(1) Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized as a heterogeneous disorder group with well-defined phenotypic and genetic features that share uncommon bone fragility. The current treatment options, medical and orthopedic, are limited and not efficient enough to improve the low bone density, bone fragility, growth, and mobility of the affected individuals, creating the need for alternative therapeutic agents. (2) Methods: We searched the medical database to find papers regarding treatments for OI other than conventional ones. We included 45 publications. (3) Results: In reviewing the literature, eight new potential therapies for OI were identified, proving promising results in cells and animal models or in human practice, but further research is still needed. Bone marrow transplantation is a promising therapy in mice, adults, and children, decreasing the fracture rate with a beneficial effect on structural bone proprieties. Anti-RANKL antibodies generated controversial results related to the therapy schedule, from no change in the fracture rate to improvement in the bone mineral density resorption markers and bone formation, but with adverse effects related to hypercalcemia. Sclerostin inhibitors in murine models demonstrated an increase in the bone formation rate and trabecular cortical bone mass, and a few human studies showed an increase in biomarkers and BMD and the downregulation of resorption markers. Recombinant human parathormone and TGF-β generated good results in human studies by increasing BMD, depending on the type of OI. Gene therapy, 4-phenylbutiric acid, and inhibition of eIF2α phosphatase enzymes have only been studied in cell cultures and animal models, with promising results. (4) Conclusions: This paper focuses on eight potential therapies for OI, but there is not yet enough data for a new, generally accepted treatment. Most of them showed promising results, but further research is needed, especially in the pediatric field.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children, with Escherichia coli as the leading pathogen. The rise in antimicrobial resistance, particularly extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production, complicates empirical therapy, especially in countries with limited surveillance like Romania. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 248 pediatric patients aged 0–17 years diagnosed with E. coli UTI and admitted to a children hospital from Bucharest, Romania, between 2022 and 2024. Data collected included clinical presentation, laboratory values, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Patients were divided into ESBL and non-ESBL groups, and statistical comparisons were performed using SPSS v25. Results: Infants accounted for 68.1% of cases, with male sex predominating in this group (85.3%). ESBL-producing strains were identified in 19% of patients, more frequently in males (25% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.024). While inflammatory markers (CRP, leukocytes, neutrophils) were higher in complicated infections, they were paradoxically lower in ESBL cases. Non-ESBL isolates were highly susceptible to fosfomycin, third-generation cephalosporins, nitrofurantoin, and gentamicin. ESBL isolates showed resistance to most β-lactams but retained high susceptibility to fosfomycin (100%), carbapenems (>89%), cefoxitin (89.4%), and amikacin (85.1%). Conclusions: Our findings support the use of fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, and selected aminoglycosides as viable empirical options in pediatric UTIs. Given the substantial ESBL prevalence and resistance to commonly used oral agents, local antibiogram data should guide empirical treatment strategies to preserve antibiotic efficacy and combat resistance.

Background: Given the potential for additional development to clarify a better knowledge of generally influence of COVID-19 upon the pediatric population, the clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents are still being explored. Morbidity in children is characterized by a variable clinical course. Our study’s goal was to compare clinical aspects of 230 pediatric patients who analyzed positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were hospitalized between April 2020 and March 2022. Methods: This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019, (COVID-19) in two groups of pediatric patients hospitalized in the infectious disease clinical ward IX at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals,” Bucharest, Romania. Clinical characteristics of 88 patients (first group), admitted between April–December 2020 were compared with the second group of 142 children admitted between July 2021 and March 2022. Results: Of 230 children, the median age was 4.5 years, and 53.9% were male. Fever (82.17%) and sore throat (66%) were the most common initial symptoms. Rhinorrhea (42%), cough (34%) and diarrhea (41.74%), with abdominal pain (26%) were also reported in a considerable number of cases. 88 (36.21%) patients (first group) were admitted during the second wave in Romania, mostly aged <5 years old, and experienced digestive manifestations like fever (p = 0.001), and diarrhea (p = 0.004). The second group experienced different clinical signs when compared with the first group, with higher temperature and increased respiratory symptoms analogous to persons who suffer acute respiratory viral infections. The proportion in the second group increased by 23.48% from the first group, and the 0–4 age group for both groups had symptoms for a median interval of 5 days; age (0–4-years old) and length of stay were both proportionally inversely and required longer hospitalization (5 days), for the first group. During study time, the fully vaccinated children for 5–12 years old were 10%, and for 13–18 years old, 14.35% respective. We report two Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) in the second group, with favorable evolution under treatment. Comorbidities (obesity and oncological diseases) were reported in both groups and are risk factors for complications appearing (p < 0.001). All pediatric cases admitted to our clinic evolved favorably and no death was recorded. Conclusions: Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with COVID-19 are age-related. In the first group, 85.29% of 0–4 years old children experienced digestive symptoms, whereas in the second group 83.78% underwent mild and moderate respiratory symptoms for the 5–12 age range. The potential effects of COVID-19 infection in children older than 5 years should encourage caregivers to vaccinate and improve the prognosis among pediatric patients at risk.

Background: Given the potential for additional development to clarify a better knowledge of the overall impact of COVID-19 on the pediatric population, the clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents are still being explored. Morbidity in children is characterized by a variable clinical course. Our study's goal was to compare clinical aspects of 230 pediatric patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were hospitalized between April 2020 and March 2022. Methods: In a retrospective analysis, we compared two groups hospitalized in the infectious diseases clinical ward IX at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Bals," Bucharest, Romania. The first group of 88 patients was admitted between (April–December 2020) and their clinical manifestations were compared with the second group of 142 children followed between July 2021 and March 2022. Results: Of 230 children, the median age was 4.5 (interquartile range 0.6-17) years, 53.9% were male. 88 (36.21%) patients (first group) were admitted during the second wave in Romania, mostly aged < 5 years old, and experienced digestive manifestations like fever (p=0.001), and diarrhoea (p=0.004). The second group experienced different clinical signs when compared with the first group, with higher temperature and increased respiratory symptoms analogous to those of acute respiratory viral infections. The proportion in the second group increased, and 64.5% had symptoms for a median interval of 5 days; age (0-4 -years old) and length of stay were both proportionally inversely (p<0.01) and with correlation with hospital admission (p = 0.04). We report two Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) in the second group, with favourable evolution under treatment. Comorbidities were risk factors for complications appear (p < 0.001) in both groups. All paediatric cases admitted to our clinic evolved favourably and no death was recorded. Conclusions: In the first group children experienced digestive symptoms, whereas the second group experienced mild and moderate respiratory symptoms. We confirmed risk factors for severe cases as manifestations across the age spectrum, 0-4 (digestive symptoms) and 5-12 years old (for respiratory symptoms), associated comorbidities, fever, and male gender. The potential effects of COVID-19 infection in children older than 5 years should encourage caregivers to vaccinate and improve the prognosis among pediatric patients at risk.

Background: The potential impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on the neurodevelopment of offspring has raised considerable concern. Emerging studies have evaluated various developmental domains in exposed infants, yet findings remain inconsistent. Objective: To synthesize current evidence regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants born to mothers with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Methods: We conducted a narrative review following PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect using keywords including “COVID-19”, “pregnancy”, “neurodevelopment”, and “SARS-CoV-2”. Nineteen studies were included. Data were extracted regarding study design, sample size, timing of exposure, age at assessment, developmental tools used, and key findings. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Among 19 included studies, 12 reported at least some neurodevelopmental delays, particularly in motor and language domains. However, these delays were generally mild, domain-specific, and often not statistically significant. Seven studies, most of which were high-quality and low-risk, reported no significant differences between exposed and unexposed groups. Assessment tools and follow-up durations varied widely, limiting comparability. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support a consistent association between in utero SARS-CoV-2 exposure and an unfavorable neurodevelopmental outcome up to 24 months. However, heterogeneity in methods and short-term follow-up warrant further high-quality longitudinal research.

Background and Objectives: Exclusive breastfeeding offers optimal nutrition and health benefits for infants, yet many mothers face challenges that impact their ability to breastfeed. This study aimed to explore breastfeeding practices among Romanian mothers and identify factors associated with successful exclusive breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from February to March 2025, targeting Romanian mothers via social media platforms. The questionnaire, developed specifically for this study, collected data on sociodemographics, birth and neonatal variables, hospital practices, feeding intentions, community influences, and breastfeeding outcomes. A total of 874 valid responses were analyzed using Fisher’s exact tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: While 87.2% of mothers intended to breastfeed, only 56.1% reported exclusive breastfeeding. Factors significantly associated with reduced likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding included maternal age ≥ 30 years (OR = 1.40, p = 0.042), Cesarean delivery (OR = 1.78, p < 0.001), absence of rooming-in (OR = 2.32, p < 0.001), and pacifier use (OR > 4.7, p < 0.001). Protective factors included non-smoking status (OR = 0.52, p < 0.001) and encouragement to breastfeed by medical staff (OR = 1.60, p = 0.004). Despite external advice to use formula, many mothers continued breastfeeding. Conclusions: Although breastfeeding intention was high, exclusive breastfeeding remains suboptimal in Romania. Targeted support—particularly in maternity hospitals and for mothers recovering from Cesarean sections—alongside prenatal education and consistent postnatal guidance are essential to bridge the gap between intention and practice.