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Advances in technology in recent years increased the long-term survival rate of patients with chronic respiratory failure. As a result, the number of patients receiving long-term home mechanical ventilation (LTHV) support is increasing worldwide. The most important step in the management of patients with home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Successful care at home requires the presence of trained caregivers and accessibility to medical devices and a care team. The aims of this study were, to describe the characteristics of children on LTHV in Istanbul, to compare the patients receiving non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive ventilation, and to evaluate the frequency and risk factors of hospital admission in this population.

Introduction Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is frequently used for assessment and treatment of patients with respiratory diseases. Our aim was to investigate the contribution of FB to diagnosis and therapy in children admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) and to evaluate the safety of FB in this vulnerable population. Methods Children less than 18 years of age who underwent FB in the five neonatal and pediatric ICUs in Istanbul between July 1st, 2015 and July 1st, 2020 were included to the study. Demographic and clinical data including bronchoscopy indications, findings, complications, and the contribution of bronchoscopy to the management were retrospectively reviewed. Results One hundred and ninety-six patients were included to the study. The median age was 5 months (range 0.3-205 months). The most common indication of FB was extubation failure (38.3%), followed by suspected airway disease. Bronchoscopic assessments revealed at least one abnormality in 90.8% patients. The most common findings were airway malacia and the presence of excessive airway secretions (47.4% and 35.7%, respectively). Positive contribution of FB was identified in 87.2% of the patients. FB had greater than 1 positive contribution in 138 patients and 80.6% of the patients received a new diagnosis. Medical therapy was modified after the procedure in 39.8% and surgical interventions were pursued in 40% of the patients. Therapeutic lavage was achieved in 18.9%. There were no major complications. Conclusion Flexible bronchoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in neonatal and pediatric ICUs and is not associated with major complications.

Background Tracheostomy-related morbidity and mortality mainly occur due to decannulation, misplacement, or obstruction of the tube. A standardized training can improve the skills and confidence of the caregivers in tracheostomy care (TC). Objective Our primary aim was to evaluate the efficiency of standardized training program on the knowledge and skills (changing-suctioning the tracheostomy tube) of the participants regarding TC. Materials and Methods Sixty-five caregivers of children with tracheostomy were included. First, participants were evaluated with written test about TC and participated in the practical tests. Then, they were asked to participate in a standardized training session, including theoretical and practical parts. Baseline and postintervention assessments were compared through written and practical tests conducted on the same day. Results A significant improvement was observed in the written test score after the training. The median number of correct answers of the written test including 23 questions increased 26%, from 12 to 18 (p < .001). The median number of correct steps in tracheostomy tube change (from 9 to 16 correct steps out of 16 steps, 44% increase) and suctioning the tracheostomy tube (from 9 to 17 correct steps out of 18 steps, 44% increase) also improved significantly after the training (p < .001, for both). Conclusion Theoretical courses and practical hands-on-training (HOT) courses are highly effective in improving the practices in TC. A standardized training program including HOT should be implemented before discharge from the hospital. Still there is a need to assess the impact of the program on tracheostomy-related complications, morbidity, and mortality in the long term.

Introduction: The pediatric tracheostomy related mortality mostly occurs due to accidental decannulation and cannula obstruction. The caregivers may be discharged with inadequate knowledge. Aims and objectives: Simulation training can highlight skills regarding tracheostomy care. Our aim is to investigate if a standardized hands-on-training improves knowledge and skills among caregivers. Methods: Before the traning, we applied a pretest to caregivers in order to assess their knowledge and current practises. Skills were evaluated by two simulation scenarios in a patient model: cannula change and aspiration. After one hour theoretical and practical hands-on training, the same post-test was applied, skills were reevaluated regarding cannula change and aspiration with practical tests. Results: The multicenter study included 65 caregivers of patients with tracheostomy. The median score of the theoretical test including 23 questions improved from 12 to 18 (p

Introduction Children with tracheostomy have an increased risk of bacterial colonization and infection of the lower respiratory tracts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nebulized antibiotics on the bacterial load, the need for oral antibiotics, the number of hospitalizations, and the length of stay in the intensive care unit in tracheotomised children with persistent colonization. Methods Children with tracheostomy and persistent bacterial colonization who were started on nebulized antibiotic therapy after a lower respiratory tract infection were included in the study. Nebulized gentamicin or colistin were used according to the results of the tracheal aspirate cultures. Demographic and clinic characteristics were recorded from one year prior until one year after initiation of nebulized antibiotic treatment. Results Nebulized antibiotic treatment was initiated in 22 patients. Nebulized gentamicin was administered to 14 patients (63.6%) and colistin to 8 patients (36.4%). The median duration of treatment was 3 months (range 2–5 months). Following nebulized antibiotic treatment, median number of hospitalizations decreased from 2 (range 1.0–3.5) to 1 (range 0.0–1.5) (p = 0.04). The median length of stay in the intensive care unit reduced significantly from 89.5 days (range 43.0–82.5) to 25 days (range 7.75–62.75) after starting nebulized antibiotics (p = 0.028). Following nebulized antibiotic treatment median bacterial colony count also decreased (from 105 CFU/ml (range 105-106) to 6 × 104 CFU/ml (range 104-105); p = 0.003). There were no significant side effects during nebulized antibiotic therapy. Conclusions The use of nebulized antibiotics reduced the number of hospitalizations, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and bacterial load in tracheotomised children with persistent airway colonization without significant side effects. The use of nebulized antibiotics showed a statistically significant decrease in the measures studied. Use of nebulized antibiotics may help to decrease the health care burden of these children, families and health care system. Further studies are needed to determine the indications and optimal duration of long-term nebulized antibiotic treatment in children with tracheostomy.

Little is known about the therapeutic use of hydroxychloroquine in pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we retrospectively retrieved data of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR-positive pediatric patients from 20 hospitals in 8 Turkish cities. We obtained epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features of the patients, as well as the drugs used for treating COVID-19. A total of 237 nasopharyngeal swab SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive children were included in the study from March 26, 2020 to June 20, 2020. The mean age of asymptomatic children (118 + 62 months) was higher than that of symptomatic children (89 + 69 months). Symptomatic children had significantly lower mean lymphocyte counts and higher mean CRP, D-dimer, procalcitonin, and LDH levels than asymptomatic children in the univariate analysis. Among 156 children, 78 (50%), 15, 44, and 21 were treated with a hydroxychloroquine-containing regimen, hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin + oseltamivir, hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin, and hydroxychloroquine alone, respectively. Among 156 patients who received medical treatment, 90 (58%) underwent pre- and/or post-treatment electrocardiogram (ECG). However, none of them had ECG abnormalities or required hydroxychloroquine discontinuation due to adverse drug reactions. © 2021, National Institute of Health. All rights reserved. 2-s2.0-85107565471 PubMed: 33250495

Objective Data on the prognosis of clinical features of pediatric patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is insufficient. This study aimed to examine the clinical, laboratory, and radiology findings of pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods A total of 81 pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who were admitted to the pediatric clinics of our tertiary care hospital in Istanbul between March 22 and May 1, 2020, were included in the study. Results Of the patients, 40 (49.6%) were boys and 41 (50.6%) were girls. The mean age of the patients was 9.3 ± 5.5 years (range: 1 month–16 years). The most common symptoms were cough (28.4%) and fever (25.9%). A total of 26 patients (32.1%) had pharyngeal erythema. There was no significant difference between age groups in terms of symptoms, findings, clinical picture, history of contact, and clinical course (p > 0.001 for each). Abnormal findings were observed in seven (8.6%) patients on chest X-ray, and in four patients (4.9%) on thorax computed tomography. Only three of the patients were hospitalized and all of them discharged with healing. Conclusion The present study is the most comprehensive study on children diagnosed with COVID-19 in our country, which showed that the COVID-19 picture was mild in pediatric patients, but the signs and symptoms in children were not specific to the disease. Our findings also showed that the rate of asymptomatic infection in children was high and that it was difficult to recognize COVID-19 in children.

Objectives: Our aim was to determine the treatable causes to increase the chance of decannulation success. For this purpose we evaluated the differences between the patients who succesfully decannulated and the patients who still has tracheostomy. Metods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on medical records of all pediatric patients with tracheostomy in a single centre. Results: Decannulation was successfully achieved in 59 patients (34.5%) of total 171 patients with tracheostomy between the years 2012-2019. Median duration of tracheostomy was 41.5 and 12 months in patients who remained with tracheostomy and decannulated respectively. Neurological disorders were higher in patients remained with tracheostomy, congenital heart disease and airway abnormalities were higher in decannulated patients. Presence of bacterial colonization (3.8-fold), history of invasive respiratory support following tracheostomy (2.9-fold), and having any neurological disorder and/or comorbidity (5.2-fold) were significantly associated lower rates of decannulation. Almost 33 % of patients had bacterial colonization and colonization rates were higher in patients who needed invasive respiratory support following tracheostomy placement (p

Introduction Children with tracheostomy have an increased risk of bacterial colonization and infections of the lower respiratory tracts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nebulized antibiotics on the bacterial load, the need for oral antibiotic courses, the number of hospitalizations, and the length of stay in the intensive care unit in children with tracheostomy. Methods Children with tracheostomy and persistent bacterial colonization who were started on nebulized antibiotic therapy after a lower respiratory tract infection were included to the study. Nebulized gentamicin or colistin were used according to the results of tracheal aspirate cultures. Demographic and clinic characteristics were recorded from one year before until 12 months after initiating nebulized antibiotic treatment. Results Nebulized antibiotic treatment was initiated in 22 patients. Inhaled gentamicin was administered to 14 patients (63.6%) and colistin to 8 patients (36.4%). The median duration of treatment was 3 months (2-5 months). Following nebulized antibiotic treatment, median number of hospitalizations decreased from 2 (1-3.5) to 1 (0-1.5) (p=0.04). The median length of stay in the intensive care unit reduced significantly from 89.5 days (43-82.5) to 25 days (7.75-62.75) after starting nebulized antibiotics (p = 0.028). Following nebulized antibiotic treatment colony count also decreased (105 CFU/ml (105-106) vs. 6x104 CFU/ml (104-105); p=0.003). Conclusions Nebulize antibiotics are a reasonable treatment option for lower respiratory tract infections for tracheotomized children with persistent colonization. Further studies are needed to determine the main indications and the optimal duration and doses of the long-term nebulized antibiotic treatment in these patients.

Introduction Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is mainly caused by infections and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aimed to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children with BO compared to the healthy children and also to assess the HRQOL according to the etiology. Methods Postinfectious (group 1) and post-HSCT BO (group 2) patients and healthy children were included in the study. HRQOL was assessed by the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Correlations between demographic and clinical characteristics, pulmonary function tests, high-resolution chest tomography scores, and HRQOL were assessed. Results Thirty-seven postinfectious and post-HSCT BO patients and 34 healthy children were included in the study. Mean age was 13.8 +/- 0.7 years. Mean forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume(1)were 60.7 +/- 2.7% predicted, and 49.8 +/- 3.1% predicted, respectively. The SF-36 scores were lower in BO patients compared to healthy children (P < .01). Patients with better lung functions had higher SF-36 scores, but lower SGRQ. The number of inhaled therapies, acute exacerbations, hospitalizations were inversely correlated with SF-36. A positive correlation was found between these parameters and total SGRQ scores (r = .507,P = .02;r = .409,P = .12;r = .326,P = .049, respectively). SF-36 scores were better in group 1 for subscales of physical role functioning and social role functioning compared to group 2. (P = .01,P = .01, respectively). Conclusion The HRQOL of patients with BO measured by SF-36 was low compared to healthy children. SF-36 scores were more affected in post-HSCT BO patients. HRQOL of children with chronic lung disease should be taken into consideration in the management of these patients.

Trakeostomili Cocuklarda Takip Sonuclarimiz Tuba Kockar, Fusun Unal, Sifa Sahin, Gizem Ondalikoglu, Sedat Oktem Ozet Giris: Cocuklarda trakeostomi; en sik uzamis entubasyon, santral hipoventilasyon, noromuskuler hastaliklar, ileri derecede laringomalazi ya da trakeomalazi varligi gibi bircok farkli endikasyonla yapilmaktadir. Gerec ve Yontemler: Klinigimizden takipli trakeostomi ile izlenen hastalarin demografik ozellikleri ve takip sureclerinin degerlendirilmesi amaclanmistir. 48 hastanin verileri geriye donuk olarak incelenmistir. Bulgular: Toplam hasta sayisi 48 olup, bunlardan 19’u kiz, 29’u erkek idi. Hastalarin yas ortalamasi 2,5±1,8 yas idi. Trakeostomi acilma yasi median degeri 6 ay (25P: 3 ay, 75P:15 ay) idi. Trakeostomi endikasyonlari siklik sirasiyla uzamis entubasyon, noromuskuler hastaliklar, ust havayolu anomalileri ve travma idi. Uzamis entubasyon ihtiyaci olan hastalarda altta yatan en sik nedenler bronkopulmoner displazi ve konjenital kalp hastaligi idi. Hastalarin tumu trakeostomi oncesi mekanik ventilasyon (MV) destegi almis, 32 hastanin izlemde (% 66,7) solunum destegi ihtiyaci kalmamisti. Yirmi bir hasta (% 43,8) hala trakeostomize olarak izlenirken 19 hastamiz (% 39,6) dekanule edilmisti. Trakeostomize olarak izlenen 21 hastamizdan 14’u, dekanule edilen 19 hastadan 2’si halen evde solunum destegi almaktaydi. Iki hasta (% 4,2) takipten cikarken, 6 hasta ise (% 12,4) kaybedilmisti. Sonuc: Uzamis entubasyon ihtiyaci olan hastalarin trakeostomi ile izlemi, yogun bakim yatis surelerinin azalmasina, hastalarin evde takibine, daha normal gunluk yasanti ve daha dusuk hasta bakim maliyetine olanak saglamaktadir. Ancak mumkun olan en kisa surede bu hastalarin trakeostomileri kapatilmalidir.

We define a semi-symmetric connection on a Weyl manifold and study projective curvature tensor and conformal curvature tensor after giving some properties of the curvature tensor with respect to semi-symmetric connection.

The aim is to determine clinical characteristics, flexible bronchoscopy (FB) findings including associated airway abnormalities and other conditions, treatment modalities and long term follow-up of children with congenital stridor. Medical records of children, who underwent FB for the evaluation of stridor between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, symptoms and physical examination findings at presentation, FB findings, follow-up data including the time to resolution of symptoms and treatment modalities, presence of associated conditions were assessed. 109 children were enrolled to the study. Laryngomalacia was the most common etiology for stridor. Laryngomalacia was isolated in 37 patients and 54 patients had secondary airway lesions (SALs). Diagnoses other than laryngomalacia such as subglottic hemangioma, subglottic web, isolated tracheomalacia were found in 18 patients. In 90 % of patients, stridor resolved before 3 years of age without any surgical intervention and there was no significant difference in terms of the persistence of stridor between patients with isolated laryngomalacia and associated SALs. Duration of stridor was significantly longer in both patients with neurological abnormalities and reflux symptoms. Surgical procedure was performed in 19 of the patients. There is a high incidence of SALs in patients with laryngomalacia. FB is helpful for identifying anomalies requiring surgical treatment.