Impact of viral coinfection and macrolide-resistant mycoplasma infection in children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Comparison of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children admitted with community acquired pneumonia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study at a tertiary hospital of southwest China

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic has notably altered the infection dynamics of various pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the pandemic's impact on the infection spectrum of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) among children with community acquired pneumonia (CAP).

METHODS

We enrolled pediatric CAP patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in southwest China to compare the prevalence and characteristics of M. pneumoniae infections before (2018-2019) and during (2020-2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. Detection of M. pneumoniae IgM antibodies in serum were conducted using either indirect immunofluorescence or passive agglutination methods.

RESULTS

The study included 1505 M. pneumoniae-positive and 3160 M. pneumoniae-negative CAP patients. Notable findings were the higher age and frequency of pneumonia-associated symptoms in M. pneumoniae-positive patients, alongside a lower male proportion and fewer respiratory co-infections. The year 2019 saw a notable increase in M. pneumoniae infections compared to 2018, followed by a decline from 2020 to 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic period witnessed significant alterations in age distribution, male proportion, and co-infections with specific pathogens in both M. pneumoniae-positive and negative patients. The M. pneumoniae infections were predominantly seasonal, peaking in autumn and winter during 2018 and 2019. Although there was a sharp drop in February 2020, the infection still peaked in cold months of 2020 and 2021. However, the typical seasonal pattern was nearly absent in 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic has markedly changed the infection landscape of M. pneumoniae in pediatric CAP patients, with shifts observed in infection rates, demographic profiles, co-infections, and seasonal patterns.

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic non-pharmacologic interventions temporally associated with reduced pediatric infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and co-infecting respiratory viruses in Arkansas

Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), such as universal masking, implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have reduced respiratory infections among children. This study evaluated the impact of NPIs on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children, analyzing data from two hospitals in Arkansas and examining age-related differences and co-infections with other respiratory viruses. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and included patients (≤18 years) with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Data generated from the FilmArray Respiratory Panel were divided into pre-NPI, NPI, and post-NPI periods for analysis. Overall test positivity rate and positivity rate interval changes were evaluated. Statistical differences were determined by Chi-square (χ2 independence) analysis. A total of 100,077 tests were performed, with a statistical increase in testing volume during the NPI and post-NPI periods. The number of positive M. pneumoniae tests decreased by 77% (77 to 18) during the NPI period, then increased by 50% (18 to 27) during the post-NPI period. Preschool and elementary school age groups had the highest number of positive tests during the study at 59 (48%) and 40 (33%), respectively. Reduced M. pneumoniae infections were consistent across age groups. Co-infections with other respiratory viruses, particularly human rhinovirus/enterovirus, were observed at much lower levels. Pediatric M. pneumoniae infections in Arkansas were temporally associated with implementation and discontinuation of NPIs. Specific viral co-infections still occurred, albeit at lower levels during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Because of the slower growth of this bacterium, we expect M. pneumoniae infections to return to pre-pandemic levels within approximately 2 years.

IMPORTANCE

Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs) effectively curtailed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and, fortuitously, many other aerosol-transmitted respiratory pathogens. This study included the largest data set of symptomatic, pediatric patients from within the United States spanning a period from November 2017 through December 2023, and encompassed individuals residing in both rural and urban settings. We observed a strong correlation between the implementation and cessation of NPIs with the rate of respiratory infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and viral co-infections. These infections are returning to baseline levels approximately 2 years following NPI cessation. This observation was not unexpected since the replication time for viruses is exponentially faster than that of bacteria. The resurgence of M. pneumoniae and likely other atypical bacterial pathogens is currently in process. Healthcare providers should strongly consider these pathogens in individuals presenting with respiratory tract illnesses.

Observational retrospective clinical study on clinical features of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in Chinese pediatric cases

This study aimed to investigate differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory findings between children infected with Macrolide-Sensitive Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MSMP) and Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP). Additionally, the research sought to identify laboratory markers for rapidly distinguishing refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) from ordinary Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (OMPP). In total, 265 Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) patients were included, with MRMP identified by specific point mutations in domain V of the 23S rRNA gene. A retrospective analysis compared the clinical courses and laboratory data, revealing that MRMP patients experienced prolonged febrile days (P = 0.004), elevated CRP levels (P < 0.001), and higher MP DNA loads than MSMP patients (P = 0.037). Based on clinical symptoms, MRMP was divided into RMPP (n = 56) and OMPP (n = 70), with RMPP demonstrating significantly increased IL-18, community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxins in nasopharyngeal aspirate, and serum CRP levels (P < 0.001; P = 0.006; P < 0.001). In conclusion, timely recognition of RMPP is crucial for enhancing prognosis. The identification of MRMP, coupled with proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-18, CARDS toxins, and CRP, emerges as promising markers with the potential to contribute significantly to diagnostic accuracy and prognosis assessment.

Construction and Validation of a Nomogram Model to Predict the Severity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children

Background

This study aimed to develop a nomogram model for early prediction of the severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on children with MPP, classifying them into severe and general MPP groups. The risk factors for severe MPP were identified using Logistic Stepwise Regression Analysis, followed by Multivariate Regression Analysis to construct the nomogram model. The model's discrimination was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve, its calibration with a calibration curve, and the results were visualized using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that age, duration of fever, length of hospital-stay, decreased sounds of breathing, respiratory rate, hypokalemia, and incidence of co-infection were significantly different between severe and general MPP. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also observed in C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, interleukin-6, immunoglobulin A, and CD4+ T cells between the two groups. Logistic Stepwise Regression Analysis showed that age, decreased sounds of breathing, respiratory rate, duration of fever (OR = 1.131; 95% CI: 1.060-1.207), length of hospital-stay (OR = 1.415; 95% CI: 1.287-1.555), incidence of co-infection (OR = 1.480; 95% CI: 1.001-2.189), ferritin level (OR = 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001-1.006), and LDH level (OR = 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001-1.005) were identified as risk factors for the development of severe MPP (p < 0.05 in all). The above factors were applied in constructing a nomogram model that was subsequently tested with 0.862 of the area under the ROC curve.

Conclusion

Age, decreased sound of breathing, respiratory rate, duration of fever, length of hospital-stay, co-infection with other pathogen(s), ferritin level, and LDH level were the significant contributors for the establishment of a nomogram model to predict the severity of MPP in children.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of poor outcomes of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Introduction

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) may lead to various significant outcomes, such as necrotizing pneumonia(NP) and refractory MPP (RMPP). We investigated the potential of the peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to predict outcomes in patients with MPP.

Methods and materials

This was a prospective study of patients with MPP who were admitted to our hospital from 2019 to 2021. Demographic and clinical data were collected from patient records and associated with the development of NP and RMPP and other outcome measures.

Results

Of the 1,401 patients with MPP included in the study, 30 (2.1%) developed NP. The NLR was an independent predictor of NP (odds ratio 1.153, 95% confidence interval 1.022-1.300, P=0.021). The probability of NP was greater in patients with a high NLR (≥1.9) than in those with a low NLR (<1.9) (P<0.001). The NLR was also an independent predictor of RMPP (odds ratio 1.246, 95% confidence interval 1.102-1.408, P<0.005). Patients with a high NLR were more likely to develop NP and RMPP and require intensive care, and had longer total fever duration, longer hospital stays, and higher hospitalization expenses than those with a low NLR (all P<0.005).

Discussion

The NLR can serve as a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with MPP. It can predict the occurrence of NP, RMPP, and other poor outcomes. The use of this indicator would allow the simple and rapid prediction of prognosis in the early stages of MPP, enabling the implementation of appropriate treatment strategies.

Comparison of "hock-a-loogie" saliva versus nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for detecting common respiratory pathogens

Self-collection of saliva samples has attracted considerable attention in recent years, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. However, studies investigating the detection of other common respiratory pathogens in saliva samples are limited. In this study, nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), oropharyngeal swabs (OPS), and "hock-a-loogie" saliva (HLS) were collected from 469 patients to detect 13 common respiratory pathogens. Overall positivity rates for NPS (66.1 %), HLS (63.5 %), and OPS (57.8 %) were statistically different (P = 0.028), with an overall concordance of 72.7 %. Additionally, detection rates for NPS (85.9 %) and HLS (83.2 %) for all pathogens were much higher than for OPS (73.3 %). Coronavirus and human rhinovirus were most frequently detected pathogens in NPS (P < 0.001). Mycoplasma pneumoniae was significantly more prevalent in the HLS group (P = 0.008). In conclusion, NPS was a reliable sample type for detecting common respiratory pathogens. HLS was more easily collected and can be used in emergencies or specific conditions. Mixed NPS/OPS and NPS/HLS specimens have the potential to improve detection rates, although OPS testing alone has a relatively high risk for missed detection.

Predictive value of chemokines (CCL 2) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for refractory mycoplasma pneumonia in children

BACKGROUND

There are relatively few studies investigating C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), and the relationship between CCL2 level in BALF and refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) is unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between chemokine CCL2 level in BALF and clinical characteristics and clinical outcome in children with MPP.

METHODS

A total of 51 children with confirmed acute MPP and requiring bronchoalveolar lavage in Department of Pediatrics, Huanghe Sanmenxia Hospital and The First Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University from October 2021 to February 2023 were selected as the study group. And 11 children with bronchial foreign body were selected as the control group. The study group was divided into the non-refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (NRMPP) group and the RMPP group based on the response to treatment. BALF and clinical data of the patients were collected. And CCL2 levels were tested in the patients. Differences in CCL2 level in BALF and clinical characteristics were tested and compared.

RESULTS

The CCL2 level in BALF of the study group was higher than that of the control group, with significant difference (P < 0.05). With ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) of CCL2 in BALF predicting RMPP was 0.94, the cut-off value was 0.645 ng/ml, the sensitivity was 85%, and the specificity was 94%, and the diagnostic value was better than that of serum CRP and LDH. Logistic regression analysis was used to build the RMPP prediction model, and CCL2 showed good predictive value.

CONCLUSION

The level of CCL2 in BALF was high in children with MPP and had a high predictive value for RMPP. CCL2 can be used as one of the biomarkers for predicting RMPP.

Polydatin alleviates mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced injury via inhibition of Caspase-1/GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is one of the main pathogens causing community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children and adults. Previous pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that Polydatin (PD) exerts anti-inflammatory action by conferring protective benefit in MP pneumonia. However, the mechanism underlying the of PD on MP infection remains unclear. It was found that PD alleviated MP-induced injury by inhibiting caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated epithelial pyroptosis. The results demonstrated that PD inhibited the transformation of GSDMD to N-terminal gasdermin-N (GSDMD-N) by decreasing caspase-1 activation, as well as suppressed the formation and secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), reversed Na, K-ATPase reduction, and suppressed LDH release both in vitro and vivo. Taken together, epithelial pyroptosis in BEAS-2B cells and lung injury in mice were prevented by PD. In conclusion, PD suppressed pulmonary injury triggered by MP infection, by inhibiting the caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated epithelial pyroptosis signaling pathway. Thus, PD may be regarded as a potential therapy for MP-induced inflammation.

SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Non-Pharmacologic Interventions Temporally Associated with Reduced Pediatric Infections Due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Co-Infecting Respiratory Viruses in Arkansas

Introduction

Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), such as universal masking, implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have reduced respiratory infections among children. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of NPIs on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children, analyzing data from two hospitals in Arkansas, and examining age-related differences and coinfections with other viruses.

Methods

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and included patients aged ≤18 years with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Data from the FilmArray® Respiratory Panel (FARP) were collected and divided into pre-NPI and NPI periods for analysis. Total test positivity rate and interval change in the positivity rate were evaluated. Statistical differences were determined by Chi-square (χ2-independence) analysis.

Results

A total of 68,949 tests were performed with a statistical increase in testing during the NPI period. The overall test positivity rate for M. pneumoniae decreased by 74% (0.86% to 0.03%) during the NPI period, and the preschool age group had the highest number of positive tests in the pre- and NPI periods (Pre-NPI: n=40, NPI: n=12 positive tests, p=<0.001). The reduction in M. pneumoniae infections was consistent across age groups. Coinfections with other respiratory viruses, particularly human rhinovirus/enterovirus, were observed at much lower levels.

Conclusions

NPIs effectively reduced M. pneumoniae in pediatric patients in Arkansas, and coinfections with specific viruses still occurred, albeit at lower levels during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As NPIs are relaxed and the pandemic ends, we expect M. pneumoniae infections to return to pre-pandemic levels within the next 1-2 years.

Acetylcysteine and budesonide for the treatment of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a clinical observation

BACKGROUND

To examine the clinical impact of bronchoscope alveolar lavage (BAL) combination with budesonide, ambroxol + budesonide, or acetylcysteine + budesonide in the treatment of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP).

METHODS

Eighty-two RMPP patients admitted to Pediatrics at The First People's Hospital of Zhengzhou were retrospectively evaluated between August 2016 and August 2019. All patients were administered BAL in addition to intravenous Azithromycin, expectoration, and nebulizer inhalation. The medications added to the BLA separated the patients into the Budesonide group, Ambroxol + budesonide group, and acetylcysteine + budesonide group. Analyzed were the variations in laboratory examination indices, improvement in lung imaging, overall effective rate, and adverse responses in the three groups.

RESULTS

The laboratory test indices of patients in all three groups improved significantly relative to pre-treatment levels, and the results were statistically significant. After therapy, there were no significant differences between the three groups in terms of white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serum ferritin (SF) varied significantly across the three groups (P < 0.05). In the acetylcysteine + budesonide group, the absorption rate of lung imaging lesions and clinical efficacy were superior to those of the other two groups. There were no significant differences between the three groups in the occurrence of adverse events (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BLA-coupled acetylcysteine + budesonide was superior to the other two groups in enhancing the effectiveness of RMPP in children, which might increase lung opacity absorption and minimize lung inflammation.

Clinical characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia in children caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae with or without myocardial damage: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a prevalent pathogen that causes respiratory infections in children and adolescents.

AIM

To assess the differences in the clinical features of MP-associated community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children who presented with mild or severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP); to identify the incidence of myocardial damage between the two groups.

METHODS

This work is a retrospective study. We identified children between 2 mo and 16 years of age with clinical and radiological findings consistent with CAP. We admitted patients to the inpatient department of the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China, from January 2019 to December 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 409 hospitalized patients were diagnosed with MPP. Among them were 214 (52.3%) males and 195 (47.7%) females. The duration of fever and cough was the longest in severe MPP cases. Similarly, plasma levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (t = -2.834, P < 0.05), alanine transaminase (t = -2.511, P < 0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (t = -2.939, P < 0.05), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (t = -2.939, P < 0.05) were all elevated in severe MPP cases compared with mild MPP cases, and these elevations were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conversely, the neutrophil percentage was significantly lower in severe MPP cases than in mild MPP cases. The incidence of myocardial damage was significantly higher in severe MPP cases than in mild MPP cases (χ² = 157.078, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the main cause of CAP. The incidence of myocardial damage was higher and statistically significant in severe MPP cases than in mild MPP cases.

Necrotizing Pneumonia in Children: Early Recognition and Management

Necrotizing pneumonia (NP) is an uncommon complicated pneumonia with an increasing incidence. Early recognition and timely management can bring excellent outcomes. The diagnosis of NP depends on chest computed tomography, which has radiation damage and may miss the optimal treatment time. The present review aimed to elaborate on the reported predictors for NP. The possible pathogenesis of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and coinfection, clinical manifestations and management were also discussed. Although there is still a long way for these predictors to be used in clinical, it is necessary to investigate early predictors for NP in children.

Effect of azithromycin combined with ambroxol in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the clinical efficacy of azithromycin combined with ambroxol in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP).

METHODS

The clinical data of 103 children with MPP treated in Fuyang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hangzhou from December 2020 to August 2021 were selected and retrospectively analyzed, and these children were divided into a control group (n=51, azithromycin treatment) and a study group (n=52, azithromycin plus ambroxol treatment) according to the different treatment methods. The immunoglobulin level, pulmonary function score, treatment efficacy, serum cytokine level, disappearance time of signs and symptoms, and myocardial enzyme indices were observed and compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to screen the factors affecting the prognosis of MPP patients.

RESULTS

After treatment, the study group showed significantly lower levels of immunoglobulin E, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin A; higher pulmonary function scores, and lower levels of interleukin-6, human interferon-gamma, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 compared with the control group (all P < 0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting was 15.38% in the study group, which was slightly lower than that in the control group (17.65%), exhibiting no significant difference (P > 0.05). The disappearance time of cough and lung rales, time required to restore to a normal body temperature, and hospital stay in the study group were shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase isoenzyme in the study group were lower than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The course of disease before admission, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anemia, albumin < 30 g/L, drug initiation time, pulmonary consolidation, and complications involving multiple systems were the main factors affecting the efficacy of azithromycin combined with ambroxol in the treatment of MPP.

CONCLUSION

Azithromycin combined with ambroxol can effectively improve the immunoglobulin level and lung function, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, improve the therapeutic effect, shorten the recovery process, and reduce the degree of myocardial damage, which is effective in the treatment of MPP and is worth promoting.

Recent Trend of Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Mycoplasma pneumoniae Isolated from Japanese Children

Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) infections have become increasingly prevalent, especially in East Asia. Whereas MRMP strains have point mutations that are implicated in conferring resistance, monitoring the antibiotic susceptibility of M. pneumoniae and identifying mutations in the resistant strains is crucial for effective disease management. Therefore, we investigated antimicrobial susceptibilities among M. pneumoniae isolates obtained from Japanese children since 2011. To establish the current susceptibility trend, we analyzed the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of M. pneumoniae in recent years (2017−2020) in comparison with past data. Our observation of 122 M. pneumoniae strains suggested that 76 were macrolide-susceptible M. pneumoniae (MSMP) and 46 were macrolide-resistant. The MIC ranges (µg/mL) of clarithromycin (CAM), azithromycin (AZM), tosufloxacin (TFLX), and minocycline (MINO) to all M. pneumoniae isolates were 0.001−>128, 0.00012−>128, 0.25−0.5, and 0.125−4 µg/mL, respectively. None of the strains was resistant to TFLX or MINO. The MIC distributions of CAM and AZM to MSMP and MINO to all M. pneumoniae isolates were significantly lower, but that of TFLX was significantly higher than that reported in all previous data concordant with the amount of recent antimicrobial use. Therefore, continuation of appropriate antimicrobial use for M. pneumoniae infection is important.

Development of a model for early differentiation of adenovirus pneumonia from Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Adenovirus pneumonia (AVP) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) have similar clinical manifestations such as a high prevalence of lung consolidation, making the differential diagnosis difficult before the etiology is reported. This study aimed to compare AVP and MPP, and to build a predictive model to differentiate them early.

METHODS

We selected 198 cases of AVP and 876 cases of MPP. Clinical manifestations, computed tomography (CT) features, and biomarkers were compared. A logistic regression model was built to predict AVP. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic was calculated to evaluate the discriminant ability of the prediction model.

RESULTS

Patients in the AVP group were mainly infants and toddlers, while the MPP group had more pre-school age children. The rate of hypoxemia and severe pneumonia was 3- and 11-times higher, respectively, in the AVP group than in the MPP group (5.6% vs. 1.8%, 27.8% vs. 2.5%, P<0.01). The proportion of patients with a Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 score ≥2 was 10 times higher in the AVP group than in the MPP group (17.4% vs. 1.7%, P<0.01). Bilateral pneumonia was present in 90.2% of the AVP group. Biomarkers, such as interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, IL-10 and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), were considerably higher in the AVP group than in the MPP group (P<0.01). The predictive model included eight variables, namely: age, severe pneumonia, bilateral pneumonia, ground-glass attenuation, consolidation, atelectasis, C-reactive protein, and LDH. The AUC was 86.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with MPP, AVP affects younger children, presents a more severe respiratory tract involvement, results in a larger range of lung lesions, and is associated with higher inflammatory biomarkers. Our predictive model includes a combination of clinical features, imaging findings, and biomarkers. It may help pediatricians in the early differentiation of AVP from MPP.

Clinical analysis of the epidemiology and changes in inflammatory indexes of Mycoplasma pneumonia in acute and recovery stage pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

As Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is on the rise in children and adolescents, this work explored the clinical analysis of epidemiological and inflammatory changes in children with MPP during the acute and convalescent phases, and analyzed their relationship with clinical manifestations.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty MP patients (experimental group) and 100 healthy children (control group) were selected as the research objects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the changes in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and procalcitonin (PCT).

RESULTS

The proportion of children aged 3-7 years was significantly higher than that of other age groups (0-1, 1-3, and 7-14 years old) (P<0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and PCT in children with MP were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Changes in pulmonary fibrosis and serum and pleural fluid TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and PCT concentrations on chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) in children with MP with pleural effusion significantly higher than that in children without pulmonary fibrosis (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MPP was more common in children aged 3-7 years. In addition, the changes of inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and PCT in serum and pleural effusion of children with MP were of great value for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the disease.

Refractory Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Laboratory Features and Predictors

Background. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children. M. pneumoniae infection is usually regarded as a self-limiting disease, but in some special cases, it can also develop into refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP). The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics of CRP (C-reactive protein), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), D-dimer, neutrophils (%), lymphocytes (%), and lung consolidation in RMPP and explore their prediction results in the early stage of RMPP, which is important for early treatment. Methods. This systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wangfang, and Cqvip, and the date was set until February 23, 2021. For the continuous variables, mean difference (MD) with 95% CI was adopted to evaluate CRP, LDH, ESR, D-dimer, neutrophils (%), lymphocytes (%), and the correlation between lung consolidation and RMPP. Results. 20 studies including 5289 patients were included in the analysis, and the results showed that the CRP of the RMPP group (MD (95% CI): 22.29 (12.20, 32.38), $P<0.001$ ), LDH (MD (95% CI): 145.13 (78.62, 211.64), $P<0.001$ ), neutrophils (%) (MD (95% CI): 7.27 (0.31, 14.23), $P=0.04$ ), and D-dimer (MD (95% CI): 1.79 (-1.17, 4.74), $P=0.24$ ) was higher than that of the NRMPP group; the risk of lung consolidation in the RMPP group (OR (95% CI): 14.29 (4.52, 45.12), $P<0.001$ ) was higher than that in the NRMPP group, and there was no difference in ESR (MD (95% CI): 8.11 (-1.34, 17.56), $P=0.09$ ) and lymphocytes (%) (MD (95% CI): -6.27 (-12.81, 0.27), $P=0.06$ ) between the two groups. Conclusion. So, the available evidence indicates that CRP, LDH, neutrophils (%), D-dimer, and lung consolidation are predictive factors for RMPP.

Correlation between Platelet miRNA Expression and Coagulation Function in Children with Severe Pneumonia

Objective

To investigate the relationship between expression levels of platelet miRNAs and severe pneumonia (SP) in children.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 129 children with SP hospitalized from May 2018 to May 2020. All children joined the study group and were divided into the mild infection group, moderate infection group, and severe infection group according to the diagnostic criteria, 43 cases in each group. Besides, 129 healthy children were selected as the control group. The expression levels of platelet miR-223 and miR-192 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen (FIB) were detected by the Sysmex CA-1500 System (Sysmex Corporation, Japan). The Pearson analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between coagulation function and the levels of miR-223 and miR-192.

Results

Compared with the control group, miR-223 in the study group was significantly higher and miR-192 was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Compared with the mild infection group, miR-223 was significantly higher and miR-192 was significantly lower in the moderate infection group and severe infection group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, PT and APTT were significantly lower and FIB was significantly higher in the study group (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that miR-223 was positively correlated with PT and APTT (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with FIB (P < 0.05); miR-192 was negatively correlated with PT and APTT (P < 0.05) and positively correlated with FIB (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

miR-223 and miR-192 can reflect coagulation function in children with SP, which can provide a certain reference basis for clinical guidance and treatment and prognosis.

Clinical significance of respiratory virus coinfection in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia has been increasing. However, few studies have investigated the impact of respiratory virus coinfection in patients with MP pneumonia, and their results have been inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the impact of respiratory virus coinfection in children hospitalized with MP pneumonia.

METHODS

This study enrolled 145 children hospitalized with MP pneumonia between May 2019 and March 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: the respiratory virus coinfection and non-coinfection groups. All the children underwent polymerase chain reaction testing for respiratory virus infection. Information on clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings were obtained retrospectively via medical chart reviews.

RESULTS

Children in the respiratory virus coinfection group were younger than those in the non-coinfection group. Respiratory virus coinfection in children hospitalized with MP pneumonia was significantly associated with persistence of fever more than 6 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.394; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.172-4.892), severe pneumonia (aOR, 4.602; 95% CI, 1.154-18.353), and poor response to the stepwise approach for MP pneumonia (aOR, 4.354; 95% CI, 1.374-13.800). In addition, higher levels of liver enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase at admission were associated with respiratory virus coinfection in children with MP pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that respiratory virus coinfection in children hospitalized with MP pneumonia may be associated with refractory MP pneumonia.

Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children: Early Recognition and Management

Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) is a severe state of M. pneumoniae infection that has attracted increasing universal attention in recent years. The pathogenesis of RMPP remains unknown, but the excessive host immune responses as well as macrolide resistance of M. pneumoniae might play important roles in the development of RMPP. To improve the prognosis of RMPP, it is mandatory to recognize RMPP in the early stages, and the detection of macrolide-resistant MP, clinical unresponsiveness to macrolides and elevated proinflammatory cytokines might be clues. Timely and effective anti-mycoplasmal therapy and immunomodulating therapy are the main strategies for RMPP.

Recent Trends in the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Among Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is one of the major pathogens causing lower respiratory tract infection. Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) isolates have been increasing and has become a global concern, especially in East Asian countries. This affects the treatment of MP infection; that is, some patients with MRMP infections fever cannot be controlled despite macrolide therapy. Therefore, alternative therapies, including secondary antimicrobials, including tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, or systemic corticosteroids, were introduced. However, there are insufficient data on these alternative therapies. Thus, this article provides reviews of the recent trends in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of MRMP.

Characteristics of Lung Microbiota in Children's Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia Coinfected with Human Adenovirus B

Background

Both M. pneumoniae and human adenovirus (HAdV) are common causative agents of lower respiratory tract infection in children; nonetheless, the lung microbiota in patients with coinfection of HAdV and M. pneumoniae remain unexplored.

Methods

Thirty-two children, diagnosed with refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP), entered into the one-year study from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Among them, twenty-one entered into the M. pneumoniae monoinfection (MP) group and eleven entered into the M. pneumoniae and HAdV coinfection (MP&ADV) group. The characteristics of the clinical findings were examined, and the lung microbiota was analyzed by metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS).

Results

Eleven patients in the MP&ADV group were coinfected with human mastadenovirus species B. The fever days lasted for significantly longer periods in the MP&ADV group than in the MP group (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD16⁺CD56⁺ cells was significantly higher in the MP&ADV group than that in the MP group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in α-diversity between the MP and MP&ADV groups, but the β-diversity was clearly higher in the MP&ADV group than that in the MP group (P < 0.05). At the microbial level, the top phylum of the MP BALF microbiota was Tenericutes; in contrast, it was Preplasmiviricota in the MP&ADV BALF. There were significant differences in the relative abundance of Tenericutes and Preplasmiviricota between the two groups (P < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between human mastadenovirus B and fever days, M. pneumoniae and level of IgA, and a strong negative correlation between Mycoplasma pneumoniae and PCT.

Conclusions

In RMPP, the BALF microbiota in children with mono M. pneumoniae infection was simpler than those with coinfection with human mastadenovirus B. Prolonged fever days were associated with human mastadenovirus B coinfection.

Clinical Characteristics of Macrolide-Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Korean Children: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major causative pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia in children, and the treatment of choice is macrolides. There is an increasing trend in reports of refractory clinical responses despite macrolide treatment due to the emergence of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae. Early discrimination of macrolide-refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MrMP) from macrolide-sensitive M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MSMP) is vital; however, testing for macrolide susceptibility at the time of admission is not feasible. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of MrMP in Korean children, in comparison with those of MSMP. In this multicenter study, board-certified pediatric pulmonologists at 22 tertiary hospitals reviewed the medical records from 2010 to 2015 of 5294 children who were hospitalized with M. pneumoniae pneumonia and administered macrolides as the initial treatment. One-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare differences between groups. Of 5294 patients (mean age, 5.6 years) included in this analysis, 240 (4.5%), 925 (17.5%), and 4129 (78.0%) had MrMP, macrolide-less effective M. pneumoniae pneumonia, and MSMP, respectively. Compared with the MSMP group, the MrMP group had a longer fever duration, overall (13.0 days) and after macrolide use (8.0 days). A higher proportion of MrMP patients had respiratory distress, pleural effusion, and lobar pneumonia. The mean aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein levels were the highest in the MrMP group, along with higher incidences of extrapulmonary manifestations and atelectasis (during and post infection). Pre-existing conditions were present in 17.4% (n = 725/4159) of patients, with asthma being the most common (n = 334/4811, 6.9%). This study verified that MrMP patients show more severe initial radiographic findings and clinical courses than MSMP patients. MrMP should be promptly managed by agents other than macrolides.

Effects of minocycline on macrolide-unresponsive Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) has become widespread in the world. We sought to determine the independently associated risk factors for refractory Mp pneumonia among macrolide-unresponsive Mp pneumonia children treated with minocycline and to investigate the effects of minocycline against macrolide-unresponsive Mp pneumonia.

METHODS

In our center, we retrospectively analyzed the data of hospitalized macrolide-unresponsive Mp pneumonia patients aged ≤18 years old who changed macrolide therapies to minocycline treatments between March 2013 and September 2018. Patient characteristics and defervescence after minocycline treatment were compared between refractory Mp pneumonia and non-refractory Mp pneumonia groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed among these macrolide-unresponsive Mp pneumonia patients.

RESULTS

Among 150 included macrolide-unresponsive Mp pneumonia children treated with minocycline; 30 cases (20.0%) were refractory Mp pneumonia. Duration of macrolide treatment before administration of minocycline (odds ratio =2.87, 95% CI: 1.79-4.61, P<0.001) and serum procalcitonin levels (odds ratio =13.50, 95% CI: 1.22-149.57, P=0.034) were independently associated with refractory Mp pneumonia. Defervescence after minocycline treatment was significantly longer among the refractory Mp pneumonia group than in the non-refractory Mp pneumonia group (median 2 vs. 1 day, P<0.001). Only one case (0.7%) suspected of a side effect of minocycline therapy was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Two risk factors independently associated with refractory Mp pneumonia were determined. Early use of minocycline might safely prevent macrolide-unresponsive Mp pneumonia from progressing to refractory Mp pneumonia.

Clinical features and risk factors analysis of bronchitis obliterans due to refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a nomogram prediction model

Background

Early prediction of bronchitis obliterans (BO) is of great significance to the improvement of the long-term prognosis of children caused by refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP). This study aimed to establish a nomogram model to predict the risk of BO in children due to RMPP.

Methods

A retrospective observation was conducted to study the clinical data of children with RMPP (1–14 years old) during acute infection. According to whether there is BO observed in the bronchoscope, children were divided into BO and the non-BO groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to construct the nomogram model.

Results

One hundred and forty-one children with RMPP were finally included, of which 65 (46.0%) children with RMPP were complicated by BO. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, WBC count, ALB level, consolidation range exceeding 2/3 of lung lobes, timing of macrolides, glucocorticoids or fiber bronchoscopy and plastic bronchitis were independent influencing factors for the occurrence of BO and were incorporated into the nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) value of nomogram was 0.899 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.848–0.950). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed good calibration of the nomogram (p = 0.692).

Conclusion

A nomogram model found by seven risk factor was successfully constructed and can use to early prediction of children with BO due to RMPP.

Clinical features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with adenovirus infection in children

OBJECTIVES

To study the clinical features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with adenovirus (ADV) infection in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 228 children with MPP alone and 28 children with MPP and ADV infection. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical features, laboratory results, and treatment outcome.

RESULTS

Compared with the MPP group, the MPP+ADV group had significantly longer duration of fever and length of hospital stay, a significantly higher proportion of patients with severe lesions (erosion and exfoliation) of the airway mucosa under bronchoscopy, a significantly higher clinical pulmonary infection score, and a significantly higher proportion of patients requiring oxygen therapy (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA copy number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the incidence rates of pleural effusion and extrapulmonary complications (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with children with MPP alone, children with MPP and ADV infection tend to have more severe clinical manifestations and airway mucosal lesions and are more likely to require oxygen therapy, but most of the laboratory markers lack specificity.

Ribosomal RNA‑depleted RNA sequencing reveals the pathogenesis of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children

Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children. In some cases, M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) can develop into refractory MPP (RMPP), which shows no clinical or radiological response to macrolides, and can progress to severe and complicated pneumonia. However, the pathogenesis of RMPP remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify target genes that could be used as biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis of early-stage RMPP through high-throughput sequencing technology. The differences in long non-coding (lnc)RNAs, mRNAs and circular (circ)RNAs were examined between whole-blood samples from two patients with non-refractory MPP (NRMPP), two patients with RMPP and three healthy children using ribosomal (r)RNA-depleted RNA-sequencing techniques and an integrated mRNA/circRNA analysis. A total of 17 lncRNAs (four upregulated and 13 downregulated), 18 mRNAs (six upregulated and 12 downregulated) and 24 circRNAs (12 upregulated and 12 downregulated) were the most significantly differentially expressed (P<0.05) between the NRMPP and RMPP groups. Upon functional analysis, the significantly differentially expressed genes encoded by the targeting mRNAs (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, IL-8 and fos-like antigen 1) were screened and identified to be enriched in the ‘IL-17 signaling pathway’. Furthermore, the key circRNAs in the NRMPP and RMPP comparative groups were primarily enriched in ‘herpes simplex virus 1 infection’, ‘viral carcinogenesis’ and ‘RNA transport’. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the differences between the NRMPP and RMPP cases was performed based on rRNA-depleted RNA-sequencing techniques, and the selected genes and circRNAs may be closely associated with the complex pathogenesis of RMPP.

Pathogen distribution and bacterial resistance in children with severe pneumonia: A single-center retrospective study

ABSTRACT

To examine the etiological distribution of pathogens in pediatric patients with severe pneumonia and analyze the drug resistance of major pathogen species.Nasopharyngeal secretion specimens were collected for bacterial culture from pediatric patients admitted to the Xiamen children's hospital who were diagnosed with severe pneumonia from January 2016 to December 2019. Pathogen species were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, direct immunofluorescence, and bacterial culture and we examined the drug susceptibility of the bacterial pathogens.At least 1 species of the pathogen was detected in 576 of 734 patients and a total of 444 bacterial samples were isolated, of which 284 were gram-negative and 160 were gram-positive. The most frequently detected bacteria were Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. In addition, we isolated 186 viral samples, of which the majority were respiratory syncytial virus (n = 90) and adenovirus (n = 70) as well as 142 Mycoplasma pneumonia samples.Gram-negative bacteria are dominant among the pathogens causing severe pneumonia in pediatric patients and the major pathogen species are resistant to a variety of antibiotics. Appropriate antibiotic use has an important role in preventing the emergence of resistant strains.

Consideration in treatment decisions for refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is the most common cause of childhood bacterial pneumonia. Although macrolide is known to be effective as a first-line therapy, the proportion of macrolide resistance in MP pneumonia has strikingly increased during recent 2 decades in East Asia. This is challenging to physicians since they have to decide more often whether to use secondary treatment. Diagnostic methods to detect macrolide-resistance of MP are currently not available in Korean hospitals. Even in the diagnosis of MP infection, both serologic and molecular test have limitation: inability to differentiate current illness from carriage or asymptomatic infection. Combining these 2 diagnostic methods and excluding infection caused by other respiratory pathogens allow a more reliable diagnosis. This effort is even more demanding in recent years to keep children from unnecessary exposure to secondary antibiotics. Although several observational studies have reported that tetracycline and fluoroquinolone, which are considered in the treatment of refractory MP pneumonia, have efficacy of shortening the duration of fever and respiratory symptoms, those findings need to be proven by well-designed prospective studies. The use of tetracycline and fluoroquinolone in children is generally tolerable, as supported by many observational data. However, since concerns about side effects still remain, careful consideration about benefits and risks is needed to decide their use.

Clinical Significance of Pleural Effusion in Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children

The clinical significance of pleural effusion in Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia in children has not yet been elucidated. Herein, we investigated the clinical implications of pleural effusion in children with MP pneumonia. Overall, 150 children with MP pneumonia transferred to a tertiary hospital were enrolled in this study. Information on their clinical, laboratory, and radiological features was retrospectively obtained from medical chart reviews. In total, 24 (16.0%) children had pleural effusion at the time of admission. The duration of fever and length of hospitalization were significantly longer in the pleural effusion group than in the non-pleural effusion group. A significantly higher proportion of individuals in the pleural effusion group had a poor response to stepwise treatment for MP pneumonia. The mean C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the pleural effusion group than in the non-pleural effusion group at admission. The prevalence of severe pneumonia, defined on the basis of the extent of pneumonic lesions on chest radiography, was higher in the pleural effusion group than in the non-pleural effusion group. However, there was no significant intergroup difference in the proportion of macrolide-resistant MP cases or respiratory viral coinfections. The presence of pleural effusion in children with MP pneumonia indicated a more severe clinical course and poor treatment response. The results of the present study would help in the creation of a therapeutic plan and prediction of the clinical course of MP pneumonia in children.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Refractory Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

Objectives: Chinese herb medicine (CHM) is one of the most popular complementary and alternative therapies, which has been widely used to treat Refractory Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia (RMPP). However, the effect and safety of CHM remain controversial. Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate whether CHM combination therapy could bring benefits to children and adolescents with RMPP. Methods: Seven databases were used for data searching through November 11, 2020 following the PRISMA checklist generally. Review Manager 5.3, Trial sequential analysis 0.9.5.10 Beta software and Stata16.0 were applied to perform data analyses. Mean difference or risk ratio was adopted to express the results, where a 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied. Results: In general, this research enrolled 17 trials with 1,451 participants. The overall pooled results indicated that CHM was beneficial for children and adolescents with RMPP by improving the clinical efficacy rate [RR = 1.20, 95% CI (1.15, 1.25), p < 0.00001], shortening antipyretic time [MD = -2.60, 95% CI (-3.06, -2.13), p < 0.00001], cough disappearance time [MD = -2.77, 95% CI (-3.12, -2.42), p < 0.00001], lung rale disappearance time [MD = -2.65, 95% CI (-3.15, -2.15), p < 0.00001], lung X-ray infiltrates disappearance time [MD = -2.75, 95% CI (-3.33, -2.17), p < 0.00001], reducing TNF-α level [MD = -5.49, 95% CI (-7.21, -3.77), p < 0.00001]. Moreover, subgroup results suggested that removing heat-phlegm and toxicity therapy had more advantages in shortening antipyretic time, cough disappearance time, lung X-ray infiltrates disappearance time and reducing TNF-α level. Meanwhile promoting blood circulation therapy seemed to be better at relieving lung rale. However, regarding adverse events, the two groups displayed no statistical difference [RR = 0.97, 95% CI (0.60, 1.57), p = 0.91]. Conclusion: Despite of the apparently positive results in relieving clinical symptoms, physical signs and reducing inflammation, it is premature to confirm the efficacy of CHM in treating RMPP because of the limitation of quality and the number of the included studies. More large-scale, double-blind, well-designed, randomized controlled trials are needed in future research.

Clinical characteristics of refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy

BACKGROUND

To observe the effect of corticosteroids in the treatment of children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) under different doses, to summarize the clinical features of children treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy.

METHODS

The clinical data of 125 children with RMPP hospitalized in Tianjin Children's Hospital from September 2018 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to the dose of hormone. Compare the clinical features, laboratory findings, and imaging between the two groups, and use meaningful related indicators as ROC curves to find reference indicators for pulse therapy.

RESULTS

(1) The median age of the group II was older than that of the group I(P < 0.05). (2) We found more severe presentations, higher incidence of extra-pulmonary complications and more serious radiological findings in group II, which needed oxygen more often, higher the hormone, higher usage rate of gamma globulin, higher usage rate of bronchoscopy, and higher incidence of plastic bronchitis(P < 0.05). (3) WBC, CRP, LDH, FER, D-D dimer, APTT, TT, PCT, IL-6 and the percentage of neutrophils in peripheral blood in Group II were higher than those in Group I(P < 0.05). (4) In ROC curve analysis, CRP, LDH, FER, and neutrophils of leukocyte classification were independent related factors that could be used as valuable predictors of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for RMPP in children. The cut-off values were CRP44.45 mg/L, LDH590IU/L, FER411ng/L, and neutrophils in leukocyte classification were 73.75%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CRP ≥ 44.45 mg/L, LDH ≥ 590 IU/L, FER ≥ 411 ng/L, neutrophil≥73.75%, lung consolidation, and pleural effusion may be predictors that guide the treatment of RMPP with pulse dose of GC.

Explore the Predictive Value of Peripheral Blood Cell Parameters in Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children Over 6 Years Old

Background: To determine the predictive value of peripheral blood cell parameters for refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in children over 6 years old. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in children with RMPP admitted to the respiratory department of Tianjin Children's Hospital from September 2017 to September 2019, and non-refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (NRMPP) was selected by the propensity score method and matched according to the ratio of 1:1.5. We analyzed the differences in clinical characteristics, peripheral blood cell parameters, imaging findings, and treatments between the two groups, and further determined the predictive value of peripheral blood cell parameters on RMPP. Results: There were 76 patients in the RMPP group and 114 patients in the NRMPP group. We found that the RMPP group has a longer clinical course and a higher incidence of intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary complications (p < 0.01). Moreover, the proportion of children in the RMPP group who received immunotherapy (such as glucocorticoid, gamma immunoglobulin) and fiberoptic bronchoscopy intervention was higher than that in the NRMPP group (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the level of neutrophil, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet count/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin (IL)-6 in the RMPP group was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those in the NRMPP group. The incidence of pulmonary consolidation, atelectasis, and pleural effusion was also higher in the RMPP group (p < 0.05). ROC curve and binary logistic regression analysis showed that NLR > 3.92 (OR = 3.243; 95% CI = 1.485-7.081; p = 0.003), MPVLR > 5.29 (OR = 2.700; 95% CI = 1.258-5.795; p = 0.011), and pleural effusion (OR = 3.023; 95% CI = 1.424-6.420; p = 0.004) were significant factors in predicting RMPP. Our study showed that NLR had higher accuracy in predicting RMPP than CRP. Conclusions: The parameters of peripheral blood cells might be a predictor of RMPP. NLR > 3.92, MPVLR > 5.29, and pleural effusion might have important predictive value for RMPP in children over 6 years old.

Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infection and Respiratory Pathogen Isolation During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Objective: We sought to compare the clinical characteristics of pediatric respiratory tract infection and respiratory pathogen isolations during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to those of cases in 2018 and 2019. Methods: Our study included all children from 28 days to 15 years old with respiratory tract infections who were admitted to the Department of Respiration, in the Children's Hospital of Soochow University, between January 2018 and December 2020. Human rhinovirus (HRV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and human bocavirus (HBoV) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR); In parallel, Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and bacteria were detected by culture in blood, bronchoalveolar lavage specimen, and pleural fluid. Results: Compared to 2018 and 2019, the pathogen detection rate was significantly lower in 2020. With regard to infections caused by single pathogens, in 2020, the detection rates of MP were the lowest and those of HRV were the highest when compared to those in 2018 and 2019. Meanwhile, the positive rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and hMPV reported in 2020 were less than those recorded in 2018 but similar to those recorded in 2019. Also, the 2020 rate of adenovirus (ADV) was lower than that recorded in 2019, but similar to that recorded in 2018. There were no statistical differences in the positive rates of HBoV and PIV III over the 3 years surveyed. Infections in infants were significantly less common in 2020, but no significant difference was found among children aged 1 to 3 years. The detection rate of pathogens in children old than 5 years in 2020 was significantly lower than those recorded in the previous 2 years. Notably, the pathogen detection rates in the first and second quarters of 2020 were similar to those recorded in the previous 2 years; however, the rates were reduced in the third and fourth quarters of 2020. As for co-infections, the positive rate was at its lowest in 2020. In the previous 2 years, viral-MP was the most common type of mixed infection. By contrast, in 2020, viral-viral infections were the most common combination. Conclusion: The pathogen detection rate was significantly reduced in Suzhou City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public interventions may help to prevent respiratory pathogen infections in children.

Emergent Pneumonia in Children

In recent decades there have been multiple pathogens, viruses and bacteria, which have emerged as causal agents of pneumonia affecting adults, albeit less frequently, to children. For the purposes of this article we have classified emerging pathogens as follows: True emerging, to pathogens identified for the very first time affecting human population (SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, avian influenza, and hantavirus); Re-emerging, to known pathogens which circulation was controlled once, but they have reappeared (measles, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistant bacteria such as CA-MRSA, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and new serotypes of post-vaccine pneumococcal); and finally, those that we have called old known with new presentations, including common pathogens that, in particular condition, have changed their form of presentation (rhinovirus, and non-SARS coronavirus). We will review for each of them their epidemiology, forms of presentation, therapy, and prognosis in children compared to the adult with the aim of being able to recognize them to establish appropriate therapy, prognostics, and effective control measures.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Atypical Pathogen in Community Acquired Pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a one of most common reasons of respiratory tract infections in both adolescents and children with severity ranged from moderate to high. Many facts in the previous years regarding infections were induced via this organism having extra pathogenic mechanisms. Clinically, resistance to macrolide has produced internationally and represents a treatment trouble. Antimicrobial sensitivity checking out techniques have been applied, and novel antibiotics which are effective towards M. pneumoniae are present processing development. That evaluate concentrates on the several trends occurring in the previous quite a few years which beautify the grasp of that microorganism, which is one of the smallest pathogenic bacteria; however, is of extreme medical significance.