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We investigated hematological parameters included WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil and platelet count. Moreover, we evaluated hematological ratios such as NLR, MLR, ELR, BLR, PLR and MPV/PC. Two groups were classified as positive RT-PCR with bilateral patchy shadows or ground‐glass opacity in their lungs and negative RT-PCR for 2019‐nCoV. A total of 204 children were enrolled 2019-nCoV positive and negative. Seven 2019-nCoV positive patients were asymptomatic. Fever was mostly seen symptom in 2019-nCoV positive and negative patients at admission. White blood cell, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil and platelet count were significantly lower in 2019-nCoV positive patients than that of negative patients (p [Med-Science 2022; 11(1.000): 214-9]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by pediatric infectious disease specialists from 32 different hospitals from all over Turkey by case record forms. Pediatric cases who were diagnosed as COVID-19 between March 16, 2020, and June 15, 2020 were included. Case characteristics including age, sex, dates of disease onset and diagnosis, family, and contact information were recorded. Clinical data, including the duration and severity of symptoms, were also collected. Laboratory parameters like biochemical tests and complete blood count, chest X-ray, and chest computed tomography (CT) were determined.Results: There were 1,156 confirmed pediatric COVID-19 cases. In total, male cases constituted 50.3% (n = 582) and females constituted 49.7% (n = 574). The median age of the confirmed cases was 10.75 years (4.5–14.6). Of the total cases, 90 were younger than 1 year of age (7.8%), 108 were 1–3 years of age (9.3%), 148 were 3–6 years of age (12.8%), 298 were 6–12 years of age (25.8%), 233 were 12–15 years of age (20.2%), and 268 cases were older than 15 years of age (23.2%). The most common symptom of the patients at the first visit was fever (50.4%) (n = 583) for a median of 2 days (IQR: 1–3 days). Fever was median at 38.4°C (38.0–38.7°C). The second most common symptom was cough (n = 543, 46.9%). The other common symptoms were sore throat (n = 143, 12.4%), myalgia (n = 141, 12.2%), dyspnea (n = 118, 10.2%), diarrhea (n = 112, 9.7%), stomachache (n = 71, 6.1%), and nasal discharge (n = 63, 5.4%). When patients were classified according to disease severity, 263 (22.7%) patients were asymptomatic, 668 (57.7%) patients had mild disease, 209 (18.1%) had moderate disease, and 16 (1.5%) cases had severe disease. One hundred and forty-nine (12.9%) cases had underlying diseases among the total cases; 56% of the patients who had severe disease had an underlying condition (p < 0.01). The need for hospitalization did not differ between patients who had an underlying condition and those who do not have (p = 0.38), but the need for intensive care was higher in patients who had an underlying condition (p < 0.01). Forty-seven (31.5%) of the cases having underlying conditions had asthma or lung disease (38 of them had asthma).Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the largest pediatric data about confirmed COVID-19 cases. Children from all ages appear to be susceptible to COVID-19, and there is a significant difference in symptomatology and laboratory findings by means of age distribution.

Purpose: Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a recently discovered virus which is a member of Parvoviridae family. It is mostly detected in respiratory tract and stool specimens in pediatric patients with the diagnosis of acute respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis, respectively. Material and Methods: Hospitalized children aged 1-56 months with the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) were included in this prospective study between February 1st 2009 and May 21st 2009. HBoV DNA was investigated by PCR method. A questionarrie form was applied for all of the patients. Written informed consent of a parent or legal guardian was required Results: Among the total of 120 hospitalized children who were investigated for HBoV the mean age was 9.9 months (1-56 months). HBoV DNA PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs was positive in 8 (6.7%) of 120 patients. In HBoV (+) lower respiratory tract infection group, to have an ill subling with similar symptoms and number of sublings ( and #8805;3 or more) were found to be risk factors. In HBoV (+) group serum level of C-reactive protein was significantly lower than HBoV (-) group. Conclusion: The clinical spectrum of HBoV infection ranges from no symptoms or mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory disease. Since there is lack of data investigating the frequency of HBoV respiratory tract infections in our region, our study has importance for providing new data. [Cukurova Med J 2016; 41(4.000): 762-766]

Acinetobacterursingii is an aerobic,gram-negative, opportunistic microorganism which is rarely isolated among Acinetobacterspecies. We present two immunocompetent infants who developed bacteremia due to A.ursingii. The first patient is a two -month- old boy who had been hospitalized in pediatric surgery unit for suspected tracheo-esophageal fistula because of recurrent aspiration pneumonia unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. The second patient is a fourteen -month- old boy with prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. A. ursingii was isolated from their blood cultures. They were successfully treated with ampicillin-sulbactam.Although A.ursingii hasrecently been isolated from a clinical specimen; reports of infection with A.ursingii in children are rare. A.ursingii should be kept in mind as an opportunistic microorganism in children.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) usually causes mild, asymptomatic, and self-limited infections in children and adults; however, it may occasionally lead to severe conditions such as neurological diseases, malignant diseases, hepatic failure, and myocarditis. Epstein-Barr virus-related neurological disorders include meningitis, encephalitis, and cranial or peripheral neuritis, which are mostly seen in immunocompromised patients. The therapeutic modalities for EBV-related severe organ damage including central nervous system manifestations are still uncertain. Herein, we describe a seven-year-old boy with EBV encephalitis who presented with prolonged fever, exudative pharyngitis, reduced consciousness, and neck stiffness. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed contrast enhancement in the bilateral insular cortex and the right hypothalamus. The diagnosis was made by EBV-DNA amplification in both the blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples. He was discharged with acyclovir therapy without any sequelae.

Background. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and important clinical problem in childhood, and extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase- (ESBL-) producing organisms are the leading cause of healthcare-related UTIs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ertapenem therapy in children with complicated UTIs caused by ESBL-producing organisms. Methods. Seventy-seven children with complicated UTIs caused by ESBL-producing organisms were included in this retrospective study, and all had been treated with ertapenem between January 2013 and June 2014. Results. Sixty-one (79%) females and sixteen (21%) males with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 76.6±52 months (range 3–204, median 72 months) were enrolled in this study. Escherichia coli (E. coli) (n=67; 87%) was the most common bacterial cause of the UTIs followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (n=9; 11.7%) and Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) (n=1; 1.3%). The mean duration of the ertapenem therapy was 8.9±1.6 days (range 4–11). No serious drug-related clinical or laboratory adverse effects were observed, and the ertapenem therapy was found to be safe and well tolerated in the children in our study. Conclusion. Ertapenem is a newer carbapenem with the advantage of once-daily dosing and is highly effective for treating UTIs caused by ESBL-producing microorganisms.

In recent years, multidrug-resistant microorganisms appear as important nosocomial pathogens which treatment is quite difficult. As sufficient drug levels could not be achieved in cerebrospinal fluid during intravenous antibiotic therapy for central nervous system infections and due to multidrug-resistance treatment alternatives are limited. In this study, four cases of central nervous system infections due to multidrug-resistant microorganisms who were successfully treated with removal of the devices and intraventricular ciprofloxacin are presented. In conclusion, intraventricular ciprofloxacin can be used for treatment of central nervous system infections if the causative microorganism is sensitive to the drug and no other alternative therapy is available.

Purpose. In here we described cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in 12-year-old male patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who was on maintenance phase therapy. Methods. He was referred to our clinic for seeing of spots with the right eye for 3 days. At presentation, his best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination of the anterior chamber of the left eye was within normal limits, whereas we observed 3+ anterior chamber cellular reaction in the right eye. On retinal examination, we found active retinitis lesions (cream-colored lesions associated with hemorrhages) and perivascular cuffing in the retinal periphery in the right eye. Left eye was normal. Results. On the basis of clinical picture, we made the diagnosis of CMVR in the right eye. Vitreous aspiration was performed and 23096 copies/mL of CMV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous ganciclovir for two weeks and discharged with oral valganciclovir prophylaxis. Conclusion. CMVR should be in mind in children with ALL on maintenance phase therapy even in those without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These patients can be treated successfully by intravenous ganciclovir alone.

Abstract Background Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is one of the most frequent side effects of antimicrobial therapy. We assessed the epidemiological data of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in pediatric patients in our region. Methods The prospective multi-center study included pediatric patients who were initiated an oral antibiotic course in outpatient clinics and followed in a well-established surveillance system. This follow-up system constituded inclusion of patient by the primary physician, supply of family follow-up charts to the family, passing the demographics and clinical information of patient to the Primary Investigator Centre, and a close telephone follow-up of patients for a period of eight weeks by the Primary Investigator Centre. Results A result of 758 cases were recruited in the analysis which had a frequency of 10.4% antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Among the cases treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate 10.4%, and cephalosporins 14.4% presented with antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In the analysis of antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurrence according to different geographical regions of Turkey, antibiotic-associated diarrhea episodes differed significantly (p = 0.014), particularly higher in The Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia. Though most commonly encountered with cephalosporin use, antibiotic-associated diarrhea is not a frequent side effect. Conclusion This study on pediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhea displayed epidemiological data and the differences geographically in our region.

Objective: To examine the effect of the COVID-19 virus, especially the Omicron variant, on hematological parameters of hospitalized pediatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Medical records of pediatric COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kirdar City Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, between March 2020 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed to analyze data regarding demographics, SARS-CoV-2 infection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results, reverse-transcriptase (RT)-PCR for other respiratory agents, duration of hospital stay, and hematological and biochemical laboratory findings. Results: Out of 467 children with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 94 (20.1%) had Omicron infection and 373 (79.9%) were infected with other variants; the Omicron group had younger patients than the remaining samples (P

Objective: To examine the effects of human bocavirus type 1 (HBoV1) on the course of lower respiratory tract infections in cases of monoinfection and coinfection, and the effects of HBoV1 viral load on the disease in children under six years old hospitalized with a diagnosis of HBoV1-associated lower respiratory tract infections. Methods: Children under six years of age, who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection due to HBoV1 between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2022 were included in the study. Laboratory confirmation of the respiratory pathogens was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Fifty-four (16.4%) children with HBoV1 among 329 children whose PCR was positive with bacterial/viral agent in nasopharyngeal swab samples were included in the study. There were 28 (51.9%) males and 26 (48.1%) females with a median age 23.4 months [interquartile range (IQR): 13.2, 30.0 months] (min-max:1 month-68 months). HBoV1 was detected as a monoinfecton in 26 (48.1%) children, and as a coinfection with other respiratory agents in 28 children (51.9%). In multiple regression analysis, coinfection (P=0.032) was associated with the length of hospitalization (P

Background: Understanding SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among health care personnel is important to explore risk factors for transmission, develop elimination strategies and form a view on the necessity and frequency of surveillance in the future. Methods: We enrolled 4927 health care personnel working in pediatric units at 32 hospitals from 7 different regions of Turkey in a study to determine SARS Co-V-2 seroprevalence after the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A point of care serologic lateral flow rapid test kit for immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgG was used. Seroprevalence and its association with demographic characteristics and possible risk factors were analyzed. Results: SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity prevalence in health care personnel tested was 6.1%. Seropositivity was more common among those who did not universally wear protective masks (10.6% vs 6.1%). Having a COVID-19-positive co-worker increased the likelihood of infection. The least and the most experienced personnel were more likely to be infected. Most of the seropositive health care personnel (68.0%) did not suspect that they had previously had COVID-19. Conclusions: Health surveillance for health care personnel involving routine point-of-care nucleic acid testing and monitoring personal protective equipment adherence are suggested as important strategies to protect health care personnel from COVID-19 and reduce nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Introduction Health care workers (HCWs) are disproportionately exposed to infectious diseases and play a role in nosocomial transmission, making them a key demographic for vaccination. HCW vaccination rates are not optimal in many countries; hence, compulsory vaccination policies have been implemented in some countries. Although these policies are effective and necessary under certain conditions, resolving HCWs’ hesitancies and misconceptions about vaccines is crucial. HCWs have the advantage of direct contact with patients; hence, they can respond to safety concerns, explain the benefits of vaccination, and counter antivaccine campaigns that escalate during pandemics, as has been observed with COVID-19. Method A short survey was carried out in May–June 2020 on the vaccination status of HCWs working with pediatric patients with COVID-19. The survey inquired about their vaccination status (mumps/measles/rubella [MMR], varicella, influenza, and diphtheria/tetanus [dT]) and willingness to receive hypothetical future COVID-19 vaccines. The respondents were grouped according to gender, age, occupation, and region. Results In total, 4927 HCWs responded to the survey. Most were young, healthy adults. The overall vaccination rates were 57.8% for dT in the past 10 years, 44.5% for MMR, 33.2% for varicella, and 13.5% for influenza. Vaccination rates were the highest among physicians. The majority of HCWs (81%) stated that they would be willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusion Although vaccination rates for well-established vaccines were low, a majority of HCWs were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines when available. Education and administrative trust should be enhanced to increase vaccination rates among HCWs.

Ecthyma is a form of ulcerative impetigo which erodes through epidermidis and dermis. Mostly, the crusts are found on the lesions, and when the crust is removed, there is a purulent ulcer at the bottom. Herein, we report a patient who presented with ecthyma lesions on his legs to the outpatient clinic and had cutaneous anthrax reporting for differential diagnosis. A 10-year, 6-month old boy admitted to the hospital with five lesions with some of them are wet yellowish-colored, and some of them crusted in black color, surrounded with the hyperemic area on the leg which did not respond to topical treatment. In physical examination, he had no other pathological sign. The laboratory results showed a white blood cell (WBC) count of 9900/mm3, a hemoglobin level of 13.6 g/dL, platelet count of 478000/mm3 and C-reactive protein of 8.6 mg/L (0–3.5 mg/L. Biochemical values were normal. The patient was consulted the Department Dermatology and ecthyma was the primary diagnosis. However, cutaneous anthrax was in a differential diagnosis. Thus, we sent two swabs, one swab for PCR and one swab for culture. Because of penicillin allergy of the patient, clindamycin and ciprofloxacin were started. Streptococcus pyogenes yielded in culture and tests for anthrax were negative. Thus, we stopped ciprofloxacin and clindamycin therapy continued. On the day of 10th, the patient was discharged because of the crusted lesions with no hyperemic area. S. pyogenes is still susceptible to penicillin; however, it may cause severe complications. Thus, it should be treated promptly.

INTRODUCTION[|]Kawasaki disease is one of the most common childhood forms of vasculitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate children with Kawasaki disease hospitalized in our pediatrics department over a 6-year period.[¤]METHODS[|]A total of 39 children treated for Kawasaki disease in the pediatric department between January 2008 and December 2013 were evaluated retrospectively.[¤]RESULTS[|]Of 39 patients, 29 (74.3%) were male and 10 (25.6%) were female. The male/female ratio was 2.9. The mean patient age was 31.82+-20.31 months. In all, 2 patients were diagnosed with Kawasaki disease in 2008, 6 in 2009, 5 in 2010, 7 in 2011, 10 in 2012 and 9 in 2013. Lesions of the oral cavity were found in 89.7%, extremity changes were observed in 61.5%, conjunctivitis was seen in 76.9%, polymorphous exanthema was detected in 74.4%, and lymphadenopathy was present in 61.5% of the patients. In 22 patients, coronary artery disease was detected on an echocardiogram. According to the Kawasaki disease diagnostic criteria, 64.1% were diagnosed as complete Kawasaki disease and 35.9% as incomplete. Myocardial infarction or death did not occur.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]The cardiovascular complications of Kawasaki disease can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment in both complete and incomplete cases.[¤]

INTRODUCTION[|]The aim of the present study was to determine the etiological profile, clinical course, and outcome of patients hospitalized with severe influenza during the 2015-2016 influenza season.[¤]METHODS[|]Patients with severe influenza who were admitted to the emergency department of the hospital between December 1, 2015 and March 15, 2016 and who required admission were included. The presence of dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, hypotension, hypoxia, mental status changes, severe dehydration, or chest X-ray compatible with bronchopneumonia/pneumonia were considered 'severe influenza.' Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens from all patients were tested for respiratory viruses using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique.[¤]RESULTS[|]Of a total of 95 hospitalized patients, 65 patients (68.4%; 38 adults and 27 children) were virus-positive. The etiological virus was 42 (64.6%) cases of influenza A (H1N1), 9 (13.8%) of influenza A (H3N2), and 5 (7.7%) of coronavirus. Six patients (9.2%) were pregnant. Only 1 pregnant patient died, due to H1N1 influenza. Fifteen (23%; 14 adults and 1 child) required follow-up in the intensive care unit (ICU). Nine adult patients died [7 due to influenza A (6 H1N1, 1 H3N2), 1 due to human metapneumovirus, 1 due to coronavirus], but all of the children survived. The case-fatality rate of H1N1 infection was 14.3%.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]Two-thirds of the admitted patients had an influenza A H1N1 infection. Seven (16.7%) of them required ICU follow-up. The H1N1 case-fatality rate was 14.3%. Patients with risk factors who have severe influenza should be hospitalized.[¤]

Background: The emergence of infections due to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) has led to the resurrection of colistin use. The data on colistin use and drug-related adverse effects in children are scarce. Aims: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of colistin use in critically ill pediatric patients. Study Design: This study has a retrospective study design. Methods: Sixty-one critically ill children were identified through the department’s patient files archive during the period from January 2011 to November 2014. Results: Twenty-nine females and thirty-two males with a mean±standard deviation (SD) age of 61±9 months (range 0-216, median 12 months) received IV colistin due to MDR-GNB infections. Bacteremia (n=23, 37.7%) was the leading diagnosis, followed by pneumonia (n=19, 31%), clinical sepsis (n=7, 11.4%), wound infection (n=6, 9.8%), urinary tract infection (n=5, 8.1%) and meningitis (n=1, 1.6%). All of the isolates were resistant to carbapenems; however, all were susceptible to colistin. The isolated microorganisms in decreasing order of frequency were: Acinetobacter baumanni (n=27, 44.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=17, 27.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=6, 9.8%), K. pneumoniae and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n=1, 1.6%), K. pneumoniae and A. baumanni (n=1, 1.6%), K. oxytoca (n=1, 1.6%) and Enterobacter cloacae (n=1, 1.6%). In seven patients, no microorganisms were detected; however, five of these patients were colonized by carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. The mean duration of colistin therapy was 12 days (range 3-45). Colistin was administered concomitantly with one of the following antibiotics: carbapenem (n=50, %82), ampicillin-sulbactam (n=5, 8%), quinolones (n=5, 8%), rifampicin (n=1, 1.6%). Carbapenem was the most frequently used antibiotic. Nephrotoxicity was observed in only 1 patient, and we did not observe neurotoxicity in this study. All the patients received intravenous colistin (colisthimethate) at a dosage of 5 mg/kg daily by dividing it in three equal doses. Seven (11.4%) patients died during the study period. Conclusion: Colistin appears to be a safe and efficacious drug for treating MDR-GNB infections in children.

Taenia saginata is one of the species of intestinal tapeworms for which humans are the only definitive hosts. It occurs worldwide; however, it emerges mostly where the consumption of improperly cooked beef is common. Most human carriers are asymptomatic, and patients who are symptomatic may sense the movement of proglottids through the anus. Other associated symptoms are nausea, epigastric pain, and anorexia. The diagnosis is usually established by macroscopic determination and microbiological tests. Praziquantel and niclosamide are the therapeutic agents for the treatment. This study aimed to report a case of a 4-year-old boy, in which T. saginata proglottids were expelled through the nose and anus.

Background. The objective of this study was to assess the compliance of hand hygiene (HH) of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary university hospital in Istanbul. Methods. An observational study was conducted on the compliance of HH for the five World Health Organization (WHO) indications. HCWs were observed during routine patient care in day shift. The authors also measured the technique of HH through hand washing or hand hygiene with alcohol-based disinfectant. Results. A total of 704 HH opportunities were identified during the observation period. Overall compliance was 37.0% (261/704). Compliance differed by role: nurses (41.4%) and doctors (31.9%) [P=0.02, OR: 1.504, CI 95%: 1.058–2.137]. HCWs were more likely to use soap and water (63.6%) compared to waterless-alcohol-based hand hygiene (36.3%) [P

Mondini dysplasia, also known as Mondini malformation, is a developmental abnormality of the inner and middle ears that can cause hearing loss, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, and recurrent bacterial meningitis (RBM), which is defined as two or more episodes of meningitis separated by a period of convalescence and the complete resolution of all signs and symptoms. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying pathology is crucial to prevent further episodes from occurring. Herein, we present a three-year-old boy with RBM and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. During the evaluation to determine the etiology of the RBM, cystic malformation in the cochlea and vestibular dilatation consistent with Mondini dysplasia were detected via computerized tomography (CT) of the temporal bone.

Typical cat-scratch disease (CSD) is characterized by local lymphadenopathy following the scratch or bite from a cat or kitten. An atypical presentation which includes liver and/or spleen lesions is rarely reported in an immunocompetent child. Systemic CSD may mimic more serious disorders like malignancy or tuberculosis. Although a diagnosis is difficult to establish in systemic CSD, an early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment are important to prevent complications. Bartonella henselae is difficult to culture, and culture is not routinely recommended. Clinical, serological, radiological, and pathological findings are used for the diagnosis of CSD. Herein we present a case of systemic CSD presenting with hepatic mass in an immunocompetent child. The differential diagnosis is made by serological and pathological evidence. He was successfully treated with gentamicin (7.5 mg/kg) and rifampin (15 mg/kg) for six weeks.