scholarly journals CORONAVIRUS INFECTION SARS-COV-2 IN CHILDREN

Author(s):  
K. V. Pikul ◽  
V. I. Ilchenko ◽  
L. M. Syzova

Coronavirus disease has become an extremely relevant problem due to its pandemic over the world. SARS was called atypical pneumonia because of the similarity in clinical symptoms to already known atypical pneumonias. The new respiratory disease is called coronavirus disease 2019 ‒ COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019). It is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The main risk group is presented mainly by older population, but experts have begun to note that there is a tendency toward growing number of cases among children. The aim of this study is to analyze the data of the latest relevant literature on SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection in children. The methodology of this study included the systemic and content analysis of available scientific sources devoted to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection in children. An analysis of the literature has shown the average age of sick children is 10.1 years and 6.9 % of them have positive results of antibody test. Half of the children report no symptoms, but those who complain most often have fever (21 %), gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain (13 %), and headache (12 %). The literature contains data on 8 children with COVID-19 with symptoms of atypical appendicitis with a rapid worsening of the condition requiring hospitalization. A clinical example of our own practice has been presented, and it is somewhat different from the commonly described cases characterized by enterocolitis as a component of the course of coronavirus disease in children. Conclusions. Given the current difficult situation in Ukraine, doctors when examining the young patients with gastrointestinal syndrome should test them for COVID-19 in order to make correct diagnosis and then to choose the right management based on the diagnosis that may require isolation measures to prevent spreading the infection and following the COVID-19 clinical protocol. Healthcare workers should raise awareness among the public about coronavirus vaccination to combat the pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-79
Author(s):  
M.D. Zvereva ◽  
◽  
S.S. Kanash ◽  
S.I. Petrova ◽  
V.A. Evseev ◽  
...  

Diagnosis of tuberculosis in children is challenging because of variable clinical symptoms and no specific signs. We report a case of tuberculous osteomyelitis of the ribs, which demonstrates difficulties associated with the diagnosis of generalized tuberculosis in an 8-year-old child (correct diagnosis was established after 1.3 years). Diagnostic procedures included: Mantoux test, skin test with recombinant tuberculosis allergen, computed tomography, pathomorphological and bacterioscopic testing. The patient presented with disease progression and lesions to the lung tissue, pleura, and ribs and did not respond to antibacterial therapy, hormones, and cytostatics. This required repeated diagnosis revision. The diagnosis of tuberculosis of the right 4th and 5th ribs was confirmed after surgery using bacterioscopic and immunohistochemical examinations. The child received comprehensive treatment in a specialized tuberculosis hospital and had positive dynamics. Despite the correct routing, low suspicion for tuberculosis in primary and secondary healthcare institutions has led to an insufficient use of currently available diagnostic methods and late diagnosis of tuberculosis in a child residing in a megapolis. Key words: generalized tuberculosis, children, tuberculosis of the rib, immunodiagnostics, diagnosis of tuberculosis, immunohistochemistry


2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 5) ◽  
pp. 229-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Skotarczak

<I>Babesia</I> is the causative agent of babesiosis, a tick-borne zoonosis which has been increasingly described throughout the world. <I>Babesia microti</I> and <I>Babesia divergens</I> are the etiological agents of human babesiosis. <I>Babesia canis</I> is the principal etiological agent of canine babesiosis. Currently, the diagnostics of babesiosis is based mainly on serological methods and the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA) is most commonly used. However, even in the acute phase of the disease, seroconversion does not always occur. Clinical symptoms, because of their unspecificity, cannot be used to make a correct diagnosis. In this situation other diagnostic methods are needed. The use of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is the most promising of these. An advantage of this method is that it allows identification of the parasite in the early stage of disease which enables early diagnosis, implementation of therapy and avoidance of complications. However, the standardization of this technique remains to be carried out. Selection of a genetic marker for PCR is very important for the sensitivity of this technique and it is discussed in this paper.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2110129
Author(s):  
Juan Felipe Osorno ◽  
Manuel Giraldo ◽  
Andrés Felipe Marín ◽  
Luis Mauricio Figueroa

Background. Intussusception is the leading cause of intestinal obstruction in children under 4 years of age. Viral infections are the associated etiology in most cases, SARS-CoV-2 thereby being a plausible cause, although only 5 cases have been reported worldwide with both entities. We report a case of an infant with Intussusception and covid-19, its clinical approach, and surgical outcomes, throughout a retrospective review of electronic medical chart history with the authorization of the Ethics Committee on research of the “Hospital Universitario del Valle” and endorsement for publication. Case report. It is an 8-month-old male patient with 72 hours of fever 100.4°F; bloody diarrheal stools; episodic abdominal pain; signs of peritoneal irritation and sensation of a mass in the right quadrants of the abdomen. Intussusception confirmed by ultrasound led to surgery, with SARS-CoV-2 infection as a possible differential diagnosis. Surgical findings reported intussusception of the transverse colon, peritonitis, and intestinal ischemia of distal ileum and right colon, for which intestinal resection with consequent ileostomy and a mucous fistula was performed. Positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test result was confirmed. Pediatric intensive care unit support took place at the initial postoperative phase, and eventual intestinal, with enteral feeding tolerance at the fourth day, and respiratory improvement came off within the first week of medical and surgical treatment. Conclusion. Gastrointestinal symptoms are often the leading manifestations of COVID-19 in children, which can be isolated or as a common sign of a concomitant pathology such as intussusception, and they could also have a causal relationship.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 10-18
Author(s):  
O.K. Кoloskova ◽  
S.O. Kramarov ◽  
T.M. Bilous ◽  
L.A. Іvanova ◽  
T.M. Kaminska ◽  
...  

Background. Pandemic of coronavirus disease COVID-19 caused by a new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 still remains a global problem, but the data about the features of the course of COVID-19 infection among children of different ages are limited. The purpose was to conduct a generalized analysis of demographic, epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 in children of different ages from different regions of Ukraine. Materials and methods. In accordance with the principles of bioethics, a multicenter retrospective open cohort study of 669 cases of infection caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in children was conducted at the departments of hospital bases of Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Chernivtsi and Odesa. Clinical, laboratory and instrumental mar­kers of COVID-19 coronavirus infection were determined in hospitalized children. Results. The first (І) group included 67 infants under 2 months of age, the second (ІІ) one — 320 children aged from 60 days to 6 years, a subgroup of 127 patients of junior and middle school age formed the third (ІІІ) group, and the fourth (IV) group consisted of 155 adolescents at the age over 12. Damage to internal organs by SARS-CoV-2 virus was characterized by a multi-syste­mic type and manifested by changes in the upper respiratory tract in 70.1 % of cases, lower respiratory tract lesions — in 54.7 %, infectious and inflammatory changes — in 57.2 %, gastrointestinal symptoms — in 9.2 %, and neurological signs — in 17.8 % of observations. According to the results of study, the most frequent clinical symptoms found in the total cohort of patients were fever (51.1 %), general fatigue (51.6 %), sore throat (70.1 %), cough (54.7 %) and poor appetite (52.8 %). Damage to the lung parenchyma with specific clinical and radiological manifestations as a sign of coronavirus disease COVID-19 was detected in 23.9–25.9 % of children from the different regions of Ukraine, with a significantly increased risk of pneumonia among adolescents (odds ratio (OR) = 7.5). The most frequent changes when using additional methods of examination were leukocytosis (18.8 % of cases), thrombocytosis (14.5 %), leukopenia (11.1 %), increased С-reactive protein (43.7 %). Elevated content of platelets was mainly found in children of the first two months of life (38.3 % of cases), and it reliably increased during the period of in-patient treatment, which coincided with the tendencies to increasing the level of C-reactive protein in this age group (OR = 5.0). Conclusions. The analysis of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of the course of coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 in children of different age groups from different regional hospital bases of Ukraine was consistent with the course in adult patients with COVID-19, but with higher chances of milder forms of the disease (OR = 3.1) among young children, and with involvement of the lower respiratory tract and higher risk of severe course among older children (OR = 7.3).


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuai Lu ◽  
Maoqi Gong ◽  
Yejun Zha ◽  
Aimin Cui ◽  
Wei Tian ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Multiple pathological manifestations are rarely present in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Here we described a case of a young woman who presented with multiple skeletal destructions and received an unclear diagnosis at several hospitals. Case presentation A 30-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to pain in both knees and walking difficulty that lasted for 6 and 2 years, respectively. Her laboratory test results revealed a high parathyroid hormone level (822 pg/ml) and hypercalcemia (2.52 mmol/L) in the blood. Parathyroid imaging revealed a lumpy concentration of radioactive uptake detected at the lower pole in the right lobe of the thyroid, and was nearly 2.2 cm * 2.4 cm in size. Next, the patient was treated with parathyroidectomy that resulted in a significant improvement in physiological and clinical symptoms. Moreover, the skeletal destruction and bone mineral density were significantly improved after a 5-years follow-up period. Conclusions Multiple skeletal destructions can be caused by PHPT that should be taken into consideration in young patients with complex bone lesions.


Author(s):  
Maria João Correia ◽  
Luciana Frade ◽  
Renato Guerreiro ◽  
Inês Araujo ◽  
Teresa Baptista ◽  
...  

Coronavirus infection, known as COVID-19, is characterized by clinical, epidemiological and biological features similar to those of malaria. In each case, fever, myalgia, fatigue, headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms may be present. Both diseases can also induce a cytokine storm and pro-coagulant states. An appropriate epidemiological approach and differential diagnosis are very important so that the right clinical intervention can be selected. Malaria remains a serious global public health issue, especially in endemic countries. Elimination campaigns are helping to control the disease, but in many countries these programs are now at risk of failure due to logistic and economic problems caused by COVID-19. The authors describe the case of a patient with co-infection with malaria and COVID-19, reminding us that during this coronavirus pandemic it is critical to consider other diagnoses, particularly in people traveling between countries.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shen junwen ◽  
Chen yu ◽  
Tang jianer ◽  
Wang rongjiang ◽  
Fang zhihai ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: to analyze the early transmission dynamics, the government measures, and current situation of diagnosis and treatment for novel coronavirus infection pneumonia in Zhejiang province, china.Methods: We collected the daily number of newly confirmed novel coronavirus infection pneumonia (NCP) patients and the number of discharge patients by February 8 in Zhejiang province. We analyzed the characteristics, exposure history, and the clinical symptoms of NCP patients.Results: there were 1075 confirmed NCP patients and 173 discharge patients in Zhejiang province by February 8. The daily number of newly confirmed NCP patients got decreased since January 29 (27 patients on February 8), while the daily number of newly discharge NCP patients was increasing (46 patients on February 8). Before February 1, the imported NCP patients contained the most significant part of total NCP patients. And the local infection of NCP patients occupied the main reason. 77 patients needed to stay in ICU. 26 of 77 patients had greater life danger. Fortunately, no patient was dead, and no health care worker got the infection. At the same time, the government of Zhejiang province strictly restricted the movement of people to prevent the NCP from further spread.Conclusion: The early spread of NCP in Zhejiang province was speedy. After the government of Zhejiang province took strict measures to restrict the movement of people, the difficult situation of NCP got noticeable relief in Zhejiang province since February 1.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-bo Liu ◽  
Wen Xu ◽  
Zi-ye Gao ◽  
Chuan-tao Sun ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and objective: Amoxicillin is an antibiotic with various benefits for patients. However, adverse reactionssometimes occur, and the clinical misdiagnosis rate is highbecause some clinicians have limited knowledge regarding this drug. Combined with literature review, this study explores the clinical pathological features of hemorrhagiccolitis caused by amoxicillin to improveits diagnosis and treatment. Methods: “Amoxicillin”, “hemorrhagiccolitis”, “antibioticassociated colitis (AAC) ”, “antibioticassociated hemorrhagic colitis (AAHC) ”were used as the index words to retrieve Pubmed, EMbase, Wanfang Database and Chinese national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI). Related articles were then selected and combined with thepatient information obtained from our department to complete the clinical pathological files.To summarize the clinicopathological data, diagnosis, treatmentof the disease.Results: A total of 19 articles were included in the study. Patients may have abdominal pain, bloody stools or blood in the stool, but generally no anemia.The laboratory tests for hemoglobin (HGB) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are normal, andC-reactive protein (CRP) is often elevated. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) findings revealed that the intestinal wall wasthickened and presented edema, and some partsexhibited peritoneal effusion.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy usually has no bleeding changes. A colonoscope was used to reveal the mucosal erosion, mainly found on the right hemicolon and this finding was consistent with acute colitis. The pathology is consistent with acute hemorrhagic colitis.The symptoms were relieved after drug withdrawal and principally with supportive treatment. The patient’s gastrointestinal symptoms usually did not recur.Conclusion: Patients with acute colitis caused by amoxicillingenerally experienced abdominal cramps and bloody stools, but treatment response was good, and follow-up monitoring revealed norecurrence. The history of antibiotic therpy and early total colonoscopy examination are important to establish the correct diagnosis. Klebsiella oxytoca (K. oxytoca) were cultured in fourteen cases, which is described as a causative organism for AAHC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Zandstra ◽  
Ilse Jongerius ◽  
Taco W. Kuijpers

Febrile patients, suffering from an infection, inflammatory disease or autoimmunity may present with similar or overlapping clinical symptoms, which makes early diagnosis difficult. Therefore, biomarkers are needed to help physicians form a correct diagnosis and initiate the right treatment to improve patient outcomes following first presentation or admittance to hospital. Here, we review the landscape of novel biomarkers and approaches of biomarker discovery. We first discuss the use of current plasma parameters and whole blood biomarkers, including results obtained by RNA profiling and mass spectrometry, to discriminate between bacterial and viral infections. Next we expand upon the use of biomarkers to distinguish between infectious and non-infectious disease. Finally, we discuss the strengths as well as the potential pitfalls of current developments. We conclude that the use of combination tests, using either protein markers or transcriptomic analysis, have advanced considerably and should be further explored to improve current diagnostics regarding febrile infections and inflammation. If proven effective when combined, these biomarker signatures will greatly accelerate early and tailored treatment decisions.


Author(s):  
A. L. Zaplatnikov ◽  
I. M. Osmanov ◽  
V. V. Gorev ◽  
A. V. Dmitriev ◽  
A. K. Mironova ◽  
...  

The article analyses the data published from January 2020 to April 25, 2020 in the print media or available on the official websites of peer-reviewed medical sources (pre print), international and national medical professional communities, and state regulatory authorities dedicated to the epidemiological and clinical laboratory features of the new coronavirus infection in newborns, infants and older children. The authors have concluded that currently there are no convincing data on vertical transmission of infection. At the same time, they have found that there is a risk of horizontal infection of a newborn child; therefore, there is the need for strict adherence to the recommended algorithms for monitoring children in the neonatal period born by the women with positive or presumably positive COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) status. The authors note that due to the limited quantity of observation cases, all existing recommendations are temporary and may be revised. The newborns from mothers with COVID-19 demonstrate the variability of clinical picture from asymptomatic course to severe respiratory failure. In the post-neonatal period children have asymptomatic or mild course of a new coronavirus infection. The authors note that some children with an asymptomatic course of the disease have pneumonia detectable during X-ray examination. Children with the manifest forms of COVID-19 do not have specific clinical symptoms; both children and adults have fever, cough and other catarrhal symptoms; tachypia, tachycardia and gastrointestinal symptoms are much less common. It has been found that children with COVID-19, unlike adults, are unlikely to develop severe pneumonia, as well as conditions requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Changes in laboratory parameters in children also do not have a consistent pattern and they are less pronounced than in adults. The epidemiological data indicate that children are one of the main sources of the ongoing spread of infection in the human population. The authors present the first-ever data on the cases of 45 infants born from the mothers with positive COVID-19 status in Moscow.


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