Thyroid function and iodine levels of 30 preterm neonates were examined before and up to five days after topical exposure to 10% povidone-iodine application. Urinary iodine excretion significantly increased in the group closest to term (8.9 +/- 1.2 mg I/g creatinine x 10) vs controls (3.5 +/- 0.5 mg; p < 0.01). T3 levels significantly decreased at all sub-group gestational ages vs controls (p < 0.01-0.05). Similarly, both FT4 and TT4 levels were lower in the subgroups vs controls (p < 0.01-0.05). TSH levels however did not rise in any group. These data suggest partial failure of thyroid hormone synthesis, in a population of high-risk infants possibly already exhibiting features of the euthyroid-sick syndrome. Topical iodine-containing antiseptic solutions should be used with caution in this population since these antiseptics may modify serum thyroid hormone concentrations rapidly.

Abstract. This study was conducted as a pilot investigation on the protective influence of Carica papaya L. aqueous leaf extract (PLE) against experimental hyperuricemia and acute renal injury in an animal model. The effects of oral pre-treatment with PLE on BUA (blood uric acid) levels and renal histopathology of potassium bromate (KBrO 3 )-treated adult male albino mice were assessed. Sixty mice were randomized to six groups (n = 10): sham (sterile water) and KBrO 3 controls; three experimental groups: PLE1, PLE2 and PLE3 (1, 2 and 3 g/kg body weight [BW] + KBrO 3 ); and ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid 200 mg/kg BW + KBrO 3 ) comparator. Oral pre-treatment with PLE was given for 14 d via gastric gavage. On day 14, except on the sham control, hyperuricemia was induced by oral administration of a single dose of KBrO 3 200 mg/kg body weight. BUA levels were measured pre-and post-KBrO3 induction (at 333 h and 336 h, respectively). The kidneys were then immediately excised under anesthesia. Histopathologic evaluation of the kidneys was done using a standard numerical grading scheme. Results showed a significant increase in BUA levels in the KBrO 3 control (p < 0.001). In the PLE groups, BUA levels were not significantly increased (p > 0.05). Histologically, there was significant attenuation of acute renal tissue damage in the PLE groups. However, the BUA and histopathologic responses of the PLE groups were not dose-dependent (p = 0.80 and p = 0.66, respectively). These preliminary findings suggest that PLE may have antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects in this murine model of hyperuricemia and acute renal tissue injury.

Objective: To identify specific clinical characteristics and patient signs and symptoms that increase the risk of developing severe/critical COVID-19 disease or death in the pediatric population, and identify strength of these associations Methodology: A systematic search was done in PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library and grey literature databases focusing on severe and critical COVID-19 disease in the zero to eighteen year old age group until August 26, 2020. Data regarding patient characteristics, signs and symptoms on admission and disease severity were extracted. Outcomes measured were severe or critical COVID-19, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) or death. Results were pooled and meta-analyzed. Results: Four eligible studies with a total of 292 pediatric patients with COVID-19 were examined. Older children (MD=6.62, 95%CI=4.23 to 9.00, p-value<0.00001, I2=33%) significantly present with a higher percentage of severe disease. Shortness of breath (OR=8.14, 95%CI=2.33 to 28.47, p-value=0.001, I2=42%) was also found to be associated with severe COVID-19 disease. The presence of a pre-existing medical condition (OR=4.02, 95%CI=1.55 to 10.43, p-value=0.004, I2=0%), especially cardiac disease (OR=6.40, 95%CI=1.45 to 28.38, p-value=0.01, I 2=13%) and diabetes (OR=7.01, 95%CI=1.54 to 31.95, p-value=0.01, I2=0%) was noted to be a risk factor for severe disease. Conclusion: Based on poor quality observational studies, older age group, shortness of breath, and a pre-existing medical condition, especially cardiac disease or diabetes were found to be associated with poor outcomes in children with COVID-19.