Objective: Literature related to the imaging of COVID-19 pneumonia, its findings and contribution to diagnosis and its differences from adults are limited in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate chest X-ray and chest CT findings in children with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: Chest X-ray findings of 59 pediatric patients and chest CT findings of 22 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated retrospectively. Results: COVID-19 pneumonia was most commonly observed unilaterally and in lower zones of lungs in chest X-ray examinations. Bilateral and multifocal involvement (55%) was the most observed involvement in the CT examinations, as well as, single lesion and single lobe (27%) involvement were also detected. Pure ground-glass appearance was observed in 41%, ground-glass appearance and consolidation together was in 36%. While peripheral and central co-distribution of the lesions (55%) were frequently observed, the involvement of the lower lobes (69%) was significant. In four cases,the coexistence of multiple rounded multifocal ground-glass appearance and rounded consolidation were observed. Conclusion: COVID-19 pneumonia imaging findings may differ in the pediatric population from adults. In diagnosis, chest X-ray should be preferred, CT should be requested if there is a pathologic finding on radiography that merits further evaluation and if clinically indicated. Advances in knowledge: Radiological findings of COVID-19 observed in children may differ from adults. Chest X-ray should often be sufficient in children avoiding additional irradiation, chest CT needs only be done in cases of clinical necessity.

Objectives Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a less understood and a rare complication of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Given the scarce data regarding this novel disease, we aimed to describe the clinical features and outcomes of our patients with MIS-C and to evaluate the associated factors for the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. Methods The MIS-C patients under 18 years old diagnosed and treated in three referral centers between July 2020 and March 2021 were included. Data of the patients were retrospectively obtained from their medical records. Results Overall, 76 subjects (24 females) with a mean age of 8.17 ± 4.42 years were enrolled. Twenty-seven (35.5%) patients were admitted to the PICUs. The two most common systemic involvement patterns were cardiac and gastrointestinal. There was only one lethal outcome in a patient with underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Those with higher procalcitonin levels at admission were found to stay longer in the hospital (r = 0.254, p = 0.027). The risk of PICU admission increased with age (aOR: 1.277; 95% CI: 1.089-1.498; p = 0.003) and with decreased initial serum albumin levels (aOR: 0.105; 95% CI: 0.029-0.378; p = 0.001). Conclusion Although there is a wide clinical variability among the patients with MIS-C, we suggest that those with older age and lower initial serum albumin levels merit close monitoring due to their higher risk for PICU admission.

Objective: Poisoning is a preventable, potentially lethal health problem, common in emergency services. Poisoning agents may vary depending on age gender, countries, regions and seasons. In this study, we aimed to determine the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of cases of poisoning admitted to the pediatric emergency department and to define protective measures. Method: Cases of poisoning aged between 0-17 years that were admitted to Bakırköy

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Background COVID-19 pandemic affected every single person on earth one way or the other. The healthcare personnel were no exception, their responsibilities as well as their risks being immense. Methods 4927 healthcare personnel all working in pediatric units at 32 hospitals from seven different regions of Turkey enrolled to the study to determine the seroprevalence of SARS Co-V-2 after the first peak wave. Point of care serologic lateral flow rapid test kit for IgM/IgG was used (Ecotest CE Assure Tech. Co. Ltd.). Seroprevalence and its association with demographic characteristics and possible risk factors were analyzed. Results Nearly 6.1% of healthcare personnel were found to be seropositive for SARS Co-V- 2. Seropositivity was more common among those who did not universally wear protective masks (10.6% vs 6.1%). Having a COVID-19 co-worker increased the likelihood of infection. The least and the most experienced personnel affected more. Most of the seropositive healthcare personnel (68%) did not have any suspicion that they had COVID-19 previously. Conclusions Health surveillance for healthcare personnel involving routine point-of-care nucleic acid testing as well as monitoring PPE adherence would be important strategies to protect healthcare personnel from COVID-19 and to reduce nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating factors affecting scar formation and tuberculin skin test (TST) response in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinated infants. Methods: In the current study, 216 infants with gestational age (GA) of 26 to 40 weeks and birth weight of 730 g to 4590 g were included. The mean corrected age was 6.27 ± 3.79 weeks, and the mean weight was 4442.4 ± 1084.1 g (range 2100 -7700 g) at the time of BCG vaccination. TST was applied at 8 to 16 weeks of vaccination. Factors affecting TST response and BCG scar formation were evaluated. Results: A scar response to BCG vaccination was found in 60%, 49.4%, and 59.7% of the infants with GA < 32 weeks, 33 to 36 weeks, and ≥ 37 weeks, respectively. Of the male infants 65% produced a scar compared to the 45% of the female infants (P = 0.014). The mean weight at the time of vaccination was significantly higher in infants with scar development than in those without scars (6976.94 g vs. 6455.68, P = 0.002). A tuberculin reaction was detected in 57% of the infants (80%, 54%, and 50% according to birth weight > 2500 g, 1500 -2500 g, and < 1500 g, respectively) (P = 0.213). TST response rate was 67%, 55%, and 47% according to GA ≥ 37 w, 33 -36 w, and ≤ 32 w, respectively (P = 0,020). In the present study, 68.4% of the cases with TST of 5 -10 mm, and 100% of the cases with TST > 10 mm developed scars ≥ 2 mm (r = 0.360; P = 0.001).Conclusions: Prematurity or birth weight does not affect BCG scar formation. TST response is lower in preterm babies. The correlation between scar formation and TST response was too low to be interpreted as positive.

Objective: In the early stages of any epidemic caused by new emerging pathogens healthcare personnel is subject to a great risk. Pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, proved to be no exception. Many healthcare workers died in the early stages of pandemic due to inadequate precautions and insufficient protection. It is essential to protect and maintain the safety of healthcare personnel for the confinement of pandemic as well as continuity of qualified healthcare services which is already under strain. Educating healthcare personnel on appropiate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is as essential as procuring them. Material and Methods: A survey is conducted on 4927 healthcare personnel working solely with pediatric patients from 32 different centers. Education given on PPE usage were questioned and analyzed depending on age, sex, occupation and region. Results: Among four thousand nine hundred twelve healthcare personnel from 32 different centers 91% (n= 4457) received education on PPE usage. Of those who received education only 36% was given both theoretical and applied education. Although there was no differences among different occupation groups, receiving education depended on regions. Conclusion: It is essential to educate healthcare personnel appropiately nationwidely for the continuity of qualified healthcare services during the pandemic.