Predicting poor outcomes in children aged 1-12 with respiratory tract infections: A systematic review

Moderate Dose Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Prevention of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Medical University Students: A Randomized, Triple Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Colostrum supplementation has been confirmed to protect from upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in athletes. Our trial was designed to find out whether other young adults who have potentially been exposed to increased risk of developing URTIs can also benefit. Homogenous population of medical (MED) students (at risk) and health science (HSci) peers were supplemented with a relatively low dose (0.5-1.0 g/day) of bovine colostrum (COL) or placebo (PBO) over 45 days and then once again over 7 days starting at day 87. The trial lasted 107 days. Subjects were monitored solely by them filling out online daily questionnaires containing questions about frequency and severity of URTIs symptoms, well-being, and potential gastrointestinal side-effects. A significant level of protection from URTIs was observed as expressed by dropping frequency of symptomatic days in COL vs. PBO group among MED vs. HSci students. The same effect was also recorded for severity of symptoms, as well as general well-being perception. Overall, it can be concluded that although young healthy people seem to have sufficient defenses from URTIs, COL supplementation can provide significant support in such protection among those at higher infectious risk because of exposure to a heavy workload and increased contact with infectious agents.

Metabolomics in pediatric lower respiratory tract infections and sepsis: a literature review

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The ability of healthcare providers to diagnose and prognose LRTIs in the pediatric population remains a challenge, as children can present with similar clinical features regardless of the underlying pathogen or ultimate severity. Metabolomics, the large-scale analysis of metabolites and metabolic pathways offers new tools and insights that may aid in diagnosing and predicting the outcomes of LRTIs in children. This review highlights the latest literature on the clinical utility of metabolomics in providing care for children with bronchiolitis, pneumonia, COVID-19, and sepsis. IMPACT: This article summarizes current metabolomics approaches to diagnosing and predicting the course of pediatric lower respiratory infections. This article highlights the limitations to current metabolomics research and highlights future directions for the field.