Background/Objectives: Pertussis remains a significant cause of respiratory illness in children, particularly in regions with suboptimal vaccination coverage. This retrospective study analyzes the clinical presentations, co-infections, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric patients diagnosed with Bordetella pertussis at the Constanța County Clinical Emergency Hospital “St. Apostle Andrew” between 1 January and 30 September 2024. Methods: Thirty-eight children, predominantly under the age of 3 years (81.58%), were included. Demographic data, clinical features, coinfecting pathogens, antimicrobial regimens, and hospital outcomes were reviewed. Results: Only 7 out of 38 children (18.42%) had received pertussis vaccination, and none benefited from maternal immunization. The highest incidence occurred in infants under 1 year (44.74%). Intensive care was required in 18.42% of cases, and macrolides were the most frequently used antibiotics (68.42%). Co-detection of respiratory pathogens—particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, enteroviruses, and human rhinoviruses—was common. Severe cases often exhibited hyperleukocytosis, which was associated with complications such as heart failure. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for timely recognition and management of pertussis and its complications. Although macrolides remain the first-line therapy, adjunctive treatments like leukoreduction may be considered in critical cases. The persistence of pertussis despite vaccination efforts highlights the challenges posed by waning immunity and diagnostic limitations, reinforcing the need for strengthened public health strategies.

Hyperglycemia significantly initiates oxidative stress in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). This study investigates the differences in oxidative stress markers between pediatric patients with T1DM and those experiencing transient hyperglycemia. In this case–control study, 42 children diagnosed with T1DM, according to ISPAD (International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes), and their healthy counterparts, aged 1–6 years old, participated. Blood samples were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). There was no statistically significant association found between the A1c % and age, BMI, and insulin dose (p > 0.05). A negative correlation was found between Se, Zn, cholesterol, GSH, and GPx (p < 0.05), as well as a statistically meaningful positive correlation with the A1c % (p < 0.001). GSH exhibited a statistically significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) with diabetic group. In comparison to control participants, plasma MDA levels (1.3 ± 0.36 µmol/L) had already increased significantly. MDA did correlate in a diabetic group with triglyceride levels (p > 0.0001) or total cholesterol. In the healthy group, the cholesterol levels were normal and apparently did not influence MDA levels. The oxidative state remained unchanged in the healthy participants experiencing temporary hyperglycemia, even though T1DM altered the link between selenium, zinc, and lipids.

Bordetella pertussis infection is a leading cause of respiratory illness in pediatric patients globally, especially in areas with lower vaccination coverage. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics, coinfections, treatment regimens, and outcomes in pediatric patients with B. per-tussis infection in Southeast Romania. A retrospective clinical study was conducted on 38 pediatric patients, most up to 3 years old (81.58%). They were hospitalized with B. pertussis infection in the Pediatric Departments of Constanta County Clinical Emergency Hospital "St. Apostle Andrew" between January 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024. Data on demographics, clinical manifestations, coinfections, antimicrobial treatments, and hospital outcomes were extensively analyzed. Although pertussis is recognized as a vaccine-preventable disease, our findings show that only 7/38 pediatric patients (18.42%) received the B. pertussis vaccine; moreover, none benefitted from maternal im-munization. Therefore, the highest incidence of whooping cough was recorded in infants < 1 year (17/38, 44.74%). Among the 38 children, 18.42% required intensive care, with macrolides being the most commonly administered antibiotics (68.42%). Codetection of respiratory pathogens was common, with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterovirus, and Human Rhinovirus identified frequently. Severe cases were characterized by elevated white blood cell counts, with hyperleukocytosis iden-tified as a significant risk factor for complications, including heart failure. This study emphasizes the importance of early recognition and management of coinfections and hyperleukocytosis in pediatric pertussis patients. Macrolides remain a cornerstone of treatment, but further research into leuko-reduction therapies could improve outcomes in severe cases. Despite vaccination campaigns, Bor-detella pertussis remains a public health challenge due to waning immunity and diagnostic limita-tions. Ongoing research and targeted public health initiatives are essential to reduce the disease burden and ensure sustained protection against pertussis.

Malabsorption syndrome encompasses a variety of gastrointestinal disorders that impair nutrient absorption in children, presenting wide range of clinical manifestations. This study focused on characteristics of the clinical manifestations and underlying etiologies of malabsorption syndrome in pediatrics population. Material and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 29 children presenting with symptoms suggestive of malabsorption syndrome. Clinical data, including symptoms, growth parameters, and nutritional status, laboratory both at the time of admitting and during treatment were collected. Diagnostic investigations included serological tests, stool analysis, imaging studies, and histopathological examination. Results: The most frequent clinical manifestations were abdominal symptoms (85%), respiratory infections (65 %), anemia (45 %) and vitamin deficiencies (58%). Celiac disease (51%), cystic fibrosis (32%), and Cow’s milk protein allergy (17%) were the leading causes. Conclusions: Serological tests are important for celiac disease diagnosis, while stool analysis is used to identifying lactose intolerance and infections. Diarrhea and weight loss are prevalent clinical manifestations of pediatric malabsorption syndrome.

Diarrhea is a leading cause of illness and death in children under five years old. Severe cases of diarrhea, particularly those resulting in dehydration, are a major factor in high mortality rates. Rotavirus is a significant pathogen contributing to dehydrating diarrhea and hospitalizations in children under five. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of vaccination in preventing the progression of gastroenteritis, with a focus on rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis. Material and methods: The present study was conducted within the Pediatric Department of The Emergency Clinical Hospital “St. Apostle Andrew” in Constanța, including 307 patients diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis during the period of January 1 and December 31, 2023. Results: The prevalence declined with age: 183 infants, 67 patients were between 1 and 3 years old, 42 were aged 3 to 7, and the smallest group, 15 patients, were between 7 and 16 years old, and 201 of the 307 children did not receive the Rotarix or Rotateq vaccines, while 106 patients completed the full vaccination regimen. As for the etiology of the disease, 160 patients were diagnosed with acute viral enterocolitis, with 142 cases attributed to Rotavirus. An increase in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances was observed in subjects who had not received the preventive Rotavirus vaccine. Conclusion: The role of the vaccine in preventing the severe progression of gastroenteritis, particularly that caused by Rotavirus, is highlighted by the reduced frequency of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and shorter hospital stays in patients who received the Rotarix/Rotateq vaccine.

(1) Background: Vaccination represents one of the most successful interventions worldwide in the field of public health. Immunization is one of the measures with the best results, being extremely efficient compared to all associated costs. Being a preventive measure, immunization relies entirely on the acceptance, understanding, and trust of those who use this service. The purpose of this study is to gather as much data as possible regarding the general opinion parents have regarding vaccines and the vaccination of their children; (2) Methods: For the purpose of this study, a cross-sectional survey was used through the application of a questionnaire employed as a research instrument, consisting of 35 questions. The questionnaires were physically distributed to family medicine cabinets for parents to complete, and the data collection period was throughout the months of May, June, and July of 2022. A total of 200 questionnaires were obtained, and their results were analyzed; (3) Results: The study was conducted on 200 respondents. Approximately two-thirds of the surveyed parents believe that all vaccines are necessary and of great importance. The reasons why parents do not accept certain vaccines were also evaluated within the questionnaire. Many respondents agreed that fear of possible severe adverse effects, as well as lack of correct information about vaccines, are the main issues leading to vaccine refusal. With the data we have gathered, we were able to track the general opinion of parents regarding vaccination, their level of information, the risks they express concern about, the relationship between parents and doctors regarding the vaccination process of their child, as well as their level of confidence in the effectiveness of vaccines; (4) Conclusions: From the general opinion on vaccines, it emerges that they are considered highly important and necessary by the majority of parents. Almost all respondents are interested in accumulating as much information as possible about vaccination. The majority of parents have adhered to vaccination norms, and their children either have received vaccines from the National Immunization Program (NIP) or are scheduled to receive them. The risk of adverse effects remains the primary concern of parents. Parents’ trust in vaccination continues to be a key element in understanding their attitude towards the entire immunization process.