Intrapartum use of zidovudine in a large cohort of pregnant women living with HIV in Italy.

Background: Intravenous administration of zidovudine (ZDV) during labour is a key step for vertical HIV transmission (VT) prevention, but there is no evidence of benefit when maternal HIV-RNA at delivery is <50 copies/mL. The aim of this study is evaluating the appropriateness of intrapartum ZDV use in Italy.

Methods: Observational study including mother-infant pairs with perinatal HIV exposure during 2002-2019, enrolled in the Italian Register for HIV Infection in Children.

Impact that the COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccinations and challenges ahead: A narrative review.

Aim: To document the decline in vaccination coverage in the first months of 2020 as an indirect effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We performed a literature review in medical databases. Overall, 143 articles were initially retrieved, out of which 48 were selected and included in the review.

The Serum Immunoglobulin E Level: Is There a Relationship With the Clinical Course of the Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome?

Gianotti Crosti syndrome (GCS) is a self-healing condition with a spontaneous resolution in 2-6 weeks but, even if rarely, recurrent episodes have been reported. The aim of this observational study is to investigate serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) level in children with GCS, evaluating if there is a relationship between IgE level and clinical course of the disease. Children with GCS diagnosed at a tertiary care children's university hospital between June 2018 and November 2019 were prospectively enrolled.

5% Lidocaine Hydrochloride Cream for Wound Pain Relief: A Multicentre Observational Study.

Background: Lidocaine hydrochloride is frequently used for management of painful wounds. This prospective, multicentre study examined the effects of 5% lidocaine cream on wound pain relief.

Material And Methods: The study included 78 patients with painful wounds treated with 5% Lidocaine cream for two weeks in two Italian Hospitals.

PG-TIME: A practical approach to the clinical management of pyoderma gangrenosum.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis which may be rapidly progressive. Standard guidelines for local treatment are lacking. Through our experience, we suggested a local treatment algorithm based on the tissue, infection, moisture balance, and epithelization (TIME) concept.

Acute rheumatic fever prophylaxis in high-income countries: clinical observations from an Italian multicentre, retrospective study.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the compliance rate to secondary prophylaxis and the presence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in a cohort of Italian patients with acute rheumatic fever (ARF).

Methods: This is a multicentre retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups by the presence or absence at last follow-up of RHD.

Atypical Ulcers: Diagnosis and Management.

Atypical ulcers show atypical clinical features, histology, localization, and resistance to standard therapies. The persistence of a chronic ulcer despite treatment with standard therapies requires a more specific diagnostic investigation. Diagnosis involves obtaining the history and performing clinical examination and additional tests.

Infectious Diseases in Internationally Adopted Children and Intercountry Discrepancies Among Screening Protocols, A Narrative Review.

Internationally adopted children (IAC) require thorough health assessments at time of arrival in the host country. As these children are at higher risk for infectious diseases, such as gastrointestinal parasites, tuberculosis, hepatitis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus, early diagnosis of infectious diseases is fundamental for the optimal management of the child and, also, to reduce the risk of transmission to the adopting community. Comparative analysis of the screening protocols adopted in Europe, the United States, and Canada revealed different approaches to the adopted children.

Use of Second-line Medications and Treatment Outcomes in Children With Tuberculosis in a Single Center From 2007 to 2018.

Background: The incidence of drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis (DR-TB) and the number of children treated with second-line drugs (SLDs) are increasing. However, limited amount of information is available regarding the use of SLDs in this population.

Methods: To describe the treatment of pediatric TB with SLDs and factors associated with use of SLDs in children with and without documented DR-TB, records of pediatric TB patients referred to a center in Italy from 2007 to 2018 were reviewed retrospectively.

Treating children with tuberculosis: new weapons for an old enemy.

Tuberculosis has risen to worldwide attention due to its widespread diffusion and overall impact on health and life expectancy. Despite being historically neglected, children require a different approach and management from adults. From the treatment of drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis to extensively drug-resistant strains, and extrapulmonary disease, therapies in children require revision and a more children-oriented approach.

Clinical Use and Molecular Action of Corticosteroids in the Pediatric Age.

Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy for many pediatric disorders and sometimes are life-saving. Both endogenous and synthetic derivatives diffuse across the cell membrane and, by binding to their cognate glucocorticoid receptor, modulate a variety of physiological functions, such as glucose metabolism, immune homeostasis, organ development, and the endocrine system. However, despite their proved and known efficacy, corticosteroids show a lot of side effects, among which growth retardation is of particular concern and specific for pediatric age.

Strategies for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Adopted in the "Real-World" Setting: Data From the Italian Register for HIV-1 Infection in Children.

Background: Strategies for prevention of HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) have been continuously optimized. However, cases of vertical transmission continue to occur in high-income countries.

Objectives: To investigate changes in PMTCT strategies adopted by Italian clinicians over time and to evaluate risk factors for transmission.