Journal Description
Children
Children
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on children’s health published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Embase, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Pediatrics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.4 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study on the Vitamin D Status of Neonates and the Impact of Neonates’ Standard Vitamin D Supplementation on Neonatal Morbidities
Children 2024, 11(5), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050543 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to determine whether standard-dose vitamin D supplementation could provide adequate levels in exclusively breastfed infants born with different cord 25(OH)D levels and to evaluate related neonatal morbidities. (2) Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was designed in term infants.
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(1) Background: This study aimed to determine whether standard-dose vitamin D supplementation could provide adequate levels in exclusively breastfed infants born with different cord 25(OH)D levels and to evaluate related neonatal morbidities. (2) Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was designed in term infants. Three groups were formed based on cord 25(OH)D levels; Group1 Deficiency:25(OH)D < 12 ng/mL, Group2 Insufficiency:25(OH)D = 12–19 ng/mL, and Group3 Optimum:25(OH)D = 20–100 ng/mL. Cord and 1st month 25(OH)D levels, after receiving standard-dose vitamin D prophylaxis, neonatal outcomes and anthropometric measurements were compared. (3) Results: The study involved 86 infants. Group1 Deficiency had also significantly lower 25(OH)D levels at 1st month compared to the others (p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between cord and 1st month 25(OH)D levels (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Despite the fact that the mother’s age and clothing style were similar, Group1 Deficiency mothers had higher parity numbers and used less vitamin D during pregnancy (p = 0.03, p = 0.04). Neonatal outcomes analysis revealed that newborns in Group1 Deficiency experienced more respiratory distress, transient tachypnea, and early-onset sepsis, as well as more and longer hospital stays in the first-month of life (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Infants with low cord 25(OH)D levels had also lower 25(OH)D values in the 1st month of life and experienced higher rates of neonatal morbidities. Given its numerous biological activities and impact on neonatal morbidities, determining an individualized dose of vitamin D supplementation may be more accurate than using the standard approach.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neonatology)
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Open AccessArticle
Home Musical Activities Boost Premature Infants’ Language Development
by
Fabia Franco, Maria Chifa and Nina Politimou
Children 2024, 11(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050542 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Infants born prematurely are considered at risk for language development delay and impairments. Using online parental reports, the present study investigated the influence of early musical experience in the home environment (Music@Home Infant Questionnaire) on language development (MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventory) while controlling
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Infants born prematurely are considered at risk for language development delay and impairments. Using online parental reports, the present study investigated the influence of early musical experience in the home environment (Music@Home Infant Questionnaire) on language development (MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventory) while controlling for general enrichment at home (Stim-Q Cognitive Home Environment Questionnaire) and perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire). Caregivers of 117 infants between 8 and 18 months of age (corrected age) without reported developmental difficulties completed an online survey. Results revealed that the musical home environment significantly predicted outcomes in reported infants’ receptive vocabulary and gestural communication, independently from infants’ corrected age and general enrichment of home activities. These findings constitute the first evidence that an enriched musical experience can enhance the development of early communication skills in a population at risk for language delays, namely infants born prematurely, opening the path for future intervention research in home and/or early childcare settings. Given that the majority of participants in this study were highly educated and from socioeconomically stable backgrounds, considerations regarding the generalizability of these results are discussed.
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Expanding the Phenotype of the CACNA1C-Associated Neurological Disorders in Children: Systematic Literature Review and Description of a Novel Mutation
by
Lorenzo Cipriano, Raffaele Piscopo, Chiara Aiello, Antonio Novelli, Achille Iolascon and Carmelo Piscopo
Children 2024, 11(5), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050541 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
CACNA1C gene encodes the alpha 1 subunit of the CaV1.2 L-type Ca2+ channel. Pathogenic variants in this gene have been associated with cardiac rhythm disorders such as long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and Timothy syndrome. Recent evidence has suggested the possible association between
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CACNA1C gene encodes the alpha 1 subunit of the CaV1.2 L-type Ca2+ channel. Pathogenic variants in this gene have been associated with cardiac rhythm disorders such as long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and Timothy syndrome. Recent evidence has suggested the possible association between CACNA1C mutations and neurologically-isolated (in absence of cardiac involvement) phenotypes in children, giving birth to a wider spectrum of CACNA1C-related clinical presentations. However, to date, little is known about the variety of both neurological and non-neurological signs/symptoms in the neurologically-predominant phenotypes. Methods and results: We conducted a systematic review of neurologically-predominant presentations without cardiac conduction defects, associated with CACNA1C mutations. We also reported a novel de novo missense pathogenic variant in the CACNA1C gene of a children patient presenting with constructional, dressing and oro-buccal apraxia associated with behavioral abnormalities, mild intellectual disability, dental anomalies, gingival hyperplasia and mild musculoskeletal defects, without cardiac conduction defects. Conclusions: The present study highlights the importance of considering the investigation of the CACNA1C gene in children’s neurological isolated syndromes, and expands the phenotype of the CACNA1C related conditions. In addition, the present study highlights that, even in absence of cardiac conduction defects, nuanced clinical manifestations of the Timothy syndrome (e.g., dental and gingival defects) could be found. These findings suggest the high variable expressivity of the CACNA1C gene and remark that the absence of cardiac involvement should not mislead the diagnosis of a CACNA1C related disorder.
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Family Socioeconomic Status (SES) on Adolescents’ Learning Conformity: The Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem
by
Houyan Li, Bin Xiao and Guandong Song
Children 2024, 11(5), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050540 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family socioeconomic status (SES) and adolescents’ learning conformity and self-esteem among a sample of 15–18 year-old high school students. Methods: A survey was conducted on 339 adolescents using measures of family SES, self-esteem, and
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family socioeconomic status (SES) and adolescents’ learning conformity and self-esteem among a sample of 15–18 year-old high school students. Methods: A survey was conducted on 339 adolescents using measures of family SES, self-esteem, and learning conformity. An intermediary effect model was constructed to examine the mediating mechanism of self-esteem in the impact of family SES on adolescents’ learning conformity. Results: In our study, we observed that male adolescents were more likely to come from families with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and exhibited relatively higher levels of self-esteem compared to female adolescents. However, this finding should be regarded as an observational outcome specific to our study sample and does not directly indicate a causal relationship between gender and family SES or self-esteem. Adolescents from rural areas were more likely to exhibit tendencies towards learning abidance and compliance. Family SES positively predicted self-esteem. The intermediary model indicated that family SES significantly positively influenced learning abidance and compliance, with self-esteem partially mediating the effects at 33.49% and 33.33%, respectively. Family SES negatively affected learning obedience, with self-esteem partially mediating the effect at 39.77%. Conclusion: Among the 15–18 year-old high school student population, family SES not only directly affects learning abidance, compliance, and obedience but also generates an indirect mediating effect through self-esteem.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on the Academic Motivation of Children and Adolescents)
Open AccessArticle
Retrospective Analysis of Fever in Pediatric Age: Our Experience over the Last 5 Years
by
Mariella Valenzise, Federica D’Amico, Giulia La Barbera, Carlo Maria Cassone, Silvia Patafi, Fortunato Lombardo, Tommaso Aversa, Malgorzata Gabriela Wasniewska, Giuseppina Salzano and Carmela Morace
Children 2024, 11(5), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050539 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Fever is one of the most frequent symptoms highlighted during medical assistance. Due to this great impact, our study has the purpose of analyzing the demographic and laboratory characteristics of patients hospitalized in our center and identifying predictive markers to make the
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Background: Fever is one of the most frequent symptoms highlighted during medical assistance. Due to this great impact, our study has the purpose of analyzing the demographic and laboratory characteristics of patients hospitalized in our center and identifying predictive markers to make the differential diagnosis between infectious and non-infectious fever. Methods: Our population included 220 children, collected from January 2017 to August 2022, hospitalized for continuous fever (4 days or more in duration with at least one temperature peak ≥37.5 °C) and excluded cases of discharge against medical advice and/or transfer to other operating units. Demographic (mean age at the time of admission, frequency of hospitalization, and mean days of hospitalization), laboratory, and instrumental variables were analyzed in order to find correlation with fever etiology. Results: Older age at the time of hospitalization, family history of periodic fever, fever lasting more than 8 days, and longer hospitalization are strongly associated with non-infectious fever, together with anemia, high platelet count, high CRP and ferritin, and hyponatremia at the time of admission. Paracetamol is the preferred antipyretic treatment. Echocardiogram has shown anomalies in patients with infectious fever, while ECG anomalies were detected in non-infectious fever. Conclusions: Our data underline the importance of predictive markers, such as clinical and laboratory parameters, to differentiate infectious from non-infectious fevers, but further studies are necessary.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology in Children)
Open AccessArticle
The Influence of Gifted Children’s Stress Management on Parental Stress Levels
by
Maria Assunta Zanetti, Francesca Sangiuliano Intra, Livia Taverna, Antonella Brighi and Carlo Marinoni
Children 2024, 11(5), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050538 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study explores the associations between gifted children’s stress management and parental stress level. A sample of 78 primary school children and their 76 parents took part in this study. Children were screened for intelligence and emotional quotients, while parents were tested for
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This study explores the associations between gifted children’s stress management and parental stress level. A sample of 78 primary school children and their 76 parents took part in this study. Children were screened for intelligence and emotional quotients, while parents were tested for stress levels. Results show that the more children are aware of their stress-management skills, the less parents are stressed out. Moreover, the intelligence quotient is not significant in mediating this association, supporting the idea that it is not an a priori protective factor from a developmental perspective. The study findings suggest that when a child is equipped with the skills to handle stress by harnessing their emotional intelligence, it can have a beneficial effect on the entire family’s well-being. Given that these skills can be developed, and the significant positive influence they have on a child’s growth and adaptation, it is essential to offer specialized educational programs to gifted children. These programs should aim to enhance their emotional skills, which, in turn, can indirectly bolster the psychological health of the family unit as a whole.
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Open AccessReview
Current Status of Fertility Preservation in Pediatric Oncology Patients
by
Albert Pasten González, Cristina Salvador Alarcón, Jaume Mora, Marta P. Martín Gimenez, Rosalia Carrasco Torrents and Lucas Krauel
Children 2024, 11(5), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050537 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cancer poses significant emotional challenges for children and adolescents, despite improvements in survival rates due to new therapies. However, there is growing concern about the long-term effects, including fertility issues. This review examines recent advancements and future directions in fertility preservation within a
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Cancer poses significant emotional challenges for children and adolescents, despite improvements in survival rates due to new therapies. However, there is growing concern about the long-term effects, including fertility issues. This review examines recent advancements and future directions in fertility preservation within a pediatric population subjected to oncological therapies. Worldwide, there is variability in the availability of fertility preservation methods, influenced by factors like development status and governmental support. The decision to pursue preservation depends on the risk of gonadotoxicity, alongside factors such as diagnosis, treatment, clinical status, and prognosis. Currently, options for preserving fertility in prepubertal boys are limited compared to girls, who increasingly have access to ovarian tissue preservation. Adolescents and adults have more options available, but ethical considerations remain complex and diverse.
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(This article belongs to the Section Oncology and Hematology)
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Quality of Life of Children with Short Bowel Syndrome from Patients’ and Parents’ Points of View
by
Charlotte Kießling, Lucas M. Wessel, Judith Felcht, Cornelia I. Hagl, Michael Boettcher and Rasul Khasanov
Children 2024, 11(5), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050536 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Despite limited research, existing studies using generic quality of life (QOL) tools indicate decreased physical health and compromised emotional functioning in children with IF. This study investigates QOL in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its determinants. The study included 57 pediatric
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Despite limited research, existing studies using generic quality of life (QOL) tools indicate decreased physical health and compromised emotional functioning in children with IF. This study investigates QOL in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its determinants. The study included 57 pediatric patients with SBS treated at Mannheim’s University Hospital between 1998 and 2014. To evaluate QOL, the KINDL questionnaire was used. Three age-specific questionnaire variants were employed, and parental proxy reports were collected. Most patients underwent intestinal lengthening procedures, with varying primary diagnoses. A comparison with healthy children from the patient’s perspective revealed no difference but from the parent’s perspective showed lower QOL in SBS patients, especially regarding physical and mental well-being. QOL varied with age, with 7–10-year-olds reporting the lowest scores. Several factors, including independence from parenteral nutrition and the presence of a complete colon, positively influenced QOL. The independence of parenteral nutrition and the presence of a complete colon positively influenced QOL. The Bianchi technique for intestinal lengthening has also shown promise but needs further research. The observation sample in this study is too small to generalize about the whole population of SBS patients. However, this study shows that many health and treatment factors affect QOL, and a large multicenter study is necessary. Our findings underline the importance of appropriate psychological support for children with SBS and their families.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Children’s Diseases, Family Management, and Quality of Life)
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Open AccessArticle
Adaptation of the Coparenting Relationship Scale Questionnaire to Spanish Parents with Offspring
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Dolores Seijo, Francisca Fariña, María Paula Fernández and Ramón Arce
Children 2024, 11(5), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050535 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The scientific literature supports that practicing positive coparenting leads to the healthy development of children. Consequently, professional interest in parenting and coparenting has experienced significant growth, and evaluating coparenting is crucial in family psychology for establishing action protocols in clinical practice. An instrument
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The scientific literature supports that practicing positive coparenting leads to the healthy development of children. Consequently, professional interest in parenting and coparenting has experienced significant growth, and evaluating coparenting is crucial in family psychology for establishing action protocols in clinical practice. An instrument highly regarded within the scientific community for evaluating coparenting dynamics is The Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS). This research aims to achieve two objectives: first, to adapt the CRS for the Spanish population of both engaged and separated/divorced parents and to ascertain its reliability, validity, and factorial invariance psychometric properties; second, to assess the effectiveness of the total coparenting measure in categorizing sample participants. A cross-sectional non-experimental investigation was conducted to address these objectives. The first objective was answered by conducting an instrumental study, and the second by an exploratory study using classification techniques and a causal-comparative study using multivariate inferential methods. It was concluded that the model comprising 20 items across two factors, Positive Coparenting and Negative Perception of Coparenting, is the simplest and best fit for the Spanish parent sample; it is invariant regarding gender and marital status, and the measures derived from each factor demonstrate reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. The resulting questionnaire for Spanish parents is named CRS-SEg-S&D. The Coparental Vitality measure calculated using the total weighted measure of CRS-SEg-S&D allows the sample of participants to be divided into three differentiated clusters called Coparental Robustness, Moderate Coparenting, and Coparenting Rickets.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
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Open AccessArticle
Feasibility of Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation of Pediatric Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases
by
Da Yeong Kim, Young Hoon Mo, Kun Woo Kim, Sae Mi Hong, Arum Park, Baek Hee Jang, Seung Hak Lee, Joon Hee Lee, Jisun Yoon, Jinho Yu and Eun Jae Ko
Children 2024, 11(5), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050534 - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and objective: Chronic respiratory diseases in children deteriorate their daily life due to dyspnea and reduced lung function. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in pediatric chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, cohort study included children with
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Background and objective: Chronic respiratory diseases in children deteriorate their daily life due to dyspnea and reduced lung function. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in pediatric chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, cohort study included children with chronic lung disease. They were instructed to perform home-based pulmonary rehabilitation 30 min/session, three sessions/week for three months. Pulmonary function test (PFT) using spirometry, respiratory muscle strength (RMT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 6 min walk test (6MWT), dyspnea questionnaires, speech evaluation, and pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) were assessed pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation. Compliance and satisfaction of the program were also evaluated. Results: Twenty children (mean age: 11.2 ± 3.1 years) with chronic respiratory diseases without cardiopulmonary instability participated. The overall compliance was 71.1% with no related adverse events. After pulmonary rehabilitation, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), RMT, 6MWT, dyspnea questionnaire, speech rate, and PedsQL (child) significantly improved (p < 0.05), particularly better in the FEV1 < 60% group than in the FEV1 ≥ 60% group and in the high-compliance group (compliance ≥ 50%) than in the low-compliance group (compliance < 50%). Conclusions: Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for children with chronic lung disease was feasible with high compliance and effective in terms of objective functions, subjective dyspnea symptom, and quality of life.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Children)
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Open AccessPerspective
Music Therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Center’s Experience with Program Development, Implementation, and Preliminary Outcomes
by
Carmina Erdei, Kim Schlesinger, Meredith R. Pizzi and Terrie E. Inder
Children 2024, 11(5), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050533 - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: The role of music in the NICU continues to evolve, with recent studies documenting the positive impact of music therapy for hospitalized infants and families. With many potential benefits and no substantial adverse effects reported to date in medically stable infants, we
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Background: The role of music in the NICU continues to evolve, with recent studies documenting the positive impact of music therapy for hospitalized infants and families. With many potential benefits and no substantial adverse effects reported to date in medically stable infants, we aimed to create a clinical guideline to integrate this therapy into the NICU operations. Methods: we launched and implemented a pilot music therapy clinical program within a subunit of a level-III NICU, building upon available evidence. Results: In this report, we describe our experience with initial program development and early outcomes in terms of population served, frequency of music therapy, and therapeutic modalities employed to implement service delivery. Conclusion: we highlight the importance of establishing practices that are aligned with currently available data and recommendations, in order to facilitate delivery of a safe, evidence-based, meaningful therapeutic experience with monitoring of preliminary effects of the therapy on all those involved in the experience.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in NICU Health Care)
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Neuropsychological Symptoms and Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children: A Survey in a Pediatric Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy
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Chiara Marcotullio, Marina Attanasi, Annamaria Porreca, Paola Di Filippo, Sara Matricardi, Annamaria Venanzi, Marco Schiavo, Antonio Paone, Nadia Rossi, Francesco Chiarelli and Giovanni Prezioso
Children 2024, 11(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050532 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly affected the pediatric population. Long-term sequelae (Long COVID-19) may particularly involve the central nervous system, with possible effects on psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL), aspects that were already influenced by the restrictive measures and general
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Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly affected the pediatric population. Long-term sequelae (Long COVID-19) may particularly involve the central nervous system, with possible effects on psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL), aspects that were already influenced by the restrictive measures and general social impact of the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey that aims at investigating the neuropsychological effects and the QoL impairment of SARS-CoV-2 on a cohort of children and adolescents in the Abruzzo region (Italy). A questionnaire was submitted to caregivers with the help of the PEDIATOTEM platform. A control group of healthy subjects was also included to distinguish between the effects of infection from the general influence of the pandemic. Results: A total of 569 subjects responded: 396 COVID-19 patients (99 of whom had Long COVID-19) and 111 controls. After the pandemic, when compared with the COVID-19 group, the controls reported significantly increased appetite, sleeping habits, and time spent remotely with friends and a reduction in physical activity and time spent in person with friends. A significant higher rate of controls asked for psychological/medical support for emotional problems. On the other hand, the Long COVID-19 group showed more fatigue and emotional instability with respect to non-Long-COVID-19 subjects. No differences in QoL results (EuroQOL) were found between the COVID-19 patients and controls, while the Long-COVID-19 subgroup showed significantly higher rates of pain/discomfort and mood instability, as confirmed by the analysis of variation of responses from the pre-COVID-19 to the post-COVID-19 period. Conclusions: Among COVID-19 patients, neuropsychological and QoL impairment was more evident in the Long COVID-19 subgroup, although emotional and relational issues were also reported by uninfected patients, with a growing request for specialist support as a possible consequence of social restriction.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Children: What Do We Know So Far?)
Open AccessReview
The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders—An Overview of Experimental Models, Therapeutic Strategies, and Future Research Directions
by
Magdalena Król, Paweł Skowron, Kamil Skowron and Krzysztof Gil
Children 2024, 11(5), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050531 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Since the establishment of a clear link between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and certain birth defects, the research into the treatment of FASD has become increasingly sophisticated. The field has begun to explore the possibility of intervening at different levels, and animal
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Since the establishment of a clear link between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and certain birth defects, the research into the treatment of FASD has become increasingly sophisticated. The field has begun to explore the possibility of intervening at different levels, and animal studies have provided valuable insights into the pathophysiology of the disease, forming the basis for implementing potential therapies with increasingly precise mechanisms. The recent reports suggest that compounds that reduce the severity of neurodevelopmental deficits, including glial cell function and myelination, and/or target oxidative stress and inflammation may be effective in treating FASD. Our goal in writing this article was to analyze and synthesize current experimental therapeutic interventions for FASD, elucidating their potential mechanisms of action, translational relevance, and implications for clinical application. This review exclusively focuses on animal models and the interventions used in these models to outline the current direction of research. We conclude that given the complexity of the underlying mechanisms, a multifactorial approach combining nutritional supplementation, pharmacotherapy, and behavioral techniques tailored to the stage and severity of the disease may be a promising avenue for further research in humans.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Pediatrics)
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Open AccessArticle
Dependence of Successful Airway Management in Neonatal Simulation Manikins on the Type of Supraglottic Airway Device and Providers’ Backgrounds
by
Takahiro Sugiura, Rei Urushibata, Satoko Fukaya, Tsutomu Shioda, Tetsuya Fukuoka and Osuke Iwata
Children 2024, 11(5), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050530 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Supraglottic airway devices such as laryngeal masks and i-gels are useful for airway management. The i-gel is a relatively new device that replaces the air-inflated cuff of the laryngeal mask with a gel-filled cuff. It remains unclear which device is more effective for
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Supraglottic airway devices such as laryngeal masks and i-gels are useful for airway management. The i-gel is a relatively new device that replaces the air-inflated cuff of the laryngeal mask with a gel-filled cuff. It remains unclear which device is more effective for neonatal resuscitation. We aimed to evaluate the dependence of successful airway management in neonatal simulators on the device type and providers’ backgrounds. Ninety-one healthcare providers performed four attempts at airway management using a laryngeal mask and i-gel in two types of neonatal manikins. The dependence of successful insertions within 16.7 s (75th percentile of all successful insertions) on the device type and providers’ specialty, years of healthcare service, and completion of the neonatal resuscitation training course was assessed. Successful insertion (p = 0.001) and insertion time (p = 0.003) were associated with using the i-gel vs. laryngeal mask. The providers’ backgrounds were not associated with the outcome. Using the i-gel was associated with more successful airway management than laryngeal masks using neonatal manikins. Considering the limited effect of the provider’s specialty and experience, using the i-gel as the first-choice device in neonatal resuscitation may be advantageous. Prospective studies are warranted to compare these devices in the clinical setting.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neonatology)
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Open AccessArticle
Changes in Body Weight and Risk Factors for Overweight and Obesity in 5–6-Year-Old Children Attending School in Geneva
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Luisa Narvaez, Per Bo Mahler, Denise Baratti-Mayer and Emilien Jeannot
Children 2024, 11(5), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050529 - 28 Apr 2024
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Background: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in children is increasing in industrialized countries. Monitoring the evolution of these phenomena is essential for understanding prevention and health promotion programs. This study aims to present the analysis of anthropometric data collected by school nurses
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Background: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in children is increasing in industrialized countries. Monitoring the evolution of these phenomena is essential for understanding prevention and health promotion programs. This study aims to present the analysis of anthropometric data collected by school nurses from the School Health Service of Geneva (Service de santé de l’enfance et de la jeunesse) for children aged 5 to 6 years during the 2021–2022 school year, as well as describe the trends in overweight and obesity from 2003–2004 to 2021–2022. Risk factors were also assessed in the 2021–2022 sample. Methods: This study included a random sample of 958 (479 girls and 479 boys) primary school pupils aged 5 to 6 years in Geneva. Data on weight, height and socioeconomic status were collected. BMI was analyzed using the Cole standard. A multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the influence of socioeconomic factors on overweight and obesity. We compared these results with BMI trends in students of the same age since 2003. Results: In 2021–2022, overall prevalence of overweight was 12.73%, and obesity was 5.64%. Girls had higher rates of overweight (14.20%) and obesity (6.68%) compared to boys (11.27% and 4.59%, respectively) (p < 0.0001). Overweight in boys significantly increased since the 2013–2014 and 2019–2020 measurements (p = 0.003). The trend for girls was similar but not statistically significant. Obesity rates have not significantly increased since 2019–2020 in both genders, but there is a significantly increasing trend for girls since 2013–2014 p = 0.045). Socioeconomic factors, particularly the socioeconomic class of parents, played a predictive role in overweight and obesity. Conclusions: The School Health Service of Geneva and the Directorate General of Health have a crucial role in monitoring and preventing childhood obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has remained high since 2010, justifying continuous efforts for prevention. A significant increase in prevalence has been observed since 2020, particularly among overweight boys, and could be related to COVID-19 confinement measures.
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Caregiver Pressure to Eat on Food Neophobia in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study
by
Qingqing Xie, Cuiting Yong, Caihong Xiang, Yue Xi, Jiaqi Huo, Jiajing Liang, Hanshuang Zou, Yunfeng Pan, Minchan Wu and Qian Lin
Children 2024, 11(5), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050528 - 28 Apr 2024
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(1) Background: With autistic children’s high pervasiveness of eating problems and inappropriate feeding behaviors by their caregivers, this study wanted to inspect the connection between caregivers’ pressure to eat and food neophobia in these children. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional overview of 160 guardians of
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(1) Background: With autistic children’s high pervasiveness of eating problems and inappropriate feeding behaviors by their caregivers, this study wanted to inspect the connection between caregivers’ pressure to eat and food neophobia in these children. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional overview of 160 guardians of kids aged 2 to 7 years. After one-on-one questioning by the researcher, the collected information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the children with autism, caregiver feeding behavior, and new food neophobia (FN) scores was entered into the Questionnaire Star system. (3) Results: The mean FN score was 25.56 ± 6.46. The caregiver’s pressure to eat positively related to children’s FN (β = 0.164 95% CI, 0.078, 2.163). In these children, we found a negative correlation between FN score and the frequency of vegetable intake (p ≤ 0.001), fruit intake (p ≤ 0.05), aquatic product intake (p ≤ 0.05), and dietary diversity score (p ≤ 0.01), and positively correlated with the frequency of snack intake (p ≤ 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Caregiver pressure to eat was positively associated with high levels of FN in Chinese kids with ASD, which in turn negatively impacted dietary quality. To improve eating habits, caregivers should reconsider their feeding strategies and avoid using forceful methods to ease food neophobia in these children.
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Open AccessArticle
Direct Umbilical Vein Injection of Epinephrine with Cut-Cord Milking in an Ovine Model of Neonatal Resuscitation
by
Payam Vali, Peggy Chen, Evan Giusto, Amy Lesneski, Morgan E. Hardie, Heather K. Knych, Deepika Sankaran, Ziad Alhassen, Houssam M. Joudi and Satyan Lakshminrusimha
Children 2024, 11(5), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050527 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: An umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is the preferred route of epinephrine administration during neonatal resuscitation but requires specialized equipment, expertise, and time. Hypothesis: Direct injection of epinephrine into the umbilical vein (UV) followed by milking a ~20 cm segment of cut umbilical
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Background: An umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is the preferred route of epinephrine administration during neonatal resuscitation but requires specialized equipment, expertise, and time. Hypothesis: Direct injection of epinephrine into the umbilical vein (UV) followed by milking a ~20 cm segment of cut umbilical cord to flush the epinephrine (DUV + UCM) will lead to a quicker administration and earlier return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) compared with epinephrine given through a UVC. Design: Eighteen near-term asphyxiated lambs were randomized to receive a low-UVC or DUV + UCM of epinephrine at 0.02 or 0.03 mg/kg doses. Outcome measures: A total of 16/18 lambs achieved ROSC with a similar mean (±SEM) time to ROSC [DUV + UCM vs. low-UVC (4.67 ± 0.67 vs. 3.99 ± 0.58 min); p = 0.46]. Two out of ten lambs in the DUV + UCM group required UVC placement for additional epinephrine. The administration of the first dose of epinephrine was similar (DUV + UCM—2.97 ± 0.48 vs. UVC—4.23 ± 0.58 min; p = 0.12). Both methods yielded similar epinephrine concentrations (peak concentrations of 253 ± 63 and 328 ± 80 ng/mL for DUV + UCM and UVC EPI, respectively). Conclusions: DUV + UCM resulted in a ROSC success of 78% following the first epinephrine dose and showed similar epinephrine concentrations to UVC. Clinical studies evaluating DUV + UCM as an alternate route for epinephrine while intravenous access is being established are warranted.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neonatology)
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Longitudinal Associations of Body Fatness and Physical Fitness with Cognitive Skills in Preschoolers
by
Kirkke Reisberg, Eva-Maria Riso, Liina Animägi and Jaak Jürimäe
Children 2024, 11(5), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050526 - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
A good cognitive status predicts academic, professional, and health outcomes. However, longitudinal data regarding the associations of body fatness, physical fitness, and cognition are relatively scarce and mixed. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether body fatness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF),
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A good cognitive status predicts academic, professional, and health outcomes. However, longitudinal data regarding the associations of body fatness, physical fitness, and cognition are relatively scarce and mixed. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether body fatness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and muscular fitness (MF) in preschool are associated with cognitive skills in the first grade of school. A total of 133 South Estonian children whose age was 6–7 years were recruited from 13 kindergartens and again at 7–8 years after they had entered school. Body fat percentage (BF%), CRF, MF as the mean of z-scores of relative upper-limb strength, standing long jump results, and cognitive skills (verbal, conceptual, and perceptual) were studied. There were no associations between BF% and CRF in preschool with perceptual, conceptual, or verbal skills in school in boys and girls. In boys, a higher MF in preschool was associated with higher verbal skills (β = 0.293, p = 0.021) in school after adjustment for confounders. Cognitive skills at baseline seemed to be frequently associated with cognitive performance in school. In conclusion, higher MF in preschool was associated with better verbal skills in the first grade of school in boys but not in girls. Body fatness and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool were not associated with cognitive skills in school.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cognitive and Motor Development: Children and Adolescents)
Open AccessArticle
Schools as Hubs of Health: A Comprehensive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education Model for Promoting Wellness in Low-Income Communities
by
Shannon A. Klisch and Katherine E. Soule
Children 2024, 11(5), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050525 - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Research indicates that health interventions are most effective when they address multiple social determinants of health to support positive behavior. Schools as Hubs of Health, a comprehensive model of nutrition and physical activity education, was developed to support wellness within school communities
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Research indicates that health interventions are most effective when they address multiple social determinants of health to support positive behavior. Schools as Hubs of Health, a comprehensive model of nutrition and physical activity education, was developed to support wellness within school communities defined as low-income by the national Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). Components of the model include the following: classroom education; garden education; youth engagement; staff training; parent and community engagement; and policies, systems, and environments. Findings over the last decade indicate positive outcomes in nutrition and physical activity behaviors, youth leadership and engagement, and systems and environmental changes that support health and wellness.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Habits, Social Determinants of Health and Obesity Risk in Children and Adolescents)
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Open AccessArticle
A Comparison of the Immediate Effects of Verbal and Virtual Reality Feedback on Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy
by
Tine De Mulder, Heleen Adams, Tijl Dewit, Guy Molenaers, Anja Van Campenhout and Kaat Desloovere
Children 2024, 11(5), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050524 - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Different types of feedback are used during gait training in children with cerebral palsy (CP), including verbal (VB) and virtual reality (VR) feedback. Previous studies on VR feedback showed positive effects on the targeted gait parameter. However, both positive and negative side effects
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Different types of feedback are used during gait training in children with cerebral palsy (CP), including verbal (VB) and virtual reality (VR) feedback. Previous studies on VR feedback showed positive effects on the targeted gait parameter. However, both positive and negative side effects on other parameters were seen as well. The literature on the effect of VB feedback is lacking and, to our knowledge, both feedback methods have not yet been compared. In this monocentric study with a single-session intervention protocol, children with CP completed a training session on the Gait Real-Time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) and received both VB and VR feedback on hip extension, in randomized order. Outcome parameters were continuous gait curves of sagittal kinematics and hip kinetics, specific features of hip angle and moment, sagittal gait variable scores and gait profile scores. Improvement of the targeted gait parameter was seen both after VB and VR feedback, with a small advantage for VR over VB feedback. Furthermore, positive side effects on knee and ankle sagittal kinematics were seen. However, the overall gait profile score did not improve, most likely due to negative compensatory strategies. In conclusion, children with CP can adapt gait in response to both VB and VR feedback, with VR feedback producing a slightly better effect. Due to secondary effects on parameters other than the targeted parameter, the overall gait did not improve.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Gait Analysis in Children: Progress and Relevance)
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