No abstract

Following the introduction of 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7), while overall rates of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia in children declined, rates of empyema increased. We examined changes in the incidence of hospitalization for pediatric complicated pneumonia (PCOMP) in Eastern Ontario, Canada, particularly since the introduction of the 13-valent vaccine (PCV13). A retrospective chart review was carried out evaluating previously healthy children admitted with PCOMP, which included empyema, parapneumonic effusion, necrotizing pneumonia, and lung abscess between 2002 and 2015. Three-hundred seventy-one children were included. Subjects had a median age of four years, and 188/370 (50.8%) required a chest tube. Admission rates changed markedly during this time period. The number of admissions per year rose most sharply between 2009 and 2012, corresponding to the period following introduction of PCV7 and then the occurrence of pandemic influenza A (H1N1). In children who likely received PCV13, the incidence of PCOMP returned to approximately pre-PCV7 levels. In contrast, rates of PCOMP in older children (who would not have received PCV13) remained elevated during the post-PCV13 time period. While rates of PCOMP, particularly in older children, remain elevated following the introduction of PCV13, this might be expected to resolve with more widespread vaccine coverage with PCV13 and herd immunity.

Absence status epilepticus is characterized by a prolonged state of impaired consciousness or altered sensorium with generalized electroencephalographic abnormalities. It is most commonly diagnosed in patients with known idiopathic generalized epilepsy; however, it may also be the first presentation of epilepsy. Due to the subtle and variable manifestations of the condition, absence status epilepticus may be underrecognized, particularly in children. We present the case of an 8-year-old boy who experienced two episodes of prolonged altered mental status, subsequently determined to be absence status epilepticus with idiopathic generalized epilepsy with phantom absences. We discuss the classification, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and electroencephalographic findings of pediatric absence status epilepticus and provide a practical overview for management.

No abstract

No abstract