Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

Letter to the Editor

General Pediatrics

Debate around and impact of digital screen time and media parenting on children’s development

Gowda Parameshwara Prashanth

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):551-553. Published online March 11, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00073

Perspective

Gastroenterology

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in children: a practical update based on Indian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ISPGHAN) 2024 guidelines

Ankit Agrawal, Arghya Samanta

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):546-550. Published online May 12, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00157

Original Article

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Evaluation of total serum bilirubin thresholds for discontinuing phototherapy in jaundiced neonates: a randomized study

Ajay Kumar, Nidhi Jain

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):539-545. Published online February 26, 2025

Question: What are the outcomes of jaundiced neonates when phototherapy is discontinued at 2 different total serum bilirubin (TSB) thresholds?
Findings: The study involved 80 neonates, comparing a recommended TSB threshold and a lower threshold for phototherapy discontinuation. Results showed a 14.3% reinstitution rate of treatment, with no adverse outcomes.
Meaning: Careful posttreatment monitoring is essential when discontinuing phototherapy, and future research should consider updated guidelines like those from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01249

Incidence of neural tube defects in tertiary care university hospital in Bangladesh

Ismat Jahan, Arif Hossain, Shah Nizam Uddin Shaon, Sadeka Choudhury Moni, Mohammad Kamrul Hassan Shabuj, Sanjoy Kumer Dey, Mohammad Abdul Mannan, Mohammod Shahidullah

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):530-538. Published online April 1, 2025

Question: What is the burden of neural tube defects (NTDs) in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit in Bangladesh?
Finding: The overall incidence of NTD was 6.4 (range, 4.59–11.2) per 1,000 live births, and the meningomyelocele complex was the most frequent location.
Meaning: The high incidence of NTD found in a leading tertiary care multidisciplinary referral hospital in Bangladesh may not reflect that of the wider population.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01578

Hematology

Treatment and clinical outcomes of pediatric autoimmune hemolytic anemia: real-world single-center data from Korea

Young Dai Kwon, Eun Sun Jung, Yeon Jung Lim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):522-529. Published online April 16, 2025

Question: Can pediatric autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) be effectively managed using first-line steroids?
Finding: In this single-center study, pediatric patients with AIHA achieved normal hemoglobin levels within 16.5 days (range, 9.0–22.0 days) of first-line steroid treatment and maintained effective responses for 2 months.
Meaning: These outcomes highlight the efficacy of steroid treatment in pediatric versus adult AIHA and underscore the need for multicenter trials to establish standardized treatment guidelines.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.02026

Genetics and Metabolism

Role of microRNA-498 and microRNA-410 in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Eman Salah Eldeen Arafat, Hasnaa Hesham Abotaleb, Dina Abdel Razek Midan, Abdel Hamid Abdo Ismail, Zeinab Sabri Abouzouna

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):512-521. Published online February 26, 2025

Question: Is it role of microRNA-410 (miRNA-410) and microRNA-498 (miRNA-498) in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)?
Findings: miRNA-498 and miRNA-410 can be auxiliary diagnostic and prognostic tools for neonatal HIE.
Meaning: we can use miRNA-498 and miRNA-410 as markers and indicator for HIE.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01669

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01718

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00122

Nonlinear association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and asthma in children and adolescents in the United States: a cross-sectional study

Chuhan Cheng, Liyan Zhang

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):489-496. Published online March 11, 2025

Crossref 1

Question: Is there a nonlinear relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and asthma in children and adolescents?
Finding: NLR showed a nonlinear association with asthma, with an NLR threshold of 2.23 identifying individuals at higher risk.
Meaning: An NLR<2.23 may serve as a potential biomarker for asthma risk assessment and management in pediatric populations, thereby offering a simple tool for the early identification of at-risk individuals.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01844

Editorial

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Intermittent sigh breaths during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation among newborn infants

Ga Won Jeon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):486-488. Published online April 16, 2025

Intermittent sigh breaths during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation can improve ventilation and oxygenation by enhancing lung recruitment. Although research on this approach in newborn infants is limited, some published studies suggest that sigh breaths are generally applied at a rate of 2–3 breaths/min with an inspiratory time of 0.5–1 second and pressure of current mean airway pressure + 5 cmH₂O (maximum, 30 cmH₂O).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00549

Review Article

Immunology

NLRP3 inflammasome: a key player in neonatal brain injury

Cagla Kiser, Ilkcan Ercan, Defne Engur, Sermin Genc

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(7):475-485. Published online April 1, 2025

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is the major cause of neonatal brain injury. NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome activation leads to neuroinflammation, which significantly affects newborn mortality. The establishment of preventive and therapeutic strategies against brain damage requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation and inflammasome activation in the neonatal brain.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01935

Clinical Note

General Pediatrics

Aplasia cutis congenita with unique vascular malformation and cranial hypoplasia: a case in a preterm infant

Yasufumi Sakata, Natsumi Fujii, Sadahiro Nomura, Yoshihiro Azuma, Hiroki Hamano, Hidenobu Kaneyasu, Seigo Okada, Kazumasa Takahashi, Shunji Hasegawa

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):472-474. Published online March 11, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01998

Original Article

Neonatology (Perinatology)

Differential roles of interleukin-6 and adrenomedullin in early diagnosis and mortality predictions in late-onset neonatal sepsis

Emilly Henrique dos Santos, Gabriel Acca Barreira, Mariana Okay Saippa, Maria Carolina Pires Cruz, Karen Alessandra Rodrigues, Ronaldo Arkader, Thelma Suely Okay

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):463-471. Published online December 23, 2024

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Question: Can adrenomedullin (ADM) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) detect late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) at admission (area under the curve [AUC]>0.90) as an early diagnostic marker?
Finding: Only IL-6 consistently distinguished survivors from nonsurvivors (AUC>0.90) on admission and antibiotic treatment days 3 and 7. C-reactive protein level identified infections from day 3 but failed to predict outcomes (AUC<0.70).
Meaning: IL-6 level can improve LOS diagnosis and prognosis.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01543

Nephrology (Genitourinary)

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Karnchanit Sausukpaiboon, Nuanpan Penboon, Pornpimol Rianthavorn

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):454-462. Published online February 3, 2025

Question: What is the acceptance rate for coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination among parents of children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
Finding: One-third of parents were hesitant to vaccinate their child. Parental willingness to vaccinate themselves, older patient age, and belief in the vaccine's potency were associated with vaccine acceptance.
Meaning: These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve vaccine acceptance among parents of children with SLE.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01340

Oncology

Prognostic role of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin in predicting infection in pediatric cancer with febrile neutropenia

Seham M. Ragab, Sara Mahmoud El-Deeb, Ahmed Saeed, Asmaa A. Mahmoud

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):445-453. Published online January 13, 2025

· Infection remains a leading cause of death in febrile neutropenia (FN).
· Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-ProADM) levels are higher among patients with FN and a bacterial infection.
· A longer FN duration and hospital stay length as well as elevated C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and MR-ProADM levels are significant risk factors for mortality.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01620

Hematology

Impact of Xmn1 polymorphism on hydroxyurea therapy in children with HbE-β non-transfusion dependent thalassemia: a cohort study

Saheli Roy, Paramita Bhattacharya, Atanu Kumar Dutta, Mrinal Kanti Das

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):437-444. Published online February 3, 2025

Question: Does the T allele of Xmn1 polymorphism favorably influence hydroxyurea efficacy in children of Eastern descent with fetal hemoglobin (HbE)-β nontransfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT)?
Finding: Decrease in transfusion requirement and increase in height following hydroxyurea therapy was noted in both groups, however, change in CT was more critical than that in CC genotype.
Meaning: T allele of Xmn1 polymorphism favorably influences hydroxyurea efficacy in children with HbE-β NTDT.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01284

Editorial

Neurology

Screen time and neurodevelopment in preschoolers: addressing a growing concern in pediatric practice

Soongang Park, Hyewon Woo

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):434-436. Published online January 13, 2025

· Excessive screen time in preschoolers is associated with neurodevelopmental delays, particularly during the early years of life.
· Parental supervision and national guidelines are critical in mitigating the negative impacts of excessive screen time and fostering healthy media habits in preschoolers.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01536

Review Article

Other

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors in the head and neck in patients with APC gene deletion mutations: a case report and scoping review of the literature

Koral M. Blunt, Monirah Albathi, Miriam Conces, Tendy Chiang

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):428-433. Published online January 13, 2025

In this report, we describe our experience with a patient with an APC-related genetic syndrome who presented with a rare palatal lesion with characteristics of a schwannoma. We discuss the role of immunohistochemical staining in discerning the differential diagnosis.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01375

Endocrinology

Impact of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on growth outcomes in mucopolysaccharidosis: a systematic review

Farzaneh Abbasi, Asal Khalili Dehkordi, Reihaneh Mohsenipour

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):417-427. Published online March 11, 2025

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) enhances the growth outcomes of pediatric patients with mucopolysaccharidosis, with early intervention leading to improved height, weight, and body mass index. However, achieving a standard adult height remains uncommon among these patients, even in cases of early HSCT. Growth hormone therapy provides short-term benefits but does not address long-term height deficits. Pubertal development is generally normal; however, precocious puberty and pubertal arrest may occur.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01725

Critical Care Medicine

Protocolized sedation may reduce ventilation and sedation requirements in the pediatric intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ambrus Szemere, Alíz Fazekas, Anna Réka Sebestyén, Rani Ezzeddine, Veronika Upor, Marie Anne Engh, Péter Hegyi, Zsolt Molnár, Klára Horváth

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):406-416. Published online February 19, 2025

Protocolized sedation may reduce ventilation requirements, pediatric intensive care unit length of stay, and sedative exposure. However, it may increase the likelihood of unplanned extubation, highlighting the importance of incorporating preventive measures to mitigate this risk.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01711

Allergy

Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin levels can predict allergic disease development and atopic march in children

Zak Callaway, Chang-Keun Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(6):398-405. Published online February 3, 2025

· Allergic march occurs in a subset of children, beginning with atopic dermatitis and progressing to food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and/or asthma. Its early diagnosis is important to slowing its progression.
· Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), an excellent biomarker of eosinophil activity, is often elevated in allergic diseases.
· EDN levels have been used to predict allergic disease development and diagnose, treat, and monitor allergic diseases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01382

Clinical Note

Gastroenterology

Abdominal pain in a young girl: a twist in the tale

Upasana Ghosh, Ankit Agrawal, Umesh Shukla, Vikas Jain, Deeksha Bhalla

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):395-397. Published online March 11, 2025

· Chronic abdominal pain caused by a gastric trichobezoar is extremely rare among children.
· An indentable epigastric mass is characteristic and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is diagnostic of a gastric trichobezoar.
· Symptomatic large trichobezoars usually require surgery.
· Neuropsychiatric disorders are often associated with gastric trichobezoar, making a psychiatric evaluation of paramount importance.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01949

Original Article

General Pediatrics

The role of serum zinc and selenium levels in etiology of febrile seizures

Yavuz Ataş, Hatice Gamze Poyrazoğlu

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):388-394. Published online January 13, 2025

Zinc may play a key role in preventing febrile seizures by increasing the seizure threshold and reducing oxidative stress. Incorporating zinc supplements into treatment could help protect children from the adverse effects of febrile seizures and improve their overall outcomes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01410

Infection

Enteric pathogens implicated in acute infectious diarrhea among young children in resource-limited region with rapidly growing population: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Aseel Mahmood Ibrahim Al-Mashahedah, Randa Mohammed Dhahi

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):379-387. Published online December 23, 2024

Question: What are the most common enteric pathogens in acute diarrhea among children younger than 5 years of age, and which age group is most susceptible?
Finding: Bacteria were the most common causative microorganisms of diarrhea, followed by viruses, parasites, and fungi. The 1–2-year age group was the most commonly affected.
Meaning: There is a need to formulate preventive strategies targeting children exposed to enteric pathogens to limit diarrhea.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01333

Nutrition

Differential effects of dietary and physical activity interventions on adiposity of children with obesity

Anekchoke Tangtongsoong, Chonnikant Visuthranukul, Yuda Chongpison, Sirinuch Chomtho

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):370-378. Published online February 3, 2025

Question: How do dietary intake and physical activity affect body mass index (BMI) z scores and adiposity among children with obesity?
Finding: Higher dietary protein and fiber intakes were significantly associated with a decrease in BMI z scores and adiposity among children with obesity.
Meaning: Optimizing dietary interventions by focusing on protein and fiber intakes could be an effective strategy for managing childhood obesity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01347

Immunology

Serum bactericidal activity against meningococcus in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Soyoung Lee, Kyung-Hyo Kim, Ji Hyen Lee, Han Wool Kim

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):362-369. Published online January 13, 2025

Question: What is the level of immunity against meningococcal infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) under the age of 19, and is vaccination against meningococcus necessary for these patients, given their susceptibility to infections due to immunosuppressive treatments and disease characteristics?
Finding: Although some of our study patients exhibited serum bactericidal activity against meningococci, most remained seronegative.
Meaning: These findings suggest that patients with SLE who are at risk of meningococcal infection receive appropriate vaccinations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01151

Editorial

Other

Further research on impact of microplastics on children's health is essential to protecting future generations

Jongin Lee, Dong-Wook Lee

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):359-361. Published online November 13, 2024

· The ecological impacts of microplastics have been documented. It was recently recognized that they can directly or indirectly cause diseases in humans.
· There are few established methods for assessing human exposure to microplastics.
· Standardization of exposure assessments and large-scale epidemiological studies are required to explore the human effects of microplastics.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01459

Review Article

Nutrition

The Korea Infant Physical Growth Examination Survey (KIPGroS): a study protocol

Jong Woo Hahn, MinSoo Shin, Jin Gyu Lim, Yoon-Joo Kim, Ki Soo Kang, Narae Lee, Seong Hee Jeong, Mun Hui Jeong, Yeoun Joo Lee, Eui Kyung Choi, Jung Ok Shim, Jee Yoon Park, Chan-Wook Park, Joo Young Kim, Su Jin Jeong, Young Hwa Jung, Jaehyun Kim, Chang Won Choi, Ju Whi Kim, Seung Han Shin, Yun Jeong Lee, Young Ah Lee, Choong-Ho Shin, Seung-sik Hwang, Young Eun Kim, Youn Ha Kang, Kyungwon Oh, Sungha Yun, Jae Sung Ko, Jin Soo Moon

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):352-358. Published online February 13, 2025

The suitability of World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts for assessing the growth of children under 3 years of age in all countries remains controversial, and their applicability must be evaluated based on country-specific growth data. The Korea Infant Physical Growth Examination Survey evaluated the suitability of WHO growth charts to contribute to the next revision of growth charts in Korea.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.00297

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01732

Allergy

Global burden of asthma among children and adolescents with projections to 2050: a comprehensive review and forecasted modeling study

Tae Hyeon Kim, Hyunjee Kim, Jiyeon Oh, Soeun Kim, Michael Miligkos, Dong Keon Yon, Nikolaos G Papadopoulos

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(5):329-343. Published online April 22, 2025

Web of Science 1 Crossref 1

Pediatric asthma can persist to adulthood and must be effectively managed. This review examined the prevalence of asthma among individuals younger than 20 years and revealed a decline from 1990 to 2021, higher rates in males, and a peak in children aged 5–9 years. Despite a projected continued decrease in prevalence by 2050, asthma will remain a significant health concern for children and adolescents.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00423

Cited By 26	Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants
Cited By 21	Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
Cited By 20	Association of gut microbiota with obesity in children and adolescents
Cited By 19	Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among parents of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Cited By 18	Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance in children

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