Prevalence, aetiology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and predictors of urinary tract infection among neonates with clinical sepsis: a cross-sectional study

Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common and life-threatening bacterial infection among neonates. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, aetiology, and susceptible antimicrobial agents among neonates with UTI. Methods This was a cross-sectional analytical hospital-based study that included 152 neonates with clinical sepsis who were admitted at Dodoma regional referral hospital from January to June 2020. Bacterial growth of 1 × 103 colony forming units/mL of a single uropathogen was used to define the presence of UTI. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0 and multivariate analysis was used to determine the predicting factors of UTI. P <0.05 was regarded statistically significant. Results The prevalence of UTI was 18.4% (28/152). Klebsiella pneumoniae 64.3% (18/28) and Enterobacter spp. 35.7% (10/28) were the bacterial agents isolated. The bacterial isolates were 90%, and 60% sensitive to ciprofloxacin and amikacin, respectively. Low Apgar score (AOR = 12.76, 95% CI = 4.17–39.06, p<0.001), prolonged labour (AOR = 5.36, 95% CI = 1.28–22.52, p = 0.022), positive urine nitrite test (AOR = 26.67, 95% CI = 7.75–91.70, p<0.001), and positive leucocyte esterase test (AOR = 6.64, 95% CI = 1.47–29.97, p = 0.014) were potential predictors of UTI. Conclusion The prevalence of UTI confirmed by urine culture among neonates that were included in the present study indicates that this problem is common in the population where the study was conducted. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp. were the uropathogens which were isolated. Ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, and amikacin were sensitive to the isolated uropathogens.

Bronchiolitis diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in children: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline adapted for the use in Egypt based on the ‘Adapted ADAPTE’ Methodology

Background The presented evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) is proposed as a National CPG using an evidence-based and formal CPG adaptation methodology. The purpose of this study was to adapt the international CPGs’ recommendations for children with bronchiolitis to suit the healthcare system in the Egyptian context. This CPG, ‘diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Bronchiolitis’, applies to children from 1 through 23 months of age. Other exclusions are noted. The quality of evidence, benefit-harm relationship, and strength of recommendations are indicated. This study is part of a larger collaborative initiative with the faculty staff of pediatric departments of 15 Egyptian universities and a national research center to formulate a national Committee (EPG) that aims to define the topics of, assign authors to, and assist in the adaptation of pediatric evidence-based CPGs according to a national strategic plan. The committee is guided by a formal CPG adaptation methodology: the ‘Adapted ADAPTE’. Results The Bronchiolitis Guideline Adaptation Group (BGAG) reviewed the results of the AGREE II assessment and decided to adapt mainly the Australasian (PREDICT) CPG and for the questions not answered in PREDICT we adapted the relevant recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) CPG. Seven implementation tools were included: a care pathway for assessment of severity, a clinical algorithm for treatment of acute bronchiolitis in the emergency room, a separate flowchart for assessing babies with bronchiolitis, a power point slide presentation lecture for treatment of acute bronchiolitis, patient information in Arabic, a clinical score (Modified Tal Score) for prediction of bronchiolitis severity, and the criteria for admission and discharge in the hospital. A comprehensive set of multifaceted CPG implementation strategies was provided for the clinicians, patients, nurses, and other relevant stakeholders contextualized to the national settings Conclusion Our experience with this adaptation methodology provides useful insight into its utilization on a national level in Egypt. The BGAG recommended the next review of this adapted CPG to be after 3 years from its publication (i.e., 2022) after checking for updates in the original CPG.

Should we vaccinate the better seroconverters or the most vulnerable? Game changing insights for COVID-19 vaccine prioritization policies

Background With the rapid rise in COVID 19 cases incomparable to the number of vaccinations available, there has been a demand to prioritize the older age groups receiving the vaccine as they have more risk of morbidity and mortality and thus better outcome from vaccination. Main body Some studies showed a lower seroconversion rate in older group patients; thus, we discuss the necessity to reprioritize vaccinations to younger age groups who have better seroconversion rates, but we may face some ethical dilemma that could hinder our hypothesis. Decreased seroconversion rates in adults are attributable to immuno-senescence which involves a decrease in humoral and cellular-mediated immunity with age. Despite this fact, there remains some ethical dilemma that can hinder widespread vaccination of younger generations, the most important of which is the unknown long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines due their fast-tracking under the pressure of the pandemic. Short conclusion Prioritizing children vaccination against COVID-19 seems an interesting strategy that can help in containing the pandemic. Resolving some ethical dilemma needs to be done before implementing such strategy.

Combined presentation of severe pulmonary COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): two reported Egyptian pediatric cases

Background Initial reports from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic described children as being less susceptible to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) than adults. Later on, a severe and novel pediatric disorder termed multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) emerged. Pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 are at risk for critical illness with severe pulmonary COVID-19 and MIS-C. Both are described as two distinct conditions, and the differentiation between them was the scope of many studies. In this report from Egypt, we will describe two unique pediatric cases presented by combined manifestations of severe pulmonary COVID-19 and MIS-C. Case presentation Two patients presented with severe pulmonary COVID-19 evident by pulmonary symptoms, signs, and advanced CO-RADS stage in lung CT were simultaneously fulfilling the clinical criteria of MIS-C including fever, multi-system affection, increased inflammatory markers in addition to the proved COVID-19 by positive serologic tests for SARS-CoV-2 but PCR was negative. Both patients responded well to immune-modulation therapy by IVIG and steroids and discharged well under closed follow-up. Conclusions Although it is debatable to present simultaneously, MIS-C should be considered in patients presenting with typical clinical findings and concerns for pulmonary COVID-19 once the criteria for MIS-C diagnosis is fulfilled. Starting treatment without delay can favor better prognosis.

Undernutrition and associated factors among children aged 5–10 years in West Bengal, India: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background In the previous few decades, India has made significant progress in reducing child mortality and fertility rates; yet, undernutrition remains one of the country’s primary public health issues. The goal of this study was to determine the extent of child malnutrition in West Bengal, India, as well as the risk factors linked with it. In diverse districts of West Bengal, a community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken utilizing multi-stage stratified cluster sampling followed by systematic random sampling. Anthropometric, individual, and household characteristics were collected from 2070 children in this study. Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age z-scores were calculated. The levels and factors related with child undernutrition were studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Stunting, underweight, and thinness were shown to be prevalent in 25.48%, 33%, and 26.88% of children, respectively. With age, the likelihood of a child becoming malnourished increased. In comparison with girls, boys had a greater chance of being malnourished. Separately, parental educational and occupational statuses were linked to child malnutrition. Undernourished children were more likely to have a mother who was uneducated or undereducated (stunting: OR = 1.46; underweight: OR = 1.49; thinness: OR = 1.49). Children from economically disadvantaged families were more likely to be malnourished. Children from households with untreated drinking water and poor sanitation were more likely to be malnourished. Conclusions The current study showed that there are several risk variables linked to child malnutrition. Undernutrition was caused by illiteracy, filthy drinking water, and poor sanitation, all of which were independent risk factors.

Egyptian pediatric clinical practice guidelines for urinary tract infections in infants and children (evidence based)

Background National evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, imaging, and follow-up in urinary tract infection are crucial being a major health problem in pediatrics. Every region should follow international recommendations with respect to the disease local profile and available facilities for that area. Methods Based on AGREE II (the assessment tool of practice guidelines), Egyptian CGLs used *American Academy Pediatrics, *European Association Urology, European Society Pediatric Urology, and *Asian Association Urinary tract infections as its evidence-based references. Health questions were listed for evidence base answers adopted from selected CGLs after their permission. Key statements were approved by all members and further approved by the Egyptian Pediatric Guidelines Committee after local and international external peer reviewing. Results (1) Diagnosis recommendations: Urine culture with diagnostic colony counts is essential for diagnosis. Catheter samples are important for critical cases and non-toilet-trained cases especially when they show significant bacteriuria and pyuria. (2) Treatment plan included areas of debate as choice of antibiotic, oral versus intravenous, duration, antibiotic prophylaxis considering age, disease severity, recurrence, + risk factors, and imaging reports. (3) Imaging recommendations were tailored to suit our community. Renal bladder ultrasound is important for children with febrile UTI, due to the high prevalence of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, paucity of prenatal ultrasound, and lack of medical documentation to reflect previously diagnosed UTI or US reports. We recommend renal isotopic scan and voiding cystography for serious presentation, high-risk factors, recurrence, and abnormal US. (4) Urological consultation is recommended: in urosepsis or obstruction, male infants < 6 months. Acute basal DMSA is recommended in congenital renal hypodysplasia. Six months post-infection, US and DMSA are recommended in severe pyelonephritis and vesico-ureteric reflux, where those with abnormal US or DMSA or both should have voiding cystography. (5) Follow-up recommendations include family orientation with hazards of noncompliance and monitoring at pregnancy. Conclusion Diagnosis and treatment show strong recommendations. Imaging depends on patient assessment. Referral to a pediatric nephrologist and urologist in complicated cases is crucial. Follow-up after the age of 16 years in adult clinics is important.

The influence of vitamin D administration on the clinical presentation, body mass index, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) level in a sample of Egyptian children with familial Mediterranean fever

Background Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is autosomal recessive chronic disease represents by recurring attacks of polyserositis, fever, and joint pain. Vitamin D deficiency in FMF children has been recently mentioned in literature and linked to delayed physical growth. Osteoporosis in FMF patients can be linked to low levels of vitamin D, too. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) might be used as an indicator for osteoporosis. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D administration on clinical status, BMI, and bone mineral density represented by alterations in the OPG serum levels in a group of Egyptian children with FMF. This was a prospective longitudinal study carried out on 33 children, aged 4–16 years, with FMF cases. Patients were on colchicine 0.5–2 mg/day and received vitamin D3 oral drops 2800 IU/ml; each drop contains 100 IU in a dose of 600 IU/day for 6 months. The effect of vitamin D administration was evaluated clinically, anthropometrically and by assessment of serum vitamin D and osteoprotegerin at baseline and 6 months later. Results Serum vitamin D levels were below the normal range before intervention and showed significant improvement (p < 0.001) 6 months after intervention. Significant increase in both BMI Z scores (p < 0.05) and OPG serum levels and improvement in the clinical status as illustrated by significant decrease in the number of cases with fever, arthritis, and abdominal pain and significant decrease in the frequency and duration of the attacks (p < 0.001). Conclusion Our results intensely indicate that vitamin D supplementation improved the clinical condition, BMI, and bone mineral density in children with FMF.

Nutritional assessment and rehabilitation in children with bronchiectasis and childhood interstitial lung diseases: effects on pulmonary functions and clinical severity

Background Nutrition is recognized as a modifiable contributor to bronchiectasis and interstitial lung diseases (ChILD) development and progression. Nutritional interventions have great potential in reducing respiratory illness related morbidity and mortality. The study was done to assess nutritional state and body composition of children with bronchiectasis and interstitial lung diseases (ChILD) and to study the effect of short course nutritional intervention program on their growth, clinical symptoms, pulmonary functions and frequency of acute exacerbations and hospitalization. Seventeen patients with bronchiectasis and thirteen patients with interstitial lung diseases and 40 healthy children as controls were enrolled. Nutritional status, chest symptoms, anthropometry, body composition, and spirometric pulmonary function were evaluated. A short course nutritional intervention program was done for patients and then they were re-evaluated. Results In total, 56.67% of studied patients were moderately malnourished and 23.33% were severely malnourished. A total of 66.7% of studied patients were underweight and 50% of patients had stunted growth. Anthropometric indices were significantly lower than control groups (P < 0.05). Body composition indices were lower in patients than control but not with a statistical significance. Forced vital capacity was positively correlated to body mass index (P = 0.045). Nutritional rehabilitation significantly improved patient anthropometry (weight, body mass index, height, triceps skin-fold thickness, mid arm circumference), body composition (body fat, fat free mass, and muscle mass), respiratory symptoms, and FEV1. Needs to asthma rescue medications, school absence, acute exacerbation attacks, and hospitalization were reduced. Conclusion Patients with bronchiectasis and interstitial lung diseases (ChILD) have malnutrition and body composition changes that improved significantly after short nutritional intervention program with significant improvement in FEV1, frequency of acute exacerbations, and hospitalization.

Iron deficiency in preschool non-anemic Egyptian children

Background Iron deficiency anemia remains a common cause of anemia in young children. The term iron deficiency without anemia, or the so-called latent iron deficiency, has become increasingly significant as it is not only difficult to identify this condition in non-anemic children, but it also adversely affects neurocognitive development, and unfortunately, some of these effects may be irreversible and not respond to treatment. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate iron status in 68 apparently healthy, non-anemic Egyptian children aged 1–6 years. They were subjected to detailed history-taking, physical examination, complete blood count, and tests for serum iron, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation. Results Low serum ferritin level and low transferrin saturation were detected in 41.2% and 47% of the children, respectively. Iron deficiency parameters were significantly affected among toddlers aged “1” to “3” years compared with preschool children, and boys were found to be more affected than girls of the same age group. Conclusions A normal hemoglobin level does not exclude iron deficiency, which should be screened in healthy children to prevent the possible long-term effects of iron deficiency on their cognition and mental development.