Paediatrica Indonesiana

Cognitive function in Indonesian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

2024-03-13T11:02:49+07:00

Background Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are at risk of cognitive impairment. While the pathophysiology is still unclear, cognitive impairment in children with T1DM can result in significant negative effects on quality of life.

Objective to evaluate the cognitive function of Indonesian children with T1DM and its association with glycemic control and to identify factors affecting cognitive function in children with T1DM.

Methods The cognitive function of children aged 6 years or older with T1DM was measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R). We analyzed for potential associations between cognitive function and glycemic control based on mean HbA1c levels and other factors, such as the age of onset, duration of illness, and maternal educational attainment. We also identified failure to achieve age-appropriate results on any of the WISC-R subtests (cognitive impairment) and associated factors.

Results A total of 46 subjects were included in this study, with a mean age of 12.8 (SD 3.4) years. There were 27 (58.7%) girls and 19 (41.3%) boys. Subjects’ mean full-scale IQ (FSIQ) was 91.35 (SD 11.43). A moderate negative correlation was found between FSIQ and mean HbA1c levels (r=-0.43; P<0.01). Children with mothers who had university degrees had significantly higher IQs (mean difference 7.39; 95%CI 3.10 to 13.66; P=0.02) than those with mothers without degrees. Failure of any WISC-R subtest was noted in 34 subjects, consisting of 17 verbal, 1 performance, and 34 verbal and performance subtests. A higher proportion of those with cognitive impairment had mean HbA1c >10%. However, compared to those with mean HbA1c ?10, the difference did not reach a statistical significance (OR 5.0; 95%CI 0.95 to 26.31; P=0.50)

Conclusion Glycemic control and maternal educational attainment are associated with cognitive function in Indonesian children with T1DM. Poor glycemic control is also associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment.

Survival and prognostic factors in pediatric osteosarcoma: A 5-year single-center experience in Central Java, Indonesia

2024-03-13T11:04:34+07:00

Background The advent of chemotherapy with multimodal treatment has improved the survival rate of osteosarcoma. However, the survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains lower than in high-income countries (HICs).

Objective To assess prognostic factors associated with survival rate of pediatric patients with osteosarcoma in Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta.

Methods This retrospective study was performed in pediatric osteosarcoma patients at Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta from 2018 to 2022. We described patients’ clinical presentations and assessed prognostic factors. Survival rate was calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Prognostic factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression methods.

Results Of the 82 patients included in the study, 40 (48.8%) were male and 42 (51.2%) were female. Most subjects (75.6%) were diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of >10 years, 45 patients (54.9%) had primary tumors in the femur, and 16 patients (19.5%) had limb salvage surgery. The mean event-free survival duration was 13.6 (95%CI 9.7 to 17.5) months. The mean duration of overall survival was 22.7 (95%CI 17.3 to 28.1) months, with a 44.1% survival probability. Type of surgery was a significant prognostic factor (P=0.018), with limb salvage having better survival probability (93.3%) than amputation (19.8%).

Conclusion The overall survival rate of osteosarcoma patients at our center is still lower than in other regional centers. Limb salvage surgery was a significant prognostic factor for survival, while gender, location of primary tumor, histological subtype, and metastasis at the time of diagnosis were not.

Clinical spectrum and outcomes of the 2019-2020 pediatric diphtheria outbreak in Yemen

2024-03-13T11:06:01+07:00

Background Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infectious disease characterized by serious morbidity and mortality. Outbreaks continue to occur in developing countries despite national vaccination programs. Vaccination, early recognition the disease, and adequate intervention are needed to avoid devastating outcomes.

Objective To describe the clinical spectrum of childhood diphtheria and its association to outcomes during the 2019-2020 diphtheria outberak in Yemen.

Methods This was a retrospective study to assess the demographic, clinical features, and outcomes of paediatric respiratory diphtheria in patients with diphtheria during the outbreak from September 2019 until May 2020 admitted at Mukalla Maternity and Children Hospital. We used SPSS 22 version for data analysis.

Results There were 34 culture-confirmed diphtheria cases included in this study, their age ranged from 13 months to 15 years old. Most of the cases (76.5%) happened to children at more than 5 years old. There was no gender difference. Of these 34-positive diphtheria, 79.4% from Hadramout and 17.6% from Shabwa governorate. Most of the cases (35.3%) were admitted in December. More than half of the patients (52.9%) were unimmunized. Fever, sore throat, and enlarged tonsils were presented in all patients, dysphagia (82.4 %), pseudomembrane (91.7%), bull neck (52.9%), and stridor (8.8%) were also found in some patients. Complications included acute renal failure (20.6%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), shock (17.6%), and myocarditis (8.8%). Significant poor outcome (P< 0.05) was associated with bull neck, myocarditis, acute renal failure, DIC, and shock. The case fatality rate (CFR) was 20.6%.

Conclusion Fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, pseudomembrane, and bull neck are high index suspicion of diphtheria and anticipation of ominous outcome. The shifting of occurrence of diphtheria to older age group indicates the need for booster(s) diphtheria toxoid vaccine in addition to improving and strengthening the current immunization program.

Shared medical appointments and quality of life for children with HIV-AIDS

2024-03-13T11:07:31+07:00

Background The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects immune cells and weakens the immune system. There are 36.9 million HIV sufferers worldwide, with 1.8 million of them being children. Children with HIV and their parents may benefit from focus group discussions, also known as shared medical appointments (SMAs). SMAs represent an educational method capable of enhancing the quality of healthcare services. However, this method remains relatively under-researched in HIV/AIDS patients.

Objective To assess the impact of SMA on the quality of life of children with HIV-AIDS.

Methods This quasi-experimental study with a cross-sectional approach was carried out for 2 months. Subjects participated in SMAs, accompanied by a pediatrician as facilitator. Subjects filled three Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) questionnaires (Inventory 4.0, General Well-Being Scale 3.0, and Healthcare Satisfaction 3.0), before and after attending SMAs. We compared the results.

Results There were 12 respondents, with the majority aged 5-10 years (50%), and a higher proportion of male than female (33.3%). The majority of boys had stage 3 HIV, while most girls had stage 2 HIV. According to the PedsQL Inventory module, the average quality of life for the physical aspect was the highest (83), while the lowest was observed in the school aspect (45). In the General Well-being module, the average emotional health scores were 84 before and 93 after SMAs, which were higher than the overall health scores (68 and 77 before and after SMAs, respectively). In the Healthcare Satisfaction module, the lowest average scores were in family satisfaction (52 before and 64 after SMAs), whereas the highest were in satisfaction with healthcare provider treatment (87 and 81 before and after SMAs, respectively). There was a significant increase before and after the SMAs in emotional health (P=0.009).

Conclusion An improvement in emotional health was observed based on the General Well-being module of the PedsQL before and after SMAs intervention. Thus, SMAs may potentially improve the quality of life for children with HIV-AIDS.

The effect of bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure application on saliva cortisol levels in full-term neonates

2024-03-13T11:09:02+07:00

Background Neonates with respiratory distress are commonly treated with bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and undergo many procedures that cause stress-induced pain. Salivary cortisol is a biomarker of alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis caused by repeated and long-term exposure to stress.

Objective To analyze the effect of bubble nCPAP use on salivary cortisol levels in full-term infants.

Methods This study used a one-group pre-test–post-test design to compare salivary cortisol levels before and 30 minutes after bubble nCPAP application. Salivary cortisol was measured using an ELISA method. Pain was also assessed at the same time points using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) score. We included infants of 37 0/7 to 42 6/7 weeks’ gestational age with respiratory distress necessitating bubble nCPAP application. Infants with birth weight of <2,500 grams, major congenital anomalies, an APGAR score of <5 at 5 minutes, shock, and infants who had undergone surgery were excluded.

Results A total of 38 subjects participated in this study. Prior to bubble nCPAP application, median cortisol levels were significantly lower (1.65 ng/mL) than after bubble nCPAP application (6.8 ng/mL) (p value?). There were no significant differences in cortisol increase based on gender, type of birth, or salivary cortisol sampling time. There were significant differences in pain level after the 30-minute nCPAP application.

Conclusion An increase in cortisol levels and pain scale scores during administration of bubble nCPAP indicates a pain response in full-term neonates; therefore, this procedure should be accompanied by pain or stress management.

Gestational age, birth weight, and blood culture microbial patterns in late-onset neonatal sepsis

2024-03-13T11:10:26+07:00

Background The three main causes of neonatal deaths in Indonesia according to the WHO are sepsis, prematurity, and asphyxia. A suboptimal hospital environment increases the risk of late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS), which in turn can prolong hospital stays.

Objective To assess for possible associations of bacterial patterns in neonates with LONS, prematurity, and/or low birth weight.

Methods Medical record data of 1,706 hospitalized neonates who were treated for sepsis or other disease in the Neonatal Unit, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH), Jakarta in 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 262 neonates had proven LONS. We assessed for possible risk factors such as gestational age, birth weight, and cultured blood microbes.

Results Out of a total of 1,706 neonates admitted to the neonatal unit, the incidence of proven LONS was 15.4%. LONS was more prevalent (58.4%) in preterm than in full-term (41.6%) neonates. The majority (67.6%) of subjects with proven LONS were neonates with low birth weight (LBW) (<2,500 grams), and the largest percentage of them (35.1%) was in the 1,500-2,500-gram group. Gram negative bacteria emerged as the predominant pathogens of LONS patients in our hospital; the most common were Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusion The proportion of LONS among LBW and preterm neonates is significantly higher compared to normal birth weight and neonates. In our unit, LONS was mostly caused by Gram-negative bacteria. The antibiotic susceptibility of the various pathogens causing LONS in CMH should be tested and compared to the current empirical antibiotic guidelines used in CMH.

Effects of non-pharmacological methods on post-operative procedural pain management in neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit: A systematic review

2024-03-13T11:11:47+07:00

Background In the post-operative period during the NICU stay, neonates must undergo various painful procedures. Non-pharmacological methods may be beneficial in managing the harmful effects of procedural pain on the development of neonates in their early life.

Objectives To investigate the effect of non-pharmacological methods on post-operative procedural pain in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units.

Methods A search in electronic databases was done to identify randomized clinical trials published from 2010 to 2020 that encompassed neonates undergoing painful procedures in the NICU and followed PRISMA guidelines. Studies with non-human subjects, neonates with unstable vital signs, non-clinical studies, and incomplete methodology were excluded. PubMed, Cochrane, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were evaluated respectively using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS).

Results Two reviewers examined articles independently and found 11 articles that met the study's inclusion criteria, with a total of 955 neonates with non-pharmacological methods of pain management in neonates. Non-pharmacological methods, such as massage therapy, oral sucrose, kangaroo mother care, and facilitated tucking showed significant reduction in pain scores among neonates who underwent painful procedures in NICU. Outcomes showed variability in effectiveness, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches.

Conclusions The findings indicated that non-pharmacological methods can effectively manage pain in neonates admitted to the NICU. Pain management improves the clinical condition of neonates and promotes parents-neonate bonding, with consequent reduction in length of stay in the hospital.

Risk factors contributing to weaning failure from continuous positive airway pressure to high flow nasal cannula in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome

2024-03-13T11:13:53+07:00

Background Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the most frequent causes of mortality and morbidity in neonates. High flow nasal canule (HFNC) is a step ladder modality of alternative oxygen therapy for weaning to reduce the workload of breathing and the need for intubation.

Objective To identify the risk factors contributing to weaning failure from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to HFNC in neonates with RDS.

Methods This study was a retrospective observational study in neonates aged less than 36 weeks weighing less than 2500 grams who underwent CPAP to HFNC weaning from 2019 to 2021 in Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.

Results There were 108 patients included in this study. Our bivariate analysis found significant differences in gestational age, age at the start of weaning, body weight at the start of weaning, FiO₂ levels, history of maternal chorioamnionitis, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), anemia, apnea of prematurity (AOP), and sepsis in neonates with RDS. Multivariate analysis showed that the most dominant factors were FiO2 levels of more than 25% at the start of weaning (OR11.16; 95%CI 1.83 to 63.12; P=0.009), anemia (OR 7.70; 95%CI 1.39 to 42.67; P=0.019), AOP (OR 19.64; 95%CI 4.27 to 90.35; P<0.001), and sepsis (OR 10.93; 95%CI 2.37 to 45.53; P=0.002)

Conclusion FiO₂ setting of more than 25% at the start of weaning, anemia, AOP, and sepsis produce a significant probability of HFNC weaning failure.

Ocular complications in pediatric nephrotic syndrome treated with corticosteroids

2024-03-13T11:15:05+07:00

Background Posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC) and raised intraocular pressure (IOP) are the most common ocular complications of oral steroid administration, particularly following long-term use or treatment with high doses.

Objective To evaluate the association between cumulative steroid dose and duration of treatment with the occurrence of PSC and raised IOP, as well as its associated factors in children with idiopatic nephrotic syndrome (INS).

Methods This cross-sectional study included children aged 4–18 years with INS who received oral steroid therapy for at least six consecutive months. Patients underwent complete eye examinations by an ophthalmologist to evaluate their visual acuity as well as the occurrence of PSC and/or raised IOP. Results Of 92 subjects, 19.6% had PSC, 12% had raised IOP, and one had a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of <6/20. The median cumulative steroid dose was 12,161 (range 1,795–81,398) mg and median treatment duration was 23 (range 6–84) months. There were significant positive associations between cumulative steroid dose as well as treatment duration and the occurrence of PSC, with cut-off points of 11,475 mg and 24 months, respectively, as determined by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. Females were four times more likely to have PSC compared to males (PR 4; 95%CI 1.57 to 13.38; P=0.001). Cumulative steroid dose and duration of treatment were not associated with raised IOP.

Conclusion Cumulative steroid dose of 11,475 mg or higher and/or duration of steroid therapy of 24 months of more were significantly associated with the occurrence of PSC, but not with raised IOP.

Accuracy of behavioral responses in early detection of autism spectrum disorders in children aged 18 months to 4 years with speech delay

2024-03-13T11:16:12+07:00

Background Early detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children with speech delay is important to improve outcomes. Behavioral responses to calling, teasing, poking, and blocking can be used to screen for ASD in daily practice.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of behavioral responses to stimuli in detecting ASD in children aged 18 months to 4 years with speech delay.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in children with speech delay aged 18 months to 4 years who visited the Outpatient Clinic of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Subjects were stimulated while playing by poking, teasing, calling, and blocking (stopping the child’s play using the examiner’s hand) and were assessed for their responses. Lack of seeking eye contact with the examiner following the stimulus was considered as a response suggestive of ASD. Independent diagnosis based on DSM-V criteria was considered the gold standard to diagnose ASD or non-ASD.

Results A total of 109 children were included in this study, with an average age of 32 (SD 7.4) months. There were 52 subjects (47.7%) with ASD and 57 subjects (52.2%) with non-ASD. Behavioral response analysis revealed that calling, blocking and teasing had high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for identifying ASD. The poking response had the highest specificity to rule out ASD compared to other stimuli, with 75% sensitivity (95%CI 63.2% to 86.7%), 93% specificity (95%CI 86.3% to 99.6%), 90% PPV (95%CI 82% to 99.3%), and 80% NPV (95%CI 70.7% to 89.9%). When all behavioral responses were combined, with lack of a response to all four stimuli considered suggestive of ASD, we obtained 100% specificity, 42% sensitivity, 100% PPV and 65% NPV.

Conclusion The combination of behavioral responses had high specificity, sensitivity, PPV, and NPV for early detection of ASD in children with speech delay.

Low-level red-light therapy as a novel modality for myopia control in children: A systematic review

2024-03-13T11:17:52+07:00

Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing a rise in digital technology use, online e-learning, and decreased outdoor time, the prevalence of myopia is expected to increase. Therefore, finding an effective strategy for myopia progression control is of high importance. Low-level red-light therapy (LLRT) has been proposed as a new modality in myopia progression control.

Objective To assess the efficacy of LLRT for myopia control in children.

Methods A comprehensive literature search of four online databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ProQuest, and WorldCat) was performed. We included original studies that assessed the efficacy of LLRT for myopia control in children and excluded animal studies, case reports, articles with no full-text available, and articles not in English. Risk of bias assessment was performed using different tools according to the study type. The main outcome measurements were changes in axial length (AL) and spherical equivalent refraction (SER).

Results Three clinical studies, two randomized controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study, were reviewed. A total of 296 children in the treatment group were evaluated. Children using single-vision spectacle only or orthokeratology lenses were evaluated for comparison. All studies had reported significantly improved outcomes, with lower mean AL changes and greater SER improvement in the LLRT group compared to the control group (P<0.001 in all studies).

Conclusion Although studies on LLRT are still limited, the treatment has shown promising results for myopia control in children. More studies to evaluate the efficacy of this new strategy are needed.

Challenges in the management of pediatric ruptured brain arteriovenous malformation: a case report

2024-03-13T11:19:44+07:00

Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are intracranial vascular lesions characterized by abnormal connections between the arterial and venous systems without an interposed capillary bed. Pediatric bAVMs constitute merely 12–18% of all diagnosed bAVMs, but an initial finding of bAVM rupture occurs more frequently in the pediatric population than in adults, accounting for 58–77% of all pediatric bAVM admissions.^1,2 Although spontaneous pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage has an annual incidence of 1.4 per 100,000 people per year, it carries a risk of severe permanent neurological deficits, occurring in 20–40% of patients and significant mortality in up to 25% of affected individuals.^3,4,5 Ruptured bAVMs are the cause of 30-50% of intracranial hemorrhages in the pediatric population and the most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke in children.¹ Current therapeutic approaches for ruptured bAVMs in children include open microsurgery, endovascular embolization, as well as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), be it isolated or as a multimodal treatment strategy. Herein, we present the case of a 6-year-old boy with a ruptured bAVM successively managed with hemicraniectomy decompression and intracranial bleeding evacuation, followed by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using gamma knife for the small AVM which was inaccessible during open surgery.

Complete atrioventricular block in an adolescent with acute rheumatic fever: a case report

2024-03-13T11:21:00+07:00

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune, multiorgan inflammatory disease that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals after group A-hemolytic streptococcal infection. Carditis and polyarthritis are the most common symptoms of ARF. Repeated streptococcal infections can cause recurrent valvulitis and valvular heart disease.

Prolonged atrioventricular conduction (first-degree heart block) is a well-known symptom of ARF, occurring in one-fifth to three-fifths of patients. This condition is a minor criterion for diagnosing ARF based on Jones's criteria. Advanced conduction delay, such as a second-degree or a complete atrioventricular (AV) block, is a rare condition of ARF that can occur before symptoms like carditis, polyarthritis, and Sydenham chorea appear. We present a case of ARF in an adolescent with complete AV block.