Introduction: Skin tests are one of the most widely used diagnostic tools for suspected drug allergies in children. Studies on systemic reactions occurring during skin testing with allergens have mostly been conducted in pediatric and adult patient groups together. However, data on adverse reactions including allergic reactions after drug skin tests in children are scarce. It is aimed to determine the adverse reactions after skin test in children with suspected drug allergy. Methods: Patients who underwent a drug skin test due to the suspicion of drug allergy between May 2017 and June 2020 were evaluated, retrospectively. Data about adverse reactions seen after skin testing at the testing area in the clinic were analyzed. Results: The study included 1,073 children (585 [54.5%] boys and 488 [45.5%] girls) with a median age of 7.5 years. A total of 12 (1.1%) reactions were detected after skin testing, and 4 (0.4%) of them were allergic reactions. Of the allergic reactions, three were anaphylaxis and one was urticaria. Two of the reactions (1 anaphylaxis and 1 urticaria) were detected after the skin prick test and the remaining 2 were detected after intradermal test. Three of the nonallergic reactions were considered as vasovagal reactions and seven were considered as nonspecific and anxiety-related reactions. Conclusion: Although drug skin tests were generally well-tolerated and adverse reactions were rare, severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis may ensue. Skin tests should be necessarily performed in clinical settings in experienced centers.

Background and Aim: Childhood obesity has become a critical global health issue owing to its immediate and long-term health risks, such as cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and psychosocial challenges. The complex interactions among adipokines, particularly leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin, play a pivotal role in regulating the energy balance and metabolic processes in obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin in obese children and adolescents compared with those in a control group and to investigate the relationship between these markers in obese and insulin-resistant (IR+) children.Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional case–control study was conducted with 172 children and adolescents (112 girls, 60 boys), including 112 obese and 60 controls, aged 6–17 years, who attended the Nutrition and Metabolism Clinic of the Department of Pediatrics at Kırıkkale University. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters, including serum leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin levels, were obtained. Insulin resistance was defined using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index, with a cut-off value of >3.16.Results: There were no significant differences in leptin levels between the obese and control groups (p = 0.161). Ghrelin levels were significantly higher in the obese group (p < 0.001), and adiponectin levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001). Ghrelin and adiponectin levels were also significantly different between the IR+ and control groups (p < 0.001 for both). Insulin resistance was present in 56.5% of the obese children and absent in the controls (p < 0.001). Increased screen time and a positive family history of obesity were significantly more prevalent among obese children (p < 0.001).Conclusion: These findings indicate, but do not conclusively prove, that hormonal imbalances involving ghrelin and adiponectin are associated with pediatric obesity and insulin resistance. The high prevalence of insulin resistance highlights the need for comprehensive lifestyle interventions and targeted therapeutic strategies. Prospective and interventional studies are warranted to confirm these associations and to evaluate effective prevention and management approaches in this population.

Background and Aim: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder caused by mutations in the MEFV gene, leading to dysregulated inflammatory responses. Persistent immune activation in FMF may increase susceptibility to allergic diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD). This study aimed to compare the prevalence of allergic diseases and aeroallergen sensitization in children with FMF and age-matched healthy controls.Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 183 children with FMF who were in clinical remission and receiving regular colchicine therapy and 105 age-matched healthy controls. The FMF group consisted of 112 males (61.2%) and 71 females (38.8%). All participants were evaluated by pediatric allergy specialists. Diagnoses of asthma, AR, and AD were made according to current clinical guidelines. Aeroallergen sensitization was assessed using skin prick testing serum-specific IgE measurements. Demographic characteristics, eosinophil counts, total IgE levels, and use of anti-allergic medications were recorded.Results: The prevalence of asthma (41.8% vs. 25.0%; p = 0.002) and AR (53.0% vs. 35.0%; p<0.001) were more common in the FMF group, whereas AD prevalence did not differ. Aeroallergen sensitization rates (43.0% vs. 42.0%; p = 0.815), eosinophil counts, and total IgE levels were similar.Conclusion: Children with FMF have an increased prevalence of asthma and AR. Similar sensitization rates despite higher clinical allergic disease suggest that chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation beyond IgE-mediated mechanisms may contribute to this association.