The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the role of HHV-6 infection in children with acute onset of liver failure using real-time quantitative PCR. Twenty-three children (median age, 24 months) were included: 6 cases of fulminant hepatic failure of undetermined cause (group 1); 4 cases of fulminant hepatic failure of recognized cause (group 2); 3 cases of acute decompensation of chronic liver disease (group 3); and 10 cases of chronic liver disease (group 4). HHV-6 genomic DNA was detected and quantified using real-time PCR in plasma and livers obtained at the time of transplantation. HHV6-DNA detection rate was significantly higher among groups 1, 2, and 3 compared to group 4 (76.9% vs. 20% P = 0.02). Viral loads ranged from 6 to 32,500 copies/106 cells. Significantly higher viral loads were found in 4 of 9 children with acute onset of liver failure of unknown origin (group 1, n = 3; group 3, n = 1) and 1 child with fulminant autoimmune hepatitis (group 2) (P = 0.03). These results strongly support the hypothesis that HHV-6 may cause fulminant hepatic failure and acute decompensation of chronic liver disease in children. Nevertheless, a threshold viral load value still remains to be determined.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmv.21143 | DOI Listing |
Environ Health Perspect
January 2025
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, California, USA.
Background: The increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events due to climate change present unique risks to children and adolescents. There is a lack of evidence regarding how heat's impacts on pediatric patients vary spatially and how structural and sociodemographic factors drive this heterogeneity.
Objectives: We examined the association between extreme heat events and pediatric acute care utilization in California for 19 distinct health conditions.
Indian J Pediatr
January 2025
Department of Microbiology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, 680555, India.
Curr Rheumatol Rep
January 2025
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
Purpose: To summarize the latest research on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
Recent Findings: The epidemiology of MIS-C has been dynamic since its initial description. The pathogenesis remains poorly understood.
Blood
January 2025
Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States.
Globally, an estimated 300 million individuals have sickle cell trait (SCT), the carrier state for sickle cell disease. While sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with increased morbidity and shortened lifespan, SCT has a lifespan comparable to that of the general population. However, "sickle cell crisis" has been used as a cause of death for decedents with SCT in reports of exertion-related death in athletes, military personnel, and individuals in police custody.
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January 2025
Centre de Recherche de l'Institute Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
Introduction: In high-altitude cities located above 2,500 m, hospitals face a concerning mortality rate of over 50% among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This elevated mortality rate is largely due to the absence of altitude-specific medical protocols that consider the unique physiological adaptations of high-altitude residents to hypoxic conditions. This study addresses this critical gap by analyzing demographic, clinical, sex-specific, and preclinical data from ICUs in Bogotá, Colombia (2,650 m) and El Alto, Bolivia (4,150 m).
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