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Original Article
Pulmonology
Telomere biology disorders associated with childhood interstitial lung disease
Maria Greiner-Mai, Christina Katharina Rapp, Katrin Knoflach, Daniel Gräfe, Franz Wolfgang Hirsch, Julia Ley-Zaporozhan, Simone Reu-Hofer, Julia Hentschel, Stefan Zielen, Monika Helena Tedy, Heymut Omran, Ernst Rietschel, Tuğba Sismanlar Eyuboglu, Ayse Tana-Aslan, Nagehan Emiralioglu, Nicola Ullmann, Samuele Naviglio, Massimo Maschio, Fabian Beier, Tuğba Ramaslı Gürsoy, Matthias Griese, Freerk Prenzel
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(7):593-603.   Published online June 18, 2026
Question: What are the pulmonary manifestations and clinical characteristics of telomere biology disorders in children with interstitial lung disease?
Finding: Telomere biology disorders are an important but often underrecognized cause of childhood interstitial lung disease and are associated with variable pulmonary, radiologic, and histopathologic findings, frequent multisystem involvement, and often severe disease progression.
Meaning: Early genetic testing and multidisciplinary evaluation are essential for timely diagnosis, optimized management, and improved outcomes in affected children.
Review Article
Endocrinology
Testosterone therapy in boys with constitutional delay of growth and puberty: a PubMed-based systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis
Ashraf T. Soliman, Fawzia Alyafei, Nada Alaaraj, Noor Hamed, Shayma Ahmed, Khaled A. Siddiq, Mohammed Qusad, Mohamed AlKhalaf
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(7):531-541.   Published online June 18, 2026
In boys with constitutional delay of growth and puberty, a short course of low-dose testosterone consistently accelerates linear growth and advances pubertal maturation. Long-term follow-up studies do not show a clinically meaningful effect of conservative regimens on near-adult height. As the pooled quantitative evidence represents only 46 boys in 2 controlled studies, treatment should remain individualized, while larger randomized trials using standardized patient-reported outcomes are needed.
Nutrition
Dietary fiber in pediatric gastrointestinal health: a narrative review of evidence and challenges
Rohit Das, Bipashna Thatal, Buddhiman Tamang
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(6):456-472.   Published online May 27, 2026
Dietary fiber plays a critical role in pediatric gastrointestinal health by modulating gut microbiota, improving bowel function, and supporting immune development. Evidence consistently supports its benefit in functional constipation, while effects on abdominal pain, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome remain variable due to differences in fiber type, dosage, and study design. Clinically, fiber should be used as an adjunct therapy within individualized dietary and behavioral management strategies for children.
Original Article
Neurology
Clinical application of whole exome and genome sequencing in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders
Keun Soo Lee, Seung Hwan Oh, Ja Young Lee, Go Hun Seo, Da Eun Roh, Ji Kyoung Park, Bo Lyun Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(5):417-427.   Published online April 22, 2026
Question: What is the diagnostic utility of whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) in unexplained neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs)?
Finding: WES and WGS achieved a combined diagnostic yield of 39.1% in children with NDDs. Novel variants accounted for over half the pathogenic findings, and trio-based or phenotype-driven testing improved the diagnostic rate.
Meaning: Comprehensive genomic sequencing integrated with clinical phenotyping enhances diagnostic yield among children with NDDs.
Cardiology
Influence of atrial septal defect on mitral valve growth after repair of coarctation of the aorta or an interrupted aortic arch in infants
Yi-Chia Wang, Heng-Wen Chou, Chi-Hsiang Huang, Hsing-Hao Huang, Yih-Sharng Chen, En-Ting Wu, Shyh-Jye Chen, Ming-Tai Lin, Shuenn-Nan Chiu, Shu-Chien Huang
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(4):322-329.   Published online January 13, 2026
Question: Does atrial septal defect (ASD) physiology affect postrepair mitral valve growth in patients with coarctation of the aorta or an interrupted aortic arch?
Finding: Mitral valve growth occurred after biventricular repair but not single-ventricle palliation, particularly in patients with small valves and low ASD pressure gradients.
Meaning: The ASD pressure gradient determines mitral valve growth and should guide surgical strategies in patients with borderline hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Review Article
Endocrinology
Pubertal induction in prepubertal males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: testosterone or gonadotropins?
Paolo Cavarzere, Riccardo Battiston, Valentina Lupieri, Valentina Mancioppi, Claudio Maffeis
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(1):1-10.   Published online December 18, 2025
The pubertal induction process in males still poses a challenge for pediatric endocrinologists. The existing literature is limited, and it is not yet possible to make definitive recommendations. We described the various treatment for this condition and tried to analyze the unresolved questions to address the question posed in the title of our manuscript.
Original Article
Gastroenterology
Longitudinal analysis of gut microbiota dysbiosis and bacterial signatures predictive of postoperative enterocolitis in children with Hirschsprung disease
Sireekarn Chantakhow, Chanon Kunasol, Jiraporn Khorana, Kanokkan Tepmalai, Nipon Chattipakorn, Siriporn C. Chattipakorn
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(3):214-227.   Published online December 10, 2025
Question: Do gut microbiota differ between patients with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and healthy children, and can specific bacterial taxa predict postoperative HSCRassociated enterocolitis (HAEC)?
Finding: Patients with HSCR showed gut dysbiosis with reduced diversity. Postoperative microbial changes included increased alpha diversity. Certain taxa, such as Eubacterium and Collinsella, were associated with recovery or HAEC.
Meaning: Distinct microbial signatures may help identify HAEC risk and guide microbiota-based strategies to improve outcomes.
Review Article
Gastroenterology
Ingestion of foreign bodies and caustic substances in children: a narrative review on clinical evaluation and management update
Maria Rogalidou
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(1):11-21.   Published online December 10, 2025
Foreign body and caustic substance ingestion in children aged 1–5 years can feature to severe and, sometimes life-threatening complications. High-risk items include batteries, magnets, and corrosive chemicals. Severity depends on object type, location, and ingestion timing. Prompt diagnosis and early endoscopic intervention are crucial. Individualized management, high clinical suspicion, and parental education are essential to improving outcomes and preventing immediate and long-term complications affecting a child’s quality of life.
Original Article
General Pediatrics
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80 for preventing allergic, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases in young children in China: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Ke Chen, Xi Zhang, Kaihong Zeng, Jiayi Zhong, Shanshan Jin, Yang Nie, Ping Yang, Nianyang He, Haixia Chen, Yanmei Cao, Yunrong Fu, Ziji Fang, Wei Jiang, Changqi Lium
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(2):150-162.   Published online October 30, 2025
Question: Can probiotic BLa80 bring long-term benefits to the health of young children?
Finding: This trial demonstrated that the daily administration of s BLa80 at 5×109 colony-forming units for 3 months in children can reduce the risk of eczema, upper respiratory tract infections, and acute tracheitis/bronchitis as well as beneficially improve the gut microbiome without any adverse effect.
Meaning: Bla80 can bring definite health benefits to young children.
Nephrology (Genitourinary)
Assessing kidney outcomes in childhood-onset lupus nephritis: role of National Institutes of Health-modified histological indices
Nuanpan Penboon, Pornpimol Rianthavorn
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2026;69(2):130-139.   Published online October 23, 2025
Question: In children with proliferative lupus nephritis, do National Institutes of Health-modified indices and treatment choices predict long-term kidney function?
Finding: Higher chronicity index scores, especially tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, predicted kidney impairment. Additionally, the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for maintenance therapy was associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline.
Meaning: The early recognition of chronic lesions and MMF-based maintenance therapy may improve kidney outcomes in childhood-onset lupus nephritis.
Other
Impact of thyroid hormones and serum endothelin levels on pediatric asthma control: a case-control study of an Indian population
Murugaiyan Sathishbabu, Sathiya Ramasamy, Niranjjan Ramachandran, Soundararajan Palanisamy, Arulvijayavani Subramaniam
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):831-837.   Published online September 22, 2025
Question: What are the roles of thyroid hormones and endothelin in South Indian children with asthma?
Finding: Thyroid hormone and endothelin levels were significantly elevated in South Indian children with asthma; poorly controlled cases exhibited the highest levels. Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone and endothelin levels were correlated with asthma severity.
Meaning: Serum endothelin is a potential surrogate marker for asthma severity that could aid the assessment and management of childhood asthma.
General Pediatrics
Effectiveness of Kinder Lebensqualität Fragebogen (KINDL) and Children’s Somatic Symptom Inventory-24 (CSSI-24) for measuring postacute sequelae of COVID-19 in children: a diagnostic validation study
Lawrence Shih-Hsin Wu, Pei-Chi Chen, Xiao-Ling Liu, Shu-Tsen Liu, Chi-Hung Wei, Yu-Lung Hsu, Kai-Sheng Hsieh, Huan-Cheng Lai, Chien-Heng Lin, Chieh-Ho Chen, An-Chyi Chen, I-Ching Chou, Wen-Jue Soong, Hui-Ju Tsai, Chung-Ying Lin, Jiu-Yao Wang
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):944-951.   Published online September 12, 2025
Question: Although children with postacute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (PASC) may experience persistent symptoms that affect their quality of life (QoL), a screening tool for identifying high-risk children is lacking.
Finding: Kinder Lebensqualität fragebogen (KINDL) and Children's Somatic Symptom Inventory-24 (CSSI-24) were significantly correlated. An optimal KINDL cutoff score (74.75) detected those at high risk of a reduced QoL.
Meaning: Integrating KINDL and CSSI-24 into routine pediatric outpatient care may enable timely identification and interventions for children at risk of PASC-related impairments.
Cardiology
Unsustainable and overworked: unpacking the challenges faced by pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in Korea
Soo In Jeong, GI Beom Kim, Sung Hye Kim, Jae Yoon Na, Hong Ju Shin, Sin Weon Yun, Lucy Youngmin Eun, Sang Yun Lee, Chang-Ha Lee, Kwang Ho Choi, Seul Gi Cha, Mi Young Han
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):732-741.   Published online August 6, 2025
Question: What are the key challenges affecting pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in Korea?
Finding: Excessive workloads, low procedural volumes, and legal risks contribute to high burnout. Regional disparities limit skill maintenance and threaten workforce sustainability.
Meaning: Targeted policies ensuring fair workloads, legal protections, and regional support are essential to stabilizing the pediatric cardiac workforce and maintaining high-quality care.
Pulmonology
Clinical course of children with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans with versus without comorbid bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Lamia Medghoul, Julien Grosjean, Christophe Marguet, Hortense Petat
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):497-502.   Published online April 1, 2025
Question: Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a chronic respiratory disease that typically develops in children after a severe respiratory infection. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is often comorbid in patients with PIBO.
Finding: Corticosteroid pulse therapy effectively manages PIBO with or without comorbid BPD, significantly reducing exacerbations and decreasing the daily requirement for inhaled corticosteroids.
Meaning: Therapeutic effects of corticosteroid pulses are rapid and sustained over time, in both groups.
Gastroenterology
Somatic symptom severity during acute illnesses among children with functional gastrointestinal disorders
Rattanachart Sirinil, Anundorn Wongteerasut
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):587-593.   Published online March 11, 2025
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are associated with various somatic symptoms measured using a visual analogue scale and the Children’s Somatic Symptoms Inventory-24 questionnaire. Children with FGIDs exhibited more significant somatic symptoms than controls during acute illnesses. Gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI manifestations are significantly more common in children with FGIDs.
Neonatology (Perinatology)
Characterization of gut microbiota in very low birth weight infants with versus without bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Anucha Thatrimontrichai, Manapat Praditaukrit, Gunlawadee Maneenil, Supaporn Dissaneevate, Kamonnut Singkhamanan, Komwit Surachat
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):503-511.   Published online February 26, 2025
Question: Does the gut microbiota differ between very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with versus without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)?
Finding: Common respiratory pathogens were notably elevated in the BPD group, whereas anaerobic and butyrate-producing taxa, key components of postbiotics, were dominant in the non-BPD group.
Meaning: In gut-lung communication, the interplay between the intestinal and respiratory systems may implicate pro- and postbiotics in VLBW infants with BPD.
Review Article
Gastroenterology
Anxiety disorders presenting as gastrointestinal symptoms in children – a scoping review
Anjali Kumar, Pramodh Vallabhaneni
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):344-351.   Published online January 13, 2025
A positive bidirectional relationship between gastrointestinal disorders and anxiety, but with no clear aetiology, was identified. Factors such as somatisation and pain catastrophising resulted in poorer pain-related outcomes in children. Further studies are required to understand this relationship in order to have targeted treatments and ensure better long term outcomes.
Practical concepts and strategies for early diagnosis and management of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in East-Asian children
Byung-Ho Choe
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(3):185-198.   Published online November 13, 2024
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) often coexist with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and other IgE or non-IgE mediated GI diseases. Diagnosing EGIDs requires a high index of suspicion and a comprehensive approach to differentiate them from conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Tests such as fecal calprotectin and biopsies aid in severe cases. Maintaining a food diary helps identify triggers for long-term elimination. Awareness and education are key to effective management.
Value of transabdominal ultrasonography for diagnosing functional constipation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Duc Long Tran, Phu Nguyen Trong Tran, Paweena Susantitaphong, Phichayut Phinyo, Palittiya Sintusek
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):127-135.   Published online November 13, 2024
Transabdominal ultrasonography is increasingly used as a novel modality for detecting pediatric functional constipation (FC). This systematic review and metaanalysis aimed to assess the diagnostic parameters of FC including rectal diameter (RD) and anterior rectal wall thickness. A systematic search was conducted of the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed databases through September 29, 2023, to identify studies comparing RD...
Original Article
Infection
Clinical characteristics and associated factors of pediatric acute necrotizing encephalopathy: a retrospective study
Huiling Zhang, Yilong Wang, Qianyun Ding, Xuekun Li, Sheng Ye
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(2):153-162.   Published online November 11, 2024
· The mortality rate of acute necrotizing encephalopathy was high.
· Laboratory tests revealed that the fatal group had higher creatinine, lactate, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, creatine kinase, and D-dimer than survivors.
· The fatal group displayed lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores and arterial pH.
Review Article
Other
Microplastic and human health with focus on pediatric well-being: a comprehensive review and call for future studies
Rogers Wainkwa Chia, Ntegang Venant Atem, Jin-Yong Lee, Jihye Cha
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(1):1-15.   Published online November 6, 2024
· Milk and formula are common sources of microplastic in infants.
· Water and air are the most common sources of microplastic pollution from infancy to adolescence.
· Microplastic use by children of all ages can cause cell damage and affect their health.
· Microplastics present in children can be quantified using a stereomicroscope and characterized using micro- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Developmental and Behavioral Medicine
Effect of pesticide exposure on stunting incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Sani Rachman Soleman, Yaltafit Abror Jeem, Muhammad Fathi Banna Al Faruqi, Mahdea Kasyiva, Vita Widyasari, Kuswati Kuswati, Nur Aini Djunet, Muflihah Rizkawati, Ety Sari Handayani
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(10):510-518.   Published online September 24, 2024
This review aimed to determine whether pesticide exposure is associated with stunting in children. The 13 included studies agree that pesticide exposure is not correlated with stunting incidence regardless of substance type (organophosphate and pyrethroid). Heterogeneity appeared with age covariate as potential confounding. The evidence of this study is challeng-ing, as the adverse effects of pesticides grossly occurred. The protection of children is warranted for preventing future neurodevelopment issues.
Comprehensive evaluation of the child with global developmental delays or intellectual disability
Abdullah Nasser Aldosari, T. Saeed Aldosari
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(9):435-446.   Published online May 29, 2024
· A detailed history and comprehensive physical examination remain the cornerstones for establishing a diagnosis of global developmental delay/intellectual disability (GDD/ID).
· Comprehensive surveillance and screening programs play a significant role in the early detection of GDD.
· Whole-exome sequencing is highly recommended as first- or second-line testing for individuals with idiopathic GDD/ID.
· Early intervention by a well-versed multidisciplinary team can significantly improve the outcomes and prognosis of GDD/ID.
Pulmonology
Evidence-based management guidelines for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents
Eun Lee, Kyunghoon Kim, You Hoon Jeon, In Suk Sol, Jong Deok Kim, Taek Ki Min, Yoon Ha Hwang, Hyun-Ju Cho, Dong In Suh, Hwan Soo Kim, Yoon Hee Kim, Sung-Il Woo, Yong Ju Lee, Sungsu Jung, Hyeon-Jong Yang, Gwang Cheon Jang
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(9):418-426.   Published online January 23, 2024
· We suggest offering long-term macrolides to children with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis with frequent exacerbations (conditional recommendation, moderate quality of evidence).
· We do not recommend the routine use of mucolytic agents, inhaled corticosteroids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent exacerbation of bronchiectasis in children (inconclusive, very low quality of evidence).
· We recommend the use of nebulized hypertonic saline to prevent exacerbations and improve the lung function of children with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (weak recommendation, moderate quality of evidence).
Gastroenterology
Prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children
Yu Kyung Cho, Jin Lee, Chang Nyol Paik
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):377-383.   Published online August 21, 2023
· Pediatric small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) manifestations range from nonspecific abdominal symptoms to malabsorption or malnutrition.
· SIBO is prevalent in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorders.
· Predisposing factors include disturbed intestinal motility, altered anatomy, and/or abnormal body defense systems against intestinal bacteria.
· Breath tests are safe and noninvasive.
· Treatment principles include managing predisposing conditions, nutritional support, symptom control, and antibiotics.
Developmental and Behavioral Medicine
Clinical practice guidelines for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: recent updates
Tae Hoon Eom, Young-Hoon Kim
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2024;67(1):26-34.   Published online June 14, 2023
· Primary pediatricians should play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
· The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, has lowered the diagnostic threshold for older teens and adults and a comorbid diagnosis with autism is now allowed.
· The American Academy of Pediatrics had added recommendation-related comorbid conditions in its guideline and the Society of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics recently developed a complex ADHD guideline.
· The European ADHD Guideline Group recently developed a guideline for managing ADHD during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Original Article
Gastroenterology
Inferior vena cava to aorta ratio in dehydrated pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Gilbert Sterling Octavius, Michelle Imanuelly, Johan Wibowo, Nadia Khoirunnisa Heryadi, Melanie Widjaja
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(11):477-484.   Published online June 14, 2023
Question: The inferior vena cava to aorta (IVC/Ao) ratio measured via ultrasound has been touted as a promising noninvasive technique to assess clinically significant dehydration in pediatric patients.
Finding: Our meta-analysis found that IVC/Ao ratio had a positive likelihood ratio of 3.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1–5.1) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.18 (95% CI, 0.12–0.28).
Meaning: Hence, IVC/Ao ratio is insufficient to exclude or confirm significant dehydration in pediatric patients.
Relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperandrogenemia in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome
Ozlem Kara, Hanife Aysegul Arsoy, Murat Keskin
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(9):395-402.   Published online June 14, 2023
Question: Is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents?
Finding: The frequency of NAFLD did not increase in adolescents with PCOS. However, hyperandrogenemia was a risk factor for NAFLD.
Meaning: Adolescents with PCOS and hyperandrogenemia should be closely monitored for hepatic steatosis.
Assessing indicators and clinical differences between functional and organic childhood constipation: a retrospective study in pediatric gastroenterology clinics
Hasan M. Isa, Fatema A. Alkharsi, Fatema A. Salman, Maryam S. Ali, Zahra K. Abdulnabibi, Afaf M. Mohamed
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):296-306.   Published online June 14, 2023
Question: What causes childhood constipation, and what can predict organic constipation?
Finding: Constipation represents 14.7% of gastroenterology visits. Functional constipation is more common among constipation types, while organic constipation is more common in young children and those with a low body weight, stunted growth, mucus in the stool, and associated diseases.
Meaning: Younger children and those with lower growth or mucus in the stool should be assessed for underlying organic causes of constipation.
Review Article
Neonatology (Perinatology)
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants
In Gyu Song
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2023;66(7):281-287.   Published online December 30, 2022
· Among survivors, 60.9% of infants born at 22 weeks’ gestation had moderate to severe impairments, whereas 50.3% born at 23 weeks’ and 42.2% at 24 weeks’ gestation had moderate to severe impairments.
· Moderate and late preterm infants reportedly have less severe disease than very preterm infants, but they still experience adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
· The careful follow-up and early detection of developmental problems in these patients are required.


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