Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

Original Article

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00983

Gastroenterology

Fecal microbiome profiles in infants with biliary atresia versus nonbiliary atresia cholestasis: a pilot study

Nur Azizah, Fadilah Fadilah, Silvia Werdhy Lestari, Muzal Kadim, Fithriyah Sjatha, Hanifah Oswari

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):932-943. Published online August 20, 2025

Question: How does the gut microbiota profile of infants with biliary atresia (BA) differ from that of infants with non-BA cholestasis and healthy infants in the Indonesian population?
Finding: The unique fecal microbiome composition of the BA group differed significantly from that of the other 2 groups.
Meaning: There is an urgent need to improve dysbiosis in BA and non-BA cholestasis to prevent worsening liver injury in cholestasis.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00563

Infection

Evolving treatment strategies for invasive Streptococcus pyogenes in children in the postpandemic era

Laura Buricchi, Giuseppe Indolfi, Marco Renni, Elisabetta Venturini, Luisa Galli, Elena Chiappini

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):921-931. Published online August 11, 2025

Crossref 1

Question: What are the roles of linezolid, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and corticosteroids in pediatric invasive group A streptococcal infection (iGAS)? Can any improve outcomes beyond beta-lactams and clindamycin?
Finding: Two of 46 patients with iGAS died. Nearly all received beta-lactams plus clindamycin. Linezolid was effective in refractory cases. IVIG and corticosteroids had variable efficacies.
Meaning: Linezolid may be valuable in refractory cases. IVIG may be considered in severe presentations. The role of corticosteroids remains less clearly defined.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00479

Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels as biomarkers reflecting liver fibrosis in children with autoimmune hepatitis

Salma Abdel Megeed Nagi, Mai Ibrahim Elashmawy, Amany E. Elashkar, Mohamed Zaeim Hafez, Ashraf A.E. Emara, Osama Mohammad Abdelhay, Albayoumi A.B. Fouda, Mohamed AbdelAziz Doma, Ahmad Mohamed Awad, Ahmed Mohammed Saba, Hesham Abdelrahman Ahmed, Ahmed Mohamed Gad Allah, Fatma Mahmoud Abdelraheem, Mohamed A. Gad, Mohamad A. Soliman, Tamer I. Abdalrhman, Khaled Hassaan Awad, Ismael A.K.M. El-lebedy, Mostafa M. Abdelnaser, Mohammed Z. Abdel Kareem, Marwa Fekry Hassan, Shymaa Sobhy Menshawy Khalifa

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):909-920. Published online August 6, 2025

· A total of 159 children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; 60.3% female, 13.2% type 2 AIH) were identified. According to a global study, the estimated annual incidence of AIH in Egypt is 1.28 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years.
· No studies to date have examined the serum levels of copper or ceruloplasmin in children with AIH. Therefore, here we investigated whether serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels are useful for identifying liver fibrosis in children with AIH.
· Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels may provide important information for the identification of advanced liver fibrosis in children with AIH.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01011

Hematology

Evaluation of Bak and Bcl-Xl gene expression among pediatric patients with acute primary immune thrombocytopenia

Amira Zaki Badawy, Samia Hassan Kandel, Iman Aly Ahmedy, Mahmoud Ahmed Elhawy, Sally Mohamed El-Hefnawy, Dina Fouad Sief El-Nasr Zidan, Hanan Hassan El-sheity

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):901-908. Published online August 6, 2025

The B-cell lymphoma protein 2 family proteins Bak and Bcl- Xl, important markers of apoptosis, may contribute to primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Thus, their expression may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric ITP. Targeting these pathways may improve platelet survival, particularly in treatment-resistant cases. Personalized treatments based on apoptotic profiles can optimize therapy and reduce the unnecessary use of immunosuppressive drugs.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00997

General Pediatrics

Comparative analysis of goal attainment for helmet therapy versus conservative management for positional plagiocephaly in infants

Bjoern Vogt, Ariane Deutschle, Georg Gosheger, Adrien Frommer, Andrea Laufer, Henning Tretow, Robert Roedl, Gregor Toporowski

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):892-900. Published online October 2, 2025

Question: Is helmet therapy more effective than conservative management in treating positional plagiocephaly?
Finding: Both approaches reduced cranial asymmetry with comparable correction speed. Helmet therapy showed a trend toward greater severity reduction.
Meaning: Early treatment initiation was the strongest predictor of improvement. Helmet therapy may offer additional benefit in more severe cases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01102

Endocrinology

Long-term epidemiological insights into rickets: a nationwide population-based retrospective study

Chun-Hao Chu, Ying-Chuan Chen, Pei-Yao Liu, Chun-Chieh Hu, Yu-Lung Lin, Feng-Chih Kuo, Chieh-Hua Lu, Tzu-Ju Hsu, Yu-Tung Hung, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Chien-Ming Lin

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):879-891. Published online August 20, 2025

Crossref 1

Question: What are the nationwide trends and mortality risk factors of nutritional versus hereditary rickets among children in Asia?
Finding: In 2012–2018, the incidence of rickets steadily increased, whereas mortality rates declined. Mortality is associated with a low household income, anemia, chronic kidney disease, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and a prolonged hospital stay.
Meaning: Early diagnosis and targeted interventions addressing social and medical vulnerabilities are critical to reducing ricket-related mortality.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00976

Nutrition

Success rates of conservative treatment and optimal surgical timing for pediatric chylothorax

Pakwan Kaewchusen, Narumon Densupsoontorn, Supaluck Kanjanauthai, Puthita Saengpanit

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):871-878. Published online August 6, 2025

Question: What is the success rate of conservative treatment for pediatric chylothorax, and when should surgical intervention be employed?
Finding: Overall success rate of conservative treatment was 83.3%. Surgically related etiologies and lower peak pleural fluid drainage rates were significantly associated with successful conservative management of pediatric chylothorax.
Meaning: If chylous drainage persists at ≥10 mL/kg/day beyond 2 weeks of optimal conservative treatment, surgical intervention should be considered.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00598

Editorial

Endocrinology

Rickets prevalence and treatment outcome: real-world data from Taiwan

Young Suk Shim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):868-870. Published online October 23, 2025

Rickets should be recognized as a significant public health concern during infancy and childhood. Recent studies from Taiwan have demonstrated a steady increase in the prevalence of nutritional rickets, and a similar trend is likely to emerge in Korea. Therefore, comprehensive clinical evaluation and appropriate biochemical assessment are essential to prevent long-term skeletal and systemic complications. Prompt diagnosis and timely initiation of appropriate treatment are crucial.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01949

Review Article

Gastroenterology

Neonatal ichthyosis-sclerosing cholangitis syndrome caused by a novel CLDN1 mutation: a case report and literature review

Upasana Ghosh, Ankit Agrawal, Varunvenkat M. Srinivasan, Rani Manisha, Umesh Shukla, Vikas Jain, Mayank Nilay, Harish Kumar

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):858-867. Published online October 2, 2025

· Neonatal ichthyosis-sclerosing cholangitis (NISCH) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cholestasis and manifestations such as generalized ichthyosis, alopecia, and dental anomalies.
· The clinical features of NISCH syndrome are distinct and necessitate an early genetic diagnosis.
· The disease phenotype can vary significantly, ranging from no liver involvement and transient neonatal cholestasis to end-stage liver disease.
· Management requires a multidisciplinary approach with long-term follow-up.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00906

General Pediatrics

Bridging the gap: autism spectrum disorder in children in the United States and worldwide: a narrative review

Sandhya J. Kadam, Malika Goel

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):852-857. Published online October 2, 2025

The prevalence of autism is increasing worldwide. The United States has the highest numbers, likely due to the availability of better treatment options. However, global disparities exist, especially in low-resource settings in which stigma, underdiagnosis, and limited services hinder care. A coordinated international approach emphasizing early screening, inclusive policies, and culturally sensitive support systems can bridge this gap and improve the outcomes for children with autism and their families worldwide.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00969

Endocrinology

Continuous glucose monitoring in Korean pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes: current landscape and clinical implications

Hwa Young Kim, Jaehyun Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(11):842-851. Published online October 2, 2025

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has transformed pediatric type 1 diabetes care by facilitating tighter glycemic control, reducing hypoglycemia, and improving quality of life.
Recent advances in CGM technology and the expansion of insurance coverage in Korea have led to its broader adoption.
Emerging metrics such as time in tight range offer refined tools for individualized glycemic assessment, highlighting CGM’s evolving role in personalized pediatric diabetes management.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01522

Perspective

General Pediatrics

Parenting principles to combat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and form resilient young minds

Jandy Le, Sandhya J. Kadam

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):838-841. Published online September 22, 2025

The prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and other related behavioral problems is increasing among children, likely due to less interaction with their parents and the real world and more time spent on screens, on social media, and in the virtual world. This article highlights several simple, basic parenting principles to facilitate the growth of healthy, resilient minds and combat the symptoms of opposition, hyperactivity, and distractibility.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01004

Original Article

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00143

Hematology

Hyperhomocysteinemia in pediatric β-thalassemia: links to vitamin cofactor deficiencies and oxidative stress

Arzu Dadashova, Gunay Aliyeva, Rana Rahimova, Gulnara Azizova, Khayala Mammadova

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):819-830. Published online July 8, 2025

Question: What are the biochemical and clinical correlates of hyperhomocysteinemia in pediatric β-thalassemia, and how does it relate to vitamin status, oxidative stress, and splenectomy?
Finding: Most pediatric β-thalassemia patients exhibited severe hyperhomocysteinemia, which was strongly associated with folate and B₁₂ deficiencies and influenced oxidative stress patterns, particularly in splenectomized individuals.
Meaning: These findings suggest that routine monitoring and correction of B-vitamin deficiencies may mitigate hyperhomocysteinemia-related risks in pediatric thalassemia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00556

Gastroenterology

Adenosine deaminase and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist genetic polymorphisms among obese children with versus without metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

Hala M. Sakhr, Mohammed H. Hassan, Azza Mohamed Taha, Ali Helmi Bakri

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):808-818. Published online May 29, 2025

Question: Is there an association between adenosine deaminase (ADA) G22A and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) genetic polymorphisms and pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)?
Finding: The GG genotype and G allele of ADA G22A were significantly associated with obesity but not pediatric MAFLD, while the *1/*2 genotype of the IL-1RN gene was significantly associated with obesity and pediatric MAFLD.
Meaning: The IL-1RN gene may contribute to pediatric MAFLD.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00731

Other

Role of neutrophil elastase in predicting infection among children with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia

Mahmoud A. El-Hawy, Doaa M. Elian, Mai El-Sayad Abd El-Hamid, Esraa T. Allam, Mariam S. Kandeel, Asmaa A. Mahmoud

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):801-807. Published online June 10, 2025

Question: Can neutrophil elastase (NE) levels predict infection— the primary cause of mortality—among children with hematological malignancies and febrile neutropenia (FN)?
Finding: Elevated levels of NE were found in children with chemotherapy-induced FN and a bacterial infection.
Meaning: Increased NE levels and prolonged FN are important factors associated with mortality risk.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00318

Critical Care Medicine

Effect of postoperative enteral protein supplementation on nitrogen balance in critically ill children

Irene Yuniar, Kadek Apik Lestari, Antonius Hocky Pudjiadi, Fatima Safira Alatas, Yoga Devaera

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):790-800. Published online May 30, 2025

Question: Does high-protein enteral nutrition better increase the average nitrogen balance (NB) and decrease the intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) level of critically ill postoperative children than standard-protein enteral nutrition?
Finding: The study demonstrated a significant increase in average NB but no significant decrease in I-FABP levels in the high- versus low-protein group.
Meaning: These findings suggest that high-protein enteral nutrition can improve NB in critically ill postoperative children, thereby supporting their recovery.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00227

Infection

Role of miRNA-146a and miRNA-125b in Helicobacter pylori

Nashwa Farouk Mohamed, Ola G.A. Behairy, Manal S. EL-Defrawy, Mona Mahmoud Elsayed, Naglaa F. Alhusseini

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):781-789. Published online April 1, 2025

Crossref 1

Question: Why is the early detection of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis in children important?
Finding: The early detection of H. pylori-related gastritis is crucial for its effective management, especially in pediatric patients with dyspepsia.
Meaning: The use of miRNA signatures could detect early gastritis, enabling timely H. pylori eradication treatment to mitigate growth delays and cancer risk.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00192

General Pediatrics

Trends and determinants in breastfeeding among Korean infants (2007–2021): a nationwide study using the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children

Minwoong Kang, Eui Kyung Choi, Jeung Min Lee, Hye-Jung Shin, Woo Ryoung Lee, Son Moon Shin; Korean Society of Breastfeeding Medicine

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):772-780. Published online July 4, 2025

Web of Science 1

Question: What are the recent trends and determinants of breastfeeding in South Korea?
Finding: Breastfeeding rates in South Korea declined significantly from 2007 to 2021, with lower rates observed in preterm, low-birthweight, and multiple-birth infants as well as rural or lower-income households.
Meaning: Targeted interventions, including prenatal education, postnatal support, and community-based programs, are required to address disparities and improve breastfeeding rates.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00857

Gastroenterology

Dual-strain probiotics Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus reverse gut dysbiosis in preterm neonates: a randomized controlled trial

Setthawut Sittiwong, Pornthep Tanpowpong, Pisut Pongchaikul, Pracha Nuntnarumit

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):763-771. Published online August 6, 2025

Question: Can probiotics BB/LA reverse gut dysbiosis in preterm neonates?
Finding: BB/LA supplementation induced more diverse beta diversity and increased relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and decreased relative abundance Clostridium.
Meaning: Early BB/LA supplementation could reverse gut dysbiosis in preterm neonates.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00374

Editorial

Basic Research

Stem cell mining: urine cells to biobanking

Yong Joo Ahn

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):761-762. Published online September 24, 2025

· A safe and accessible source of somatic cell generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in pediatric neurogenic disorders
· A noninvasive and simple method for isolating urine cells, which can effectively reprogram into pluripotent stem cells using episomal vectors
· Establishing a urine-derived iPSC bank as a reliable and scalable resource for disease modeling, therapeutic testing, and personalized medicine in pediatric neurogenic disorders.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.02229

Review Article

General Pediatrics

Impact of screen exposure during pediatric ages including multifaceted aggravating factors: a literature review

Daniel González-Pérez, David Sebastián Huertas-Moreno, Manuela Granados-Pinilla, Sofía Hernandez-Rojas, Laura González-Rincon, Geraldine Hurtado-Garcia, Simón Grisales-Calle, María José González-Mariño, Luz Dary Gutierrez-Castañeda, Jhon Camacho-Cruz

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):751-760. Published online September 24, 2025

Excessive screen time in children is linked to obesity, overweight, sedentary behavior, depression and mood disorders, myopia, behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, among others. Polymorphisms in genes like FTO, CACNA1D, and DRD2 could further increase these risks. Implementing strategies such as limiting screen use, creating screen-free zones, and monitoring content is essential to mitigate adverse physical and mental health effects in the pediatric population.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00178

Infection

Recommendation for use of a long-acting monoclonal antibody to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants and young children

Soo-Han Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Jong Gyun Ahn, Ki Wook Yun, Byung-Wook Eun, Jin Lee, Jina Lee, Taek-Jin Lee, Hyunju Lee, Dae Sun Jo, Eun Young Cho, Hye-Kyung Cho, Young June Choe, Ui Yoon Choi, Yun-Kyung Kim; The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the Korean Pediatric Society

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(10):742-750. Published online September 3, 2025

To prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract infections, a single dose of nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, is recommended for all neonates born during the RSV season (October to March) and all infants younger than 6 months old at the start of the RSV season. Nirsevimab should be administered shortly after birth to neonates and just before or early in the season to infants entering their first RSV season.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01067

Original Article

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01123

Gastroenterology

Treatment targeting pediatric inflammatory bowel disease-associated anemia: experience from a single tertiary center

Ana S.C. Fernandes, Sara Azevedo, Ana Rita Martins, Ana Isabel Lopes

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):722-731. Published online June 10, 2025

Question: Does treating iron deficiency (ID) using intravenous iron in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) feature long-term safety and efficacy?
Finding: Intravenous iron supplementation was safe and effective. However, the ID recurrence rate was higher than expected.
Meaning: Proactive screening and treatment of ID in pediatric IBD are essential. The Ganzoni formula likely underestimates the iron requirements of pediatric patients. Prospective trials are needed to optimize iron treatment dosing.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00640

Oncology

Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for treatment of relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancy in children and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ghea Mangkuliguna, Edi Setiawan Tehuteru, Reganedgary Jonlean, Nicholas Adrianto, Stella Kallista

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):712-721. Published online July 4, 2025

Question: Does consolidative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy improve outcomes of children and young adult patients with relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies?
Finding: The meta-analysis showed reduced relapse rates and favorable survival trends with allo-SCT despite low evidence quality.
Meaning: Consolidative allo-SCT after CAR T-cell therapy may enhance survival; however, further clinical studies are needed.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00031

Basic Research

Linezolid mitigates tissue injury in experimental model of pediatric testicular torsion: TLR-4/MAPK/NF-κB involvement

Moein Ghasemi, Abolfazl Basiri, Houman Kazemzadeh, Mohammad Amin Manavi, Seyed Mohammad Tavangar, Ahmad Reza Dehpour, Hamed Shafaroodi

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):700-711. Published online August 26, 2025

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Question: What pharmacological strategies can limit ischemia-reperfusion injury in pediatric patients with testicular torsion?
Finding: In a rat model of testicular torsion, linezolid reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue injury via the Toll-like receptor 4/mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor kappa beta pathway.
Meaning: Linezolid may offer a pharmacological approach to attenuate testicular damage in pediatric patients with testicular torsion, warranting further clinical investigation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00080

Pulmonology

Effect of vitamin C supplement in treatment of childhood pneumonia requiring hospitalization: a randomized controlled trial

Chutima Phuaksaman, Katechan Jampachaisri, Klaita Srisingh

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):690-699. Published online April 1, 2025

This study assessed the effects of vitamin C on children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Vitamin C supplementation improved clinical symptoms within 48–72 hours compared to placebo but did not reduce the length of hospital stay (LOS). These findings suggest that vitamin C is beneficial for managing CAP severity, but does not affect LOS.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01970

Association of macrophage migration-inhibitory factor gene and growth differentiation factor 15 gene polymorphisms and their circulating levels with respiratory distress syndrome among preterm neonates

Ali Helmi Bakri, Mohammed H. Hassan, Khaled Abdalla Abd-Elbaseer, Mahmoud Abo-Alhassan Sayed, Ahmed Alamir Mahmoud Abdallah, Eman Ahmed Abd-Elmawgood

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(9):680-689. Published online April 1, 2025

Question: Do macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) levels and their gene polymorphisms affect RDS among preterm babies?
Finding: Significantly higher serum MIF and GDF-15 levels were observed in patients with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The mutant G- and C-alleles of GDF-15 rs4808793 C>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and MIF rs755622 G>C SNP were present at significantly higher frequencies in preterm neonates with RDS.
Meaning: MIF and GDF-15 play a significant role in neonatal RDS and its severity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00416

Cited By 34	Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants
Cited By 31	Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
Cited By 29	Gut microbiota affects brain development and behavior
Cited By 24	Association of gut microbiota with obesity in children and adolescents
Cited By 24	Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance in children

Topics