Evaluation of treatment and long-term management of anaphylaxis in pediatric departments of Greece: a 2-year nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis proportions of incidence are increasing globally. However, limited data are available regarding anaphylaxis in the pediatric population of Greece. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate management of anaphylaxis in Greek pediatric departments. METHODS: We performed a questionnaire-based study of children aged less than 16 years presenting with anaphylaxis in 10 national pediatric hospitals over a period of 2 years. Management of anaphylaxis was assessed prior to and after an informative intervention. RESULTS: In all, 127 cases of anaphylaxis were identified. Epinephrine was administered in almost half of all cases (51.2%), predominantly through intramuscular route (88.5%), while the majority of anaphylaxis patients were treated with antihistamines (92.9%) and corticosteroids (70.1%). Epinephrine was more likely administered by physicians if the elicitor was a drug (P < 0.003). Regarding long-term management, an epinephrine auto-injector was prescribed in 66.9% of patients. Follow-up information was available for most of the patients (92.9%), the majority of whom (76.3%) were referred to an allergist. More than half of these patients (63.6%) had a documented allergy follow-up, which identified a causative allergen in 53.3% of cases. No statistically significant differences were recorded prior to and after the intervention regarding management of anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study highlighted the necessity of further improvement in terms of anaphylaxis treatment and secondary prevention measures. This presupposes appropriate education and training of healthcare professionals, thus contributing to proper and comprehensive care of the pediatric population.

A Clinical Approach of Allergic Rhinitis in Children.

Allergic rhinitis is an important disease with a global footprint and a growing prevalence, affecting children and adults. Although it is commonly under-diagnosed and under-treated, it causes important social and economic effects (diminished quality of life, poor academic performance, escalated medical visits, heightened medication usage, and effects in other chronic conditions, e.g., asthma). It is characterized by distinctive, easily identifiable symptoms (sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, nasal-eye-palatal itching) and indirect accompanying indicators (fatigue and decreased school performance). The classification of allergic rhinitis hinges upon its nature and chronic distribution (seasonal or perennial) and its intensity, which spans from mild to moderate and severe. The diagnostic process primarily relies upon recognizing key clinical indicators, evaluating historical records, and considering risk factors. It is supported by abnormal laboratory findings, like in vitro allergen-specific IgE tests (enzyme immunoassay-EIA, chemiluminense immunoassay-CLIA) or in vivo skin prick tests for specific allergens. In the differential diagnosis, other chronic diseases manifesting with chronic rhinitis should be excluded (e.g., rhinosinusitis, chronic non-allergic rhinitis, rhinitis triggered by medications). The treatment of allergic rhinitis in children is mainly chronic and is focused on allergen exposure prevention, drug therapy, and immunotherapy in severe cases. Locally administered intranasal corticosteroids are the cornerstone of therapy. They are safe, effective, and have a favorable safety profile even during long-term use. Choosing a suitable intranasal corticosteroid drug with low systemic bioavailability makes long-term treatment even safer. Combinations of intranasal corticosteroids and H1 antihistamines are available in several countries and are widely used in more severe cases and the presence of year-round symptoms. Adding newer-generation oral H1-antihistamines broadens the available therapeutic inventory without significant effects compared to using previous-generation, once widely available, H1-antihistamines. Treatment of allergic rhinitis is complex and multi-dimensional, requiring an effective approach by a specialized group of specialized pediatricians, and is severely affected by the concurrent presence or development of other diseases in the spectrum of allergic diseases (conjunctivitis, asthma).

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy as an Effective and Reliable Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: An Overview of the Literature.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The aim of this study was to review the current literature and attempt to clarify whether endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF) is an effective and reliable treatment for plantar fasciitis in comparison with other invasive or noninvasive treatments. We performed an electronic search of the medical literature in PubMed database using combinations of the following keywords: plantar fasciitis, endoscopic treatment, and plantar aponeurosis. Overall, we had shown that patients had better scores following EPF/endoscopic plantar fascia release. The clinical scores were improved postoperatively and most of the patients were satisfied. Furthermore, the clinical trials showed that time to return to work or to previous activities was shorter compared with other treatments. These studies suggest that EPF/endoscopic plantar fascia release is probably an effective treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. EPF is an efficient, safe treatment with good early postoperative results in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. There is evidence that other methods are equivalently effective for EPF, and some authors support that they should be considered as a second-line treatment because of their minimal invasive character and very low risk of complications; thus, more research is required.

Antibiotic Resistance in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: Past, Present, and Future.

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, especially during the pulmonary exacerbations of the disease. However, the available therapeutic strategies are frequently inadequate to eradicate the involved pathogens and most importantly, facilitate the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The evaluation of AMR is demanding; conventional culture-based susceptibility-testing techniques cannot account for the lung microenvironment and/or the adaptive mechanisms developed by the pathogens, such as biofilm formation. Moreover, features linked to modified pharmaco-kinetics and pulmonary parenchyma penetration make the dosing of antibiotics even more challenging. In this review, we present the existing knowledge regarding AMR in CF, we shortly review the existing therapeutic strategies, and we discuss the future directions of antimicrobial stewardship. Due to the increasing difficulty in eradicating strains that develop AMR, the appropriate management should rely on targeting the underlying resistance mechanisms; thus, the interest in novel, molecular-based diagnostic tools, such as metagenomic sequencing and next-generation transcriptomics, has increased exponentially. Moreover, since the development of new antibiotics has a slow pace, the design of effective treatment strategies to eradicate persistent infections represents an urgency that requires consorted work. In this regard, both the management and monitoring of antibiotics usage are obligatory and more relevant than ever.

Biologic Therapies in Pediatric Asthma.

Undeniably, childhood asthma is a multifactorial and heterogeneous chronic condition widespread in children. Its management, especially of the severe form refractory to standard therapy remains challenging. Over the past decades, the development of biologic agents and their subsequent approval has provided an advanced and very promising treatment alternative, eventually directing toward a successful precision medicine approach. The application of currently approved add-on treatments for severe asthma in children, namely omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab, and tezepelumab have been shown to be effective in terms of asthma control and exacerbation rate. However, to date, information is still lacking regarding its long-term use. As a result, data are frequently extrapolated from adult studies. Thus, the selection of the appropriate biologic agent, the potential predictors of good asthma response, and the long-term outcome in the pediatric population are still to be further investigated. The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of the current status of the latest evidence about all licensed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that have emerged and been applied to the field of asthma management. The innovative future targets are also briefly discussed.

Association between History of Prolonged Exclusive Breast-Feeding and the Lung Function Indices in Childhood.

Although the propitious effects of breastfeeding on children's health are indisputable, the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on the lung function later in life remains controversial. Our objective was to explore the possible associations between breastfeeding and the lung function of children who were exclusively breastfed for an extensive period of time. This was a cross-sectional study of children who were exclusively breastfed for more than 12 months. Demographics and anthropometric data were collected; the body mass index (BMI), % body fat, and % central obesity were calculated; and all the participants underwent standard spirometry with reversibility testing. The relationship between breastfeeding duration and spirometric parameters was assessed by Spearman's correlation and multivariable regression, after adjustment for other confounders. Forty-six children (21 boys), aged 9.2 ± 2.4 years, with a reported breastfeeding duration of 27.5 ± 12.5 months (range 12-60 months) were included; 13% were overweight (none were obese) and 21.7% had central obesity. The average FEV1 was 104.7 ± 10.4% and the average FEF25-75 was 107.9 ± 13.3%. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was positively correlated with FEF25-75% (r = 0.422, p = 0.003). Multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed the above finding (beta coefficient 0.478, p = 0.002), independently of age, overweight, and central obesity. No correlation was noted between the duration of breastfeeding and other spirometric parameters. In addition to its favorable impact on the metabolic profile, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding seems to exert a propitious effect on the function of smaller airways throughout childhood.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty, Deltopectoral Approach vs. Anterosuperior Approach: An Overview of the Literature.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become an optimal treatment for numerous orthopedic entities, such as rotator cuff tear arthropathies, pseudoparalysis, fracture sequelae, acute fractures, failed arthroplasties, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and is linked with relief of topical pain and regaining of functionality. Presently, RSA has been conducted through anterosuperior (AS) or deltopectoral (DP) approach. The aim of the study was to discuss both approaches and to examine broadly their features to render a comparison in terms of clinical effectiveness. An electronic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was performed, using combinations of the following keywords: RSA, DP approach, AS approach, notching, and cuff tear arthropathy. A total of 61 studies were found, and 16 relevant articles were eventually included. Currently published literature has not shown significant diversities in the clinical course due to approach preference; risk of instability seems to be greater in DP approach, while regarding scapular notching and fracture rates the findings were conflicted. In addition, the AS approach has been associated with decreased risk of acromial and scapular spine fractures. In conclusion, both surgical approaches have shown similar clinical outcomes and effectiveness concerning pain and restoring range of motion (ROM) in rotator cuff tear arthropathies. In the future, further investigations based on large-scale well-designed studies are required to address clinical gaps allowing in-depth comparison of both approaches.

Association of breastfeeding with tidal breathing analysis in infants with bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND: Tidal breathing flow-volume (TBFV) analysis provides important information about lung mechanics in infants. AIM: To assess the effects of breastfeeding on the TBFV measurements of infants who recover from acute bronchiolitis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, TBFV analysis was performed in infants with bronchiolitis prior to hospital discharge. The ratio of time to peak expiratory flow to total expiratory time (tPEF/tE) at baseline and after the administration of 400 mcg salbutamol was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 56 infants (35 boys), aged 7.4 ± 2.8 mo, were included. Of them, 12.5% were exposed to tobacco smoke and 41.1% were breastfed less than 2 mo. There were no differences in baseline TBFV measurements between the breastfeeding groups; however, those who breastfed longer than 2 mo had a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation (12% ± 10.4% vs 0.9% ± 7.1%; P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a clear dose-response relationship between tPEF/tE reversibility and duration of breastfeeding (P < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, infants who breastfed less (regression coefficient -0.335, P = 0.010) or were exposed to cigarette smoke (regression coefficient 0.353, P = 0.007) showed a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation, independent of sex, prematurity, and family history of asthma or atopy. CONCLUSION: Infants who recover from bronchiolitis and have a shorter duration of breastfeeding or are exposed to cigarette smoke, have TBFV measurements indicative of obstructive lung disease.

Coronavirus global pandemic: An overview of current findings among pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic has been emerged as a cardinal public health problem. Children have their own specific clinical features; notably, they seem to be escaping the severe respiratory adverse effects. The international scientific community is rapidly carrying out studies, driving to the need to reassess knowledge of the disease and therapeutic strategies. AIM: To assess the characteristics of COVID-19 infected children worldwide of all ages, from neonates to children and adolescents, and how they differ from their adult counterparts. SEARCH STRATEGY: An electronic search in PubMed was conducted, using combinations of the following keywords: coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, children. The search included all types of articles written in English between January 1, 2019 until August 15, 2020. RESULTS: The search identified 266 relevant articles. Children were mainly within family clusters of cases and have relatively milder clinical presentation compared with adults; children were reported to have better outcomes with a significantly lower mortality rate. Cough and fever were the most common symptoms while pneumonia was the cardinal respiratory manifestation of infected children. Laboratory results and thoracic imaging give varying results. CONCLUSIONS: Children were mainly family cluster cases and usually presented with a mild infection, although cases presented with the multisystem inflammatory syndrome are becoming more apparent. Studies determining why the manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection are so variable may help to gain a better understanding of the disease and accelerate the development of vaccines and therapies.

E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents: An Overview of the Literature and Future Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are rapidly emerging into a new trend among adolescents, signaling a new époque, that of vapers. E-cigarettes are battery-powered nicotine delivery devices that heat a typically flavoring liquid solution into an aerosol mist that users inhale, allowing them to imitate the act of conventional smoking. There are concerns about the impact of e-cigarettes at both individual and public health level. AIM: To discuss the characteristics of the most vulnerable, to become e-cigarette users, group of adolescents and to further highlight their behaviors and characteristics. METHODS: An electronic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was conducted, using combinations of the following keywords: adolescents, teenagers, e-cigarettes, vaping. The search included all types of articles written in English until August 2017. A total of 100 articles were found, and 25 were finally included in the present review. RESULTS: Older age, male gender, conventional smokers, peer influence, daily smoking, and heavier smoking are the most common characteristics of adolescent e-cigarette users. CONCLUSION: E-cigarette use is common, especially between certain subgroups in the adolescent population. Since e-cigarette use is increasing and considering that the long term health effects are still under investigation, targeted interventions towards more susceptible individuals may be an effective prevention strategy.

DNA Methylation in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Overview of Preliminary Findings.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by phenotypic variations, which can be partly attributed to specific gene polymorphisms. Recent studies have focused on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in order to permit a more precise perception about clinical phenotyping and targeted therapies. The aim of this review was to synthesize the current state of knowledge on the relation between DNA methylation patterns and the development of pediatric OSA, in light of the apparent limited literature in the field. We performed an electronic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases, including all types of articles written in English until January 2017. Literature was apparently scarce; only 2 studies on pediatric populations and 3 animal studies were identified. Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) DNA methylation levels were associated with inflammatory biomarkers and serum lipids. Hypermethylation of the core promoter region of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) gene in OSA children were related with decreased eNOS expression. Additionally, increased expression of genes encoding pro-oxidant enzymes and decreased expression of genes encoding anti-oxidant enzymes suggested that disturbances in oxygen homeostasis throughout neonatal period predetermined increased hypoxic sensing in adulthood. In conclusion, epigenetic modifications may be crucial in pediatric sleep disorders to enable in-depth understanding of genotype-phenotype interactions and lead to risk assessment. Epigenome-wide association studies are urgently needed to validate certain epigenetic alterations as reliable, novel biomarkers for the molecular prognosis and diagnosis of OSA patients with high risk of end-organ morbidity.

Association of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis With Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Childhood.

Objective: Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are the most common chronic conditions in childhood and have previously been linked to sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD). Aim of the study was to examine the association between SRBD risk and asthma control in children with asthma and with or without AR. Methods: The assessment of FeNO and pulmonary function tests were performed in 140 children (65 with asthma, 57 with both asthma, and AR, 18 with only AR). Children with asthma completed the childhood Asthma Control Test (c-ACT), and the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scale, extracted from the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). C-ACT scores ≤ 19 are indicative of poor asthma control whereas SRBD from PSQ scores ≥ 0.33 are suggestive of high risk for SRBD. Results: Mean age ± SD was 7.8 ± 3.1 years. Mean PSQ ± SD and c-ACT ± SD scores were 0.17 ± 0.14 and 24.9 ± 3.2, respectively. High risk for SRBD was identified in 26 children. Children at high risk for SRBD had significantly decreased c-ACT score (P = 0.048), verified by a negative association between c-ACT and PSQ-SRBD scores (r = -0.356, P < 0.001). Additionally a difference in diagnosis distribution between children at high or low risk for SRBD was observed. More specifically, among children at high risk, 88.5% were diagnosed with both atopic conditions, while this percentage among children at low risk was 29.8%. Asthma was mainly diagnosed in the latter group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Poor asthma control is associated with SRBD. The presence of AR in children with asthma seems to increase the prevalence of SRBD in that particular population, requiring further investigation toward this direction.