Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, various severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants have been identified with different characteristics than the nonvariant strain. We retrospectively evaluated the demographic and clinical differences in the cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 children (1 month-18 years old) between March 11, 2020, and September 31, 2022, by the time the variants identified in our country predominate. Bonferroni post hoc analysis was performed to compare the differences between the periods. Of the 283 children in this study, 142 (50.2%) were females. The median age was 36 (interquartile range [IQR]: 7-132) months. Sixty-three (22.2%) patients were hospitalized in the nonvariant period, 24 (8.5%) in the Alpha period, 93 (32.9%) in the Delta period, and 103 (36.4%) in the Omicron period. Fever was the most common symptom in all groups, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.25). In the Omicron period, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms decreased, and neurological symptoms increased significantly compared to other periods: [respiratory symptoms; nonvariant (65.1%) vs. Omicron (41.7%), (p = 0.024)], [gastrointestinal symptoms; Delta (41.9%) vs. Omicron (22.3%), (p = 0.018), [neurological symptoms; Delta (14.5%) vs. Omicron (31.1%), (p = 0.03]. Altered mental status and seizures were more common during the Omicron period compared to the pre-Omicron (nonvariant, Alpha, and Delta) period (p = 0.017 and p = 0.005, respectively). Although the main symptoms in children with COVID-19 were fever and respiratory symptoms, an increase in severe neurological manifestations was seen throughout the Omicron variant period.

Children with chronic neurological diseases,including cerebral palsy(CP)are especially susceptible to vaccine-preventable infections and face an increased risk of severe respiratory infections and decompensation of their disease.This study aims to examine age-appropriate immunization status and related factors in the CP population of our country. This cross-sectional prospective multicentered survey study included 18 pediatric neurology clinics around Turkey,wherein outpatients children with CP were included in the study.Data on patient and CP characteristics,concomitant disorders as well as vaccination status included in the National Immunization Program(NIP),administration and recommendation of in uenza vaccine were collected at a single visit.A total of 1194 patients were enrolled.Regarding immunization records,the most frequently administrated and schedule completed vaccines were BCG(90.8%),hepatitis B(88.9%)and oral poliovirus vaccine (88.5%).MMR was administered to 77.3% and DTaP-IPV-HiB was administered to 60.5% of patients.For the pneumococcal vaccines,54.1% of children had received PCV in the scope of the NIP, and 15.2% of children were not fully vaccinated for their age.The in uenza vaccine, was administered only to 3.4% of the patients at any time and had never been recommended to 1122 parents(93.9%).In the patients with severe(grade 4 and 5)motor dysfunction,the frequency of incomplete/none vaccination of hepatitis B,BCG, DTaP-IPV-HiB,OPV,MMR were statistically more common than mild to moderate(grade 1-3)motor dysfunction(p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.00, and p < 0.001, respectively).In uenza vaccine recommendation by physicians was higher in the severe motor dysfunction group and the difference was statistically signi cant(p = 0.029).Children with CP had lower immunization rates and incomplete immunization programs.Clinicians must ensure children with CP receive the same preventative health measures as healthy children,including vaccines.

Alparslan C, Kamit-Can F, Anıl AB, Olgaç-Dündar N, Çavuşoğlu D, Göç Z. Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) treated with immunomodulation in an 8-year-old boy and review of the literature. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 463-466. Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a catastrophic epilepsy syndrome which is characterized by acute onset of refractory status epilepticus following a febrile infection occurring in previously normal children. Despite the various treatment options that have been tried, exact treatment strategy is still undetermined. This is the first pediatric case of FIRES from Turkey which was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). A previously healthy 8-year-old boy was referred to our hospital with a pre-diagnosis of status epilepticus and encephalitis. He presented with acute onset of convulsions and unconsciousness following fever and malaise lasting 7 days. On physical examination Glasgow coma scale was 12, his pupils were miotic. He had cafe-au-lait spots on his body. His fundus examination, cerebrospinal fluid findings and cranial magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any abnormality. Results of comprehensive search for metabolic, toxicological, infectious and autoimmune etiologies were all negative. Generalized slowing was seen on the electroencephalography (EEG) of the patient indicating possible encephalopathy. The patient developed convulsive status epilepticus and was intubated on day 5. His seizures were controlled by continuous infusion of midazolam, thiopental and used for 4 days. Phenytoin, levetiracetam, topiramate were used simultaneously. IVIG was administered as an immunomodulator for refractory seizures on day-9. The patient was extubated on day 11. The diagnosis was made after a comprehensive negative search for central nervous system infection, autoimmune and metabolic diseases. At follow up it was learnt that he had had only two seizures in two years. Status epilepticus did not recur. Clinicians should keep in mind FIRES which is a diagnosis of exclusion especially in refractory status epilepticus. IVIG treatment could have a benefit in these patients.

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