Diabetic neuropathy (DN) represents a major complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) but there is considerable uncertainty as to its incidence, prevalence, diagnosis and prognosis in pediatric population. Generally, DN is classified as polyneuropathy, focal neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. The latter seems to be detectable even in asymptomatic children and adolescents with diabetes and is associated with the most serious consequences, such as hypoglycemia unawareness and cardiovascular dysfunction. A near-normal control of blood glucose in the early years after onset of diabetes may delay the development of clinically significant nerve impairment and, therefore, children and adolescents with diabetes represent a critical target for primary prevention of this complication. The aim of this review is to focus on the main clinical, epidemiological and prognostic aspects of DN in children and adolescents with T1DM. Etiopathogenetic theories and diagnostic tools are also reviewed from in a pediatric perspective.

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Photosensitivity is a condition detected on the electroencephalography (EEG) as a paroxysmal reaction to Intermittent Photic Stimulation (IPS). This EEG response, elicited by IPS or by other visual stimuli of daily life, is called Photo Paroxysmal Response (PPR). PPRs are well documented in epileptic and non-epileptic subjects. Photosensitivity rarely in normal individuals evolves into epilepsy. Photosensitive epilepsy is a rare refex epilepsy characterized by seizures in photosensitive individuals. The development of modern technology has increased the exposition to potential seizure precipitants in people of all ages, but especially in children and adolescents. Actually, videogames, computers and televisions are the most common triggers in daily life of susceptible persons. The mechanisms of generation of PPR are poorly understood, but genetic factors play an important rule. The control of visually induced seizures has, generally a good prognosis. In patients known to be visually sensitive, avoidance of obvious source and stimulus modifications are very important and useful to seizure prevention, but in the large majority of patients with epilepsy and photosensitivity antiepileptic drugs are needed.

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) is a rare, but potentially fatal, adverse reaction that occurs in patients, including children, who are treated with anticonvulsants. During metabolism of the anticonvulsant, toxic arene-oxide compounds are produced. AHS is associated with both cutaneous and systemic symptoms and is associated with multiorgan involvement. Liver damage, in particular, seems to be associated with fatal outcomes. The pathophysiology of AHS is still uncertain but it may be linked to a genetically determined inability to detoxify reactive drug metabolites. The prompt recognition of the first clinical signs of AHS, and the rapid withdrawal of the anticonvulsant, often avoids the progression of symptoms. Pharmacological treatment is essentially based on systemic corticosteroids in association with enteral nutrition, intravenous fluid augmentation, pain relief and ocular care. Intravenous immunoglobulins may also have a possible therapeutic role in some cases. Diagnostic tests, such as patch tests or in vitro assays, for AHS could help to identify patients at risk of developing the syndrome and could represent a first step of primary prevention when applied to relatives of patients.

Background Quarantine and isolation measures during COVID-19 pandemic may have caused additional stress and challenged the mental health of the youth. Aim of the study is to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic impact on neuropsychological disorders (NPD) of Italian children and adolescents to provide general pediatric recommendations. Material and methods A retrospective multicenter observational study was planned by the Italian Pediatric Society (SIP) to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the access of children to pediatric Emergency Departments (pED) for the evaluation of neuropsychological symptoms, collecting the classification codes of diagnoses between March 1, 2019 and March 2, 2021. The period study was split into two sub-periods: a pre COVID-19 period (from March 1 2019 to March 1, 2020) and a COVID-19 period (from March 2, 2020 to March 2, 2021). As additional information, data on NPD hospitalizations in any pediatric department of the involved centers were recorded. Results During the study period, a total of 533,318 children were admitted to the pED involved in the study. Despite a 48.2% decline of pED admissions, there was a significant increase (83.1%) in patient admissions for NPD. The most frequent NPD conditions which increased during the COVID-19 pandemic were suicidal ideation (+ 147%), depression (+ 115%), eating disorder (+ 78.4%), and psychosis (+ 17.2%). During the pandemic period, a 39.5% increase in NPD hospitalizations was observed as well. The NPD disorders that mostly required hospitalizations were suicidal ideation (+ 134%), depression (+ 41.4%), eating disorder (+ 31.4%), and drug abuse (+ 26.7%). COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on children's health, mainly on their NPD development. Neuropsychological assessment should be required at the primary level, in the pediatrician's office, to facilitate early capture of the sign of impairment and provide an adequate treatment. Conclusion SIP underlines the psychological consequences of COVID 19 pandemic on the youngest and recommends an early identification of NPD in the pediatric population to avoid other serious consequences for children's physical and mental health.