SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets. A key question in COVID-19 pandemic is whether it could be transmitted via airborne route as well. We report for the first time SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial infections, despite using surgical masks and physical distancing. It may provide a possible evidence for airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Social distancing and quarantines have major negative psychological implications. Our aim was to study the rate of pediatric hospitalizations due to anorexia nervosa (AN) during the first year of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as compared to previous years, with regard to clinical and laboratory parameters. This is a retrospective study in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Israel. Data regarding inpatient hospitalizations due to AN were retrieved, then epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory parameters compared. During the entire study period, 275 hospitalizations were due to AN: 94 patients were admitted during the 12 months of the pandemic as compared to a yearly mean of 45.25 during 2015–2019, resulting in a 2.4-fold increase ( p < 0.001). The mean admission age and female predominance were similar in the two study groups. The weight of the patients at admission was higher during the COVID-19 period (44.5 kg vs. 41.2 kg, p = 0.004), and fewer patients had clinical signs typical of AN upon physical examination ( p = 0.022). There was a 35% reduction in median hospitalization duration (9 days [IQR 8.21] in 2020–2021 and 14 [IQR 6, 16.75] days in 2015–2019, p = 0.01). No other differences were found. Conclusions : During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in the number of adolescents hospitalized with AN. Nevertheless, disease characteristics were not more severe as compared to the preceding 5 years. What is Known: • Social distancing and quarantines were announced during the COVID-19 pandemic in numerous countries. These measures have potential negative psychological effects on adolescents. What is New: • During the COVID-19 pandemic period, there was an increase in the number of hospitalizations of adolescents with AN, although disease characteristics were not more severe as compared to the preceding 5 years.
Anti-KIR4.1 Abs were found in similar proportions of patients with MS and NMO, at a significantly higher level than observed in HCs; consequently, the presence of Abs does not discriminate between these demyelinating diseases. However, anti-KIR4.1 Ab levels differed in MS patients during relapse and remission; as such, they may represent a marker of disease exacerbation.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common childhood muscular dystrophy. As a result of progressive muscle weakness, pulmonary function decreases during the second decade of life and lung disease contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in these patients. Corticosteroids are the current standard of care for patients with DMD, despite known adverse effects such as obesity and immunosuppression. Over the past year (2020), the novel coronavirus (COVID-19/SARS-CoV2) outbreak has caused a global pandemic. Restrictive lung disease due to low lung volumes, chronic immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids, and obesity are potential risk factors that may contribute to a more severe course of the disease. Out of 116 Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy patients treated in our tertiary neuromuscular center, six patients with DMD and one with advanced Becker muscular dystrophy were found to be positive for COVID-19 infection. Two of the DMD patients were admitted for hospitalization, of whom one was dependent on daily nocturnal non-invasive ventilation. All patients recovered without complications despite obesity, steroid treatment and severe restrictive lung disease.
A significant drop was found in the number of hospitalizations due to bacterial infections among children during the first peak period of COVID-19 in Israel. There was a 77% decrease in serious bacterial infections, and ≥50% decrease in most types of bacterial infections, especially osteoarticular and skin infections, followed by pneumonia and ENT infections.
Background: Peripheral venous catheter (PVC) is the most used vascular access device in medicine, allowing administration of intravenous fluids and medications. Known complications associated with PVC include extravasation, phlebitis and rarely bloodstream infection (BSI). Data regarding PVC-related BSI in children are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical and microbiologic characteristics of pediatric inpatients with PVC-related BSI. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a pediatric tertiary care center. Children with BSI, admitted to general pediatric departments during 2010-2019, were identified and their medical records examined. Patients with BSI and phlebitis were further characterized and included in the analysis. We excluded patients with central venous catheters, other identified source of infection and with BSI upon admission. Data collected included patients' demographics and clinical and microbiologic characteristics. Results: Twenty-seven children with PVC-related BSI were identified and included in the study, consisting of 0.2% of the total BSI cases. Patient's median age was 24 (range, 1.5-213) months, 14/27 (52%) were female and 6 (22%) were previously healthy while 21 (78%) had prior medical conditions. Sixteen (59.3%) patients had Gram-negative BSI and 6 (22.2%) Gram-positive bacteria. Polymicrobial infection occurred in 4 (14.8%) patients and Candida albicans in 1 (3.7%) patient. The most common isolated bacteria were Klebsiella spp and Staphylococcus aureus. Longer dwell-time was a predictor of Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions: PVC-related BSI due to Gram-negative bacteria was more common than to Gram-positive bacteria. Clinicians should consider an initial broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage for PVC-related BSI in hospitalized pediatric patients.
Objective: To describe focal epilepsy in patients with Laron syndrome (LS). Methods: Data were retrieved from medical records of a single-center cohort of 75 patients with LS. Results: We describe for the first time four patients with concomitant focal epilepsy and LS. Two of them experienced episodes of status epilepticus (SE). EEGs in all four patients showed interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in the temporal regions. Three achieved long-term seizure freedom on anti-seizure medications. Conclusion: Patients with LS may be at risk of developing focal epilepsy, that seems to be unrelated to hypoglycemic episodes in childhood.
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