Indicators of Glucose Metabolism in Children and Adolescents Characterized as Having "Metabolically Healthy" and "Metabolically Unhealthy" Obesity.

Background/objectives: Some individuals with obesity may exhibit fewer metabolic disturbances and face a lower long-term risk of complications; however, the existence of this so-called "metabolically healthy obesity" (MHO) compared to "metabolically unhealthy obesity" (MUO) remains controversial. We hypothesized that children with MHO might have a more favorable profile than children with MUO. Markers of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity were compared between children and adolescents diagnosed with MHO and MUO.

Perspectives on the Use of Echinocandins in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population, especially low birth weight and critically ill neonates, is at risk of invasive infections, which are associated with high mortality rates and unfavorable long-term outcomes. The timely initiation of an appropriate antifungal treatment has been demonstrated to enhance the prognosis. Factors that should be considered in the choice of an antifungal agent include the causative strain, the presence and location of deep tissue infection, any previous use of antifungal prophylaxis, and the presence of implanted devices.

Invasive Candida Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Risk Factors and New Insights in Prevention.

Invasive Candida infections represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), with a particular impact on preterm and low-birth-weight neonates. In addition to prematurity, several predisposing factors for Candida colonization and dissemination during NICU hospitalization have been identified, including prolonged exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, central venous catheters, parenteral nutrition, corticosteroids, H2 antagonist administration, and poor adherence to infection control measures. According to the literature, the implementation of antifungal prophylaxis, mainly fluconazole, in high-risk populations has proven to be an effective strategy in reducing the incidence of fungal infections.