Factors Predicting Readmission to the Emergency Department After a Diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Infection: A Two-year Experience at a Pediatric Tertiary Care Hospital in Italy.

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are among the leading causes of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits. The rate of unplanned returns to pediatric ED is an important quality indicator, and it is associated with factors such as age and clinical complexity. This study aims to identify the determinants associated with the risk of return to the ED, for any cause, within 7 days of discharge home with a diagnosis of ARI.

Reprogramming energy homeostasis in children with overweight through cognitive training and social interaction. A study protocol to estimate leptin sensitivity.

Unlabelled: Leptin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes in proportion to the size of adipose tissue. By acting on its receptor, LepRb, primarily expressed in the hypothalamus, leptin promotes a negative energy balance by strongly suppressing appetite and stimulating energy expenditure. The majority of patients with obesity exhibit elevated leptin production, indicating that leptin becomes ineffective in regulating energy balance in this context.

The accuracy of presepsin in diagnosing neonatal late-onset sepsis in critically ill neonates: a prospective study.

Objectives: The diagnostic accuracy of presepsin (P-SEP) in the newborn is still under evaluation.

Methods: In a multicenter study, we studied the accuracy of P-SEP as a diagnostic marker of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in critical newborns with underlying disorders, to define the most accurate cut-off to distinguish infected from uninfected patients.

Results: Sixty-nine/351 newborns without infections at admission developed LOS.

Diagnostic cut-offs of 17-hydroxyprogesterone by LC-MS/MS in children with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Purpose: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder, commonly caused by 21-hydroxylase mutations, that converts 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) into 11-deoxycortisol in the adrenal cortex. Elevated morning serum levels of 17-OHP identify suspected CAH, and the diagnosis is confirmed by CYP21 A2 gene analysis. Liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the recommended method for 17-OHP measurement; however, diagnostic 17-OHP thresholds measured with LC-MS/MS are not yet defined.

Effect of neurally adjusted ventilator assist versus pressure support ventilation on asynchronies and cardiac function in pediatric liver transplantation.

In pediatric liver recipients perioperative factors may affect respiratory and cardiac function, and prolong mechanical ventilation during post-operative period. The use of NAVA can improve the interaction between the patient and the ventilator from both a respiratory and cardiac perspective. The objective of this study is to evaluate the synchronization between the patient and the ventilator, as well as cardiac function, during the application of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

Development and psychometric properties of the Italian little developmental coordination disorder questionnaire (LDCDQ-IT).

Background: Early identification of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in children is fundamental to provide the best chance of improving their outcomes. The Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (LDCDQ) is a screening tool to identify preschool children who may warrant a diagnosis of DCD.

Aims: This study conducted a transcultural translation and adaptation of the Italian version of the Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (LDCDQ-IT) and evaluated the psychometric properties of the tool, establishing also the optimal cut-off scores.

Positive Clinical, Neuropsychological, and Metabolic Impact of Liver Transplantation in Patients With Argininosuccinate Lyase Deficiency.

Liver transplantation (LTx) is increasingly used in Urea Cycle Defects (UCDs) to prevent recurrent hyperammonemia and related neurological irreversible injury. Among UCDs, argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASLD) has a more complex phenotype than other UCDs, with long-term neurocognitive deficits. Therefore, the role of LTx in ASLD is still debated.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Emergency Hospitalizations for Acute Respiratory Infections: The Experience of a Paediatric Tertiary Care Hospital in Italy.

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major healthcare issue in children. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic changed the epidemiology of ARIs; the aims of this study are to characterize the epidemiological trend of ARI emergency hospitalizations and virology results and to estimate the association of ARI emergency hospitalizations with respiratory viruses from January 2018 to June 2023.

Methods: This study was carried out in an Italian tertiary care children's hospital (Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital).

Epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus in a large pediatric hospital in Central Italy and development of a forecasting model to predict the seasonal peak.

Background: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is responsible for the majority of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and can affect also older age groups. Restrictions linked to the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and their subsequent lifting caused a change in the dynamics of RSV circulation. It is therefore fundamental to monitor RSV seasonal trends and to be able to predict its seasonal peak to be prepared to the next RSV epidemics.

Transvenous lead advancement in pediatric pacing to overcome growth-induced lead straightening and stretching.

Background: The stretching of the lead caused by somatic growth may lead to complications (dislodgement, fracture, failure) of transvenous leads implanted in pediatric patients. Atrial loop and absorbable ligatures may prevent it. Periodical lead advancement with lead pushing from the pocket may be an option to growth-induced stretching.

Insulin Clearance at the Pubertal Transition in Youth with Obesity and Steatosis Liver Disease.

No data are available on insulin clearance (Cl) trends during the pubertal transition. The aim of this study was to investigate in 973 youths with obesity whether Cl in fasting and post-oral glucose challenge (OGTT) conditions varies at the pubertal transition in relation to the severity of obesity and the presence of steatosis liver disease (SLD). The severity of obesity was graded according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Adrenocortical function in patients with Single Large Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletions: a retrospective single centre cohort study.

Objective: Single Large Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletions (SLSMDs), Pearson Syndrome (PS) and Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS), are systemic diseases with multiple endocrine abnormalities. The adrenocortical function has not been systematically investigated with a few anecdotal reports of overt adrenal insufficiency (AI). The study aimed to assess the adrenocortical function in a large cohort of SLSMDs.

Left ventricular endocardial activation maps during right ventricular pacing in pediatric patients.

Background: Cardiac pacing from right ventricular (RV) sites may cause electromechanical ventricular dyssynchrony. Invasive and noninvasive mapping studies showed left ventricular (LV) activation sequence in adults. Aim of this study was to seek out the LV endocardial activation (LVEA) in pediatric patients who underwent RV pacing.

Decreased incidence of late-onset sepsis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Italy: a multicentric study on a cohort of infants requiring major surgery.

Unlabelled: Changes in the organization of the clinical care wards, requested by the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic, have influenced the environmental circulation of other pathogens. The implementation of prevention procedures may have led to a decrease in the incidence of healthcare-associated infections. We aimed to investigate the impact of prevention and control measures for preventing the COVID-19 spread on the incidence of bacterial sepsis and invasive fungal infections in neonates and infants requiring major surgery.

Age and memory B cells at baseline are associated with risk of relapse and memory B-cell reappearance following anti-CD20 treatment in pediatric frequently-relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.

B-cell depleting anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, have proven efficacy in children with frequently-relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FR/SDNS). However, drug-free remission is variable and specific baseline markers predictive of relapse after anti-CD20 treatment are still being defined. To clarify these, we performed a bicentric observational study in a large cohort of 102 children and young adults with FR/SDNS treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (rituximab and ofatumumab).

Dietary Fatty Acids Contribute to Maintaining the Balance between Pro-Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Responses during Pregnancy.

Background: During pregnancy, the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is essential for ensuring healthy outcomes. Dietary Fatty acids may modulate inflammation.

Methods: We investigated the association between dietary fatty acids as profiled on red blood cells membranes and a few pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including the adipokines leptin and adiponectin at ~38 weeks in 250 healthy women.

Acute respiratory infection emergency access in a tertiary care children hospital in Italy, prior and after the SARS-CoV-2 emergence.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the epidemiology of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children. The aims of the present study were to describe the epidemiological trend of ARI emergency visits and virology results prior and after the SARS-CoV-2 emergence and to estimate the association of ARI emergency department (ED) visits with respiratory viruses.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, a tertiary care children's hospital in the Lazio Region, Italy.

Three-dimensional-mapping-guided permanent conduction system pacing in paediatric patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.

Aims: In congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) the right ventricle (RV) is systemic. Atrioventricular block (AVB) and systolic dysfunction are frequently observed. Permanent pacing of the subpulmonary left ventricle (LV) may worsen RV dysfunction.

Preliminary Evaluation of Sedentary Lifestyle in Italian Children after Solid Transplant: What Role Could Physical Activity Play in Health? It Is Time to Move.

Background: Advances in the medical-surgical field have significantly increased survival after solid organ transplantation in the pediatric population. However, these patients are predisposed to the development of long-term complications (e.g.

Escalation of care in children at high risk of clinical deterioration in a tertiary care children's hospital using the Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System.

Background: Escalation and de-escalation are a routine part of high-quality care that should be matched with clinical needs. The aim of this study was to describe escalation of care in relation to the occurrence and timing of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission in a cohort of pediatric inpatients with acute worsening of their clinical condition.

Methods: A monocentric, observational cohort study was performed from January to December 2018.

Differences and Similarities in Adaptive Functioning between Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Williams-Beuren Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: The last decade has seen a growing number of comparative studies on adaptive profiles between individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), showing shared and syndrome-specific adaptive trajectories. Studies have revealed similarities in global adaptive profiles across conditions, while some differences have been found in preschoolers on the specific sub-domains of communication and socialization. However, the majority of studies that have focused on the differences in adaptive functioning across these two conditions used a cross-sectional design.

To go left or right? Driving towards the best direction in paediatric pacing.

Background: Permanent pacing in children with isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block may cause left ventricular dysfunction. To prevent it, alternative pacing sites have been proposed: left ventricular epicardial or selective right ventricular endocardial pacing.

Aims: To compare the functional outcome (left ventricular systolic function and synchrony) in paediatric patients with congenital complete atrioventricular block and left ventricular apical epicardial or right ventricular transvenous mid-septal pacing.

Late outcome of extracardiac Fontan patients: 32 years of follow-up.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the long-term survival and risk factors for morbidity and mortality in our cohort of patients after extracardiac (EC) Fontan.

Methods: We collected and analysed follow-up data until September 2020 for all patients who underwent EC Fontan operation at our institution from November 1988 to November 2015.

Results: Out of 406 patients treated with EC Fontan at a mean age of 5.

ICD Outcome in Pediatric Cardiomyopathies.

Background: Pediatric patients with cardiomyopathies are at risk of malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). An ICD may prevent SCD. The aim of this study was to evaluate ICD implantation outcomes, and to compare transvenous and subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICDs) implanted in pediatric patients with cardiomyopathies.