Vaccination status and hepatitis A immunity in children: insights from a large-scale study in Turkey.

Background: Hepatitis A remains a public health concern, particularly in areas with suboptimal sanitation. Introduced in Turkey's immunization schedule in 2011, the vaccine has improved immunity; however, gaps persist, especially in older, unvaccinated children. This study examines the seropositivity rates and antibody levels in children across different vaccination statuses and age groups, and to identify gaps in immunity, particularly among children those born before the introduction of the hepatitis A vaccine in Turkey.

Assessment of Attack Frequency in PFAPA Patients Based on Therapeutic Modalities.

Aim: This study aims to present the clinical characteristics of patients with PFAPA syndrome, and to compare the effects of corticosteroid usage, colchicine prophylaxis, and tonsillectomy on the frequency of attacks in patients with PFAPA syndrome.

Methods: Patients aged between 6 months and 18 years presenting to our Paediatric Rheumatology clinic between 2017 and 2021 who were diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome and followed up for a minimum of 12 months were included in this study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, laboratory findings, attack durations, and treatments were recorded.

Lyme serology in non-endemic countries: Why do we request it and what do we find?

Background: The primary objectives of our research were to analyze Lyme serology results from pediatric patients, identify the clinical reasons for ordering these tests, and assess the clinical relevance of the serology results in the context of Lyme disease.

Methods: Our study, conducted at a reference pediatric hospital in a non-endemic region for Lyme disease, included all pediatric patients for whom Lyme serology was requested. ELISA and Western blot results were documented.

Securing long-term immunity: The possible necessity of supplementary measles vaccination.

Background: The global initiative to eliminate measles, spearheaded by the World Health Organization, has yet to achieve its intended goals. In Turkey, despite robust vaccination strategies, recent increases in measles cases have been attributed to vaccine hesitancy and irregular migration. This study evaluates measles serology within a pediatric population to determine the impact of vaccination regimens on immunity.

Serum levels of zinc, folate, and vitamin B12 in healthy children aged 3-12 months: Is routine screening necessary?

Objectives: To retrospectively assess the serum levels of zinc, folate, and vitamin B12 in healthy children aged between 3-12 months.

Methods: This study includes healthy children aged between 3-12 months who presented to the pediatric outpatient clinics of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between January 2020 and July 2022. The levels of serum zinc, folate, and vitamin B12 were evaluated retrospectively.