Galectin-3 levels in children with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic disease in which airway obstruction, infection, and inflammation play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of CF lung disease. The carbohydrate-binding protein Galectin-3 is increased in several inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and has recently been forwarded as a biomarker in these diseases. We aimed to define the role of serum Galectin-3 in children with CF by comparison with healthy subjects. This is a cross-sectional, case-control study. 143 CF and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood and sputum concentrations of Galectins-3, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-8, and neutrophil elastase (NE) were determined with commercial ELISA kits. There was no significant difference between the groups in age and gender (p = 0.592, p = 0.613, respectively). Serum Galectin-3 and NE concentrations were higher in the patient group than in healthy controls (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups according to IL-17A and IL-8 concentrations. Serum Galectin-3 was correlated with age (r = 0.289, p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.493, p < 0.001) in children with CF. Sputum Galectin-3 levels are negatively correlated with percent predictive forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (r =  - 0.297, p = 0.029), FEV1 z-score, (r =  - 0.316, p = 0.020), percent predictive forced vital capacity (FVC) (r =  - 0.347, p = 0.010), and FVC z-score (r =  - 0.373, p = 0.006).   Conclusion: The study shows that serum Galectin-3 levels increased in clinically stable CF patients, and serum Galectin-3 response may depend on age, gender, and BMI. The sputum Galectin-3 was found to be negatively correlated with patients' lung functions. What is known: • Galectin-3 is a key regulator of chronic inflammation in the lung, liver, kidney, and tumor microenvironment. What is new: • Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have higher serum Galectin-3 concentrations than healthy children. • Serum Galectin-3 expression influenced by age, BMI, and gender in children with CF.

The airway microbiota in siblings with primary ciliary dyskinesia: Related factors and correlation with clinical characteristics

OBJECTIVES-AIM

We aimed to show the composition and structure of and explore affecting factors on airway microbiota in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) patients using culture-independent techniques.

METHOD

A cross-sectional observational study was performed. We recruited 14 PCD patients (seven pairs of siblings) and nine parents. Bacterial rDNA was extracted from sputum and nasal samples. Sputum samples were also inoculated on suitable bacteriological media.

RESULTS

Thirty-three separate genera were detected in sputum samples of PCD patients, and 41 were in nasal samples of parents. The detected genera were dominated by phyla Proteobacteria in PCD patients and their parents. Culture-dependent analyses could not detect many of the bacterial species detected with culture-independent analyses. There were no significant differences in alpha diversity between the siblings' pairs, and siblings' samples did not cluster together nearly as strongly as nonsiblings' samples. Patients who had no new complaints and no bacterial growth with the culture-dependent method at the time of study and patients who had no Haemophilus influenzae growth in the previous year had a significantly greater diversity (p < .05). Microbiota communities tended to cluster together by age, pulmonary exacerbation status, the existence of at least one H. influenzae growth with culture-dependent analyses in the previous year, and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec z and FEF25-75 z-scores.

CONCLUSION

The airway microbiota of patients with PCD have presented more diverse bacterial communities than had been indicated with culture-dependent methods. The study identifies relationships between bacterial airway microbiota composition and the clinical measures of patients. Sibling pairs have no more community similarities than nonsibling PCD patients. Our results may indicate that the patients' clinical characteristics, which determine the disease severity, might affect the PCD microbiome.

Association between early chronic methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus colonization and lung function in children with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to determine whether early chronic methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) colonization in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated at 8 years of age with poorer lung function, poorer nutritional status, and increased exacerbation frequency.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 52 children with chronic MSSA colonization were included. Of them, 26 were chronically colonized with MSSA before the age of 4 years (early onset), and 26 were chronically colonized from 4 years to 6 years of age (late-onset). At the age of 8 years, lung function, body mass index (BMI) as an indicator of nutritional status and frequency of pulmonary exacerbations were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

At 8 years of age, BMI was similar between the early-onset and late-onset groups (15.0 [min-max: 12.9-26.8] vs. 15.7 (min-max: 13.0-24.9), p = 0.327]. Percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) in 8-year-old children were significantly lower in the early onset group compared to the late-onset group (98 [min-max: 44-139] vs. 106.5 [min-max: 82-131], p = 0.047; 84.9 ± 25.5 vs. -102.3 ± 26.3, respectively; p = 0.019], although the percentage of forced vital capacity did not differ significantly between two groups (93.5 [min-max: 45-131] vs. 103 [min-max: 84-119], respectively; p = 0.092). Exacerbation frequency between the ages of 6 and 8 years in the early onset group was higher compared to the late-onset group according to the Poisson regression model [1 (min-max:0-10) vs 0 (min-max:0-4), respectively; p = 0.044].

CONCLUSIONS

Early chronic MSSA colonization is associated with poorer lung function and frequent exacerbations in children with CF. However, further studies are needed to reveal the cause-and-effect relationship between early chronic MSSA colonization and pulmonary outcome.

Clinical radiological and pathological staging of children with hypersensitivity pneumonitis

OBJECTIVE

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is rare in the pediatric population. To date, there are no studies defining a correlation between clinical, radiological, and pathological findings in children with HP. The objective of this study is to define the clinical, and radiological characteristics and prognosis of childhood HP and to examine the clinical, radiological, and pathological correlation between HP stages.

METHODS

Patients with suspected HP and followed at two tertiary care hospitals between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest of patients was evaluated by a single radiologist. The interagreement between clinical and radiological severity of the patients was calculated with the κ test.

RESULTS

Fourteen children with suspected HP were identified. The results of 10 patients with the definitive diagnosis were as follows: one patient (10%) had acute, five patients (50%) had subacute, and four patients (40%) had chronic HP. The most prominent findings in chest CT were hilar, or hilar and subcarinal lymphadenopathy (80%), centrilobular nodules (60%), patchy or diffuse ground-glass opacities (50%), and cysts (50%). The interagreement between clinical and radiological severity of the patients was 100% (approximate significance: 0.003). The diagnosis of four patients with suspected HP who were unresponsive to standardized medical treatments or developed multisystem involvement was diagnosed with other diseases. One patient (10%) with definitive chronic HP died due to respiratory failure during follow up.

CONCLUSION

Similar to adult HP, the prognosis is worse in children with existing fibrotic equivalents in chest CT. Patients who are not responding to standard medical treatments or develop multisystem involvement should be evaluated for other lung diseases.

Factors Affecting Nonurgent Pediatric Emergency Department Visits and Parental Emergency Overestimation

OBJECTIVES

Understanding the factors causing nonurgent visits to the pediatric emergency departments (PED) is essential for developing effective interventions. Sociodemographic factors might have a direct effect, or they might be associated with other potential causal factors such as access, perceived severity, and convenience. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the factors that might have an effect on nonurgent PED visits and parental overestimation of emergency severity.

METHODS

Data of a total of 974 patients who have been administered to the PED of a district state hospital were collected with a cross-sectional, self-administered survey. Level 5 was accepted as nonurgent cases according to the Pediatric Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale. Parents' assessment of their child's emergency status was assessed along with the age and sex of the child, the number of children, presence of a chronic illness, presence of fever, admission time, parental age, education status and occupation, transportation method, and living distance to emergency department.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight percent of visits were nonurgent. Among these visits, 51.6% were perceived as urgent, and 11.5% as extremely urgent by the parents. We identified that infancy age group (P = 0.001), father's unemployment status (P = 0.038), presence of a chronic disease (P = 0.020), and a previous visit to the PED in the last week (P = 0.008) are associated with urgent visits. Having a fever (P = 0.002), younger mother (P = 0.046) and father age (P = 0.007), mother not having an income (P = 0.034), and father's lower level of education (P = 0.036) increased the likelihood of overestimating the emergency severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonurgent visits constitute most of the PED admissions. Several factors were found to be associated with nonurgent visits either by causing a direct effect or by indirectly impacting the perceived severity. Health literacy-based interventions targeting common symptoms like fever and especially younger parent groups might be beneficial in lowering the patient burden of PEDs.

Effectiveness of different eradication treatment protocols for new-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

While eradicating new-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis is an important issue, there is no clear evidence about the best treatment approach. This retrospective observational cohort study aims to compare the effectiveness of intravenous therapy versus inhalation with/without oral therapy in the eradication of new-onset P. aeruginosa, determine the factors affecting the treatment success and assess lung function at baseline and posttreatment.

METHODS

Of 399 children, 110 (140 episodes) with either the first P. aeruginosa isolation or a new isolation after at least 1 year free of infection were included. Different eradication regimens (intravenous therapy or inhaled tobramycin or inhaled tobramycin plus oral ciprofloxacin) were compared. Eradication success was accepted as remaining free of infection with a negative culture for 12 months. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of children, effectiveness of different eradication strategies, time to a new P. aeruginosa isolation, and the relationship between lung function and the type of eradication regimen were determined.

RESULTS

Of 140 episodes, intravenous therapy was administered in 53 and inhalation therapy (in combination with or without oral ciprofloxacin) in 87. Total success rate of eradication was 60.7%. Eradication was achieved in 56.6% of children with intravenous therapy, 59.7% with inhaled tobramycin therapy, and 72% with inhaled tobramycin plus oral ciprofloxacin therapy. Success rates of different eradication regimens did not differ significantly (p = 0.419). Lung function by the end of the first year was worse in the intravenous group compared to the inhalation group (p = 0.017 for forced expiratory volume in 1 s, p = 0.015 for forced vital capacity).

CONCLUSION

No advantage of intravenous therapy was demonstrated compared to inhalation therapy in terms of eradication success.

Impact of Achromobacter spp. isolation on clinical outcomes in children with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Achromobacter spp. in cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased while its significance remains controversial. Our aim was to investigate the impact of Achromobacter spp. isolation on clinical outcomes in children with CF.

METHODS

Children with Achromobacter spp. isolation were retrospectively included from the CF database of our center. Control groups of children with CF, who had never been infected by Achromobacter spp., were individually case-matched by age, sex, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolation status. Pulmonary function and exacerbation frequency were compared between groups during follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven children had at least one respiratory specimen positive for Achromobacter spp. Achromobacter spp. were chronically isolated from 15 (40.5%) and intermittently from 22 (59.5%) of these 37 children. Although the baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) z-score was similar between the Achromobacter spp.-infected and -uninfected groups (-0.65 ± 2.22 vs. -0.15 ± 1.30, respectively; p = 0.318), children infected by Achromobacter spp. had a lower FEV1 z-score compared to the control group by the end of the first year (-1.37 ± 2.17 vs. -0.14 ± 1.65, respectively; p = 0.025). In addition, the FEV1 decline in 1 year was significantly greater in the group infected by Achromobacter spp. compared to the uninfected group (-1.18%/year vs. -9.07%/year, respectively; p = 0.043). Furthermore, the cumulative numbers of exacerbations observed in the Achromobacter spp.-infected group were higher compared to the control group by the end of the second year (4 [0-17] versus 3 [0-9], respectively; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Achromobacter spp. isolation is associated with more accelerated decline in lung function parameters and frequent exacerbations in children with CF.

Cystic fibrosis newborn screening: Five-year experience from a tertiary care center

BACKGROUND

Newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) was implemented in our country on January 1, 2015, based on immunoreactive trypsinogen tests (IRT/IRT). Here, we aimed to evaluate the diagnoses of patients and follow-up process within the first 5 years of NBS from a tertiary care center.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who were admitted to our pediatric pulmonology department for sweat test (ST) via NBS. Patients with CF with negative NBS results and those with CF with positive NBS and joined our follow-up were also investigated. Clinical outcome measures were compared between patients with CF with positive and negative NBS.

RESULTS

Six hundred sixty infants who were referred for ST via NBS were included. Across the entire study population (n = 683), 11.4% of patients had CF (14.1% of had negative NBS in this CF group). The sensitivity of NBS was found as 84.9% and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 9.4%. The median age at diagnosis was older (p < 0.001), reluctance for feeding and Pseudobartter syndrome (PBS) were significantly higher at presentation in the negative NBS group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding weight-for-age (p = 0.899) and height-for-age (p = 0.491) in the first 2 years' follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed the low sensitivity and PPV of NBS; therefore, further studies based on all patients in our country are necessary for new cut-off values. PBS and reluctance for feeding should be alarm symptoms for CF even if the infants had negative NBS. Additionally, later diagnosis of patients who had negative NBS did not affect the nutritional outcomes; we need large-scale prospective studies to optimize nutritional benefits for all infants diagnosed via NBS.

The effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa eradication regimens on chronic colonization and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization (Pa-CC) affects cystic fibrosis (CF) progression, including pulmonary exacerbations and pulmonary function tests. There are few studies of the effects of eradication protocols on colonization time. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of eradication regimens on chronic colonization and assess the impact of Pa-CC on body mass index, lung functions, and pulmonary exacerbations.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of medical records, over a period of 11 years, of children aged under 18 years with CF who had Pa-CC in our tertiary care pediatric hospital.

RESULTS

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 215 of our patients with CF during the study period. Forty-four patients with Pa-CC were recruited for the study. The eradication treatment for the initial acquisition of P. aeruginosa was inhaled antibiotics in 27 (61.4%) patients; the remainder were given intravenous antibiotics. It was observed that eradication treatment with either IV or inhaled antibiotics did not affect the time between the P. aeruginosa and the time of Pa-CC(P = 0.791). There was a non-significant decrease in the body mass index z-score from the Pa-IA to the last visit(P = 0.27), a significant decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) (P = 0.01) over time, and the annual number of exacerbations after colonization was significantly higher than before colonization (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference between eradication regimens in delaying the age at Pa-CC. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization in patients with CF was also associated with poorer lung functions, lower body mass index, and more pulmonary exacerbation regardless of mucoid type. Consequently, to slow the progression of lung disease, we must prevent Pa-CC, which we can achieve with early eradication. Despite conventional eradication protocols, future studies need to evaluate those who fail to clear P. aeruginosa.

Comparison of inhaled mannitol/dornase alfa combination and daily dornase alfa alone in children with cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

Inhaled recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (dornase alfa) and osmotic agents such as inhaled mannitol are used for improving the clearance of secretions of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical effects of adding dry powder inhaled (DPI) mannitol in subjects with CF who are taking daily dornase alfa.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective case-control study on subjects with CF. The effect of DPI mannitol was assessed by comparing DPI mannitol and dornase alfa combination with daily dornase alfa alone in children with CF during a 12-month period. The primary outcome measures of the study were absolute changes in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1 z-scores and the secondary outcomes included other spirometry indices, body mass index, frequency of pulmonary exacerbations, SPO₂ , and sputum microbiology.

RESULT

Of a total of 28 patients who committed to use DPI mannitol treatments during the study period, five had a positive challenge with DPI mannitol and two were aged over 18 years. Therefore, the mannitol treatment group consisted of 21 patients. However, the effect of DPI mannitol was analyzed using 15 patients in the mannitol treatment group who received DPI mannitol for at least 12 months, and 18 patients who only used dornase alfa constituted the control group. The median absolute change in FEV1 between baseline and the third month; and baseline and the 12th month were significantly higher in the mannitol treatment group (p = 0.038, p = 0.004, respectively). When the groups are compared with respect to absolute z-score changes, all spirometry indices, except FVC at the end of 3 months, showed statistically significant improvements in the mannitol treatment group. Some secondary outcomes like pulmonary exacerbation frequency during the study year and median absolute body mass index z-score changes from baseline to the end of the study showed no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.735, p = 0.161, respectively). No colonization changes were observed in the treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that in those patients who tolerated long-term (12 months) treatment with DPI mannitol and dornase alfa made greater improvements in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 z-scores than treatment with dornase alfa alone in children with CF.

Human bocavirus and human metapneumovirus in children with lower respiratory tract infections: Effects on clinical, microbiological features and disease severity

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare the clinical findings of human bocavirus (HBoV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, and to analyze the effects of coinfections on clinical features and disease severity in children with HBoV and HMPV infections.

METHODS

Data were collected from 125 children with lower respiratory tract infections due to HBoV or HMPV, detected from nasal swap by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the period from January, 2013 to December, 2017. In total, there were 101 HBoV (group 1) and 23 HMPV (group 2) infections in our data. The patients were further divided into four subgroups according to the coinfection status: HoBV only (subgroup 1, n = 41), HMPV only (subgroup 2, n = 19), HBoV and coinfection with other respiratory viruses (subgroup 3, n = 60), and HMPV and coinfection with other respiratory viruses (subgroup 4, n = 4).

RESULTS

The majority (88.8%) of the patients were aged 5 years or younger. Coinfections with other respiratory viruses were significantly more common in group 1 (P = 0.001). Among patients who had nosocomial pneumonia, patients with HBoV infections had significantly longer mean length of hospital stay (LOS) than those with HMPV infections (P = 0.032). The hospitalization and antibiotic requirements were significantly higher in subgroup 1 than subgroup 3 (P = 0.005, 0.039, resp.) According to the logistic regression analyses, the LOS increased by 21.7 times with HBoV infections (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Human bocavirus and HMPV infections are serious pathogens mostly seen in children and usually requiring hospitalization regardless of co-infection status. The HBoV infections caused longer LOS than the HMPV infections in patients with nosocomial infections.

Obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome: is it possible to predict severe apnea?

The objectives are to explore the demographic and polysomnographic features of children with Down syndrome and to determine the predictive factors associated with severe sleep apnea. A total of 81 children with Down syndrome referred for full-night polysomnography were analyzed. In addition, parental interviews were performed for each child. Data were available for 81 children, with a mean age of 4.8 years. Severe obstructive sleep apnea was determined in 53.1%. Age, sex, exposure to second-hand smoke, clinical findings, anthropometric features, and the presence of comorbidities were not predictors of severe obstructive sleep apnea. Children who were exposed to second-hand smoke had more sleep-related symptoms. Even in children without symptoms, the prevalence of severe obstructive sleep apnea was 40%. Moreover, 86% of parents had no previous information regarding possible sleep breathing disorders in their children. Clinically significant central apnea was present in 10 patients (12.3%).Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that severe obstructive sleep apnea is common in children with Down syndrome, even in children without a history of symptoms of sleep apnea. It is not possible to predict patients with severe apnea; thus, screening of children with Down syndrome beginning from young ages is very important. Central apneas could be a part of the spectrum of sleep abnormalities in Down syndrome.

The frequency and related factors of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria infections among patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can cause chronic lung infection particularly in patients who have structural lung disease such as cystic fibrosis (CF). We evaluated the incidence and management of NTM infections in patients with CF in our center.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out on CF patients having at least one positive NTM isolate between 2012 and 2020.

RESULTS

Ten patients (2.1%) had at least one positive NTM culture from respiratory samples. All of them were vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is in the national vaccination program in our country. Eight patients had the Mycobacterium abscessus complex, one had Mycobacterium avium, and one had Mycobacterium szulgai growth in their respiratory samples. Three patients had transient NTM infection, two had persistent, and five had active NTM infection (NTM pulmonary disease). Patients with NTM pulmonary disease received antibiogram-directed antimycobacterial therapy. In patients with NTM pulmonary disease, the median ppFEV1 and BMI decreased by 17% and 1%, respectively, at the time of the first NTM isolation when compared with the values one year before the first NTM isolation. Culture conversion was not seen in any patient infected with Mycobacteriunm abscessus complex.

CONCLUSIONS

The NTM infection incidence is lower in our country than in those countries where the BCG vaccine is not routinely applied. The BCG vaccine may be a protective factor for NTM infection. Further studies are needed about the prevalence of NTM infections, facilitating and protective factors, and appropriate management of NTM infections in patients with CF.

Impact of COVID-19 on pediatric pulmonology healthcare practice

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is typically spread by droplets and has had a remarkable effect on pediatric pulmonology healthcare practice. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical follow-up and hospital visits of patients followed up at a pediatric pulmonology unit at a tertiary care center.

METHODS

This study was an observational descriptive study performed at a tertiary care center pediatric pulmonology unit between January 2019 and December 2020. We analyzed the outpatient visits, laboratory procedures which including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), diffusion capacity assessment, plethysmography, and lung clearance index (LCI), high-speed video microscopy, gastric aspirate sampling, and Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) during clinical follow-up, and hospitalization numbers of patients with chronic lung diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared them with the previous year before the pandemic started.

RESULTS

In 2020, compared with 2019, outpatient visits decreased by 42.2%; from 8324 patients to 4804 patients and other laboratory procedures decreased after the pandemic started; PFTs including spirometry by 87.2%; from 2990 to 380 tests, diffusion capacity assessment from 172 to 55 tests, plethysmography from 172 to 53 and LCI from 70 to 9 tests, also high-speed video microscopy analyses by 64.3% from 300 to 107 patients, and gastric aspirate sampling by 75.5% from 42 to 9 patients. FFB procedures also decreased by 59.1%, from 142 to 58 patients, and only 15 were after the first reported case of COVID-19 in our country, and they were all for urgent indications. None of these patients was positive pretesting for COVID-19 who underwent the FFB. There was no significant decrease in patients' hospitalization due to pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Does cystic fibrosis make susceptible to celiac disease?

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a higher incidence of celiac disease (CD) than the healthy population; however, the actual incidence of coexisting CF and CD is unclear. In this report, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of CD and CF coexistence and to assess the clinical findings of affected patients during follow-up. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with CF to reveal the frequency of CD and also investigated the clinical characteristics and clinical response to gluten-free diet in patients with CD. The incidence of CD in 515 patients with CF was 1.4%. The median age at the time of CF diagnosis was 2 months (1-6 months). CD was diagnosed in six patients with poor weight gain, fatty stools, and low z score for BMI and one patient with poor weight gain despite a high protein and calorie diet and pancreatic enzyme replacement. The median age of CD diagnosis was 8 years (2-12 years). Except for one patient who was recently diagnosed, the other six patients gained weight and their accompanying symptoms resolved after starting a gluten-free diet.Conclusion: CD should be investigated in patients with CF in the presence of inadequate weight and/or height gain or poor control of malabsorption symptoms despite appropriate and adequate nutritional and enzyme replacement treatment. What is Known: • CFTR dysfunction may be a risk factor for CD, due to increased intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency that results in higher antigen load and increased antibodies against to nutritional antigens such as anti-gliadin IgA antibodies. • Although coexistence of CF and CD are rare in the same patient; there is still no consensus on when children with CF should be screened for CD. What is New: • Physicians should consider the investigation of CD in patients with CF, in the presence of inadequate weight and/or height gain or poor control of malabsorption symptoms despite appropriate and adequate nutritional and enzyme replacement treatment. • CFTR dysfunction has been emphasized to develop susceptibility to CD, and patients with CF who have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms despite appropriate and adequate nutritional and enzyme replacement treatment should be screened for CD.

Clinical spectrum of children with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features

BACKGROUND

Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) is a term used to describe adult patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) who display some clinical or serological features of autoimmune diseases and who do not meet the full criteria for a specific connective tissue disease (CTD). The aim of this study was to define the demographic, clinical, radiologic, serologic and histopathologic features and assess treatment in children with IPAF.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral pediatric pulmonology center between January 2010 and August 2020. Children with proven interstitial pneumonia with no known etiologies were evaluated for IPAF according to European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society research statement of IPAF.

RESULTS

Among 132 children with ILD, 17 patients were evaluated in detail for IPAF criteria and six patients were further diagnosed as having IPAF. The incidence of IPAF in our patients with ILD was 4.5%. Four of these patients were female. The median age at the time of ILD diagnosis was 10.5 years. The most common initial symptom was shortness of breath, and the most common physical examination sign was crackles in both lungs. Steroid therapy was given to all patients and four patients received other immunosuppressive agents for steroid sparing. Two of those patients died because of respiratory insufficiency during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Children with interstitial pneumonia and certain clinical, serologic, and/or morphologic features should raise suspicion for the presence of an underlying systemic autoimmune disease. IPAF is also seen in children and should be categorized in chILD classifications.

Evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing and its relationship with respiratory parameters in children with mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA and VI

The aims of the study were to evaluate the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) by using polysomnography (PSG) in children with MPS IVA and MPS VI who underwent enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and to analyze the effect on SDB of having upper airway surgery, pulmonary functions, and exercise capacity. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with MPS IVA (n:17) and MPS VI (n:11) aged under 19 years who underwent polysomnography. Descriptive and nonparametric analyses were performed for demographic, PSG, pulmonary function and exercise capacity variables. The frequency of sleep apnea in the study sample was 85.7% (24/28). Four patients (14.3%) had no sleep apnea, 15 (53.6%) had mild, and nine (32.1%) had moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. Two patients (7.1%) had central sleep apnea and 22 had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (78.6%). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were negatively correlated to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (r = -0.594, p = .009; r = -0.636, p = .005, respectively). Despite ERT and previous upper airway surgery, the prevalence of OSA was high in patients with MPS IVA-MPS IV, emphasizing the importance of PSG screening for sleep disorders. Pulmonary function tests may be useful for predicting sleep apnea in patients with MPS IVA and MPS VI.

Risk factors for recurrent pulmonary exacerbation in idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the risk factors of recurrent pulmonary exacerbation and poor prognosis in children with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH).

METHODS

In this multicenter study, 54 patients with a diagnosis of IPH were included. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed from three tertiary care hospitals between 1979 and 2019. Also, current information and the long-term progress of patients was determined by contacting the families by telephone.

RESULTS

A total of 54 children were included. The median age of onset of symptoms was 4.5 years (3 months to 15.8 years). The median time from onset to diagnosis was 0.9 years (0.25 months to 12 years). The mean number of recurrent episodes per child in the recurrence-positive group was 3.55 (1-15). Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients presenting with hypoxia or requiring transfusion at the time of presentation had significantly more recurrence episodes (p = .002). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of hypoxia at the time of initial presentation was a significant independent predictor of recurrent episodes (p = .027). The median follow-up was 3.3 years (0.75 months to 27 years). There was a significant relationship between the presence of hypoxia, transfusion history, antinuclear antibody positivity, and elevated transaminases at the time of initial evaluation and treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides substantial information regarding factors that may affect recurrent exacerbations and prognosis in children with IPH. Demonstrating hypoxia as an independent risk factor in recurrence episodes could guide physicians in the planning of treatment strategies.

Clinical characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis infected with unusual bacteria

OBJECTIVES-AIM

Pulmonary infections are usually caused by bacterial microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Burkholderia cepacia complex in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Unusual bacteria (UB) have been described by new isolation techniques recently in the respiratory samples of CF patients. The aim is to investigate the effects of the presence of UB in the respiratory cultures of CF patients on clinical outcomes, necessity of treatment and prognosis.

METHODS

The UB were identified by MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry technology.

RESULTS

Rhizobium radiobacter were detected in 2, Chyrseobacterium species (gleum and indolgenes) in 5, Aeromonas hydrophila in 1, Orchobacterium anthropy in 1,Wautersiella falsenii in 1, Leclercia adecarboxylata in 1, Delftia acidovorans in 1, Cupriavidus Gilardi in 1, R.radiobacter twith Elizabethkingia miricola in 1 and R.radiobacter with C.gleum in 1 patient. Median age of the first UB growth was 3 years. After the first UB growth, the median follow-up time was 15 months. Before the UB growth, 60.0% of the patients had respiratory colonization with methicillin-susceptible S.aureus (MSSA). UB growth were accompanied with MSSA in 66.6% of the patients. Median percentage of FEV1 before and during the UB growth for patients who could perform spirometry, were 80 and 102, respectively. Median body mass index before and during the UB growth were 16 and 16.2, respectively. These UB were not detected during the follow-ups except in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The UB growth did not cause any additional symptoms and decrease in BMI and FEV1 in patients with CF. MSSA may be a facilitating factor for UB growth as majority of the patients had MSSA colonization before and during the UB growth.

Psychiatric and general health effects of COVID-19 pandemic on children with chronic lung disease and parents' coping styles

BACKGROUND

We aim to assess the anxiety and depressive symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic in children with chronic lung disease and their parents and also to evaluate parents' coping strategies.

METHODS

Parents of children aged 4-18 years, with chronic lung disease (study group n = 113) and healthy control (n = 108) were enrolled in the study. General Health Questionnaire-12, specific COVID-19 related anxiety questions, The Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory, coronavirus-related psychiatric symptom scale in children-parental form were used to analyze the psychiatric effects of COVID-19. Parents were also asked about how online education affected their family life and children. All data were compared between children/parents in the study and control groups. Risk factors related with anxiety scores of children were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Talking about the pandemic, concern about coronavirus transmission, taking precaution to prevent coronavirus transmission, making pressure to protect from COVID-19 were significantly higher in parents within the study group (p < .05). Parents in the study group used more problem-focused coping than parents in the control group (p = .003). Anxiety symptoms score was higher in children of the study group (p = .007). Parents in the study group found online education more useful than parents in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Children with chronic lung diseases and their parents have more anxiety due to COVID-19 pandemic and these parents use more mature coping strategies to manage the stress of the pandemic. Longitudinal and larger studies should be done in all aspects of online education in children with chronic lung diseases.

Telephone surveillance during 2019 novel coronavirus disease: Is it a helpful diagnostic tool for detecting acute pulmonary exacerbations in children with chronic lung disease?

INTRODUCTION

The global burden of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease pandemic on the healthcare system, as well as the high transmission risk of coronavirus disease has led to the use of alternative strategies for evaluation of children with chronic conditions. In this context, telemedicine has become the effective and affordable choice. In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficiency of telephone visits to determine pulmonary exacerbations and hospitalization rates of children with cystic fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.

METHODS

A total of 119 children with cystic fibrosis or interstitial lung disease were enrolled and provided cases in which telephone visits were applied during the peak time of the coronavirus disease pandemic in our country. The recordings of respiratory, gastrointestinal and other symptoms, nutrition status, rate of acute pulmonary exacerbation, treatments initiated by telephone visits, referral to hospital and hospitalization were established from the electronic health reports of the patients.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (10.9%) were symptomatic, 12 of them (10%) were diagnosed with acute pulmonary exacerbation. One patient was diagnosed with peripheral facial paralysis. Nine patients were recalled to the hospital and seven patients (5.8%) were hospitalised.

DISCUSSION

Using telemedicine the health status of patients can be defined, and patients can be guided on proper healthcare that they need, especially during the times of pandemics which we are facing. Communication with patients while minimising the risk of exposure to coronavirus disease is an important advantage of telemedicine. Telemedicine will have to be implemented on our daily medical practice in the near future.

Current Approach in the Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex pulmonary disorder characterized by a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus, and almost always seen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and asthma. Fungal hyphae leads to an ongoing inflammation in the airways that may result in bronchiectasis, fibrosis, and eventually loss of lung function. Despite the fact that ABPA is thought to be more prevalent in CF than in asthma, the literature on ABPA in CF is more limited. The diagnosis is challenging and may be delayed because it is made based on a combination of clinical features, and radiologic and immunologic findings. With clinical deterioration of a patient with CF, ABPA is important to be kept in mind because clinical manifestations mimic pulmonary exacerbations of CF. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important in preventing complications related to ABPA. Treatment modalities involve the use of anti-inflammatory agents to suppress the immune hyperreactivity and the use of antifungal agents to reduce fungal burden. Recently, in an effort to treat refractory patients or to reduce adverse effects of steroids, other treatment options such as monoclonal antibodies have started to be used. Intensive research of these new agents in the treatment of children is being conducted to address insufficient data.