European journal of pediatrics
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Observational Study
Lung ultrasound findings in pediatric patients with COVID-19.
During the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), lung ultrasound has been used to diagnose and monitor respiratory condition. The aim of the study was to describe lung ultrasound findings in children with a COVID-19 infection. Patients younger than 18 years old and positive for COVID-19, admitted to pediatric tertiary referral hospital were included. ⋯ Lung ultrasounds are altered in adult patients with COVID-19. What is New: • Lung ultrasound might improve COVID-19 assessment, it could be a useful tool to diagnose and monitor patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Even COVID-19 patients with non-respiratory symptoms have lung alterations that are visible on lung ultrasound.
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This study reports on vocal cord paralysis caused by esophageal button battery (BB) ingestion in children. Medical records of children with vocal cord paralysis and esophageal BB ingestion treated at a tertiary referral institute between January 2016 and March 2020 were reviewed. Five patients aged 9-58 months were identified; three were male. ⋯ Respiratory support and neurotrophic treatment in the early stage of vocal cord paralysis may be beneficial for recovery of vocal cord movement. What is Known: • Button battery ingestion in children is extremely harmful, especially when the diameter of the button battery exceeds 20 mm. • Esophageal button battery impaction can cause serious complications such as esophageal perforation, mediastinal infection, tracheoesophageal fistula, vocal cord paralysis, and life-threatening bleeding. What is New: • Vocal cord paralysis in children with button battery ingestion plays an early warning role for identifying the severity of the disease. • Early neurotrophic drugs and glucocorticoid therapy may be helpful for the recovery of vocal cord movement, thereby avoiding tracheotomy.