Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) may develop as a rare complication following COVID-19. MIS-C presentation varies substantially, but fever and gastrointestinal symptoms are the most prominent. Indeed, gastrointestinal involvement may be severe enough to present as acute abdomen, posing challenges to clinicians. We present herein the case of a healthy five-year-old male who presented with fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain, resembling acute abdomen. The patient had no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure, and MIS-C diagnosis was initially surpassed unnoticed. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy that only revealed mesenteric lymphadenitis. Postoperatively, the patient met the clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria of MIS-C. SARS-CoV-2 exposure was serologically confirmed and MIS-C treatment was commenced, resulting in defervescence and a satisfactory outcome. In young patients presenting with acute abdomen, surgeons should be aware of MIS-C, so that earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment are made prior to surgical interventions.

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of adolescent and young adult males who had testicular prosthesis surgery during their childhood, as well as their own and their parents’ inner perceptions and feelings. To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study and one of few with an integrated approach on the QoL of pediatric testicular prosthesis recipients. Methods: Recipients and their parents were interviewed regarding their life with the testicular prosthesis. Major QoL domains (i.e., physical and mental health, interpersonal relationships, sexuality) were assessed. Results: Although there were participants who viewed the outcomes with negativity, most expressed satisfaction. Daily routine returned to normal after a postoperative period with precautions, such as fear of damaging either the implant or the healthy testis. Prosthesis feeling was acceptable and normalized with time, while self-image and self-confidence were boosted by the presence of the prosthesis. All participants outlined the importance of privacy as being kept in the inner family circle. Some exhibited introverted behavior. Regarding sentimental and sexual intimacy, the prosthesis produced anxiety and concern both in experienced recipients and minors, which was moderated by a normal scrotal appearance. Conclusions: Testicular prosthesis surgery performed from childhood to adulthood may create profound and variable concerns, which may affect the recipients and their companions in the long term. Therefore, it should not be considered in a simplistic manner as a routine procedure and should be preceded by thorough conversation with experts.

Background: Despite the increased infection-related morbidity of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), their vaccination coverage is low. Cocooning strategy has not been adequately researched in this group. Our aim was to evaluate vaccination coverage of CKD pediatric and adult patients and their families. Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, we recorded the vaccination coverage of CKD pediatric and adult patients and their families who attend a tertiary University Hospital. Vaccination rates were calculated according to the national vaccination program. Vaccination of pediatric CKD patients was compared to a control group of healthy children. Results: The vaccination rate of 63 hemodialysis patients was low for influenza (61.9%), COVID-19 (79.4% primary, 3.2% booster doses), RSV (50%), herpes zoster (42.4%), hepatitis B (41.3%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (25.4%), tetanus–pertussis (3.2%), and HPV (0%). Their 30 underaged relatives had low vaccination rates for influenza (13.3%), DTaP/Tdap (80%), and Men B (50%), with adequate vaccination for other pathogens. The 53 children with CKD were poorly vaccinated for influenza (20.8%), COVID-19 (0%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (15.4%), Men B (30.2%), DTaP/Tdap (67.9%), MMR (78.8%) and VZV (86.5%), but their vaccination rates for influenza were significantly higher compared to controls. Their 108 adult relatives were inadequately vaccinated for influenza (27.8%), COVID-19 (1.9%), and Tdap (1.9%). Their 35 underaged relatives were poorly vaccinated for influenza (22.9%) and DTaP (80%). Conclusions: Vaccination coverage of CKD patients is suboptimal for vaccines particularly important for their condition and their family members are insufficiently informed about potential contribution to their protection by cocooning strategy.