Mitigation of household allergens is associated with the reduction of asthma exacerbations in those with allergic asthma and is recommended in recent asthma guidelines. However, we need to better understand patient knowledge of aeroallergens in their homes prior to integrating direct allergen measurement methods into standard asthma care. We conducted a mixed-methods sequential pilot study consisting of a survey and virtual interview with caregivers of children aged 3 to 15 with asthma diagnosis (any severity) about asthma control, household environment, mitigation knowledge and strategies, and knowledge of allergens and asthma. A total of 21 participants responded and 13 completed the virtual interview. Less than half identified mice (43%), rats (29%), and cockroaches (43%) as sources of allergens on the online survey, and no individuals mentioned these in discussions. Only 23% were able to define the term "allergen," but 69% could list examples. There was a poor correlation between perceived asthma control (57% stated asthma control was good or excellent) compared to asthma that was classified as well controlled per Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3) guidelines (33% based on albuterol use and asthma symptoms). Finally, visual identification of mouse infestation was associated with active steps taken to mitigate mouse exposure ( = 0.007). Implementation of new Asthma Management Guidelines: Focused Updates 2020 by the National Institutes of Health will require additional aeroallergen education for individuals with asthma who do not recognize that cockroaches, rats, and mice can cause asthma symptoms, do not know the definition of an allergen, and do not correctly perceive asthma control status. Environmental assessment with education addressing these could hopefully decrease additional pharmaceutical needs.

Poikiloderma with neutropenia (PN) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease caused by biallelic mutations of the gene. It is characterized by poikiloderma, chronic noncyclic neutropenia, and recurrent sinopulmonary infections with bronchiectasis. Here we report a case with homozygous c.531delA mutation in gene. An 15-month-old boy was admitted to our clinic with skin hyperpigmentation, growth retardation, and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. The medical history revealed that he was hospitalized 6 times due to pneumonia since the age of 3 months. His physical examination showed facial dysmorphism with triangular face, depressed nasal bridge, and frontal bossing. He also had poikiloderma in the whole body. Skin biopsy was performed and showed only hyperkeratosis. His weight and height were below the 3 percentile. He is the first child of his consangenius parents. In the laboratuary findings; he has mild neutropenia (1,100/mm), hypogammaglobulinemia (serum IgG: 351 mg/dL, IgA: 17 mg/dL, IgM: 20 mg/dL) and, peripheral lymphocyte subset analysis was normal. Neutropenia was also observed in previous examinations (980-560-840/mm). Immunoglobulin replacement therapy and antibiotic prophylaxis were started. Exome sequence analysis showed the presence of known homozygous variant (c.351delA) in gene. Poikiloderma with neutropenia mainly affects the myeloid lineage. Unlike other patients in the literature, we observed hypogammaglobulinemia in addition to neutropenia in our patient. This case illustrated that it is important to monitor serum immunoglobulin levels in symptomatic patients with recurrent infections.

Iron deficiency (ID) has been intricately linked with various inflammatory diseases. Chronic rhinitis stands as one of most common respiratory inflammation disorders in children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ID among preschool children with chronic rhinitis and to explore the association between ID and chronic rhinitis in this population. This cross-sectional study included children aged 3 to 7 years diagnosed with chronic rhinitis. ID was defined as transferrin saturation <20%, with absolute ID being defined as ferritin <15 ng/mL. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with ID. A total of 72 children with chronic rhinitis were included, revealing a prevalence of ID of 47.2%. Only 5.9% children with ID exhibited absolute ID. Multivariate analysis revealed that neutrophils (odds ratio [OR] = 1.205, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.013-1.433, = 0.035) and monocytes (OR = 1.803, 95% CI = 1.198-2.713, = 0.005) were independently and significantly associated with ID. This study revealed a notable prevalence of ID in the preschool children with chronic rhinitis. The significant association between neutrophils and monocytes with ID implied an intricate involvement of innate immunity in the manifestation of ID.

This study aims to evaluate systemic immune inflammation index, systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), and follistatin-like protein-1 (FSTL-1) levels in children with pneumonia and healthy controls. The study was carried out at the Seydisehir State Hospital between February 1, 2024 and June 1, 2024. The patient group included 44 children diagnosed with pneumonia and the control group included 45 healthy children without any disease. Index values obtained from hemogram data. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure FSTL-1 levels. A total of 89 participants, 44 in the patient group and 45 in the healthy control group, were included in the study. White blood cells, monocyte, eosinophil, neutrophil, c-reactive protein, SIRI, and AISI levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. FSTL-1 levels were higher in the patient group, but did not differ statistically significant. The patient and control groups were compared in the receiver operating characteristics analysis, we found the highest area under curve (AUC) in the SIRI (AUC: 0.754) and AISI (AUC: 0.713) parameters. In conclusion, compared to healthy controls, SIRI and AISI levels were significantly higher in the patient group, and the highest AUC values belonged to these indices. Therefore, we believe that SIRI and AISI indices, which are inexpensive and simple tests, are useful for early diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia.

A 16-year-old Caucasian male with previously diagnosed eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) 4 years before his initial visit to an allergist-immunologist, scheduled due to severe dysphagia and recurrent food impaction. He had been off EoE therapy for 1 year. After resuming inhaled fluticasone and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was immediately scheduled. The dates of the original EGD procedures with the histological summary and EoE therapy are reported in the Table 1. The fourth endoscopy revealed near normal histology, with rare candida staining (Table 1). He was continued on daily PPI and the fluticasone was discontinued. Three weeks of Fluconazole failed to resolve his dysphagia. A repeat barium swallow confirmed a pre-existing cricopharyngeal bar, and he was referred to an otolaryngology for further care. [Table: see text].

In the past two decades, the prevalence of asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis has increased among school-aged children in the Central Black Sea region of Turkey. This increase is consistent with national and international data, reflecting the impact and temporal changes of allergic diseases on the community. A similar increasing trend is also observed worldwide. This study aims to contribute to the development of health policies related to allergic diseases among Turkish children in the Central Black Sea region. This study compares the results of two cross-sectional surveys conducted in schools in and around Samsun, Turkey, between the years 2006 and 2022, examining changes in the prevalence of specific allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema. Utilizing the Turkish translation of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood protocol, the research encompassed a total of 1,310 and 3,219 children, respectively. In the recent study conducted in 2022, the prevalence of asthma and allergic bronchitis diagnosed by physicians was found to be 10.5% and 4.6%, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was determined to be 3.1% and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 2.5%. Moreover, previously unidentified rates of food allergy were determined to be 2.5%, and drug allergy was found to be 2.4%. Furthermore, a comparison with a cross-sectional study conducted in the same region 20 years ago revealed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and allergic bronchitis (with -values of 0.0375 and 0.0107, respectively). The findings of this study suggest a similar trend of increasing prevalence of allergic diseases when compared with similar studies at national and global levels. Consistent with trends identified in the international literature, Turkey is also affected by the rising prevalence of allergic diseases.

Asthma is a significant worldwide concern among adolescents. Adolescents experience key cognitive and psychosocial developmental changes that they must negotiate as they transition from children to adults. Several of these changes have implications for their ability to effectively manage their asthma. When health care professionals (HCPs) understand these pivotal changes and their role in asthma management, they are better able to work with adolescents and help them become effective asthma self-managers. Therefore, this article reviews the cognitive changes that render adolescents ready to care for their asthma, as well as the following psychosocial changes that may hinder or facilitate self-management: independence from caregivers, reliance on peers, identity development, the role of social media in adolescents' lives, and risk-taking behaviors. Each developmental task is discussed in terms of asthma self-management and offers suggestions for HCPs that may help them work more effectively with adolescents with asthma.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a medication used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss due to certain medical conditions. It has a low side effect profile and is safe to administer in most instances. Anaphylaxis cases due to intravenous TXA have been reported in the literature. We report the first pediatric case of anaphylaxis due to the use of nebulized TXA. A 2-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and tracheostomy was hospitalized with pneumonia. On the fourth day of hospitalization, the patient started bleeding from the trachea. Nebulized TXA was started to reduce tracheal bleeding. Anaphylaxis developed 5 min after administration of nebulized TXA. Subsequently, the patient was successfully treated with adrenaline, intravenous fluids, antihistamines, and steroids. Nebulized TXA is increasingly used off-label. Although it has a safe profile, side effects such as anaphylaxis may occur rarely. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis when using nebulized TXA.

This study aimed to determine whether the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) at admission affect the transition of pediatric patients diagnosed with acute spontaneous urticaria to chronic urticaria. This study included 390 patients who presented to the Department of Pediatrics at Akdeniz University Hospital with acute spontaneous urticaria between January 2020 and December 2022. A statistical comparison was made between the hematological parameters of patients who developed chronic urticaria and those who did not. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, as well as NLR, PLR, and SII ratios, were used for the comparison. It was observed that acute urticaria progressed to chronic urticaria in 5.8% ( = 23) of the patients. No significant differences in lymphocyte, hemoglobin, and platelet counts were observed between the group progressing to chronic urticaria and the control group ( > 0.05). However, the chronic urticaria group had higher leukocyte and absolute neutrophil counts ( = 0.009 and < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the NLR was significantly higher in the chronic urticaria group ( = 0.029), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed in the PLR ( = 0.180). The chronic urticaria group had a significantly higher SII than the control group ( = 0.011). Hematological parameters, particularly NLR and SII, may be useful indicators of the transition from acute to chronic urticaria in pediatric patients. The early identification of these markers could help monitor patients and guide treatment decisions. Further comprehensive studies are required to validate these findings.

Povidone, a synthetic polymer commonly used in various products such as antiseptics, cosmetics, and medications, has been associated with allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Despite its widespread use, cases of povidone-induced anaphylaxis, especially in children, are under-recognized. This case report aims to highlight the importance of considering povidone allergy in pediatric patients presenting with anaphylaxis. We describe a 3-year-old boy who experienced anaphylaxis following the application of povidone-iodine antiseptic solution to a leg wound. He presented with generalized urticaria, angioedema, dyspnea, and cough. Prompt diagnosis and management were initiated in the emergency department. He experienced the second anaphylaxis with povidone-containing eye drops prescribed during an ophthalmology visit. Povidone allergy should be considered in pediatric patients presenting with anaphylaxis, especially those with idiopathic reactions or multiple drug allergies. Clinicians should emphasize patient education on label reading and the provision of adrenaline autoinjectors to prevent life-threatening reactions associated with povidone exposure.

Lower airway malacia (LAM) is characterized by a reduction in the cross-sectional luminal area during quiet respiration. There is no gold standard diagnostic test; however, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) is most frequently utilized. The exact prevalence and incidence of LAM are unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rates of pediatric patients diagnosed with LAM, offer a detailed understanding of their demographic and clinical characteristics, and investigate distinctions between two specific types of LAM, namely, tracheomalacia (TM) and bronchomalacia (BM). Patients younger than 18 years diagnosed with LAM using FFB were included in this retrospective case series. Demographic and clinical characteristics and comorbid disorders were compared between patients with isolated BM and those with isolated TM or tracheobronchomalacia (TM/TBM). Among 390 patients who underwent FFB, 65 (16.6%) were diagnosed with LAM, 16 (24.6%) with TM, and 56 (86.2%) with BM. The median age at diagnosis was 15 months. Among them, 59 (90.8%) had other comorbidities; gastrointestinal (GI) disorders were the most common (38.5%). The most common indications for bronchoscopy were recurrent/prolonged lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) or wheezing (43.1%), while the most frequently observed respiratory physical examination finding was stridor (35.4%). Patients with TM/TBM had significantly higher frequencies of premature births, stridor, retraction, and GI disorders. Patients with stridor without typical laryngomalacia features or recurrent or prolonged LRTI should undergo prompt evaluation for LAM. The potential coexistence of GI disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and swallowing dysfunction should also be considered.

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE-mediated food allergy characterized by gastrointestinal symptom onset within 1-4 hours from trigger food ingestion. In the literature, some authors have previously described the possibility that a patient with FPIES may develop an IgE-mediated allergy to the same trigger food, especially cow's milk (CM). We reported five cases of CM-FPIES converting to IgE-mediated CM allergy presented at our tertiary pediatric Allergy Unit and performed a review of the literature, aiming to characterize the clinical features of patients who are at risk of developing such conversion. This phenomenon raises the question of whether IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergies represent a spectrum of the same disease and highlights the need for further investigation to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of this process.

Poor adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is a significant challenge in pediatric asthma, contributing to health inequities. Text-message reminders for ICS therapy are an evidence-based approach that improves pediatric asthma medication adherence, yet has not been widely adopted into practice, partly due to lack of (1) participant input on design and implementation and (2) use of sustainable community linkages. Remote Asthma Link™ (RAL) seeks to fill this gap as a school-linked text-message intervention wherein parents of children with poorly controlled asthma received daily, 2-way text-message reminders for preventive inhaler use. Responses were shared with school nurses who conducted remote check-ins with families. Enrolled children, largely from underserved backgrounds, experienced improvements in medication adherence and asthma health outcomes. While initial results were promising, we have yet to elicit participant input to refine the protocol for more widespread implementation. Examine participant perspectives on barriers and facilitators of RAL implementation. Semistructured interviews were conducted May-June 2022 with intervention participants: 10 parents, 7 school nurses, and 4 pediatric providers ( = 21) until thematic saturation was reached. Interview transcripts were coded using thematic analysis. Several facilitators for RAL implementation were identified, including ease of use and accessibility, personal connection to the school nurse, and receipt of a visual notification for habit formation. Barriers included challenges with school nurses reaching parents, poor understanding of program expectations, and lack of reimbursement structure. Participant-proposed solutions to barriers included utilizing alternate communication methods (eg, social media), educational sessions, and meeting with payors to consider reimbursement models. RAL is a school-linked text-message intervention demonstrating promise in improving outcomes and equity in asthma care. Key implementation facilitators, barriers, and proposed solutions will inform protocol adaptations to promote successful implementation of this and other text-message interventions into clinical practice.

Structured light plethysmography (SLP) is a novel light-based method that captures chest wall movements to evaluate tidal breathing. Thirty-two children who underwent lung surgery were enrolled. Their clinical history was collected along with spirometry and SLP. Median age of surgery was 9 months (interquartile range 4-30). Most frequent diagnosis was congenital pulmonary airway malformation (14/32), then pulmonary sequestration (9/32), tumor (5/32), and bronchogenic cyst (4/32). The most frequent surgical approach was lobectomy (59%), segmentectomy (38%), and complete resection (3%). More than 80% had surgery when younger than 3 years of age. Eight patients had short-term complications (pleural effusion was the most frequent), while long-term effects were reported in 15 patients (19% recurrent cough, 13% thoracic deformities, 13% airway infections, 9% wheezing, 6% reduced exercise tolerance, and 3% columnar deformities). Spirometry was normal in 9/22 patients. Nine patients had a restrictive pattern, while 4 showed a mild bronco-reactivity. Ten patients did not perform spirometry because of young age. SLP revealed the presence of obstructive pattern in 10% of patients (IE50 > 1.88) and showed a significant difference between the two hemithorax in 29% of patients. SLP may be a new method to evaluate lung function, without collaboration and radiation exposure, in children who underwent lung resection, also in preschool age.

Autosomal recessive interleukin (IL)-12p40 deficiency is a genetic etiology of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD). It has been described in ∼50 patients, usually with onset at childhood with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and infections. A male patient born to consanguineous parents was diagnosed with presumed lymph node MSMD at the age of 13 years after ocular symptoms. A positive history of inborn error of immunity was present: BCG reaction, skin abscess, and recurrent oral candidiasis. Abnormal measurements of cytokine levels, IL-12p40 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), lead to the diagnosis of MSMD. Genetic analysis showed a mutation in exon 7 of the gene. Currently, the patient is alive under prophylactic antibiotics. We report a rare case of IL-12p40 deficiency in a Latin American patient. Medical history was crucial for immune defect suspicion, as confirmed by precision diagnostic medicine tools.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in people of all ages and is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States. The year 2023 was exciting for RSV prevention. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 3 new tools for preventing severe lower respiratory tract RSV infections in infants, young children, and elderly persons. In May 2023, the FDA approved 2 vaccines, RSVpreF3 (Arexvy™, GSK) and RSVpreF (Abrysvo™, Pfizer), for adults ages 60 years or older to be given as a single-dose intramuscular injection. July 2023 brought the approval of the first long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus™, Sanofi and AstraZeneca) for the prevention of RSV disease in infants and young children. Then in August, the FDA approved a vaccine (Abrysvo™, Pfizer) to be given to pregnant women to protect their newborns through passive immunity. This article focuses on nirsevemab that has been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to be administered for all infants <8 months of age and for children 8 to 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity disorders characterized by widespread skin and mucosal involvement. However, there is no standardized evidence-based treatment to reduce the complications of SJS/TEN. This article aims to compare the efficacy of different treatments for pediatric SJS/TEN in terms of length of hospital stay (LOS) using a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). A Bayesian NMA is used to compare and combine evidence from multiple studies and allows clinicians to estimate the relative effectiveness of different treatments/interventions while accounting for heterogeneity in the available evidence. We conducted a comprehensive electronic database search for studies compatible with our inclusion criteria. Six studies with 103 patients were included in the NMA; of them, 37 patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), 37 with systemic corticosteroids (CS), 23 with IVIG + CS, and 3 with Etanercept (ET) + CS. Patients with a median age of 10 years were included in the study. CS had the highest probability of being the most optimal treatment for SJS/TEN in terms of shorter LOS based on the Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve levels, and CS + IVIG was associated with a statistically nonsignificant trend toward shorter LOS than IVIG alone. Remarkably, none of the treatments showed a significant benefit over the other interventions in terms of LOS. Current evidence suggests that coadministration of CS and IVIG may be associated with a shorter LOS than IVIG alone. Further research with larger randomized controlled trials is needed to reach a definitive conclusion about the efficacy of specific therapy on LOS in pediatric SJS/TEN and to establish more definitive treatment guidelines.

Cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) occurs when abnormal mast cells accumulate in the skin, whereas in systemic mastocytosis (SM), accumulation also occurs in other tissues. A transition from CM to SM is an atypical occurrence in pediatric patients. An 8-month-old female presented with a 3-month history of whole body hyperpigmented macules with a normal serum tryptase level, consistent with a diagnosis of CM. At age 2.5 years, cutaneous lesions increased and repeat serum tryptase levels were elevated. Subsequent positive peripheral blood D816V mutation testing furthered concern for a monoclonal mast cell disorder; therefore, prompting a bone marrow biopsy which was consistent with a diagnosis of SM. Our case depicts the possible transition from CM to SM in a pediatric patient. Despite an initial presentation consistent with a diagnosis of CM, watchful monitoring for signs and symptoms indicative of systemic involvement may be warranted in some pediatric patients.