Background: The inability to ensure adequate nutrition for patients, and failure to provide adequate calorie and protein intake, result in malnutrition, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The present study assesses the two approaches to enteral nutrition—intermittent and continuous enteral feeding—in critically ill pediatric patients in Türkiye to determine the superiority of one method over the other. Methods: Included in this multicenter prospective study were patients receiving enteral nutrition via a tube who were followed up over a 3-month period. Anthropometric data, calorie and protein intake, and signs of feeding intolerance were evaluated in a comparison of the different feeding methods. Results: A total of 510 patients were examined. In the continuous enteral feeding (CEF) group, 20.2% of patients developed metabolic abnormalities, and 49.5% experienced enteral nutrition intolerance, both of which were higher than in the intermittent enteral feeding (IEF) group, and the differences were statistically significant. No significant differences were observed between the two feeding methods in terms of reaching the target calorie intake on days 2 and 7 (p > 0.05). On day 7, there were significant differences between the two feeding methods in terms of calorie and protein intake (p = 0.023 and 0.014, respectively). Conclusions: In the present study, assessing the IEF and CEF approaches to enteral nutrition, critically ill pediatric patients receiving intermittent feeding exhibited lower rates of enteral nutrition intolerance and metabolic abnormalities. Furthermore, the calorie and protein intake on day 7 were noted to be higher in the IEF group than in the CEF group. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings of the present study.

Introduction: We evaluated the distribution, use of antivenom, treatments applied during the follow-ups, and effects on the use of NLR and MPV antivenom in cases of snake bites and scorpion stings followed in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the effects of these cases on the length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. Materials and Methods: Demographic characteristics of the patients followed in the PICU and the severity of their clinical findings at admission, antivenom use after snake and scorpion bites were retrospectively examined from the clinical course in the hospital automation system and archived file records. Results: Of 38 patients who were followed up in the PICU for snake and scorpion bites, half were followed up for snake bites and half for scorpion bites. Antivenom treatment was applied according to the clinical stage. There was a positive correlation between antivenom-administered patients and NLR (p 0.05). Conclusion: Consequently, antivenom therapy is the main treatment for snake bites and scorpion stings. We think that the NLR value will be significant in deciding to apply antivenom to patients, especially in snake bites. In addition, those with high NLR values need to be closely observed in terms of compartment development.

Objectives: Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most prevalent causes of death and morbidity in children and a significant health issue in Turkey, as well as developed and developing nations. The purpose of this study is to analyze retrospectively the patients with acute gastroenteritis who sought treatment at the Kızıltepe State Hospital in Mardin. Methods: This study was designed as a single-center retrospective study in which demographic variables were evaluated by taking fresh stool samples from the patients who applied to the Mardin Province Kızıltepe State Hospital between 01/11/2020 and 31/10/2021 with the complaint of diarrhea. The information of rotavirus, enteric adenovirus and amoeba viruses in stool samples was investigated by qualitative immunochromatographic test. The researcher assessed the research data utilizing the hospital's file archive materials and three factors set by the researcher. The researcher extracted the information about these factors from the patient files and stored it in a Microsoft Office Excel file. Results: According to the gender variable of the research participants, Amoeba positive rates were considerably higher in males than in girls (35.8% versus 22.6%, p = 0.046, respectively). According to the age groups variable, rotavirus antigen positive was statistically significantly greater in the 5-24 month age group compared to other age groups (p = 0.034). Similarly, Amoeba positive was statistically substantially higher in the 5-24 month age group compared to other age groups (p = 0.001). There was no significant variation between age groups in the distribution of adenovirus. According to the seasonal variable, rotavirus antigen positivity was most prevalent in the spring, and the difference between the spring and other seasons was statistically significant (p = 0.001), whereas amoeba positivity was most prevalent in the summer, with no statistically significant difference between the seasons (p = 0.003). The frequency of undiscovered variables was greater during the spring-summer months, and a statistically significant difference (p = 0.041) was identified between the groups. The seasonal variation in the prevalence of Adenovirus antigen positive was not statistically significant (p = 0.394). Conclusions: As a result, in poor and underdeveloped nations, it is among the top five causes of death in children under the age of five, in relation to acute gastroenteritis. Furthermore, the majority of these deaths may be minimized by preventative and prevention strategies. It is the responsibility of governments, health professionals, and families to foster a safe and healthy environment for all infants and children during their infancy and development. Community-based health strategies should be undertaken to lower the morbidity and death rates of millions of people worldwide who are exposed to harmful environmental conditions and malnutrition.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of osteoporosis in children and adolescents with thalassemia major (TM) and to identify risk factors for the early development of osteoporosis. Methods: This retrospective study included 27 patients under 18 years of age receiving regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy for TM at our hospital. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and a lumbar spine Z-score <−2 was considered osteoporotic. Patients with osteoporosis were classified as Group 1 and those without osteoporosis as Group 2. Results: Osteoporosis was detected in 22.2% of the study population. The mean age was 13.83 ± 2.85 years in Group 1 and 7.95 ± 5.05 years in Group 2 (p = 0.012). Body weight and height were significantly lower in Group 1 (p = 0.012 and p = 0.004). Ferritin levels were 5306 ± 1506 ng/mL in Group 1 and 2020 ± 1205 ng/mL in Group 2, and the difference was significant (p = 0.001). Group 1 had significantly lower Ca and P levels (p < 0.001, p = 0.038). BMD was negatively correlated with ferritin (r = −0.791, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with calcium (r = 0.499, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Osteoporosis is a common condition in TM patients. Patients with risk factors should be followed more closely. These patients should be identified before BMD decreases. To prevent osteoporosis, regular BMD scans should be performed, calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be provided, and physical activity should be encouraged.

Background/Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a motor disorder resulting from brain damage that is common in childhood. Iron is vital for the body’s basic functions. Iron metabolism disorders and inflammation contribute to the neurological complications seen in CP. The purpose of this research was to ascertain the association and correlation between markers of inflammation and iron metabolism in children with CP. Methods: A total of 181 children diagnosed with CP and 111 typically developing children were retrospectively included in the study. Demographic data, blood parameters, C-reactive protein, iron, total iron binding capacity, and inflammation markers were evaluated. Results: C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immuno-inflammatory index (SII) levels of CP children were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of control group children (p < 0.05). Iron (Fe) and ferritin levels were lower in the CP group, while total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was higher. Spearman correlation analysis showed significant correlations between iron, ferritin and TIBC and SII. Conclusions: Iron deficiency and chronic inflammation are associated with the pathophysiology of CP in patients with CP, and therefore it is important to monitor markers of iron metabolism and inflammation in these patients.

The conflicts that began in the Middle East and Syria in 2011 resulted in many people seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Due to irregular migration, many newborns were born far from their homelands, in foreign countries. This study aims to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of non-refugee and refugee newborns to assess potential disparities in their healthcare experiences. The present study examined the applications of newborns who were admitted to the third level pediatric emergency clinic on the Syrian border of Turkey between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. The most prevalent presenting complaint among both non-refugee and refugee newborns was jaundice, occurring in 23.9% and 21.4% of cases, respectively. Fast breathing was significantly more common in refugee newborns than in non-refugee newborns (11% vs 2.6%, P = .021). Poor feeding was significantly more prevalent among non-refugee newborns than among refugee newborns (9.8% vs 3.8%, P = .008). Additionally, 7.1% of non-refugee newborns had significant medical complications, compared to 25.2% of refugee newborns. This difference was statistically significant (P =.001). Despite the availability of universal, free healthcare at all levels for all newborns, refugee babies continue to utilize inferior healthcare facilities, resulting in elevated mortality rates. Consequently, addressing the health concerns of refugee newborns necessitates a comprehensive strategy. This strategy should encompass programs that bolster maternal and infant health, nutritional support, vaccination services, mental health services, and the provision of secure living environments.