Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) shares several risk factors with atherosclerosis, as it is associated with components of the metabolic syndrome. However, genetic variations have also been linked to the risk of NAFLD, such as adiponutrin/patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing the protein 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 polymorphism. The aim of the study was to determine the associations of thePNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism with NAFLD and atherosclerosis risk factors in children and adolescents from northern Greece. A total of 91 children/adolescents who followed a Mediterranean eating pattern with no particular restrictions were studied. They were divided into three subgroups, according to their body mass index (BMI) and the presence or absence of liver disease. Diagnosis of NAFLD was based on a liver ultrasound, while the distribution of the PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism was investigated in all the participants. From the components of metabolic syndrome, only BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) differed significantly between groups. The rs738409 polymorphism was significantly associated with BMI and NAFLD, while lipid values had no significant association with either NAFLD or gene polymorphism. This study shows that in Greekchildren, there is a significant association between the rs738409polymorphism in the PNPLA3 gene and hepatic steatosis, regardless of bodyweight.

Eslicarbazepine acetate has been recently licensed as an anti-epileptic medication to be used in adolescents. Data regarding dosing and overdosing are still limited in the literature. We describe a rare case of intentional eslicarbazepine overdosing in a previously healthy teenager who presented with neurological toxicity. Management of hyperhydration with diuretics, haloperidol, and midazolam proved to be helpful both in inducing rapid clearance through the kidneys and in managing symptoms of agitation, respectively.

Background and Objectives: Energy drinks (EDs), widely consumed by adolescents and young adults, contain caffeine and other stimulants marketed to enhance energy and performance. ED consumption has been associated with adverse cardiovascular effects, although most evidence derives from adult populations. This review examines the association between ED intake and arrhythmias or electrocardiographic (ECG) alterations in young people, including the influence of consumption patterns and the reversibility of reported changes. Materials and Methods: A review of the literature of the last ten years was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases, using various combinations of the key words: “Energy Drinks”, “arrhythmias”, “ECG”, “electrocardiogram”, “dysrhythmias”, “children”, “teen”, “teenagers”, “adolescents”, “young adults”, “young people”. Results: 22 studies met the inclusion criteria: 10 RCTs, 5 non RCTs, 1 observational study and 6 case reports. Evidence suggests that ED consumption may be associated with cardiac rhythm disturbances and ECG alterations in young individuals. Reported events include atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest, often following moderate-to-high ED intake. Experimental studies have demonstrated acute cardiovascular effects, including QTc interval changes (6–20 ms), increased supraventricular ectopic activity, alterations in heart rate (3–10 bpm) and ST–T changes. Most reported alterations appeared acute and reversible; however, their occurrence may be influenced by ED dose, composition, caffeine exposure, and individual susceptibility. Conclusions: ED consumption among adolescents and young adults may increase the risk of arrhythmias. There is consistent evidence across studies showing that the most common effects are HR and QTc alterations, with the composition and quantity of the drinks likely influencing these effects. Important gaps remain regarding frequent consumption, long-term outcomes, the contribution of less-studied ingredients, and the impact on younger populations. Stronger regulations may also be warranted to protect young consumers, particularly those at increased cardiovascular risk.