Publications by authors named "Maria Concetta Failla"

Background: In Sicily, the first wave of COVID-19 showed a low epidemic impact in paediatric population, while the second and the third waves had a higher impact on clinical presentation of COVID-19 in children and a significantly higher severe outcome in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), with a frequent life-threatening progression.

Methods: We describe a cohort of 22 Sicilian children (11 M; 11 F; age: 1.4-14 years), presenting with clinical features compatible with MIS-C.

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BACKGROUND To date, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a global health concern, with fatalities mostly in older age groups with underlying medical conditions, while children are less likely to manifest severe symptoms. CASE REPORT We describe the clinical cases of 2 brothers admitted to our Children's Hospital for persistent fever and cough during the COVID-19 pandemic. Case 1.

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Background: The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic represents an unprecedented global health challenge. Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to symptoms that can occur in other infections. Malaria should always be considered in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection returning from endemic areas.

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BACKGROUND Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has recently been described in children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This report describes 2 children with MIS-C who were initially diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome but who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, supporting the diagnosis of MIS-C. CASE REPORT Case 1.

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Bronchiolitis is the most common disease of the lower respiratory tract occurring in children during their first year of life, becoming the most frequent cause of hospitalization. Although the disease can also be caused by other viruses, more than 70% of bronchiolitis cases are caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV bronchiolitis clinically presents rhinitis, coughing, increased breathing and eating difficulties; the symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases may be so severe as to require hospitalization.

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Background: Relatively common in adults, intestinal tuberculosis is considered rare in children and adolescents. The protean manifestations of intestinal tuberculosis mean that the diagnosis is often delayed (sometimes even for years), thus leading to increased mortality and unnecessary surgery. The main diagnostic dilemma is to differentiate intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease because a misdiagnosis can have dramatic consequences.

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Article Synopsis
  • Acute osteomyelitis is uncommon in newborns but can lead to serious health issues and even death.
  • Early detection and treatment are crucial for effective recovery.
  • A specific case is discussed involving a 30-day-old baby with acute osteomyelitis in the talus caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis.
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This report describes a case of acute pancreatitis in a 2-year-old boy following rotavirus gastroenteritis. Its characteristics are analyzed and discussed in the light of another 4 cases of pancreatitis associated with rotavirus infection found through a systematic review of the international literature. None of the five children underwent surgery or was referred to an intensive care unit and all 5 children recovered with normalization of pancreatic enzymes within 5-10 days.

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Intestinal intussusception is the invagination of an intestinal segment into another. Childhood intussusception is usually idiopathic, whereas adult intussusception is usually due to a definable intraluminal lesion or to a systemic disease. Although the aetiology of idiopathic forms often remains unclear, there is appreciable evidence to support an indirect role played by certain infectious agents.

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