reflecting a population-wide occurrence of 466-768 varicella cases per 100,000 children. In conclusion, this study confirms that varicella-related hospitalizations are not uncommon in children, and two thirds of these children are otherwise healthy. The annual cost of hospitalization for varicella reflects only a small part of the overall cost of this disease, as only a very few cases require hospital admission. The incidence of this disease was higher in children <1 year of age, and there are no prevention strategies for these children other than population-wide vaccination. Universal vaccination is therefore the only realistic option for the prevention of severe complications and deaths. The surveillance of varicella-associated complications is essential for monitoring of the impact of varicella immunization.