Monkeypox has emerged as a significant human pathogen, posing severe risks in vulnerable populations. At present, there is not enough data available as to whether pregnant women are more vulnerable to monkeypox infection, or they suffer more severe symptoms, and studies on this issue as well as to the possible adverse effects on the developing fetus are limited. The aim of this review, was to bring together what is known so far about monkeypox virus transmission, the clinical course of the disease, and associated maternal-fetal outcomes. Furthermore, to summarize the current available recommendations on the prevention and management of monkeypox infection during pregnancy, in order to help obstetricians and neonatologists navigate through this new challenging area and provide the best available care to their patients.

The impact of COVID-19 on pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is still not clear and the knowledge acquired over the last 2 years is still evolving. This study aims to investigate the risk and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with PIBD. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify studies published up until September 2022. Out of the 475 articles screened, 14 studies were included in the review. Of the 4006 children with PIBD included, 390 (9.7%) tested positive for COVID-19. Among those with COVID-19, 5.9% (0–16.7%) needed hospitalization, 0.6% (0–1%) were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and no deaths were reported. Among the included studies, only four presented details regarding patients’ symptoms, with 21% (0–25%) presenting gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. An association between PIBD activity or specific treatment and COVID-19 outcome could not be established. The prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with PIBD was low; therefore, the initial concerns regarding higher infection risk and worse prognosis in this population are not supported by the currently available data. Further research is needed to determine the natural history of the infection and the optimal treatment for these patients. Much is still unclear and additional studies should be performed in order to optimize prevention and care for this special group of patients.

(1) Background: Although invasive fungal infections are a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, data on the incidence and outcomes of localized abscesses in solid organs due to fungal infections are scarce. The aim of this study was to consolidate evidence and enhance our understanding on neonatal liver abscesses due to invasive fungal infections. (2) Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted, considering studies that evaluated fungal liver abscesses in the neonatal population. Data on the epidemiology, clinical course, treatment, and outcome of these infections were integrated in our study. (3) Results: Overall, 10 studies were included presenting data on 19 cases of neonatal fungal liver abscesses. Candida spp. were the most common causative pathogens (94.7%). Premature neonates constituted the majority of cases (93%), while umbilical venous catheter placement, broad spectrum antibiotics, and prolonged parenteral nutrition administration were identified as other common predisposing factors. Diagnosis was established primarily by abdominal ultrasonography. Medical therapy with antifungal agents was the mainstay of treatment, with Amphotericin B being the most common agent (47%). Abscess drainage was required in four cases (21%). Eradication of the infection was achieved in the majority of cases (80%). (4) Conclusions: Even though fungal liver abscess is a rare entity in the neonatal population, clinicians should keep it in mind in small, premature infants who fail to respond to conventional treatment for sepsis, particularly if an indwelling catheter is in situ. A high index of suspicion is necessary in order to achieve a timely diagnosis and the initiation of the appropriate treatment.